The day seems to want to keep Aerobolt from leaving to rescue this Shadow Vulpine called "Revaera"... Still... all that happens is or will be important later on...
Chapter two of my third book... (Really SHOULD get back to book two dammit...)
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Arrabatla: Outcast (Book III)
Chapter Two-
Setbacks

The second Aerobolt woke up he dashed out his room, ignoring the dizziness of getting up too quickly. Aerobolt wanted to get out of Castla nu Craara as soon as he could, undetected, so he could reach Qiin. He desperately hoped Qiin was still alive. The uncertainty almost kept him there, but if there was a chance Qiin was still alive, then he would take that chance.
As Aerobolt sped into Crossroads, he stopped and looked into Commons, wondering if he should have breakfast. No. The less time he spends dawdling, the better. Then he realized that he is going to need to pack supplies for his journey. Shaking his head in annoyance, he started down the corridor to the Commons. He stopped abruptly, before he even saw Fielra standing in front of the cafeteria. After last night’s encounter, Aerobolt wanted to avoid his leader, wondering if she now has some sort of vendetta against him. Aerobolt shook his head again.
‘Stop being so ridiculous. Go in, get your supplies, and go,’ he told himself in his mind over and over until his paws finally moved. They moved somewhat grudgingly. He barely took three small steps until Fielra looked over and saw him. Too late to turn back now it seemed. Fielra strode over to him, wearing a face that Aerobolt could not read. He hoped she wasn’t still angry with him, even though Aerobolt could feel anger bubbling up inside him over her reluctance to help.
“Aerobolt,” she began curtly. “You did not speak to anyone over what we discussed last night?” she made the question immediately. She must still be upset.
Aerobolt shook his head stiffly, biting his lip, trying not to say what was really on his mind.
“Good,” she paused. “Kyaeta has stopped by early this morning. He said he wanted to see you as soon as possible. I suggest you see him when you can.”
Aerobolt barely suppressed a groan. What now? Can he ever get out of here in a quick fashion? Guess not… “Alright, Mistress Fielra.”
“And don’t even think about mentioning the ‘R’ word to him, got it?”
Another barely suppressed groan. “Fine.”
Fielra nodded at him, “You know where to find him…” she said before starting back towards her quarters slowly, as if she were wary of something. Aerobolt could not help but think she is wary of him, after what he said to her last night. Aerobolt sidled into the cafeteria and did not let this next groan be suppressed.
“Well good morning to you too,” said Eira. Aerobolt had nearly bumped into her as he walked in. She was carrying leftovers with her. They looked like scrambled eggs.
“Sorry. I am just in a hurry,” Aerobolt muttered.
Eira took a closer look at him. “Is everything alright? You seem very troubled.” A pause. “Your fur is a mess! You had another rough night, did you?” she asked.
“Y…yeah…” That was not untrue; Aerobolt did have a rough night, but should he tell her why?
“Did you have another dream?” she pressed, with a more urgent whisper.
Aerobolt took a breath then paused. He did, but should he tell her what? “I…”
Eira’s voice got softer. “Hey… what is wrong, Aerobolt? What did you dream…?”
Aerobolt sighed. He knew he was not going to get out of there if he didn’t tell her. So he did. Everything except the revaera part. He watched as Eira nodded after each sentence. And when finished, she was silent.
“Hm… so a Shadow Vulpine that is in danger…” she finally said. “You were like that too, weren’t you?” she asked suddenly.
“Huh?” Aerobolt was caught off guard. “Y-yeah… I guess I was…” he said distantly. He could not take his thoughts off Qiin.
“And you had someone to save you, right?” she pressed. When Aerobolt nodded, she continued, “But he does not?” Aerobolt shook his head. “Are you… by any chance… going to be his savior?”
Aerobolt did not move his head. If he said yes, was she going to tell Fielra that he left against her orders? Aerobolt shuddered at the thought.
“Aerobolt, you can tell me anything. What is this all about?” Eira’s voice went soft again.
Aerobolt took another deep breath. “Well it’s… it’s just FIelra…” he began uncertainly.
“Fielra?”
“Yeah… she won’t… she won’t do anything to help him…” he said. Had he crossed the point of no return?
“What!? Why!?” Eira yelped incredulity. Aerobolt looked around to see if anyone heard. Thankfully, it seemed no one did. He shushed her.
“Not so loud! She won’t help because…” he trailed off. If he told her of the revaera part, he would be disobeying orders. “Because…” he sighed. “Fielra told me not to tell anyone about this… especially why she won’t do anything…” he said.
Eira stared at him for a while. “I see… is this… Shadow Vulpine… a bad creature to her?”
“Yes. But she won’t let me tell anyone why.”
“Then he must be bad for an entirely different reason,” Eira concluded. “But what? You can tell me. I won’t tell Fielra on you. I am not any ‘tattle-tale-teller’ like some little cub you know…”
“I uh… Are you sure?” Aerobolt asked, awkwardly. He thought of how serious and stubborn she is. Would she deny her personality for the sake of this secret?
“Anything for the greatest mentor a vixen could ask for,” she replied. “If you think I am so serious as to be careless with dangerous information, then you are wrong. We are friends… Friends are supposed to keep each other’s secrets, not hide them…”
“Okay fine… but please try not to be loud with your reaction… because Fielra was…” he said. He paused and hesitated. “Fielra won’t… help that Shadow Vulpine because he is… what is called… revaera.” There it was. The point of no return. Aerobolt waited for Eira’s reaction, but it did not come. She just stood there with the widest eyes Aerobolt had ever seen on her. “E-Eira…?” he asked nervously.
“So he is… revaera? Now I see why… that makes a lot of sense. But despite all that, you are still going to help him?” Eira said.
“I am more stubborn than you will ever be when it comes to situations like this,” Aerobolt said.
“Alone?” she pressed.
“Probably.” Aerobolt said in a strangely defeated voice.
“Probably not.”
“Why?” he asked already knowing the answer.
“Because I am coming with you of course.”
Aerobolt knew it. “But you don’t have to!”
Eira was stubborn as usual. “No. But I still won’t let you go on your own.”
“Do you even support what I am doing?” Aerobolt continued, thinking about how hated revaeras apparently are.
“I admit, I am questioning it… but mostly because it defies what Fielra wishes of you,” she answered.
“But what do you think of this whole revaera thing?”
Eira thought for a moment. “I do think it is not exactly a good trait, but I don’t think it abhorrently awful like everyone else does,” she said.
Aerobolt was silent. He did not know what to think of Eira’s decision to go with him. He thought about how much trouble they would be in when Fielra finds out. He knew Fielra would figure it out before they could get back. And how would they explain a Shadow Vulpine suddenly appearing at their gates with them? He was almost afraid of what Fielra would do if that would happen. No. When that would happen. Aerobolt was going to do this regardless. “Okay Eira… you can come… but first I have to go see what Kyaeta wants. Afterwards, hopefully we can leave,” he said.
“Kyaeta is here? I wonder whatever for? It’s none of my business… go take of business there. I’ll stay here and prepare supplies for us,” Eira said.
“Okay. I’ll see you soon, alright?” Aerobolt asked as he turned to leave.
Eira nodded. “See you soon, Arrabalta.”
With that Aerobolt left. Now he had to go and face Kyaeta, whatever he wants. As he passed through Commons again, he looked up and saw the sun’s shadows on the walls indicating it was already midmorning. ‘Iridescence almighty! When am I going to get out of here!?’ he howled in his mind. These setbacks were starting to get on his nerves. He headed towards Gnome Spire when he reached Crossroads. Kyaeta, who lives in a mountain stronghold, would most definitely be there. He broke into a run as he ran down the tunnel lit in a dim greenish light. He stopped at the slab of the Spire. Where in this Spire would he be though? The training grounds? Gnome’s quarters? Aerobolt decided to try the training grounds first since they were down the hall some more. He ran down the hall. Even when he was out of breath, he kept going. He nearly crashed in the doors to the training grounds as a result. He flung them open gracelessly and stumbled in a few steps before falling flat on his chin.
“There he is!” said the voice he was looking for. “Are you alright, Arrabalta?” Aerobolt saw a Kobold handpaw floating in front of his face. He grabbed it and was pulled to his paws by its impressive strength. He was looking into the bright yellow eyes of Kyaeta, the leader of the Kobold Warriors of Ieron. Gnome was standing a few yards behind him. “I wanted to see you!” he said.
“Fielra told me you were looking for me. So… what is it I can do for you?” Aerobolt dusted his legs off.
“A journey with me,” was Kyaeta’s reply.
Aerobolt’s face fell. “A journey?”
“Yes my vulpine ally. It would be an honor would it not? For the both of us?”
“I suppose so, but… but where?” Aerobolt was not about to give up hope just yet.
“The Thunderstruck Mountains. There is something going on up there that has me a little worried. I fear either Shadow Vulpines or Kobold Bandits are up to something. Thor shall accompany us there. If you would?”
Aerobolt’s eyes lit back up. The Thunderstruck Mountains? The mountain range constantly battered by thunderstorms was very close to Hydyraen! Finally a lucky break. This would give him an alibi to leave Caslta nu Craara without FIelra knowing truly why. “Y-yes, Master Kyaeta. I-I accept. On one condition…” he thought of Eira.
“What is that, son?” Kyaeta asked.
“That Eira Farus Tharo may come also,” Aerobolt said. When he saw Kyaeta’s uncertainty, his face fell again.
“I am not certain, Arrabalta,” he began. “Four of us traveling may slow us down too much,” he said. “We may need to get there as soon as possible.”
Aerobolt shook his head. “Yes I know, but what if it is more dangerous? What if we need more paws helping out?”
“That is a valid point,” Kyaeta was thinking again.
“If I were you, Kyaeta, I would take Miss Eira with you lot. Her powers are like no other after all,” Gnome chimed in. “And besides, you have a problem with being under-numbered in terms like these.”
“Stop it Horus,” Kyaeta said to Gnome. Gnome’s birth name was Horus. Kyaeta turned back to Aerobolt, “Alright she can come. But too much hindrance from her, and she is out, got it?”
Aerobolt nodded. “I will make sure she understands!” he promised.
“Right! So we shall take our leave as soon as everyone is ready?” Kyaeta prompted.
“Indeed. Where shall we meet?”
“The usual place for anyone. Crossroads,” Kyaeta answered with a pat on Aerobolt’s shoulder. Aerobolt took a step towards the door, but Kyaeta stopped him. “Any particular reason why you want Miss Eira joining us?” he asked.
“Er, no, none really,” Aerobolt lied. “Why?”
“Well, son, you are about that age when you start thinking about your future… and who you may wish to spend it with…” Kyaeta sounded strangely distant.
What? Was Kyaeta suggesting that Aerobolt wanted to be mates with Eira? No! That’s not at all what Aerobolt wants right now! And with Eira!? Aerobolt simply could not see that happening! “No Kyaeta! That’s not at all why I want Eira in our party! I do not wish to have a mate just yet… I do not even have such feelings yet for anybody…” he said.
Kyaeta relaxed. “Okay it was just a question. I apologize if I offended you in any way,” he said.
“No offense taken, just surprised is all,” Aerobolt said more calmly.
“Alright. So, until we meet again?” Kyaeta held out his handpaw.
“Master Kyaeta? We are going to meet in a very short time,” Aerobolt took it and shook it anyway.
Kyaeta smiled. “It is a habit to perform these formalities. Normally I do not see some beasts for a time longer than even your life,” he said.
Aerobolt nodded in understanding. Turning back, he fled back down Gnome tunnel to meet Eira back at the Commons. He hoped she would understand the circumstances Kyaeta just put him under. He wondered what was happening at the Thunderstruck Mountains. What could be happening there to draw the attention of the Kobold Warrior leader? Then his mind wandered towards Qiin. He desperately hoped the poor Shadow Vulpine was still okay. His cry for help reverberated through Aerobolt’s head as he worked his way back to the Commons and it would not go away.
Aerobolt almost tripped and fell backwards when he saw Eira talking to Fielra. Fielra looked flustered. Eira looked frustrated. Oh no… did Eira tell Fielra what was going on? He desperately hoped not. They were too far away for Aerobolt to hear them talking, and if he got any closer, they’d see him for sure. He decided to interrupt the conversation before something else could happen. Revealing himself, he called their names. “Mistress Fielra! Eira! Kyaeta wants me to go with him to the Thun—“
“You disobeyed me, Arrabalta! You told Miss Eira of the dream!” Fielra was upset. “What have you to say for yourself!?” Aerobolt was surprised to see how hurt Fielra was. She must have thought Aerobolt would not ever disobey her.
“I am just too moral to let anyone get hurt without a good reason,” Aerobolt said defensively. “And if you are not moral enough to help others in time of need… I question whether you really are ‘Guardians of Life’,” Aerobolt was surprised at the ferocity in his own voice.
Fielra looked aghast. “I-if our savior says this to me…” she started quietly. She completely faltered. She must have had no idea where she was going with that. Aerobolt looked over to Eira with a glare.
“I’m sorry, Aerobolt, she pressured it out of me…” Eira said apologetically. “But I totally agree with you. This Shadow Vulpine has done nothing to hurt anybody. And though I agree with her that revaera is not a good thing by any means… I disagree with her that revaera is a bad thing by any means. Mistress Fielra. Why do you hate revaera so much?”
Fielra was as white as her scarf and cloak. “What is there to like!? It is so… unnatural and not meant to be! Reynard and vixen were made for each other! Not reynard and reyanrd and vixen and vixen!” So vixens can be revaera too? Aerobolt could not help but find the whole concept interesting.
“Mistress Fielra, listen to yourself! You sound like something that is afraid of the dark! Afraid of something completely harmless!” Eira cried.
“Enough!” Fielra shouted. “You two are not going anywhere near Hydyraen, got it!? And if you do, Iridescence is always watching you,” she said with a growl.
Aerobolt was incredulous. “So you want this revaera to suffer in Hydyraen until someone kills him?!”
“It is none of our business what the Shadow Vulpines do! It is only our business when they threaten the Seven Forces of Life!” Fielra yelled.
“Funny how it seems the Shadow Vulpines think we are deliberately hindering their practices… not just those that involve the Seven Forces of Life,” Aerobolt said in a low voice.
“Then they are overreacting every time their plans do fail!” Fielra was not calm. At this point, nearby Guardians were watching them fight. Aerobolt wished they didn’t.
“And how do their plans fail, Fielra?! Do you think there is some organization besides ours trying to help Nyethra?” Aerobolt asked.
“Of course there are. The Kobold Warriors are a perfect example!” Fielra said.
“The Warriors only seem to mix in the affairs of the Bandits and not the Shadow Vulpines…” Aerobolt countered.
“The Shrouded Wolf Tribe? The Sharra Cult? The Cryogen Foxes? Many others?” Fielra listed them all off.
“How often do the Shadow Vulpines mention them? All I remember hearing about from them were the Guardians.”
“Are you lying to me Arrabalta? This would not be the first time anymore,” Fielra demanded.
Aerobolt flinched. He was ashamed to admit she was right. But he is not lying! “I am not lying! I promise you… or I will leave the Guardians for good.”
Fielra was taken aback. “You… are that serious about this Qiin character, aren’t you…?”
Aerobolt’s voice grew quiet without his realization. “I do, Fielra. I care about others when they are hurt. Too much in fact. I am willing to do anything to help. Even if I fail. Even if it turns out worse for me.”
“Then go. Go save the revaera, but do not expect any of us to welcome you back,” Fielra said with so much pain in her voice.
Aerobolt’s eyes grew wide. Eira was loud. “F-Fielra!?”
“I cannot have revaera in my citadel. I am… afraid… of them,” Fielra said.
“A-afraid?” Eira continued. “Why?” Aerobolt couldn’t believe what he heard to pay too much more attention. Fielra was kicking him out of Castla nu Craara if he went to save this fox’s life?
“I am afraid of anything our Goddess is not willing to speak with us about…” Fielra said.
“That’s it? Is that all?” Eira was in disbelief. Her voice was too quiet because of it. She and Fielra stood there, staring at each other. Pain in Fielra’s eyes. Anger in Eira’s. Several moments seemed to pass. Several hours seemed to pass. All the other Guardians had lost interest and dispersed at this point. Finally Eira spoke. And when she spoke, she reached her handpaws up to her neck and… “Then you are not fit to be the Head Guardian of Life. I refuse to serve under someone like you. I take my leave from the Guardians of Life.” With that, she pulled her Scarf off and placed it in Fielra’s trembling paws.
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BOOK ONE! http://www.furaffinity.net/view/11187661/
BOOK TWO! https://www.furaffinity.net/view/12848456/
CHAPTER ONE! http://www.furaffinity.net/view/13229506/
SERIES INDEX! http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/5340298/