“You said something about that before. A curse turning into a blessing. What blessing is it?”
Savekio shrugged, “I ‘unno.”
“And here I was thinking you had all the answers,” Gornax said, scratching his head.
“Malaki are sensitive to curses and blessings alike. Whatever blessing it was, it was strong, and the Malaki wanted to get ahold of whoever possessed it.”
“She had incredible magical ability, so maybe that has something to do with it?”
“Maybe. Of course, there have been children her age with similar magical power. One thing is true about all of them: Unless they die young, they’re destined for greatness.”
“Another destined child. I suppose you wouldn’t train her either.”
“No, that’s Shiira’s job. From what I’ve heard, she’ll have her hands more full than she usually does.”
Dreiki smiled. He was glad he got to know someone like that. It gave him hope that if he continued his training their paths might cross again one day. He looked up feeling the cold breeze of winter air hit his face. He really had exhausted his Ux during that final confrontation.
The path opened up to the mouth of a cave at the bottom of a cliff. The snow was perfectly untouched here. The forested plateaus above framed a large open space at the end of which stood a towering mountain range. Savekio pointed, “As for where we are heading next, you can see it right now.”
“You mentioned something about meeting ‘the blacksmith and his son’ earlier, didn’t you?” Rixam asked.
Savekio nodded, “That I did.”
“So they live on that mountain?”
“More or less.”
“More or less?”
“Be prepared, all of you, the rest of this path is treacherous. If you have not yet awakened your Ux, there is a high likelihood of dying on the way to the mountains. We will be visiting a small village a few miles from here. I’ve plenty of contacts there, so they will look after you should you choose to stay behind.”
Dreiki looked back at the rest of them. He couldn’t tell if any of them had awakened their Ux tonight. He had hardly spent any time with them during the ceremony. Would they be able to follow him up the mountain? “How long will we be staying there?” He asked.
“About one week to resupply and allow you some rest.”
“Rest? But I feel fine-” A frigid wind blew through his clothing.
“I can tell you’ve drained your Ux. Until you’ve trained it enough, it will take a while to recoup it. Recovery is the most important aspect of training. Don’t forget that.”
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Dreiki had hardly noticed how drained he was. The longer he trudged through the snow, the more his lack of sleep during the previous night caught up with him. They trudged for the next few miles until the sun crested over the horizon in a blinding display across the snow-filled plains.
The wind was much more kind here, even if it was still colder than a Malaki’s heart. Up ahead, a small village nestled atop the humble slope of a hill. The thought of a warm bed and hot food filled Dreiki’s head. The Tibur had provided such wonderful meals for the past couple weeks, but their lodgings had left much to be desired. Dreiki was no stranger to sleeping out in the wilds, but nothing beat the feel of a clean bed and blanket.
He slowed his pace until he walked shoulder to shoulder with the rest of his friends, “So, have any of you awakened your Ux? I meant to ask.” Dreiki said drearily.
“I think so? It’s hard to tell.” Rixam said, “I know there were moments where I felt like I had taken hits I shouldn’t have. Or that I summoned spells which were beyond me until tonight.”
“I hate to agree with the devil, but I’m the same way.” Luna said, “But you did not notice a huge difference when you awakened yours, right?”
Dreiki nodded, “Yeah, I didn’t feel any stronger. It was just the things I could do with it. We’ve got one week, so if any of you have awakened it, I can help to teach you what I’ve learned.”
“That’s good to hear because no matter what Savekio says, we’re followin’ you up that mountain.” Gornax snickered.
Dreiki felt Ezo push under his legs and lift him onto his back, “Whoa!”
Gornax laughed, patting Dreiki’s shoulder, “Seems like Ezo feels the same way!”
Dreiki ran his hands through Ezo’s mane. The drake had surely been running around all night. He was probably looking forward to sleeping more than anyone else, “Oh yeah!” Dreiki said, “Grandpa, Kaara told me something about Ezo earlier. She said he might be an Ingen drake. Do you know anything about that?”
Savekio raised a brow, “Well, it’s becoming more and more of a possibility as that drake grows, yes. It did not look to be any older than a few months when we first found it, but after only two years and a few months it’s nearly the size of an adult drake. Those don’t normally reach maturity until their fifth or sixth year, though.”
“What is an Ingen Drake anyways?”
“Very rare variants which make their homes in the Elder Ingen trees around the world. They are capable of flying when they reach maturity. Until then, they’re incredible climbers, and their webbing can allow them to glide like a normal bat drake. They are rather formidable creatures in their own right. One can only hope you’re lucky enough to befriend one.”
Dreiki grinned, rubbing Ezo behind his ears, “You’re gonna grow into a big and strong beast one day, huh?”
“Focus on growing strong yourself. If Ezo ends up being an Ingen drake, that’ll put one more target on your back. Ingen drakes- especially trained ones- are symbols of status and power among certain nobility. Seeing a Noxa riding one would be like spitting in their face. You’ll need to protect Ezo, and prove you’re its worthy master.”
Proving that he was a worthy master? Dreiki hardly ever thought of himself as Ezo’s master. Out of all the friends he’d made since being left on his own, Ezo was the one he held most dear. He stroked his finger across the scars on Ezo’s shoulders. He wondered what sort of world it would have been if he had not rescued him that day. Dreiki pressed his face into the soft warm mane of his beloved friend, hugging tightly to it.
He really had not realized how tired he was. He felt his body relax as his mind drifted off to sleep. He dreamed of the days when he and Ezo were fully grown. Surrounded by his friends, not just his fellow Noxa, but the Tibur and even some of the nobility he’d met. He smiled as they laughed and reminisced on the night of the Siren Ceremony.
There was still so much left to do before he could live that dream. A clear tone chimed in his head. That’s right. He forgot to ask about the pendant Savekio had given to him and Ezo. How had he known to give it to them?