Ash

Ash


Original Lair:
Rainuu / Lair ID# 263032

As a brown Wildclaw, his head raised in pride and his jaws filled with prey, entered the clearing, excited voices broke out around him. Several Wildclaws came to greet him, their gazes glowing with praise. Farther away, under the shade of a large rock, lay a pale-furred Wildclaw, watching the others. He let out a growl, his head resting on the soft earth. Envy quickly filled his thoughts. He couldn’t fight. He couldn’t hunt. He didn’t have any talents.

What good was he, compared to his cousin, who brought in so much prey every day, seemingly effortlessly? Or his mother, who was naturally a wonderful fighter and hunter, the best in the Clan? Could he ever be as good as them? Suddenly, he could hear his mother’s voice, shaking him from his thoughts. She spoke in a hushed whisper, resting her head on his father’s, who was sitting beside her. They sat together nearby, and he could barely make out what they were saying. Listening quietly, he felt a growl beginning to rumble in his throat. They were talking about having another nest. I’m not good enough.

His sister, Soot, had left the cozy Earth clan recently in search of a new place to call home. She had always loved Earth, but she loved travel more, and she couldn’t deny the tug of longing she’d felt every time she glanced across the border.
Since then, his parents had tried to grow closer to him, being their only hatchling left in the clan, but for whatever reason, they couldn’t get along. He’d seen the look in their eyes, the way they wished they were looking at his sister, a successful hunter, instead of him. He was useless and a waste of space, and he knew it.
He wanted to be as good as his sister. He wanted it so, so badly. Standing up, he started walking out of the clearing. He just had to train harder. He had to become better.
He’d heard stories his whole life about the flesh-eating, disease-ridden dragons living across the border with Plague. He just had to reach there— If his clanmates only knew, if they only heard the stories he’d have!
None of them would ignore him again.

Part Two by Taijavu (270325) Fate has a funny way of giving beings what they want, in exactly the least wanted way. Ash certainly got the adventure he was seeking, but not quite in the way he had intended. Fate often doesn't care about that, you see. The next few weeks are a blur he doesn't like to remember. Most of his time in the Plagueland consisted of him being chased, running out of energy trying to chase things, and having to resort to sickly-smelling carrion. The first few days he tried to be brave. "Be strong," he thought to himself. "If you come back now, it will only prove them right." But the day he realized he didn't know his way back, he started to panic. The following days were spent in hunger, fear, and confusion. When he finally had wandered into the Tangled Wood, he was overjoyed. And when he found a spring of clear water, soft leaves beneath his sore feet, and safe canopies over his head instead of vulture-littered skies, it was all he could do not to cry. He found some leaves, curled up against a tree, and quickly fell into a deep, deep sleep.

Something is here. The impulse jolted him awake. There was something watching him. A large lizard loomed over him, with hungry eyes.
"NO!" He heaved to his feet as fast as his adrenaline would allow him, and it began hissing and swaying side to side.
"I'm not food!" he tried to shout, but it came out as a weary growl.
It just continued hissing louder, inching towards him. With no strength to fight back, and no clue of what else to do, Ash ran.

He ran through the low clung brambles nipping at his feet. He ran even though his legs screamed to stop. The only thing that was halfway keeping him conscious in the first place was the adrenaline rousing his heart. And it felt like even that was protesting him.
He ran, and ran, into another dragon.

He looked up. It was a huge muscular grey Wildclaw. No time to waste. No time to think.

"Help," he whimpered. The lizard was in hot pursuit behind him. He couldn't run any longer.

The Wildclaw had an odd expression, almost a mix of amusement and disgust. In an instant, there was bloodcurdling screaming, and in another, the lizard was down, guts and blood sprayed all over Ash's front and face.

He plopped himself onto the ground, panting.

The Wildclaw grinned. "Didn't anyone teach you you're not supposed to run from your prey?"

Ash fell silent. I almost died, you idiot, he wanted to hiss, but he was too tired to make a retort, let alone be angry. Let alone think. "No? Well, I guess that means I did." Mhmm. Whatever. "Are you supposed to be, like, an adventurer or something, then? 'Cuz if you are, you aren't very good." Ash simply nodded, but an irritated growl rumbled in his throat. "Oh? Well, where're you from? You live around here?" Ash shook his head, and told her he was all the way from Dragonhome. "Ohoho! Well, someone's far away from home!" she laughed. "Well, I am too! Except, kid, I know my way around here a little better." she winked. "I'm not a kid," he growled defensively. "Oh! Well, soOOoorry, sir! It's just that in the Plageulands--" "Wait, did you say the Plaguelands?" "Yeah. Why? Is there something wrong with that? You think I'm gonna grow horns or something? Attack you?" She peered straight at him. "No, no!" he retorted in confusion. "I just had plans to visit there at first, but that didn't end up working out." "Obviously." She smirked. "Well, why don't I give you a tour? Show you where all the niiice pustules are, and where the huge hyenas dig their dens."

"No!" he shouted in annoyance. "I mean ... I'm really tired. It's been a long day, and I just want to stay here, if you are planning to as well."
"Uh huh." She rolled her eyes. "Hey, you're pretty strange for a Wildclaw, running away like that. Are you sure you don't belong in Nature instead?"
Ash growled. "Not funny."
"Well, if you don't want me to say it, maybe you shouldn't act like it." She sung.
"Yeah, and what else was I supposed to do?! I was tired! It was half my size, and for all I knew, it could have killed me!"
"Yeah, and it could have killed you 'cuz you ran like a little pocketmouse."
"Oh, let me guess, you've never panicked?!"

The Wildclaw grew quiet. He had hit a nerve.

"Of course I have. But that was when I was a hatchling. As you grow older, you're expected to grow out of that. You're taught against it, because a dragon that panics is the dragon that dies, so my mother would say." She paused. "Do you ... Do you really not know how to hunt or fight, then?" (She said survive, but he kind of was self projecting, and his main insecurity specifically are those two things.) He looked down. "And what if I don't?" "Ah. .. Well, I am really sorry if I offended you. It's just, the only dragons I know who don't know that stuff are hatchlings, the sick, or the dead." "Oh, I get it. So I'd pretty much just be better off dead." "No! Of course not!" She cried. "But going out all on your own when you don't know what you're doing is not only a death sentence, it makes you a burden on everyone who worries about you." She was right. It had been really stupid of him to go out on his own without any preparation. What if he had died? He would have just been a burden to his entire family... again. And dying wouldn't have proven anything. "Especially the Plaguelands?" She continued. "Look, kid. We're all adults here, and even most of us have trouble surviving. And that's together. As dragons. It's no place for beginners."

He couldn't think of what to say, and so she filled in the silence.
"Well... If you're going to be out here anyways, why don't you come with me? You wouldn't exactly.. Well, let's just say you aren't going to do well on your own anyways. I mean, so long as you don't get in my way, why don't you just follow me around for awhile?"
She went on, not giving him a chance to respond. "I could mentor you, try to teach you how to be better. I have been around the block a few times, after all."

"And what if ... What if I can't?" He mumbled, shuffling his feet.
"Then you can carry my stuff?" she grinned.
"Fine. But one more thing."
"Yeah?"
"Don't call me 'kid'."

The Coast A few weeks had passed, and Ash found himself becoming more comfortable around his new friend. He hadn't learned how to hunt -- not really, but he did at least manage to snag a little rodent, and Viktoria taught him how to find where the mothers nest their babies. "So where are we going now?" He asked, breathing in the fresh air. "Well, I've heard that the Nature flight are getting ready for their festival. So I thought, why not go see it for ourselves?" Viktoria responded, her crimson eyes glittering. "...I thought you didn't like Nature flight," he grinned. "What? No, I never said that! I just said you were acting an awfully lot like one." "Okay, yeah, whatever. And how exactly are we gonna get there?" "Well, why don't we ask them?" She pointed into the distance. Ash peered carefully; he could barely make out some commotion up ahead. Dragons? Finally!! They sprinted to the coast. There was indeed a small group of dragons, fishing.

Nearby, there were several huts leading into a small wicker village further along the coastline.
They asked who they were, how they were doing, and if they knew of any way to get to the Viridian Labyrinth. Yes there was, they said. As a matter of fact, one of their own was planning on heading over there soon, to plan out trading for the coming festivities. They could join them, so long as they were willing to help them out with their fishing for the day. They happily obliged -- Ash, self conscious, a little less so.

Ash actually found himself enjoying it. He found it was so much easier to fish when you had a net, as compared to trying to catch them with only your claws. No wonder he had hated fishing so much back home! Here, he actually found it somewhat peaceful. And he even managed to catch a few for the fishermen! He beamed with pride.

In return, the village fulfilled their part of the bargain, and the two found themselves in a medium fisherman's boat that felt much too small, headed towards the celebrations.

The trip was surprisingly quick, although Ash's nausea would make you think otherwise. They were pretty close to the Shadow/Nature border anyway, the fisherman explained. "You could'a flown from 'ere, if you have the wings! But then we couldn' have gotten you to do our fishing for us," he winked. Ash seemed a bit offended, and Viktoria had to explain that the nice old dragon man was just joking. She guessed that his seasickness was probably making him grouchier than usual. Within another half hour, they were there. Little lush islands dotted the landscape as far as their eyes could see, and trickling streams flowed between each one. Fish in colors Viktoria had never seen before darted beside their boat, and butterflies, dragonflies, and all sorts of movement flitted and dashed between them to rest and to drink from the salty crystal clear waters. Great herons watched them as they drifted by, waiting for their opportunity to snatch a hapless crab basking on the brackish sun-kissed coral. They climbed further and further along the reef, until the little islands and streams disappeared and were replaced by large swaths of sand. Viktoria felt a pang of disappointment to leave such a beautiful place behind, but she knew it was awhile yet until the celebrations, and she and Ash could easily walk there on foot if they had to. And as a matter of fact, she resolved to.

The boat left them on the beach. The fisherman told them that if they liked, they could follow him into town as he did his trading, but that he wouldn't be able to dock anywhere else or make any extra trips, as his schedule was very strict. Enthralled by the idea of exploring more of the area, and a little disappointed with having to follow a timeline, she politely refused. Ash wasn't sure if that was a very good idea, but Viktoria consoled him with the fact that it was just Nature, and it couldn't be any worse than the Plaguelands, right? Ash reluctantly had to agree on that one.

The beach wasn't quite like the life-peppered inland, but it still had a beauty of its own. Reefs dotted the shallows, with rainbow-assorted fish needling their way through them in coordinated schools. She watched as a large dappled eel hid in one of the crevices, waiting for passerbys with a toothy gaping maw. Stick-legged birds ran hurriedly along the beach, looking for any crabs unearthed with the lowering tide, and strange creatures made bubbles beneath the sand.

"Look, there's you!" She pointed at the motley fish bulging out of the reefs with their mouths hanging open. Ash rolled his eyes. "Uh huh. Well, say hi to your dad over there for me." "Funny, it looks just like him!"

They continued like this for a good while as they walked along the shore, looking for any signs of villages nearby. There didn't seem to be, just yet. They were in an isolated part of the island, their guide had said, and far away from the inland.
There were a couple of distant Talonok burrowings the pair avoided, and the occasional footprint or campfire from previous travelers, but beyond that they weren't getting any.
But that was okay.
They came here to relax, and there was plenty of time to do that.

"Hey, did you guys ever have, uh, stars? Back home, in the Plaguelands?" Viktoria rolled her eyes. "Of course we had stars! Everywhere has stars! You don't think we live on a completely different planet or something, do you?" "I don't know, I can't tell looking at you." "Yeah? You're the alien if you ask me, Mr. screams-from-prey." "Pff, that was a long time ago! Besides, I thought we'd agreed to stop talking about that," Ash protested uncomfortably. "I only ask because I had an Arcane friend, and he told me that stars were big balls of gas, or something. Back home, we don't get a lotta trees or mountains to block out the sky, so the stars are everywhere and always really bright. I was wondering if you ever thought about them, too, back home." Viktoria mused. "Well, we have stars too, and they were certainly very pretty. But I think that's all we ever thought of them. No one in the clan ever thought to ask, and there were often more important things to explore, like how much food the clan needed to get by the next day, or which trails were safe. Some of us believed they were spirits, and others saw them as our beloved ancestors-- all dragon ancestors, watching over us and keeping us safe." "Were they really fiery and bright?" "Well, I don't know. Stars are pretty bright, aren't they?" "DID THEY LOOK LIKE THAT?" Viktoria looked up.

There was a blazing orb falling from the sky. It seemed to be trailing away from them, ducking out of view. There was no sound. but a thin spiral of smoke sputtered above the treeline.
Viktoria gave Ash a strange, wild look.
"No, no, no, no . . ."
Viktoria started running.
"Waaait! Let's think about this!" Ash roared behind her.
It was no use. She was already on her way, and once Viktoria became determined to do something, there was very little stopping her.

It had been half an hour of them heeling the coastline, and Ash's feet were starting to get sore. He knew that if he stopped, it could be a few hours until he heard of Viktoria again. They followed the smoke the best they could, until they were barricaded by a thick bamboo forest. "Wha.. What?" Viktoria seemed confused, and so was Ash. They tried sticking their snouts through, but the bamboo was too tightly packed. It felt as though they had been reinforced somehow. "I'm sorry Vik, but it looks like we're gonna have to ... " Before Ash could finish, Viktoria had begun climbing it, sticking her talons between the grooves and pulling herself up with her jaw. She did this a few feet at a time until she was inching at a good pace towards the top. "ViiIIIIIk! We don't even know what this is.. It could be dangerous!" But of course, Viktoria was too focused to hear him. Ash rolled his eyes, following her. When they got to the top, the bamboo had become a horizontal mesh. There would be no climbing into it either. A large guardian head was already waiting for them, armored and staring intently. Viktoria inched back a bit, before a colorful spiral somehow appeared before them. "Hah, can't say I've ever seen anyone actually try that one before. Hey Mama Spiny! We've got intruders over here!" "No, we're not--" "Oh, my mistake! New cart of slaves! Get over here already, help me bring these workers in!"

Viktoria growled a threat, and Ash could tell she was anxious. "I'm warning you, we're experienced, and my clan isn't far away from us. If we go missing, they'll come looking..." She flared her feathers, but Ash saw her looking at the ground, inching down slowly, trying to calculate how long it'd take for them to jump down and escape.

"HAHAHAHA!" The spiral was contorting herself, tears forming along her eyes from laughter.
The huge guardian lowered her neck and rolled her eyes. "Must you always scare our guests away? Look how skinny they are; they must have been traveling for days!"
"Oh, lighten up! It's not like there's any other entertainment around here."
"Well if it's so boring here, why haven't you left?"
"Dearest Mama, you know I could never leave that big ol' angry, beautiful face of yours."
"I'm not angry. It's my war helmet. You know this. And for the last time, please do not call me Mama. I may be getting old, but I am not your mother."
"Ah, but we all know you're angry underneath that mask. It's part of your charm!"
"You may be very good at grinding my goose, but I am not angry."
"Did you really just say 'grinding your goose'?"
"You were the one who said it to me! You said it meant to 'get someone's goat.' "
"Oh, sweet Spiny. I have no clue what you're talking about. I'm sorry, but I think you really ARE getting old.."

While the two squabbled, Viktoria nodded to Ash. They both began slowly descending, when the Spiral appeared below them.

"JEEZ ---" Viktoria shrieked. "So let me guess, tourists? You guys together? Or, are you like siblings? I don't know. I'm really getting mixed vibes. But hey, I don't judge. I don't care what the fanfiction kids are into nowadays." "ROOK! LEAVE THEM ALONE!" An angry guardian voice bellowed. "Oh, my bad! We didn't even introduce yourselves. Let me guess, you're Viktoria and Ash, and I'm Rook." Viktoria stared. "H-How.. How do you know who we are?" She sputtered, trying to sound fierce. "Oh, is that not how you do it? Well, let's see ... " "ROOK!" What felt like an earthquake rocked the bamboo fortress, and Ash and Viktoria held on desperately to avoid falling the 30 or so feet left down. A line of bamboo made way, and the armored guardian head popped out. "Rook, that's enough." The spiral huffed. "You never let me have any fun." "That's because you have plenty of fun. You have too much fun." The guardian gave a look, and the spiral darted away, cackling. "This isn't the last you've seen of me! I sweaaaar it!" "I'm sorry, dears. I swear we mean you no harm. Most of us are not... What first impression Rook may have given you." "And.. How did you know who we are?" Viktoria asked. "Me? Oh. That's just Rook. And who knows how Rook knows anything. But, she's mostly harmless. She just likes watching dragons squirm."

Viktoria was still skeptical. Ash just wanted to go home. He may have wanted to find another village, but he could wait and pass on ... whatever this was.
"Anyways, you must be exhausted. Rook said you were tourists? Are you here for the Greenskeeper festival?"
Viktoria nodded, and told them they were just on their way to another clan down the path.

"Oh? I didn't think there were any other clans nearby. Most don't like having to compete with the local Talonok here," she chuckled. "Was it over our barrier? Were our walls in the way?"
"Well actually, we were chasing down this falling star, and.." Ash started to trail off. Viktoria gave Ash a dirty look, and he fell silent.
"Shooting star? I haven't seen any thing like that around here. Are you sure that's what it was? Did you two get lost?"
Viktoria protested, said that no, they were not lost, but "Spiny" wasn't having any of it.

"Well, if you're here to see the Greenskeeper Gathering, why don't you come and get some rest and your bellies filled before you go head back on your way? And maybe we'll find that shooting star of yours," she said, winking at Ash. She lowered her enormous tail up to them, helping them down, and that was that. Ash and Viktoria entered reluctantly, sticking close and eyeing their surroundings cautiously, and the giant bamboo closed behind them with a solid, definite thud. A dozen eyes watched them curiously. Most with friendly smiles, others standing off in corners with befuddled expressions. A couple came up to them. "Are you new here? Are you visiting?" "We, umm..." Spinelle cut in. "They're just visiting for a short time. They're here for the festival, and need a place to rest for the night. I need everyone to treat our guests well and be on their best behavior, alright?" She gave a specific wink to the hatchlings gathering around to see the two. "Awww... But I wanted more friends to come stay!" A little green coatl hatchling looked dejected. "Oh, there's plenty of time for that. The festival hasn't even started yet; I'm sure there'll be plenty of dragons for you to meet and plenty of friends to make before it ends! And when Aunt Cherche comes home, she'll have so many goodies and stories from around the world just to share with you!"

"I hope so! It sucks being the only dragon my age..."
"I'm your age!" a little fiery dragon spat out. He had little stray embers resting on his coat.
"Yeah, but you're a big kid!"
"I'm not thaaat big!"
"I know, but it's not the saaaame."
Spinelle spoke up. "Well, when we go visit the other clans for the festival, why don't you come along and see if you can find any dragons your age?"

"Really?" Mango squeeled, stars in his eyes.
"Anything for you, Dear."
"Why can't I come?" the fiery one huffed.
"You can all come! That's why it's a festival!" She laughed. "But until then, we must get these two settled and to their rooms. You go and play, and if you're both very good, maybe I'll let you come early for the preparations!"
She turned again to the two. "Sorry to keep you two waiting. Visitors always get us all very excited. Please, follow me, and I'll help you get settled in."

With nowhere else to go, but feeling a little less like this clan held any danger for them, they dutifully followed -- feeling a little awkward and put-on-the-spot all the same. Spinelle, as the Guardian was called, brought them to a small hole dug into the side of the cliff. Inside was a smaller, lithe guardian, looking over writing with a very concentrated-looking coatl, and a Tundra who appeared to be half asleep. The guardian craned her neck. "Welcome. Are you two here for the festival?"

"We... Yes, we are. We were really just stopping by the area, and didn't mean to intrude." *Viktoria still felt a little awkward about being forcefully placed into a clan, but tried to give a professional response. Ash let her do most of the talking, because... Viktoria was Viktoria and scary and better at those sort of things.
"Oh, no intrustions! Please, make yourself at home! We have plenty of room and little else to do with it, so by all means, help yourself!"
"Thank you," Viktoria replied elegantly.

And so they did.



Spinelle showed them to their pick of dens.
The outer half consisted of bamboo cylinders staircasing the cliffside. They were airy and uncomfortably far above the ground, but surprisingly sturdy. They were spaced just enough that the view of the stars above and the coast below, and the caress of the warm, tropical seabreeze wasn't obstructed.
The other half dug into the cliffside itself; colder and darker, but protected from the elements, quiet and serene.
There were various "rooms" cut out into the den itself, and little tunnels snaking downward to rooms ahead and below. Viktoria had the itch to explore them, but didn't want to get into trouble while they were still in such a confined space, and would feel bad if they ended up abusing the generosity of the host.
So she just sat within her own den, while Ash curled up to sleep.

She did have to admit with the warm, humid nightfall, and soft cricket chirping that it was actually kind of nice out here. Even if she didn't agree with all of their ideologies, the Nature flight had a good thing going on.
Of course, the safety of her perch may have helped with that.
However, said perch was a little disconcerting sleeping on when she could literally see all of the ground below her, so she stayed to the darkness of the dens within.
She looked at Ash, already half asleep.
She didn't blame him.
It had been a long day for Ash, and for Viktoria too.


art by kushinn_splashii on instagram

She couldn't stop thanking the Plaguebringer that of all the clans they could have landed in, it was this one. She liked to think that she was strong enough to survive on her own without beds and the guarantee of clans to provide for her, but she had forgotten how nice it was to sleep somewhere warm and safe. And she could tell that Ash appreciated it too. For all his stubborn bravery and quiet bravado, Viktoria sometimes had to remind herself that Ash wasn't used to this lifestyle, not like her. She was an experienced survivalist, whereas Ash was just a cold and hungry kid on the run -- even if he wouldn't admit it. She enjoyed his company, and was proud of the progress he was constantly making -- both as a dragon, and as the hunter he so desperately wanted to be. But she worried about him sometimes -- when she could stop and remind herself to. He was just a kid. They both were, really. And he was running away from a home, for reasons. And sooner or later, he was going to return to it, whether those reasons had been dealt with or not. He enjoyed adventuring with her as did she with him, but she knew that eventually those adventures would stop. She would take him for as long as he would let her, but she knew it couldn't last forever. Especially with ... Well, safe to say, one of them would have to grow up, and one of them was going to get hurt. She just hoped that Ash would be okay. For now though, Ash was a child, happy and free, and unrestrained from the demons of home. She would try to keep it that way, as long as she could. With that disturbing thought, she went to sleep next to the peaceful visage of Ash, and the sound of the hushed waves and nocturnal song outside her door.

Viktoria awoke to the soft slivers of sunlight that made it through the bamboo walls. She was feeling much more refreshed than the night before, and the view of the shore outside was putting her into a playful mood.

"Ashhh," she goaded gently. Ash groaned.

"Do I haave to?"

"Well, if you don't want to miss breakfast, I think so."

"Brrrreakfast?" he murmured lazily.

"Yeah, looks it. Can't you smell it?"

"All I smelll is seaweed and saaaallllt..."

"Well, suit yourself! If you want to eat seaweed you can, but I'm hungry, and I'm not waiting for your lazybutt."

"Five more minutes?"

"Ten. But I'm not waiting for you."

"Fffffiiiiinee...."

The food was a pleasant disappointment. It wasn't the sort of fresh kill Viktoria was expecting, it was more like ... A day's leftovers covered in fruity herbs and spices. But it was fresh enough, and it was edible. Another wildclaw kept trying to get them to eat this bitter melty thing called "Chocolate," and dried meat. "Jerky." She understood that drying the meat made it last longer, but she didn't understand why anyone would want to. Meat was meat. Back home, you killed it, you ate it, and that was that. Ash on the other hand really liked the "chocolate" and "honey," and seemed to be fascinated with the other wildclaw, who looked to be quite proud of himself. He would later explain to Viktoria it wasn't too different to some of the things they'd do back home, to keep sparse food lasting longer in the barren environment. It was more of a survival thing than for leisure back home, but he seemed to be enjoying every moment of it. Well, so long as he was happy. Ash followed the other wildclaw hounding him about who knows what, and Viktoria decided to walk along the beach.

Meanwhile, Ash peppered the other dragon, Daisuke, with questions. What all could he make? How did he make it? Could he come see? Daisuke sheepishly complied, and brought Ash to his beekeeping hives. He showed him how the blue honey was used for waterproofing things but also for hard candy, and how he dried things out to collect the sugars from them for later use. He showed them how he cared for, protected, and calmed the bees, and in return, they let him get close enough to collect their honey. Ash didn't have much of a taste for nuts or fruity bits or the other things in his chocolate that a Wildclaw clan would have no use eating, but it was new and different and Ash tried every one of them with gusto. Meat jerky, fruit jerky, dried and candied anything and everything he could get his paws on. And Daisuke was so cool! He was so talented, and seemingly so secure in his craft! He told Daisuke as much, and he just blushed. "W-Well, I just kind of decided to do what I like, and I like animals so the Talonok let me help out, annd..."

Daisuke insisted it wasn't all that big, but Ash was enthralled and asked how easy it would be to do something like that in the clan. It was surely important for the clan, and cool, and his family would have to respect him for it! Oh. His family. Awkward. It had been several weeks since he had last really thought of them. He was kind of trying not to, actually. Anyway. Daisuke told him that it would probably be a bit difficult to find and collect bees and bumbles in the Earth region, especially in a barren home such as his. But he tried to show him through all of his drying techniques, (making jerkies, dehydrating things to process them and collect their sugars, preservation, etc,) and Ash swore he would remember every single detail. A brilliant green skydancer introduced himself as Daisuke's grandson, and told him that he was learning too, and that if he liked, he could learn with him while they stayed. Ash happily accepted, and made a mental note to ask Viktoria if they could stay longer.

After a couple of hours, Viktoria indeed showed up, wondering what was taking so long. She was a bit perplexed to see Ash's brown maw covered in an assortment of wild colours.

"Having fun?" She asked.

"Lots! You?"

"Ooh, yeah. Nyaala and Reyvak brought me hunting with them, and I'm still all sweaty."

"Who and who?"

Ash felt a little disappointed that he wasn't invited, but half of him wasn't surprised. And the other half was actually okay with that, seeing as he had enjoyed himself too much with Daisuke to care.

"Oh, right! You never met them, I guess. They're the mirror and wildclaw duo we saw running around earlier."

Ash looked at her blankly.

"Oh jeez, why don't I just introduce you guys?"

And so Ash got rounded up into a hunting trip. With two strangers. Alone.

When they met up with the mirror, Nyaala was already wanting to go on another run again, but Viktoria was still tired from the last one. So she nudged Ash along, who was very much so not okay with having his rookie hunting skills put on the spotlight alone. Viktoria reassured him it would be okay, and that was that.

Nyaala was hard to keep up with. And, seemed to be more interested in playing than the actual hunting itself. It was actually kind of relieving. If Ash was displaying poor showmanship, she didn't seem to care. Neither of them did. Reyvak just seemed to be having fun the whole time, and when they finally caught some prey, there was no glorified fanfare beyond a "good job" and excited mouthful. When asked why they didn't bring the prey back into the clan, they explained that this was really just for Nyaala's sake; with her appetite, she'd go through all of the clans stores, and the clan had plenty enough in storage that she technically didn't have to. This was just to allow her to get her energy out in healthy ways, and make up for whatever breakfast missed. Ash was a little jealous. It'd be nice to have so much food to literally not need to hunt. Or more so, have it not be such a big deal. Reyvak and Nyaala hunted. They were probably the best hunters in the clan, but no one seemed to care. From what he could hear, Kaisuda was more of a big deal to outsiders, and all he did was dance! He could understand in all fairness why it would be so important to a little clan like his, but it was nice to see how other clans did things, and he'd be lying if it wasn't incredibly refreshing.

"But what about the other members, who don't do anything? Don't they want to help out?"

"They do, little dude. And they do, little dude! Nyaala and I, hunting is our thing! So we hunt! And we love to hunt! But, like, if it wasn't, that's okay too, because others can love it and do it instead! If we couldn't hunt, we'd do other stuff we love, and like, we're family, so it wouldn't matter! It's not a contest, maaan. It's all about what you can do. Every little bit counts, and we just like, want to have a good time together and be tight."

"But.. What if what you like isn't actually helpful? And you don't actually have any useful talents?" Ash asked uneasily.

"If you like it, that's helpful! It's helpful to you, y'know? And your family understands. 'Cuz, like, finding something that makes you happy can be hard, and if it makes you happy doing it, no matter what, you're gonna be better at it than somebody who's doing it just 'cuz they have to! And your family wants what's best for you, and like, if doing what you're doing makes you happy, it's gonna make your family happy in the long run. And that's useful to like, both you AAAND your family!"
Ash smiled. Their view on life didn't make a lot of sense, but he liked it.

Ash went back to clan grounds, where Viktoria was waiting for him.
She simply grinned, as Ash stood there in confusion. "See? I told you it wouldn't be so bad."

The sun was already starting to set. They had been there all day, yet the both of them felt there were still things they wanted to do before it ended. For pre-festivities, the Nature flight was holding up pretty well.
They headed back to their den, both with bright hearts.

Viktoria nodded off to sleep, as the noodly shadow of Ash heaved beside her. Wait... Noodly?

"I told ya!"
Viktoria jumped back. It was Rook. Again.
She motioned to wake up Ash.

"Oh hun, I don't think you want to do that," she said with a sly grin. Viktoria snorted. As if she was falling for that. She continued her reach.
"So you're going to tell him then? Or should I?" Viktoria paused her claw.
"What?"
"Oh, it's kind of obvious. From one girl to another," she winked.
"Yes? And..? What is it you want?" She had to be here for a reason, Viktoria was sure of it. And what little she knew of her, she knew Rook wouldn't have any reason to bring it up unless she wanted something out of it.
"What do you mean what do I want? Oh yes.. Your firstborn child! Do this, and I will let you leave in peace. Otherwise, I shall haunt you and your kin forever and ever!"
"I think I could handle that."
"Oh, I don't know. I can be very... persuasive." She gave a grin full of wicked teeth.
Viktoria tried to hold down a growl. She couldn't show fear or vulnerability. It's what Rook would want. "And when would you be taking my child? And why -my- child? Why not go take one of the other hatchlings running around? And.. What happens if I die before that happens? And if say... Spinelle gets a whiff of your plans? After all you've done, I'm sure she'd love to keep you around after that."
"Oh, ho ho ho! Good one! Girl, you're so serious! I'm joking! J-O-K-I-N-G! No, I'm just here for some nice girl on girl bonding time. Y'know, you braid my spines while we tell eachother our deepest secrets."
"That's it, I'm waking up Ash."
"But.. You are going to tell him, right? Before the eggs, or after they come about?"
"That's none of your business."
"Thanks! Got my answer!", the spiral sung, and with a sudden breeze she was gone.

Viktoria was left alone in the dark. Ash stirred.
"I heard voices. What happened? Everything alright?"
"Oh yeah, Rook just wanted to give us a parting goodbye."
"Uh huh. How nice." Ash snuggled back into a sleeping position.
"Alright, well I'm going back to sleep. Goodnight....."

And Viktoria was left again, alone in the darkness, and her thoughts.

When Viktoria woke up, things seemed a lot more bustling in the clan than usual.
"What's going on?" Ash asked a few dragons that seemed to be carrying materials around and giving out orders.
They gave Ash a bright grin. "Why, it's the festival tomorrow, of course!"

Already? The days seemed to be going by in such a blur. He knew it was soon, but not that soon.

"It's going to be a small celebration, but you're welcome to stay. Kaisuda will be giving a performance tonight."
"Performance?"
"Oh, you haven't heard? Kaisuda puts on shows every once in awhile, and since this is our first time celebrating the nature festival whlie we've been here, I've heard he's planning on putting on a big one."

With excitement, the hours flew on by. Ash tried to gather as much as he could from Daisuke in one day, whereas Viktoria mysteriously spent it with Rose, the clan Matriarch and mother. When asked why, she just said there were some things they needed to discuss, and that Viktoria wanted to do something in return for her generosity.

But when it came time for the performance, they both eagerly sat together. Viktoria seemed uncomfortable, but insisted that she was fine. Just stressed, but happy to be here together.

The performance was quite a show -- especially for the two wildclaws, who didn't grow up in clans where such things were the norm. There was dancing, singing, acting, and mock battles with aerial combat and dextrous movement. Nimbus was championed in full majestic warrior attire, and pressed forward with movements that felt almost like the incarnation of the wind itself. His combat style felt almost like dancing, and the movements he made with both stave and gust were both entrancing and beautiful. Then by manipulating flower petals and the wind, a serene backdrop was made. Then out of nowhere, Ash and Viktoria were led onto the stage, where they sung a small introduction. It was embarassing, but everyone in the audience warmly smiled, and no one seemed to notice -- or care -- if they were both novices. Then the play started. It was about two lovers from very different backgrounds. One of them lived by the sea. The other was a warrior that lived across the mountains. They wished to be together, but the sea and the mountains would not let them. In the end they did not manage to stay together. It was sad, but beautiful and bittersweet. Viktoria fell silent.

When they returned back to their dens, Viktoria just stared out the lair door. Ash could tell something was wrong.

"Viktoria, what's wrong?" he asked. But Viktoria would not say. Ash pleaded. He could not stand being happy knowing she was uncomfortable the entire time, he wouldn't judge her, but she was his friend -- he needed to know, he told her. She would, but all she could say was that she was sorry. And that she wasn't sure how to start. He told her he would give her all the time she needed, even if it took all night. And it nearly did.

She was pregnant. Ash wasn't surprised. "I have sisters. And... Parents. I know the looks," he told her. She didn't know what to do. They were both only children, she told him, and normally that would have offended him -- but a part of him knew what she meant. They were just kids. They had no idea what they were doing. How could they raise kids themselves? They couldn't exactly just plop down in the middle of the wilderness, and raise kids and continue their adventures at the same time. Ash insisted he could be a good father, he would not fail them, he would do his best, but Viktoria just shook her head. He was only a chlid, and she could not bear to see him give up his life just for her. And she knew her hatchlings deserved better than that. Better than two children who didn't know what they were doing.
Yet she didn't know what to do.
She couldn't exactly just toss their kids away. Have them given away to strangers, not knowing how her hatchlings were being treated.
Them not knowing why they were abandoned.
Trapped, alone in a clan that didn't feel like home.

"Ash, we need to go home."
"But.. How? Where?"
"No. Your home."
So it was decided. They didn't have the knowledge or resources to be taking care of hatchlings on their own, but Ash's clan did. And Viktoria trusted Ash's clan to be safer than that of her homeland in the plague-scorned wastes. Ash didn't know how he would approach his parents again, not after this time. But Viktoria knew one thing: If any of them gave him crap, Viktoria would kick their butts. She didn't care if they were technically her in-laws. And Ash knew that he would try desperately to not let his young grew up feeling unwanted; that he would be everything to them he needed as a child, and everything he felt his parents could not be. He would let them become whatever they wanted to be, even if it killed him.

With all of that said, they both knew that once they went home they would have to give up their old lifestyles for awhile. They were going to be very busy. But until then, until all of the stress and worries about things that wouldn't come to pass for perhaps years yet, Viktoria decided they were going to make the most of their time now. The festival wasn't over, and they were going to milk it as long as they could. And they did.

The next day they left Rosebay's clan with many hugs and genuine, heartfelt thanks. Daisuke let Ash know the two of them could come anytime, and Ash took a bit of his cooking supplies with him for the road home. Just ... In case he needed a new hobby back home. And he took ample bags full of honey and treats. He didn't know much about being a father, but he knew that the hatchlings here seemed to go nuts for sweets. Rose gave them more travel supplies on the way home than they could barely carry, as well as generous pockets full of currency. The clan never was very materialistic and as such didn't have a lot, but they had enough to get by and they gave plenty to the couple.

The next few days were filled with many other clans, with various different tactics for celebration. They went to a nature clan that was entirely composed of wildclaws, just like them. They taught them how to sneak in the underbrush, and about respecting their kill -- for they gave their life to feed them, and without them they would die. They came upon a clan that conversely was entirely "vegan." They preached respecting -all- of their Glademother's creations, that her touch could be seen anywhere, from the furthest tundra shrub to the deepest ocean's bounty, and that as such all life was to be valued and venerated. They taught them about ecosystems and sustainable living, and all sorts of other things that went a bit beyond their heads. Another clan lived in the trees, using magic to shape treehouses and all sorts of creations, living in harmony with the forest. They had the best inn, with bustling company from many other travelers, and the best nectar-y beverages the two of them had ever tasted. And then it finally happened. On the eve of their own celebrations, two rubbery hatchlings came into the world. One earthy brown with leathery green wings, and the other with bright pink colourations. Both had stunning green eyes. Both were completely trusting, having no idea or care about their parents' naivete. And Viktoria and Ash knew they had to make good on that trust. The four of them traveled together, as the festival continued and waned. They were almost home.


{pixel by shroudrat}

Part 2