darkSpyro

Angora nodded quietly at Raclaw, and knowing what Sere meant, she spoke again.
"Maverick is a trustworthy man. Too trustworthy in fact. He's just too much of a pacifist, and to be honest, quite an idiot as well. But when it comes to voyages, he is a master." Angora said, remembering how he expertly handled his father's crew and ship when the captain was too busy. It was a side she kinda missed.

"A talk to him is all I need. Once he knows that you two helped save our lives, I know he will become more comprehensive. He can adapt to a new lifestyle, I'm certain of it, especially if it means it will help Shade in the long run. I'll go search for him right now, so please take care of him while I'm gone." Angora asked, as she asked a guard to escort and help her find a way out. When she said the last sentence, she was looking mostly at Raclaw. She wanted the fur dragon to be the one to take most care of the dragolet, since she still didn't trust Sere and Latnok too much with his care, fearing they may become a little too rough on him if they think Shade will get out of control again...

As Angora spoke and looked right at him-- Raclaw gave a gentle nod before she was escorted away. He understood Angora's silent request and would do all he could to make Shade's stay with them comfortable. He looked down at the dark Dragolet and sent feelings of bliss, hoping to take away Shade's pain for however briefly. Even if it meant connecting with and feeling that pain himself, he was willing to do it for Shade and Angora's sake. "It's alright-- we'll take care of you. You did well out there and.. and you will come back from this.," he gently spoke encouraging Shade to hang on and bear through whatever pain was left.

Angora was escorted out of the building, and saw that the people were already leaving the arena. Many talks and murmurs surrounded them, with very varied faces and opinions among them. Angora tried to left conspicuously, but everywhere she went, people recognized her. Some called her brave, other stupid, some even ugly. As usual, there were a few that would belittle her for being a just vulgar troll, but what was different on this occasion was that she had others defending her. This was clearly a historic day. She made fame, and as she walked to the main city, she would usually be stopped by the people that recognized her. Some children even stopped to touch and pull her face to take a closer look, much to her annoyance.

Reaching the main city seemed like an eternity to her, and when she finally arrived, she could get the breather she needed at last. She was like a celebrity now, but the attention was so much, Angora started to miss the days when she was dismissed and ignored. Now she really wanted to leave Redwater, but there was one problem... she had no idea where Maverick was. She had to ask around. Disliking the idea but having no choice, Angora started to ask people, describing Maverick's appearance, but got a lucky break when she found one of the cartels from when he was a wanted man. Even after a week, it looked like not all of them were taken down. Taking advantage of it, Angora asked people of his whereabouts, trusting somebody knew in what part of this enormous city he was, but so far, nobody knew where he was. This was clearly going to take a while...

With the matter of Maverick being set off to the side for the moment, Sere resumed his caretaking of Shade. As Sere applied the now-mixed paste, he inspected Shade to gauge the full extent of his injuries.
"The medicine can patch up open wounds, but broken bones, unfortunately, are not something we have any means to fix other than waiting it out," he said, as he applied the paste to a spot under Shade's wing. "We'll need to bind the wing to keep it from moving. Soldiers should be bringing me some supplies soon enough."
Latnok wasn't exactly thrilled at the prospect of a group reunion, especially involving a burden thrown on them with them having little choice in the matter, considering that he has shown incompatibilities with all three of the tagalong group. Did Angora really change? Or was this just some ploy to get onto the ship, where she would revert right back to her hostile ways? "Do what you can," Latnok said to Raclaw, "but don't push yourself on his account." Raclaw had suffered enough to handle Shade - it was time Shade learned to help himself.

Meanwhile, back at the other group, Leoquin, Ilasi, and Risar were moving around the city, enjoying many of the various performances and other events being hosted all around. Leoquin and Ilasi took advantage of the water whenever they could. "So..." Leoquin said, "if I'm understanding you clearly, does that mean we're going to be dragging that thing with us? The Scourge of Redwater?"
"It seems that way," Ilasi said. "I would prefer we not call him that, though... he's shown that he can go out of his way to help others. I just... I just don't know... why did it have to be this way?"
"You're right, I'd rather we not have that thing anywhere remotely close to us, especially at sea," Leoquin said disdainfully.
"That isn't what I meant," Ilasi corrected. "I mean, why did all of these events unfold like this? Is there really someone to blame?"

Nearby, Angora spent what felt like hours looking for Maverick. She doubted he left the city feeling the way he did in that chamber, so she was certain he had to be somewhere around that city. He wasn't a very difficult man to identify, so how come nobody has seen him? As Angora continued searching, asking around and avoiding the people that recognized her, Angora then watched from a distance some big horns, near a fountain. It was... a minotaur. Could it be by chance the one she saw among the crowd? So far, she hasn't seen any other minotaurs in that city, so probably. She went to approach him to ask about Maverick, but it was more out of mere curiosity rather than for asking, when she recognized the hair of a certain individual.
"Well well, fancy meeting you here Ilasi. Having the day off? Seems you made some... particular friends while I was in that inferno." Angora said as she looked at the minotaur and Leoquin with her. Before anyone could replied, a group of teenagers went to look at Angora, one picking her up like a doll and putting her on his shoulders, showing off to his friends while they laughed.

"KIDS! I had a really lousy day as you may know, so just PLEASE put me down?" Angora asked kindly but with gritted teeth, despising the attention. The teenager obliged, but not before laughing about a troll being polite. The teenagers decided to live her alone, but not before one of the girl decided to do a sketch of her for her collection. Angora pulled her ears in frustration, knowing this much fame was going to drive her crazy at some point if she didn't leave that city soon.

Ilasi gave a small smile, pleasantly surprised to see Angora again so soon. She chuckled at Angora's protests of being handled, finding the situation droll. "Give them a break," she said. "I'm sure they're just happy to meet this legendary troll in person. You're always in a bad mood whenever I see you - though, considering what you've been through, it's no surprise. Anyway, Sere and Latnok are currently tending to Shade, so the rest of us are roaming Redwater, celebrating the festivities."
Leoquin, unlike Ilasi, had no idea of who Angora was before today. "So it's you," he said eagerly. "The one who survived the behemoth. Guess you gave the king enough of a show. Your friend, though - yeah. Not surprised after what he's done. Every time people here see him, they will see the monster that killed people who were just going about their day. I'm not quite sure how the king intends to use him - maybe as some discount behemoth to carry things."

"I know. But I made up my mind. I'm not going to leave Shade alone with those... two. I'm going with them. The fur dragon is keeping an eye on them right now, so I'm not really worried. Still, Shade needs help and I'm not going to risk them making things worse with all their rough methods." Angora assured, unaware that this little group were going on the same journey.

"But anyway, have any of you seen Maverick? He was quite a wreck when I last saw him. I've been asking around, but nobody has seen him. One would think that a man like him would be easy to identify. And I can't go anywhere without being mobbed!" Angora explained, hoping at least one of them has seen him. This city was simply too big to just search at random. And if it wasn't for her new fame, Angora was certain it would've been easier to ask around. Even as she spoke, they were people and creatures like galuds murmuring, speaking behind her back and inspecting her, recognizing her from the arena.

"I have not been looking for Maverick, and I do not care to," Ilasi said, her mood seemingly souring at the mention of looking for him. "And you do know that those 'two' are our allies, right? The people paying me? I would rather not have you along with us if you are going to start problems with them. Are they employing you, too?"
"Hey, that garbage deserves whatever they do to him!" Leoquin said brashly, subconsciously becoming more aggressive. "He comes here and ruins our home?! No one ever asked for him!"

"Oh, so you're going to be against us too?" Angora said defiantly, not expecting such a harsh reaction from them, especially from the once sweet Ilasi. It looks like the Guardians were successful and badmouthing them.
"Shade was used! I'm very certain of it! He could feel it! And I know it's the truth! And you know what? After he leaves Redwater, I'm certain that whoever controlled him is simply going to use another poor creature to cause destruction! More loss of lives because the people of Redwater decided not to hear our warning! Maybe after enough innocent lives have been lost and the king finally notices the pattern, then perhaps he'll finally look for this individual! How many lives will be lost before he finally notices someone is working behind the scenes is not of my concern anymore! Shade and I already gave the warning, and if the king and his people decide to ignore it, it will be their fault, not ours! And you don't want to help me search for Maverick? That's fine too! I was expecting this from anybody... not from you Ilasi. Boy you really fooled me mermaid. I thought you were different, but you're just like everyone else! Maverick really is a wonderful man, even if he is a bit of an idiot, but if you don't want to see that, it's your loss." Angora scolded, as she rubbed her eyes to avoid the tears from falling.

Before anyone could talk, Angora spoke again.
"Who needs you lot anyways? I'll keep searching for Maverick myself!" she said indignantly as she turned around and left the mermen and minotaur trio, disappearing among the crowd of people on the verge of tears. Angora really felt like the whole world was conspiring against them. She, Shade and Maverick only wanted to be a loving family, but lately, something and someone always seemed to be acting against their happiness. Whoever controlled Shade was out there, free and probably laughing at their misfortune, and the few times Angora left her pride aside to search for help, she was spat in the face. She really hated the Guardians now. Who knows what they said to Ilasi to make her so antagonistic to her and the gentle Maverick.

Ilasi felt a slight twinge of guilt after her harsh words. Perhaps she was too aggressive? She was considering finding Angora and apologizing - however, considering Angora's demonstrated contempt for the rest of the crew, felt that informing Sere about her behavior would be better. "Angora... I really did wish we could have gotten along..."
"Bah, who needs her!" Leoquin said. "Only thing she would've been good for is shark bait. I really hope she stays the hell away from us. A little fame and suddenly she thinks she's above everyone..."

"No respect for those who save her.," Risar said with huff upon seeing the troll leave. From what he knew, the Guardians at least had involvement in sparing Angora and even if they didn't-- the people of Aelinon had gracefully chosen to spare her. It wasn't only because Godfather Sere was his employer ether; he would have expected the troll to at least have some respect regardless and in that one moment-- he had just lost much of the respect he may have once had for her. While it true that she had achieved a great feat in the arena, it was also clear that she had no regard towards the people of Redwater.

Elsewhere, Raclaw continued to tend to Shade alongside Sere and Latnok. He kept at it with the feelings of bliss and absorbed some of the dragolet's pain in the process. It was pain, but it was nothing like what he had previously experienced with Shade-- and he was able to mostly avoid any signs of showing it. Chester laid down between him and Shade, providing warmth and doing what he could to comfort the two dragon-like creatures. He whined, being able to sense at least some of the pain that both the dragons were in. "It's alright buddy... we're alright.," Raclaw gently said knowing just how much a dog could sense even without telepathy.

Avoiding the people that recognized her and still asking around, Angora continued asking around for Maverick. After searching for almost two hours, Angora finally came upon somebody that was in the bar where Maverick got drunk, and he fortunately heard what inn Maverick was staying at when he started to talk by himself. She then headed to the inn where he was staying and asked on the front desk for his room. They explained to her his condition and got very worried. Once they opened the room, Maverick was hyperventilating on the bed. Neither Sapphire or Dex were nowhere to be seen.
"Maverick! I finally found you! Do you have any idea for how long..." Angora started to say as she approached him, stopping mid sentence when she smelled the air around him.
"Damn man! What the hell? You? Drinking? Come on man! Look at me!" Angora declared, correctly assuming that his state had much to to with her and Shade.
"Oh look Angorita. You're here too? Am I here? He heh, looks like we died." Maverick said, painfully reminding her of how she felt just hours earlier.
"Enough! Idiot! Damn, you can't go anywhere in these conditions!" Angora said, prompting him to leave him. At least she knew where he was now. She left him on the bed, wanting to wait until he was out of his drunked state before taking him anywhere. She then asked the maid and front desk to watch over him while she was away, and knowing they will get paid for a longer stay, they obliged. Angora took some money from Maverick's hyperspace bag and a backpack from the inn, and then left.

Outside, she memorized the place. Since she would go to the arena anyway to check on Shade, she decided to have a peculiar mission. Going to the nearest meat market, she purchased the biggest steak she could find, and then put it in the backpack. She headed to the arena, but before asking for Sere and Latnok, she had one particular request to the guard.
"Excuse me sir, before I return to the Ardent Guardians, I... would like to see the behemoth I faced this morning." Angora said, knowing that the request would probably surprise the guard. She had something planned, and wasn't leaving Redwater until she has fulfilled the task.

Ilasi, her happy mood having been completely ruined by the events which just unfolded, decided to leave. Leoquin didn't want to head out immediately; however, having an inkling of what was going to happen when they got back to the others, decided to follow along. They did not force Risar to follow; however, they would let him if he wished. As uncomfortable as they were in dry tunnels, they had a good idea of Redwater's system of tunnels, moving through them without stopping, and reaching the others.
"You guys are back early," Sere said. "Bored? Or worried about Shade?"
"Well... Ilasi began, explaining what caused her bitter mood and becoming upset just thinking about it.
"... I'm sorry to hear that, Ilasi," Sere said. "Thank you for telling me."

The guard looked at Angora with a bit of curiosity. "What? You didn't have the fun you were looking for? Follow me."
The more spacious tunnels weren't far off; the sound of a behemoth pounding the ground with every step could be heard. After some time, the creature's head, and eventually its whole body, passed the corner, and he was face-to-face with Angora and the guard.
"AHH, THE SMALL, CONFUSED CREATURE AGAIN. WHAT DOES IT WANT FROM US?"

Although Risar wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea, for different reasons, he reluctantly followed the others through the dry tunnels. He soon saw the injured Shade, the worried looking Raclaw, and the little Chester trying to keep the two comfortable. The fur dragon was no doubt doing something-- and presumably helping with the dragolet's pain although he had no way of telling. As Ilasi spoke, he gave a nod confirming the mermaid's statement.

Quote: A Guy

The guard looked at Angora with a bit of curiosity. "What? You didn't have the fun you were looking for? Follow me."
The more spacious tunnels weren't far off; the sound of a behemoth pounding the ground with every step could be heard. After some time, the creature's head, and eventually its whole body, passed the corner, and he was face-to-face with Angora and the guard.
"AHH, THE SMALL, CONFUSED CREATURE AGAIN. WHAT DOES IT WANT FROM US?"

Angora recognized the behemoth as the same one that faced her and Shade. But this time, she didn't show any fear and went straight to the point.
"Easy there behemoth. I'm not here to cause any trouble. I came here to give you a little peace offering." Angora said as she placed the backpack in front of him and opened it so he could see the steak inside, almost as big as her.
"Listen, I know you were disappointed when the crowd spared me. You couldn't have me, but how about something from me, just to demonstrate there are no hard feelings? In fact, I should thank you. You decided to keep me alive for longer, and that time was enough for me to be spared. I know that wasn't your intention, but I thank you just the same. Accept this steak to bury the hatches and let bygones be bygones." Angora said gently, respecting the creature and having thought much about how she was alive thanks to him, even if it that wasn't part of his plan.

The behemoth focused its gaze on the offering, confirming that it was, indeed, food. He let out a low growl. "THE CREATURE INTENDS TO FEED US? OFFERING IS, AT MOST, SUPPLEMENTARY IN COMPARISON TO OUR REGULAR DIET. HOWEVER, THE CREATURE'S INTENT WILL BE NOTED." The behemoth lunged its head and upper body and, with one big gulp, swallowed the steak whole. "THE CREATURE HAS EARNED FREEDOM. IT SHOULD SEEK TO LEAVE TO MORE FAVORABLE CONDITIONS."

Angora was pleased that she was finally able to get out of that step. She didn't want the beast to bear a grudge on her, and believed that, even if it wasn't much, an offering like that would suffice.
"So... it's settled then. No hard feeling I gather? In that case, I will take my leave." Angora said, as she let herself be escorted out of the behemoth's enclosure and with the Guardians. This place was quite the labyrinth, so she was glad somebody was leading her out.

The guard left her to where the Guardians were with the tied up Shade, and looked to her displeasure that Ilasi and the two new companions were there. She didn't show any disdain though, so she settled to completely ignoring them and went immediately to the now conscious Shade.
"Hey big guy. Feeling better I hope? I found Maverick. Can you believe the jerk got drunk?" Angora said jokingly, trying to raise his spirit.
"How is he? I suppose he behaved?" she asked Raclaw, him being the only she felt enough trust.

Sere, after his previous experiences with Angora, had completely run out of patience at this point. "So you lie to my face, plan treachery as you beseech me to let you come with us, and expect me to trust you after how much you have betrayed us? I see that kindness is not something you respond to, after my repeated attempts to show it, to give you the benefit of the doubt. But I don't have to be kind. If you thought Latnok was nasty, then you don't even know what true nastiness can be.
"Get the hell out of here, NOW, or I will have you brought out of here in chains. I will instruct the guards that you intend to interfere with our attempts to control Shade. Don't let me see you anywhere near us. If you just happen to show up on our ship, I will grab you and toss you overboard. Leave. Now." Latnok could barely contain a grin as Sere blasted Angora, and Leoquin was all but cheering. Ilasi, however, felt rather guilty about the situation - if only everyone could get along...

Raclaw was about to respond to Angora, when Godfather Sere suddenly started to berate her. His and Chester's ears went up ever so briefly, before going back down again. He knew that Latnok and probably Leoquin were quite happy, although he silently agreed with the also silent Ilasi-- and wished that Angora and the others could just get along. Risar didn't say anything, but kept an eye on the troll and was prepared to escort Angora out of the room if need be. In his eyes, the little Troll had shown disrespect and regardless of her previous great feat-- she was no longer welcome in the presence of the Guardians.

Quote: A Guy

Sere, after his previous experiences with Angora, had completely run out of patience at this point. "So you lie to my face, plan treachery as you beseech me to let you come with us, and expect me to trust you after how much you have betrayed us? I see that kindness is not something you respond to, after my repeated attempts to show it, to give you the benefit of the doubt. But I don't have to be kind. If you thought Latnok was nasty, then you don't even know what true nastiness can be.
"Get the hell out of here, NOW, or I will have you brought out of here in chains. I will instruct the guards that you intend to interfere with our attempts to control Shade. Don't let me see you anywhere near us. If you just happen to show up on our ship, I will grab you and toss you overboard. Leave. Now." Latnok could barely contain a grin as Sere blasted Angora, and Leoquin was all but cheering. Ilasi, however, felt rather guilty about the situation - if only everyone could get along...

Angora was taken aback by Sere's suddenly hostile behavior.
"Treachery? What the hell are you talking about?" Angora asked, but then looked at Ilasi, and it didn't take her long to deduce what happened.
"That mermaid... she told you something, didn't she? What did she tell you? Really bad things about me, didn't she? Of course, cause nothing good can ever come from a troll, isn't it? Why don't you tell the truth? Why can't you just say what I asked for your help and just expressed myself about Shade's condition?" Angora said as tears started to fall out.

"And you Sere, you just drew the worst conclusion possible from her explanation in order to have an excuse to stop me and Maverick from coming with you! Isn't that right? We went through an entire hell being separated, and now YOU want to separate us again! Is that what you Guardians do? Separate families? You all think so horrible of me! And now you brought new people to think the same way! Is always like this! Everything that comes from my mouth is always horrible! You'll never think good things about me! You always think the worse and always want to bring me down! I have a drunken Maverick in some inn in Redwater, and finally when he comes through, I have to tell him our family isn't completed because of the ill opinions you all have!" Angora said, sniffling hard and cleaning up the thick tears from her face. She really felt like a little girl bullied by a bunch of punk teenagers. No matter what she did or said, so many people were always so mean to her, all because they couldn't accept her for the way she was...

"Do you take me to be stupid?" Sere asked. "You throw the Guardians under the bus without a second thought with your absolutely careless 'confession', and now you talk of opposing me again - while you claim the opposite. I will have Latnok and Risar escort you to the dungeons and explain your plan to interfere with our attempts to manage Shade if you do not get out. I do not care for your crocodile tears. I do not care for the 'family' who has done nothing but disparage us and cause us trouble, in exchange for my attempts to help. I care about getting the job done. I care about getting my warrior and Raclaw's parents out. They have earned my trust. You have done the opposite."
Latnok, on cue, grabbed his bow and rapidly began shooting arrows around the room - preparing the arrow web, should the need to restrain Angora arise. "I knew you hadn't changed a bit," he said. "Shame you've turned Maverick into your whipping boy. He could have been so much more." Ilasi hung her head at the thought...

Risar stood at the ready and held his right hand on hilt of one of his mighty great axes-- ready to defend the Guardians should Angora decide to reciprocate. "You heard the man. Get out.," the seven foot minotaur said speaking slightly slower and making the message very clear. It was evident that when he wanted to, the minotaur was actually very fluent in the common tongue. Raclaw wanted to say something, but knew that it would do no good. Godfather Sere's mind had been set and there was no changing that now. "Don't worry-- I'll watch over Shade. You have to understand that Sere is under a lot of stress right now.," he telecommunicated to Angora wanting to at least reassure her concerning the dark dragolet. He wasn't sure if he would ever see her again or if she would ever get another chance to redeem herself in the Guardians' eyes.

Angora shrank her ears, feeling like everybody has been conspiring against her. Trying to calm herself, she spoke to Sere again.
"Is that it? You think I'm going to interfere with your help on Shade? Is that what Ilasi told you?" Angora said indignantly, still cleaning up her tears, and unable to believe how insensitive this group was. She even ignored Raclaw's telepathic message.
"Damn man! That's not what I said at all! Why are my words always misinterpreted? Because they come from a troll? I only said I'm going to keep an eye on Shade and you! Nothing else! Am I destined to always be misinterpreted? Now you're threatening me to get me to a dungeon, for a FOURTH time this month, for another misunderstanding! Why is it always like this, huh? What will it take for you to allow me and Maverick to go to that voyage with Shade? Beg for forgiveness? Kneel like a pauper? Want to cut my throat so I can never say anything ever again?" Angora commented, an emotional wreck, being completely alone in this room. Her tears were genuine, yet everybody thought it was an act. Shade was asleep, and every single one of this group was against her. Even the minotaur, who didn't even know her, was threatening her. She felt like nobody but Shade and Maverick could ever understand her and love her for who she was.

Ilasi looked on, feeling terrible about what was happening with Angora - at the same time, she could understand why Sere wouldn't want her with them. The group really didn't seem to mesh well.
Sere was unmoved. "Take her," he ordered. On command, Latnok activated the arrow web that he had set up around the room - presuming Risar would follow through with the action of actually carrying her. Leoquin looked on at the spectacle, just as he would any fight in the arena. The troll had made a terrible first impression on him, and he was not in the least sympathetic with her, especially considering how much she felt for the Scourge of Redwater.

Angora then became completely broken with grief. She was an emotional mess, and before she could be taken away, she managed to say a few words.
"Is this is how it is? If YOU feel betrayed, imagine how we feel! You refuse to give us a chance because of a misunderstanding! When oh when will this stop? Will our suffering NEVER be enough for you? We got separated by a blue dragon, we got separated by Aelinon, and now YOU separate us too? Why do you hate us so much? I'm sorry Shade. You'll have to go solo for now, but I trust you! I trust you will find your way to us again!" Angora screamed to the dragolet, her eyes red with tears and fury. She then turned to Ilasi.
"I hope you're proud of yourself! Because you gave erroneous information, our family is separated again! And to think that idiot Maverick had a crush on you! But thank you for showing your true colors and avoid him the heartbreak!" she managed to yell before being taken away, her previous high opinion about the mermaid vanishing instantly...

As soon as the order was given and the trap was was activated-- Risar released his grip on the hilt and picked up the restrained Angora as if she were a rug. 'Well-- there's no turning back now.,' Raclaw thought now feeling terrible for everything the troll was going through. He stood there in slight shock that Sere had actually gone through with it. For the time being, however, Angora was already being carried away by Risar and Latnok. Chester looked at Raclaw and knew what the fur dragon was feeling. "What are you going to do?," he barked. "I-- I don't know. It's probably best to let things cool down for now.," he responded back in dogspeak. He watched as Angora was taken away and wished there was something else he could do.

Before disappearing from the room, Angora gave her final glare to Raclaw, upset that even he seemed against her. She didn't care about his odd barking behavior. She was angry at him as well. Once again, she was bullied, this time by an entire group, and just like with Latnok before them, he did nothing...

"I'll try to talk to Sere once things cool down-- I promise.," Raclaw quickly telecommunicated to Angora before she was out of range. Maybe just maybe the Godfather would be willing to listen to him. It was no guarantee, however, and he found that the Guardians' mind was very much set when it came to Angora.

Suddenly, Sere called out. "They'll take you outside. The next time you come here, I promise you that I will not reconsider. We have very important jobs to do, and I will not let your poor, short-sighted judgment and your vitriolic attitude interfere with that."
Latnok didn't really care either way - as long as Angora wouldn't bother them again, he was happy. How he thought she may have changed... that show just a little earlier was just that. An act. Leoquin was thoroughly disappointed - it would've been a nice lesson for someone who was the best friend of that monster...
Angora was taken outside, to one of the tunnel entrances, before being crudely dropped off. "I have to hand it to you, you're a pretty good actor," Latnok said, mocking Angora. "Really had me going for a minute, thinking maybe you had actually changed. Tell your whipping boy I said hello."

Ilasi, meanwhile, was extremely conflicted - what went wrong? Why did it have to be this way? Did Maverick really have acrush on her? In the midst of all of her thoughts, tears had begun to streak down her face - it was only a trickle at first, but it wasn't long before she was completely sobbing. "What... what did I do wrong...?" she asked out loud.
"You did nothing wrong," Sere said, completely unable to empathize with Ilasi. "You exposed a mutinous backstabber, who I almost trusted once again despite all common sense. I thank you for that." Leoquin had no idea how to respond himself - he had never really been in an awkward spot like this...

Risar dropped Angora off without a word, having none for the disrespectful troll. He waited for Latnok to say his piece and would proceed to head back as soon the Guardian was ready. Raclaw, meanwhile, felt even more terrible. He wasn't sure if Angora was received his sudden telecommunication, but knew that promise would be very hard to hold up. Once again, his internal struggle concerning Angora came back-- for better or for worse. Chester looked at Raclaw and whined, trying to comfort the fur dragon.

Quote: Spyroconvexity

Shade woke up to the yelling and instinctively got up. “Put her down now!” He said though he was hurt he wouldn’t hesitate to attack. “Do not hurt my family. I will never listen to you without them. They come or I don’t listen.” Shade said. “I’ve fought too hard to earn this so called freedom and my family back only for you fools to take it away again. I do not care what this whole city thinks of me I’m not getting separated again.”

Angora could hear Shade from across the room. She then sent a telepathic message to him.
"Don't worry Shade! This won't be forever. I promise! Please, just behave yourself for the time being! I don't want these jerks hurting you! We'll find a way to be together!" Angora communicated to him, knowing how hurt he must've been thinking she and Maverick were going to accompany him on this voyage and to be forbidden from it at the last second. It was then...

Quote: redwes

"I'll try to talk to Sere once things cool down-- I promise.," Raclaw quickly telecommunicated to Angora before she was out of range. Maybe just maybe the Godfather would be willing to listen to him. It was no guarantee, however, and he found that the Guardians' mind was very much set when it came to Angora.

... that Raclaw's message intercepted her.
"Oh really? You did such a nice job defending me from Latnok when we were in those other-dimensional caves. What makes you think you will have the spine to defend me from this time as well? Huh? You just let everyone gang on me like a bunch of bullies, and you did... NOTHING. Just like last time! Even this minotaur who doesn't even know me was quick to judge me. So why should I believe you? You'll just proceed with the pleasant little life those humans have to you!" Angora communicated to the fur dragon, demonstrating how angry she was with him as well. The only one she somewhat liked and never saved her from this sea of insults.

Angora's message hit Raclaw loud and clear-- with the fur dragon being mentally hit by the telepathic equivalent of a brick wall. He merely stood there and offered no further response, not even sure what he could say to appease the tortured soul that was Angora. Chester merely laid down next to Raclaw, doing all he could to comfort him.

After Angkra was dropped, she said nothing at all. She simply remained there, feeling like garbage. Everyone else treated her that way, so that's how she felt. Shade must be so disappointed in her, and Maverick will be too once he comes through. At least that what she firmly believed. She wanted to glare at the minotaur for being a racist beast quick to judge just like everyone else, but she didn't even had the strength for that...

Their jobs done, Latnok and Risar made their way back to the rest of the group. By now, Ilasi had stopped crying - she did, however, have the terrible feeling of guilt and sadness. Despite how bad she was feeling, however, she knew this was one moment, and that working with the 'noncomps' was a much worse thing every day... she had to make her living somehow.
By now, Latnok had noted Shade in his more aggressive stance. "I will use the collar if I have to," Latnok said. "You might not want to start trouble with us - we're the reason you're still alive. We tell Aelinon that you can't be controlled, and they just kill you. Simple as that."

Having nothing else to do, Angora went to look for Maverick, broken and beyond consolation. Once again, a misunderstanding caused her great misery. She was separated from Maverick for a week, then separated from both him and Shade for a day, and then separated once more for another week. And now once again, they would be separated, by the people whom she thought were allies. Why couldn't the three of them just be together? She defeated Darkmatter and saved many lives, and she survived a behemoth long enough to be spared and probably changed a society's entire view. And yet... she was still being treated like crap. No matter what she did, nobody but Maverick and Shade were going to treat her well.

As she walked, people still stared at her. Some approached to take a better look at the now famous troll... but everybody was beginning to notice something was wrong with this champion. Children would touch her skin and pull her face, yet she didn't do anything. She was dead inside. Angora simply headed to the main city, ignoring everybody who wanted to take a closer look to the notorious troll. Some would ask to do sketches of her, but she continued to move along like a zombie. Her mind was in blanc. It wasn't Latnok this time who stabbed her in the back. It was Sere, the kinder of the two. The whole ordeal was like hell to her. She believed she would've been better off if she had let the behemoth crush her when it had the chance...

Leoquin was absolutely astonished that Shade would even suggest such a concept. "Respect? After what you've done?! Like hell! You should be respecting us."
"Here's the thing, Shade," Latnok said. "I don't need your respect. We are going to train you. We will make you capable of following orders, and not disrespecting authority and attacking people. And if I have to occasionally put the hurt on you to do it? I will. Because if I don't, you will be killed. It's that simple. You will be the one giving respect. Do I make myself clear?"

Ignoring the people's attention, Angora entered the inn and went into Maverick's room. There, the young man had his head on his face, having a terrible headache. And then... he looked at Angora... and touched her many, many times on the face to make sure he wasn't dreaming. Then, after realizing it was no dream, it finally hit him. It was Angora. In the flesh. She has survived. She was there, with him. The sob that followed didn't even compared to the sob Angora gave earlier to Sere. This was a sob of happiness. Maverick then almost chocked the little troll with the hug he gave to her, and Angora couldn't help but sob as well... but it was from anything but happiness.
"Stop it Maverick! Please! I don't deserve this! I don't deserve ANY o this! I should've died in that infernal arena! Don't you see?" Angora said in a sob fest, sniffling so hard she could barely talk.

After trying to calm down for a while, she proceeded to tell him everything that happened, from Shade's disastrous battle to Sere's cruel dismiss. Maverick had to hug and oat her back numerous times to calm her down. He could barely believe Sere and his group would be this heartless.
"You know what's worse? Your dear, sweet Ilasi said something very awful about me. That's what prompted Sere to forbid us from coming into this voyage. The're going to take Shady away from us Mavi! Enslave him like a wild animal with a disease! Nobody wants our family together!" Angora concluded, falling onto his arms again. After the experience Maverick went through with the Guardians, he believed them capable of something as horrible as separate a family. The only part of Angora's testimony he didn't believe was about Ilasi. It just couldn't be. Not the sweet and beautiful Ilasi. The only conclusion Maverick could draw was Ilasi telling the truth and Sere interpreting it as something else entirely. Maverick believed in her. But for the most part, he believed Angora, and was really sad he couldn't find a way to console her...

"Wrong answer," Latnok said. "You learning to respect others is something you have to learn if you don't want to be executed. Collar, paralyze."
The collar would, again, send impulses to prevent Shade from moving.
"I would rather not have to do this," Latnok said. "But this is the only choice we have."

The sobbing was so loud that one of the chambermaids actually came to check on the duo.
"It's alright my fair lady. We're just having a family moment here." he assured, but that's when he decided it was time to leave that room and leave behind all that horrible sorrow behind. He looked everywhere around the room, only to find out that Sapphire and Dex weren't there. Just where those two naughty foxes have gone now? Nevertheless, Maverick didn't have the time to look for them.
"In fact, you can clean this room now. We're leaving." Maverick said, giving a tip to the nice young woman and going to the front desk to pay for his stay. He had to carry Angora all the way since she was too depressed to do anything. Before paying, he asked her where to next. Even under all her gloominess, Angora managed to remember something important.
"I think... our next stop is the arena again. I'm suppose to receive some sort of reward from the captain." she said, although that was mostly an excuse to see if Shade was still there or being carried off already. In all her depression and internal fury, she was thinking of speaking with the king to see if the cruel Sere would at least listen to him. With her mind set, she waited for Maverick to finish his business at the front desk. Apart the money, he left a note for the accountant so he could give to Dex and Sapphire if they ever came back.

We'll be around the arena.
Angora is here with me.
Meet us there.

Maverick

The note read, and when the accountant asked why would he give notes to two fox pets, Maverick gave another tip and told him to just please do as he was told. It wasn't that hard, and he didn't need to know all the answers. The accountant didn't like the request, but it was his job to please the customers, not understanding their business. And if they were going to get paid extra, who could complain? With that settled, Maverick continued carrying Angora, but she asked to let her go so she would avoid embarrassment for both in front of the passing people. Having recovered some of their spirit to walk, Angora walked with Maverick, the two of them eerily silent. Maverick didn't even said anything when he saw the people mobbing Angora, but he did tried to keep her away from the space invading people as best as he could as they headed to the arena. So much has happened, and Maverick didn't know what to think. He was still wondering when, or rather, why was everything going all wrong for them...

After a while, Angora and Maverick arrived to the arena. Since the troll was too upset to talk clearly, Maverick spoke on her behalf.
"Pardon me señor. This is the troll that fought in the arena. She understands that something is to be given to her for getting out of it alive." he explained calmly and kindly, still spkeeping a close eye on the broken Angora...

Leoquin was highly intrigued by Latnok's control.via the collar. "Ooh, how does that work?" he asked. "Can I try?"
"It's not a damned toy," Latnok said harshly. "It's a device meant to manage dragons. It saps their power and allows you to use various commands to limit their actions or... other things."
"Well, who cares about that thing..." Leoquin said, sulking.
"I'll tell you what - if Shade becomes outright hostile, I'll let you decide what commands I will use. Sound like a plan?" Latnok proposed, ensuring that Shade would be able to hear him.
"Sure thing," Leoquin said, smiling.
"Now, then... apologize to me, Shade, and I will free you. Does that sound reasonable enough?"

"Yes - she has earnings from when she worked here, as well as from each battle. Follow me, please," the soldier said. Not too far away was an office, with a counter.
"Oh, you're finally here," the captain on duty said. "Thought you just up and left. Payment for the labor you did every day, as well as from each battle - a portion of the credits that those who died had, split among the survivors. Normally, this wouldn't be too much, but considering you ended up surviving that last battle..."
The captain tossed a somewhat heavy bag full of many coins at Angora's feet. "Don't spend it all in one place, now."

Raclaw almost cringed when Shade was paralyzed and could sense that Shade felt very trapped-- as anyone would in such a situation. However, Latnok was right in that they had no other options. As determined by Aelinon law, Shade had to learn to comply or be executed. The collar wasn't pretty nor would be any of their future tactics, but it was the only way. "Shade-- I'm sorry that we have to do this, but it's either this or your execution. And believe me, that is the last thing we want.," he said gently looking at Shade. Risar watched, not entirely enjoying the scene but understanding its necessity. Chester stood by Raclaw and remained silent for the time being.

Quote: A Guy

"Yes - she has earnings from when she worked here, as well as from each battle. Follow me, please," the soldier said. Not too far away was an office, with a counter.
"Oh, you're finally here," the captain on duty said. "Thought you just up and left. Payment for the labor you did every day, as well as from each battle - a portion of the credits that those who died had, split among the survivors. Normally, this wouldn't be too much, but considering you ended up surviving that last battle..."
The captain tossed a somewhat heavy bag full of many coins at Angora's feet. "Don't spend it all in one place, now."

Maverick was ready to pick the bounty for her, but Angora stepped forward and with some difficulty, she placed it behind her shoulders.
"Thank you captain. It wasn't a pleasant experience... but I learned very much." Angora said meekly, being far more calmer now. All that sobbing really helped her. She then looked at Maverick, who offer to help her with the heavy bag of coins. He opened up his own bag, and the magic made all the weight disappear. Her money was there, safe and sound. Angora bowed respectfully to the captain, but wasn't ready to leave yet. Maverick could tell she had something else in mind, but she seemed to be trying her hardest to choose the perfect time. He wondered what it could be...

The captain looked at Angora expectantly - it almost seemed like she forgot she was leaving. "Is there anything else you want?" he asked, rather politely.

Meanwhile, Ilasi was standing by, watching as everyone else seemed to be occupied with Shade in one form or another. Shade was obviously going to have a hard time... but she believed he would manage. It wasn't as bad as the treatment the 'noncomps' got - not yet at least - and some managed to keep their head up there. She was rather unpleased with Leoquin's eagerness to use the collar's commands, knowing that that sort of handling should only be done when absolutely necessary.

Quote: A Guy

The captain looked at Angora expectantly - it almost seemed like she forgot she was leaving. "Is there anything else you want?" he asked, rather politely.

"Well..." Angora began to say, really hating the request she was about to make, but it was absolutely necessary.
"Captain... can I have an audience with the king? Please? I know he's a very busy man, but I urgently need to speak with him. Only he can settle this. Godfather Sere... refuses to let us travel with our dragon. We're his family you see, and because of some stupid misunderstanding..." Angora said, as she brought her arm over her eyes to stop the tears from flowing again.
"Angorita..." Maverick began to say, but he was pushed aside.
"I'm fine Maverick! I'm fine..." she said, rubbing her eyes dry and regaining her composure.
"Can you Captain?" Angora asked again, finally controlling her tears and resuming the same tone of calmness as before...