Aster

The Data Tower was apparently quite a ways away from the civilization in the distance, which made for a somewhat awkward flight experience. Despite your efforts to try to get some sleep, the thunder crackling above constantly disturbed you awake. You wondered how Gearsong felt, flying through the massive expanse of constant magic discharge. What a dangerous flight, you thought, that one would assume only a Lightning dragon could complete; yet, Gearsong dodged every bolt with ease.

Soon, she glanced towards you and said, “Let’s land for a moment and take a break from flying. My wings are a bit tired, and you must be scared to death with all the thunder up here.”

You nodded, and she began to descend onto one of the many golden hills in the valley. The both of you were maybe around 2/3rds of the way there already, and you felt impressed on top of everything that had happened so far. Gearsong yawned and stretched out her wings and body, lying down a ways away from you. You inquired about your surroundings.

“This place? This is the Sparklebolt Field,” she responded, glancing upwards, “and an unrelenting shower of arcane magic surges throughout this valley. This entire range is made out of arcane magic, in fact - including the entirety of Cyberspace. Technology was used as a base, but magic was the driving force behind its formation.” She pointed behind them towards the Data Tower. “The reason why Data Tower and its Portal is smack in the middle of Sparklebolt Field is so that Dracia and I can measure the most intense levels of energy that Cyberspace can handle every single day, and compile every recording into an almanac.”

Gearsong let out a sigh, glancing back towards you. “Dracia’s not lying when she says that we’ve been waiting for you, we really have. You and that map are what we’ve needed for so long to break past the barriers that separate us from Sornieth. Really, it often seemed like you were never gonna come, and that we would never be able to breathe fresh air again.”

Suddenly, your shoulders felt heavy, as if the weight of the world plus Cyberspace had been placed upon them. You weren’t sure whether to feel flattered or anxious, but nevertheless a certain pride swelled in your chest. Clutching the map closer to yourself, you asked about why Cyberspace needed you and the map to break out of its barriers.

“I’m not sure how much I know, let alone what I can tell you,” Gearsong responded, directing her attention towards the huge castle in the distance. “From what I know… it’s something about the map itself being a key, and having something to do with an arcane lock or whatever… trust me, I know King Alabaster will tell you everything once we get there. I’m sorry I can’t be of much help in that regard.”

You said that you understood, but in reality you really didn’t. The idea of an “arcane lock” sounded foreign to you, but you found yourself being unable to ask for clarification. A few silent moments passed before Gearsong took her turn with the questions.

“What’s it like out there… out in Sornieth?”

Surprisingly, you found this to be a tough question to answer. You mentioned the times when you interacted with other Clans and fought alongside your Clanmates against the Beastclans. You talk about all the different celebrations held by all eleven flights, hunting and scavenging for all sorts of different items, collecting all sorts of trinkets and rarities just for the sake of collecting… you talk about your home Clan too, and your traditions and ways of life. Although it seemed like you were just talking about your everyday life, you caught small glimpses of Gearsong’s tears.

Concerned, you apologize for making her cry; but she shakes her head and says, “No… these are good tears, I promise. Everything about Sornieth sounds so beautiful and happy, and I’m so happy that we’ll eventually be able to join you in that world… I’m also so, so grateful for you coming here, because otherwise none of us would’ve had a chance.”

Her words tugged at your heart, and you slowly understood and internalized them. A happy feeling surged through your veins, filling your chest with pride. You were happy to feel important and needed, and that your existence had meaning, even if it was just for this lost dragon Clan.

With a chuckle, Gearsong wiped away her tears and stood back up. “My wings are all rested up now, and we can keep going. It’s just a little bit further until Netcity, pal! Let’s get all the way through these thunderbolts so you can save us!”

Excited and motivated with a heated flame burning inside your heart now, you hopped onto the Wildclaw’s back before she took a running start, jumped off the cliff where they had rested, and launched the both of you into the air.