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Motivation

By nightdragon0

They think that most machines are merely leftovers of the ancient civilizations, deserving to be left forgotten. Perhaps they are partially right, yet many of the technologies are our own. We don’t merely pick up, restore and reuse…we study, modify and invent.

Still, what do we Dragoniers need machines of transport for when we can simply fly, effortlessly glide with the winds. Other races, like the Elven, have far more use for them.

But it has been acknowledged the usefulness of motor vehicles for transporting goods in convoys. The essential role of steamships in sea travel, where a journey across the vast oceans would undoubtedly tire us out.

And there’s the potential for mechanical enhancements too. These are becoming well known enough so it’s no longer a large staring matter at a Dragon with a mechanical limb. The question would instead be of what drove him to obtain such an enhancement.

So, is it the widely spread refusal to change? Or our pride as Dragons that keeps us in these views?

Perhaps it is both. After all, this is an age when science and magic collide. So much is still possible.

-A Dragonier Mechanic

Yakumo

February 2, 6500

BAM! The spinning disc hit its mark, dropping one of the targets. It also had the effect of opening one of the metallic barriers along the track and allowing us to pass.

Ferryl begun to turn as the track curved to the left. Realizing that she wasn’t changing direction fast enough, I hastily tapped on her left shoulder, urging the Red Wyrm to turn faster.

I could sense the grudge in her body language, but Ferryl complied nevertheless. She managed to make the turn with only a little skid and a slight bump into the wall.

Suddenly, everything felt so familiar. The feel of the track, and the wind, my natural element, howling through my mane. This particular track wound all the way through the underground city, with huge floodlights illuminating the track at regular intervals.

It was as if I’d gone back 40 years, to my life in the past.

“Activate the thrusters after the next gateway.” I instructed.

“Quit ordering me around!” Ferryl hissed between breaths.

“Just listen to me, I know what…” Distracted by the little argument, I almost missed the upcoming target. I was fortunately able to raise my arm and fire the disc shooter.

The disc once again hit its mark, dropping another of the metal barriers. Ferryl dashed past unhindered, rapidly approaching a ram ahead. Beyond that, a huge jump and glide would be required to make it across a tar pit.

Whether it was forgetfulness or spitefulness in the heat of the moment, Ferryl failed to activate the thrusters for herself.

“Ferryl! Thrusters! Damn it!” In Frustration, I slammed a button on the racing saddle’s control panel and activated the thrusters myself.

“Rargghh!” Ferryl was startled, but ended up being forced to sprint up the ram faster.

“Jump and glide!” I yelled.

Ferryl complied this time, though it was partially out of instinct after leaping off a high point. My wings were tempted to open too, only that they were now beneath the protective racing armor.

My wings were no longer even ‘real’ for that matter either, but they were still connected to my body and moved with its instincts.

Back on the race, the point was now to glide across the tar pit and avoid the various pillars that dotted the area.

“Hey there!” A female voice called.

Tia and that Sekmet, her Wyvern partner, of Hex Break. They were also making the jump, gliding in a position behind us, though slightly higher.

“Grrr!” I whirled around and raised my arms as a disc came spinning for my face. Although I managed to block in time, the distraction was quite enough.

It wasn’t illegal to fire the discs at other racers and I had no intention of letting the bratty birdwoman get away with it. I returned fire with a couple of shots, both of which Sekmet was able to dodge.

Tia let loose with another pair of discs. My counter shot knocked one away, but the other missed and allowed Tia’s disc to slam into Ferryl’s left side.

“Scales! Keep them off me!” Ferryl turned her head back and snarled.

“Keep your mind on the gliding and I’ll handle the shooting!” I hissed.

“Then why in why in Fafnir’s name are they hitting me?”

“Do you think I can…scales! Watch out!”

“Huh? What the?”

WHAM!

Ferryl smacked headfirst into one of the pillars, sending us both tumbling into the tar pit below. Our opponents simply soared over us as we struggled to the surface, coughing and spluttering.

“Better luck next time, old timer!” Tia taunted.

I was mad. And I got even madder when we spend the rest of the day cleaning the tar out of our equipment.

Yakumo

February 12, 6500

“Well, look on the bright side guys. At least you’re not coming in last place anymore.” Altlen remarked.

“But on the other claw, third-last place isn’t helping much either.” Hyshaji added in.

“Don’t be a smart-mouth kid.” I snarled, hopping off Ferryl’s back.

We’d returned to our maintenance tent after another unsuccessful race. The ‘tent’ was more accurately a section of the compound fenced off and covered by a piece of canvas. Such an area was set up and stocked with equipment to provide quick maintenance of the racing equipment.

Almost two weeks into the junior league races and we weren’t making much progress. This whole matter simply wasn’t working out as I’d planned it.

“Take your own advice.” Ferryl growled, as Altlen helped her remove her racing gear. “And quit reminding me about doing this and doing that!”

“The point is, you keep forgetting!” I roared. “I’ve got to keep telling you to activate the thrusters or make a turn!”

“And that’s cause you keep distracting me!” The Red Wyrm bent her neck and glared me eye-to-eye. A pose meant to intimidate. Of course, I wasn’t about to be taken in.

“Me? Distracting you? You hardly even listen to me in the first place!”

Ottus came out of the tent to help Altlen with the racing armor. I saw him sigh and shake his head out of the corner of my eye.

Ferryl, unfortunately, wasn’t about to stop yelling.

“You don’t have to keep ordering me around! I can think for myself! I’m not partially retarded like those other Dragons that work as mounts!”

“Nope, you’re pretty much completely retarded anyway!”

“I’m probably not as bad as that other Wyrm friend of ours!” Ferryl snapped.

I immediately felt as if some blood vessel had popped inside my head.

“Look you…” I stomped forward, butting the flat section of my forehead against hers. “Rinok has done more for me than you’ll ever know! So don’t blame your own slagging mess ups on him!”

“And whose bloody mess up is this in the first place?”

“Grrrr….”

“Rrrrrrrr….”

“Guys, please…” Altlen began.

“Shut up!” Both of us drew away and stomped off in different directions.

Hyshaji

February 12, 6500

I eventually found Yakumo in his usual spot, in a roosting position on the wall two streets down from Ottus’ place.

By roosting position, I was referring to the pose in a squatting-like stance, gripping the roosting surface with our talons and claws. Yakumo’s tail was clearly twitching about in rage, as were his claws, which almost seemed to be tearing holes in the brick wall.

“What is it kid?” Yakumo growled unhappily as I took up a similar roosting posture by his side.

Even since I’d taken on the name Hyshaji, it had taken a while for the others to get used to it. As far as I was concerned, my identity of Ryokos was now left behind in the past. But to Yakumo, I was probably going to be referred to as ‘kid’ for a long time.

“Why don’t you come down to the clubhouse and have a drink?” I suggested. “It might make you feel better.”

“Great, now you’re the one inviting me to go drinking.” He gave me a fierce glare.

“Hey, are you still mad that I accidentally called myself your apprentice and everyone thinks it’s true?” I waved my claws.

“You’re the one enjoying it the most.” Yakumo’s tone softened slightly. “At least you’re getting along with Yako and the rest of the gang.”

“Yeah, well they taught me to play poker and all.” I scratched my head. “And I promised the guys I’d be there tonight.”

“Humph, enjoy yourself kid.” Yakumo huffed. “But like I said, keep out of trouble.”

“I know, I know, and I’ve been sticking to that.” I nodded. “But this is about…”

“If it’s about the racing, then don’t bother. You go down to the clubhouse. I’ve got some thinking to do.” With that, Yakumo leapt off the wall and spread his wings, disappearing between the buildings of the underground city.

Seems like I’m the only one enjoying my time down here…I thought as I took off.

Passing me off as a Twilight Blades initiate had been Yakumo’s idea, and I seriously wondered if he’d regretted it.

But I certainly didn’t mind. I’d gotten to know a few of the club regulars, and the other guild members had been welcoming in general. It had been far too long since I’d truly felt accepted anywhere.

Sure they were a rowdy bunch, but I guess Black Dragoniers like me are rowdy in general.

It was a short flight to the bar, and I quickly made my way through the crowded area to meet Yako at the entrance to the guild section.

“Well, if it isn’t Yakumo’s apprentice.” Yako greeted. “The old grouch didn’t want to come down eh?”

“Hey, not so loud.” I urged the Green Dragonier.

“Sorry, guess you’re a little embarrassed.” Yako chuckled. “Don’t worry, no one gets past me.”

Somehow, I just had a bad feeling, like I was being watched. However, turning around got me a view of nothing other than a crowded pub.

Ferryl

February 12, 6500

“Yakumo, that blasted lizard!” I muttered, landing in the spectator stands of the old stadium.

The rundown place was the same as always, forgotten in the midst of the expanding city. Sure, I’d spent almost all my time in the past week practicing here, but running around an empty stadium is quite different from running a race.

Rinok usually hung out around here, for he declined to come to the race track every time. I would come here and give him the rundown of the each race, but he never seemed to have much to say.

But today, I was here to tell him that I quit. Yakumo and I barely got along as we were. This kind of environment was making things even worse.

As I looked down from the spectator stands, I spotted Rinok standing by the side of the track. The white-scaled Wyrm hadn’t noticed me yet, and continued on his business of chewing on something.

No, wait…is he having trouble breathing?

It seemed that way from this distance, but curiosity got the better of me and I continued watching. He couldn’t have had breathing difficulties, or he would’ve collapsed by now. Yet, his jaws kept opening and closing.

I was confused as I continued to glance between Rinok and the pile of stones in the corner. Then, I caught the gleam of his full-length neck brace.

His elemental breath!

Watching Rinok try again and again, yet fail to produce anything, everything suddenly clicked into place. If his vocal cords and the sections around them had been badly damaged, that would include the nodes in his throat that were responsible for producing his breaths.

To lose that ever present sensation of our innate element…that was unthinkable.

“Rinok!” I called, leaping off the spectator stand.

The White Wyrm looked up in surprise as I flew in, landing beside him. I’d become prominent enough in reading his facial expressions to tell that he hadn’t known I was there. Perhaps part of it was that I’d been quiet this time, rather than barging in cursing Yakumo to death.

“I’m sorry…about your elemental breath.” I said.

“You saw?” Rinok’s voice synthesizer conveyed no emotions, but his face certainly did.

“Yes, I did.” I nodded. “I didn’t mean to…”

“It’s fine.” Rinok nodded, before turning back to glance at the pile of stones.

“Does…Yakumo know?” I asked.

“Perhaps he has guessed. Or he might not. I don’t know.”

Both of us were silent for a while, before I ran up and stood face-to-face with him.

“Aren’t you angry at Yakumo? For having caused all this damage to you?” I blurted out. “Leaving you? Then coming back and barely even talking to you?”

“I am, but…” It took a while for Rinok to compose his answer. “To blame him is also to blame myself, for it was my negligence as well.”

“I’m sorry…” I muttered. “It’s just that…”

“There are problems in relationships between you two?”

“It’s not that simple.”

“I am not one to ask. But I know Yakumo well enough, maybe different from you.” Rinok raised a forelimb and put it to his chest. “What he does not show, he bears within.”

I now felt even worse about the argument earlier. I’d definitely been too harsh in dissing Rinok. Far too harsh.

“I’m sorry…” I placed my head on the ground in front of Rinok in a submissive position.

The startled Rinok listened as I recounted the earlier argument with Yakumo to him. I had fully expected him to get angry.

However, I felt the side of his head against mine, nuzzling me. Rinok’s way of telling me that it was all right…and a very comforting way.

Perhaps I should cut Yakumo some slack…maybe just this once…

Yakumo

February 12, 6500

Flying around the city had helped me to calm down and it was late in the night by the time I made my way to the private hangout of the Twilight Blades. Of course, the artificial lighting remained the same as always, and the only way to tell the time was looking at the clocks located around the area.

Nevertheless, the underground city of Fasene had its fair share of dark alleyways and small streets.

Hyshaji was probably still at the clubhouse, and I planned to meet up with him. Perhaps get a drink or two now that I’d calmed down.

However, I spotted a robed Green Dragonier leaning against a wall just before the bar. It wasn’t just any robe, but one that was silver colored with golden linings. Meaning that the fellow was reasonably wealthy.

“Hey, you’re Yakumo, aren’t you?” He waved.

“And what if I am?” I asked, mentally readying my hidden wrist blades.

“Taue is my name.” He bowed. “I was a fan of yours, back in the days when you were with Rinok. Almost 40 years ago, was it? And I couldn’t help but notice your reemergence.”

That caused me to raise an eye. With the fast pace at which everything moved down here, my past of racing should’ve faded well into obscurity by now. The fact that this Dragonier seemed to know me was worth noting.

“How’d you know where to find me in the first place?”

“Someone mentioned an apprentice of yours was at the bar. And I guess that you might come down here too.”

Hmm, either the kid got careless or some of the guys at the guild house were too loud-mouthed.

“Anyway, I may not be back on the scene for long.” I replied.

“Trouble with the racing gear? I noticed that you weren’t well up to date.”

“And your point would be?”

“Oh yes, how impolite of me. I’m aware that must be rather suspicious having a stranger come up to you like this.” Taue fished out a plastic card and held it up. “I’m a manager at Nightshade Inc. We’re one of the manufacturers of racing gear. You’re likely to have heard of us.”

“Indeed, I’ve seen the advertisements around town.”

“And I would like you to test a new set of equipment of ours. State-of-the-art, not even release to the markets yet.” Taue handed a folded slip of paper to me. “By test, I mean that we’ll give you a free sample. All you have to do is report back to us on the results.”

“Hmm…” I took the slip of paper and read through the product specifications. “Why me, and not some high-end racer?”

“Think of it as my way of thanking you.” Taue smiled. “I used to bet on your races back then, and I made enough from it to get me to where I am today.”

Taking another look at the slip of paper, I noted the distinct similarity of this situation compared to how Emund had first offered Rinok and myself to join Hex Break.

It was true that Ottus didn’t have the best racing gear in town. Better than the meager supplies Rinok and I had worked with when first starting our careers, but still somewhat insufficient. Especially with Ferryl as my racing mount.

This was something that could help greatly if I wanted to help pay Altlen’s debt in time. Could I really have gotten lucky twice?

“All right, I’d like to discuss this a bit more.” I nodded.

“Excellent.” Taue clapped his claws. “But not here in the street. Let’s go somewhere a little more discreet, now shall we?”

Hyshaji

February 12, 6500

So my gut feeling of uneasiness had been right after all.

No sooner had I left the pub did I spot Yakumo talking to a suspicious-looking Dragonier. While I could have just walked up to them, I decided against it and slipped into a dark alley, pressing my back against a wall.

Yakumo didn’t mention that he’d be meeting anyone. So why keep it from the rest of us?

I couldn’t hear them clearly from my position, but I did make out several words related to racing.

Hmm…so it’s got nothing to do with me.

It did serve to ease my tension a little. At this point, I was truly beginning to trust Yakumo, but my experience in the past had taught me to be cautious.

The two begun walking down the street and I quietly left my hiding place to follow them. There were sufficient dark corners for me to stay hidden, and the relatively deserted streets made things even easier.

Yakumo didn’t seem to be on alert like he was normally, being too engrossed in his conversation with the other Dragonier. From what I could tell, it was all about the times in the past when Yakumo had been a regular racer down here.

Things got a little complicated when the two entered a block of apartments and got into an elevator. I obviously couldn’t follow them in there. My only choice was to dash for the stairwell and manually climb up to the next floor.

Peering out at the next landing, I realized that the lift was still moving upwards. With a silent curse, I took the next flight of stairs two at a time as I made it to the third floor’s landing.

But the lights on the wall indicated that the elevator was still going up.

Blasted lizards! I thought, making up way for the stairs again.

I couldn’t remember how many floors I climbed in this manner, only that I felt like my lungs were about to burst.

Their destination had been the rooftop and I was out of breath by the time I reached it. Still, I had to carefully control my breathing as I watched them through a creak in the stairwell’s door.

Both took off and headed for a building further down the road. Neither of the two seemed to be making an attempt to deter any pursuers, simply taking the most direct route there. However, what I did instead was glide from building to building, keeping watch on them from afar.

Nightshade Inc. I read the signboard on the structure of their destination. It looked like some sort of company building.

As the pair landed and folded their wings, I made my own descent onto an adjacent building. Hiding behind the ledge, I watched the two enter a rooftop garage on the Nightshade Inc. building.

Now’s my chance! I glided over to the Nightshade Inc. building and perched on the ledge.

Unfortunately, the rooftop had nothing for me to hide behind, and I was forced to stay and crawl along the ledge towards the garage.

I’d gotten right in front of the garage when the door abruptly creaked open.

Scales!

Caught off guard, there was nothing else I could do but drop off the ledge and cling on to the underside. My talons made an astonishingly loud crunch as they collided with the stone wall of the building.

“Did you hear something?” Yakumo’s voice sounded.

“Hm? What did you hear?” The other Dragonier asked.

Yakumo’s footsteps became louder and louder as he approached my position. Silently cursing, I folded my wings and squeezed my body into the small space between the underside of the ledge and the wall. There were no proper grips for my claws and I had to dig them into the stone.

I held my breath as Yakumo looked over the ledge.

“Sorry, must’ve been my imagination.”

“Anyway, I’ll come and meet up with your after the race in three days time.” The other voice continued. “I’m eager to know how this new product turns out.”

“So am I.” Yakumo responded. “So am I.”

There was more scuffling of footsteps before Yakumo took off once more. Dropping out from my hiding place, I checked that the coast was clear before following Yakumo as he wound low between the buildings.

Like before, I had to keep my distance and almost lost sight of Yakumo a couple of times. Finally, the Green Dragonier rounded a corner and descended to the ground. Following suit, I suddenly realized that his package was on the ground, but Yakumo was nowhere to be found.

WHAM! Yakumo leapt off a nearby ledge and knocked me to the floor. Before I even knew what was happening, I found myself pinned down on my belly with my arms held behind my back.

“Not bad at all kid.” Yakumo chuckled. “It takes a lot to sneak up on me.”

“Urgh…” I grunted.

The older Dragonier then released me and pulled me to my feet.

“So, thought I was up to something suspicious?” He asked.

“I did at first. But it’s just about the racing, isn’t it?”

“It pays to be on your toes kid.” Yakumo laughed. “Basically, an old fan of mine decided to sponsor me for some new racing gear….”

Hyshaji

February 12, 6500

“What do you think Ottus?” Yakumo queried.

“Looks perfectly legit to me.” The Lycan tapped at his monitor.

“Everything looks in order too.” Altlen agreed. “I’ve gone through the systems and the instruction manual you were given. Everything does what the manual says it’s supposed to.”

Back in Ottus’ garage, Yakumo had finally laid out his new set of equipment for all to see.

I had to admit that it was a rather elaborate-looking set, consisting of a helmet with a visor, a pair of rear thrusters and a protective vest. All in a dark purple color, and obviously designed for a Wyrm’s body.

“So you’d certify it as all right to try out?” Yakumo remarked.

“That Nightshade Inc. guy was probably the real deal after all.” Altlen nodded. “I mean, just look at this stuff! The helmet with a heat sensor and mapping functions. Thrusters which auto-compensate for the user’s body motion, in addition to utilizing a brand new Aeroomotor stabilizer to more efficiently burn the…”

Moaning, I backed away from the table. Altlen was getting into his excited rants again.

“We get the picture Altlen.” Yakumo slapped his shoulder. “As long as everything works.”

“We’ll need to give it a test run to be certain.” Altlen replied. “But Ferryl’s not back yet.”

“And after that argument today, she’ll probably be in a sore mood.” I added in.

“Hyshaji is right you know.” Ottus agreed.

“I’m most definitely in a sore mood.” Ferryl shoved the door open and entered the garage, followed by Rinok.

Everyone was silent as the Red Wyrm walked up to Yakumo.

“But I’ll give the race another shot.” She finished. “Maybe I was quite unruly today. I…apologize for that.”

Yakumo reacted by giving her a slight smirk, to which Ferryl huffed and turned away. Just then, Rinok pushed past our group and stared at the new racing gear in surprise.

“Some new stuff Yakumo managed to get a hold of.” Ottus informed him. “Pretty nice, eh?”

“So I’ve got to wear this now?” Ferryl sighed.

“It’s much better than you think.” Altlen cut in. “I’ve got to tell you all about how…”

As Altlen launched into another of his rants, Yakumo pulled me aside.

“Kid, I’ve got a little job for you.” Yakumo whispered.

“Will you stop calling me…”

“Listen kid, I need you to spy on Taue, that Nightshade Inc. Dragonier I met earlier. Think you’re up to it?”

“Wait a minute, spy on him?” I asked, confused.

“I just want to be sure that there’s nothing fishy going with him.” Yakumo then grinned. “Think of this as a little initiation test if you’re going to be my apprentice.”

“But I…”

“Do it successfully and I’ll personally treat you to all you can drink at the clubhouse for one night.”

“Well…” I paused.

To tell the truth, the drinks I got in the clubhouse were usually the complimentary ones, or treats from the other members. Besides, I was no amateur at sneaking around places. How hard could this one be?

“Well, some spy work sounds like fun.” I folded my arms. “So, when do I get started?”