Chereads / The Legends of Arcadium / Chapter 5 - A New beggining

Chapter 5 - A New beggining

Anubis was delighted; he and his brother were finally accepted by the guild now they were on the road to becoming adventurers! But first, they had to train, very hard. He knows that being an adventurer brings great freedom and satisfaction but it also entails that he and by extension his brother have to navigate dangerous paths and delve into dark and deadly ruins. Every cave, every forest, every ruin, they were all full of danger. And this time they couldn't just simply fly away and never look back! No, now that they're adventurers, they have to stay and fight!

When they were young their father taught them how to fight, how to survive in the wild, how to hunt, what are poisonous to eat, and what is not. And although their father taught them well he cannot teach them all. By the time they had grown up their father had already taught them all they needed to learn. The first time Anubis heard of the Adventurers Guild was during one of his visits in town, he was told by his mother to buy ingredients and supplies for the kitchen, and while he was busy scouring the produce section he overheard two individuals talking about this place where people go to train and better themselves in fighting and defending themselves. Intrigued, Anubis approached the two and asked what place they were talking about. The two humans answered his question by pointing out the Adventurers Guild and telling him about all the services that it gives.

After learning all the information needed he gave the two humans his thanks and returned to his chore. When dinner came that night he talked to his parents about what he had learned from the two humans. Teine who had been listening silently the asked a question whether he and his brother could join this guild.

Both of their parents' faces were filled with worry, but seeing that their two sons needed further training, they helped them with their wish in further strengthening themselves after seeing them both grow as great beings who would fight to protect and help people out of the goodwill. Their parents caved and finally permitted their children to join only if they promise to fly throughout the way and to only rest in caves that are safe from any danger.

Agreeing to the deal, the brothers went to bed that night with smiles on their faces. The next day after breakfast the family went to work in preparing for the day that the two brothers would start their trip. Their mother went to the market and bought camping essentials, cooking pans, heaters, some maps, and a few knickknacks for their journey, their father meanwhile started making Teine a brand new intricately made saddle for transporting their items and for Anubis to safely sit on during the flight.

Anubis meanwhile was going through his things putting them in order and making sure that all he needed for the journey are prepared and ready. He took his trusty bag and put aside all his clothes inside, choosing to carry only three pairs of clothes and a set of books for him and Teine, some pen and paper and also a photo of his family, all were then placed inside the bag in a neat and orderly fashion.

That night the family had a wonderful dinner, the table was filled to the brim with food from delicious fruits and vegetables to mouth-watering meats and some wine to add to the feast. Anubis and Teine then took the time to spend their final hours with their parents before they have to leave in the coming daybreak.

The next morning the family each had a tearful goodbye, the brothers promising their parents to keep each other safe. Their mother embraced both of them and told them to always have each other's backs, their father telling them to be vigilant from danger.

After sitting down in his saddle and settling down for the long flight Anubis and Teine looked at their parents' faces, smiled, and finally took off. To start their journey of becoming the better versions of themselves.

Coming around from his reminiscence Anubis looked at his brother who was curled up in his corner of their room. 'And to think that we only have left home for a few weeks or so' he thought. 'And now look at us officially Adventurers and will start training tomorrow.' Smiling and putting down his pen and closing down his newly bought diary Anubis stood up from his chair and took the sheet from his bed. Tiptoeing closer to his brother he settled down on his neck, covering himself with his sheet and snuggling close to his brother's natural warmth Anubis fell asleep with a smile on his face.

The next morning they were woken up by a knock on their door. Anubis was the first to wake up, standing and patting his clothes and fur straight went to answer the door. Opening the door he saw Kowal waiting outside a smile on her face.

"Good Morning Sleepyhead!" she said

Smiling from his friend's enthusiasm Anubis replied "Good Morning to you as well Kowal" smiling.

Kowal then asked them if they were ready for the morning's events. Anubis nodded and said "We are, just gonna wake up Mr. Sleepy Head over there" pointing at his brother who was still deeply asleep.

Kowal laughed when she saw that Teine was still curled up asleep. She then told Anubis to go wake him up as they had a job to do.

Agreeing Anubis approached his sleeping brother to wake him up.

"Hey, sleepyhead, wakey wakey!." He said while poking his brother's snout.

Letting out a snort Teine moved his head away from the poking intrusion. Seeing this Anubis quickly put both of his paws on his brother's horns and started vigorously shaking them.

It was an effective idea as the next moment Teine finally awakened but not without knocking his brother off the ground after hitting him with his snout.

"Anubis!" Teine admonished getting his brother off the ground using his wings. Anubis for his part was laughing and told his brother that he was fine and that he wasn't hurt.

Seeing the siblings were finally awake Kowal who had quietly let herself in during Anubis' wake-up shake to his brother cleared her throat and gathered their attention.

Noticing their friend was in the room the brother quickly let go of each other and Teine greeted her.

"Morning Miss. Kowal" he said formality in his voice.

Kowal amused about the way Teine greeted her told him that he doesn't need to be so formal since they were friends. "Teine you know you don't have to be so formal with me right? We are friends, after all, me being you're Instructor doesn't change that" she said, gesturing around the room she added "So did you two found this room to your liking? I hope you find it great, finding one is hard enough what with all trainers and trainees already living in here, then there is the fact that one of you is a Dragon, medium-sized or not." She asked curious about their experience with the room she and her friend Limmy gave them.

Smiling at her Anubis answered her question. "It's quite nice, me and Teine had a comfortable stay last night and the room is huge enough for the two of us." He said, and then added "Also I really can't thank you enough for giving us this room! I know it's already hard to search for accommodations yet you and Limmy still tried and found us this place. So I just really wish to say thank you, Kowal!" Anubis said thankful for all the help he and his brother had received from Kowal and her friend Limmy.

Blushing Kowal nodded her head and said. "You're welcome Anu besides, you're my trainees now it's only right as your instructor to give you two nice comfortable places to stay while you're here in the guild." She said

Smiling Anubis and Teine told Kowal that they were ready. Nodding her head and leaving the room Kowal then told them to meet her at the courtyard after breakfast for the start of their training.

But before she could leave Anubis stopped her and asked if she would like to join them for breakfast. Shaking her head he told the two. "I'm sorry boys but I already ate and besides I have to make sure that everything is ready for you when the both of you arrive." She said apologizing to Anubis and Teine about not being able to join them for breakfast.

Nodding his head in understanding Anubis told Kowal that he and Teine would go there after eating. Then he and his brother walked towards the Dining Hall to stuff themselves with delicious food while Kowal went to her destination to prepare.

The two had an amazing breakfast that day. Their plates filled to the brim with delicious pancakes top with some eggs and slices of bacon. They drank their orange juice and just let themselves enjoy their morning food.

Afterward, Anubis and Teine met up with Kowal in the courtyard. Seeing her friends approach she called them and beckon them to her. "Hey guys over here!" she shouted gathering their attention. Approaching the two could see that Kowal had some boxes with her. "What are those for?" Anubis asked after arriving at where Kowal was standing waiting for them.

Kowal smiled and instead of answering the question told them to open each of their boxes pointing that the one on the left was Anubis' while the one on the right was Teine's. Doing what they were told and curios to know what was inside the duo quickly went to open their respective box. Opening them the siblings were surprised to see amor inside. Taking out one and inspecting it Anubis saw that it was a leather armor commonly worn by adventurers and looking back at the box he saw leather gloves and boots, as well as some leather pouches for potions and other materials, were inside as well. Teine on the other hand was surprised to see iron armor shaped to fit his draconic form. Looking back at their friend the brother smiled and thanked her.

Telling Anubis to try his new outfit Kowal pointed him to the nearest changing room to change his clothes while she helped Teine put on his newly made iron armor.

"Mind telling me how you managed to get this armor?" Teine asked curios about where Kowal could have gotten the armor and quickly had it made.

Laughing while busily putting on Teine's armor she answered. "Well, I didn't per se get it, more like I took it from the guilds armory. And before you ask yes, we do make Dragon Armor in here, you're not the only dragon we have as a member you know and I doubt you'd be the last." She answered

Teine nodded his head satisfied with her answer and agreeing that many more of his kind may find themselves working for the guild.

After a while, Kowal finally has done putting Teine's armor on him and took a step back to admire her work. Looking at Teine who was also busy inspecting himself she asked. "So how do you find it? Does it fit nicely?" she inquired.

Teine answered her that it does surprisingly and that he doesn't find the armor hindering his mobility looking at Kowal and asking why Kowal answered him. "Well, the armor is enchanted to feel light and to make sure that the dragon wearing it wouldn't suffer from lack of mobility yet still offer adequate protection". She said pointing out the armors enchantments.

Smiling Teine nodded at Kowal thanking her for her help.

"It's no problem really, I'm always glad to help others!" she said patting Teine's snout.

Anubis then arrived from the changing rooms and quickly got their attention. "Hey guys look!" showing them his new leather armor. "Don't I look dashing?" he said. Laughing at his jest his brother shook his head and told Anu that he looked fine and it seems the armor fit nicely.

Grinning Anubis then looked at Kowal only to see her blushing red while looking at him. Seeing a potential prank he slowly went towards Kowal swaying his tail and making his movements sophisticated. "Hey, there sexy." He said in a husky voice. Kowal's face then chose the time to turn redder than ever.

Teine seeing that Kowal was close to passing out then told his brother to cease his play. Kowal for her part quickly took a jab at Anubis hitting him straight to his muzzle Anubis then felt pain erupt on his muzzle and was knocked back by the force of the punch. Looking at Kowal he saw that she was looking at him with murderous eyes. "Don't you ever do that again!" Kowal shouted angered and embarrassed by Anubis' prank. Seeing her angry Anubis put his hands in a position of surrender and told her that he's sorry. "I'm sorry Kowal I shouldn't have done that." He said apologetically. Kowal after settling herself down from her embarrassment and anger told him that it was alright and that she was sorry as well for hitting his muzzle hard.

Anubis then approached Kowal and embraced her, at first Kowal's instincts told her to punch the wolf on the face again but after a while, she felt herself relax from the warm contact.

"I'm really sorry about what I did Kowal," Anubis said.

"It's alright I forgive you" Kowal mumbled still feeling warm from his embrace.

Then Teine cleared his throat, making the two embracing creatures jump from surprise. "You know I really like to see my brother finally getting close to a female, but I do believe that we have a task to do? Namely training?" he said looking at the two who was now blushing red, apparently embarrassed when their heartfelt moment were interrupted by their friend. "Unless of course, you wish to continue? Then I would not fault the two of you. It is nice to have someone who cares." Teine added.

Hearing this Anubis and Kowal looked away from each other and started spluttering nonsense.

Laughing from their reaction, Teine hilariously told them. "You guy's should see your face, it's colored red!" he guffawed amused by the situation

Kowal finally shook herself from her embarrassment and made a promise to herself that she'd get her revenge on the two together someday for this embarrassment.

Anubis on the other hand just went to a corner and whimpered, whispering about traitorous brothers.

Meanwhile not far from the three a lone female human was watching them. Taken off guard from seeing them act so casual and friendly to each other put a smile on her face. She was even happier to see her friend Kowal laugh and smile along with the group. She also saw the sweet display of friendliness as well as when the dragon interrupted said display. "Hmm, totally a blackmail material," she thought.

Looking at the group and noticing that they have seemed to settle down from their fun, she quickly made her approach. Clearing her throat she announced her presence.

"Hello there, I believe you two and I haven't been introduced yet." She said.

Seeing the woman Kowal quickly stood in attention and saluted. Seeing this, the woman told Kowal that she can ease the formalities and that there was no need for it seeing that she was off duty.

Kowal a bit embarrassed introduced her new friends to her teacher.

"Guys I want to introduce you to my teacher and friend Captain Allison Morriel she's the Head Instructor here in the guild." She said introducing Anubis and Teine to the Head Instructor

"Mam may I introduce Anubis Porro and his brother Teine Porro they are two recruits who had just joined us yesterday." She said pointing to the Wolf and the Dragon respectively.

Nodding her head the Head Instructor then welcomed the two to the Guild. She then turned her attention to Kowal and asked her if she can assist in the Registrations Department for the anticipated arrival of recruits today.

Kowal nodded her head and said. "Yes Mam!"

Allison then turned her head towards Anubis and Teine who had been silent the entire time. Looking at them she said. "So a High Born Wolf and a Fire Wyvern, my, you two are quite the pair".

Anubis and Teine looked at each other in silence not knowing what to answer. She just shook her head and told them that it was alright for them to act as themselves since they were not under her supervision.

Letting out a breath Anubis then said. "Thank you Captain Morriel, and yes I do agree about us being quite the pair, there is nothing more cool and awesome than me and my brother!" Anubis said putting his arms on his brother's neck with a huge grin adorning his face. Teine only snorted and bumped his brother in his temple.

Laughing at the display Captain Morriel then told them that she expects great performance from the two she then told Kowal that she has her support in training the siblings, and left. Waving goodbye the three of them promised to do their best. After she was gone Anubis then turned his head towards Kowal and asked her a question. "How come we haven't met her yesterday?" he wondered.

Kowal feeling embarrassed told them the reason why. "Well, Captain Morriel is usually quite busy what with her being the Head Instructor, she has to make sure that every one of us and I mean every one of us instructors is performing well and our trainees are given the best training possible. She trains us as well from time to time as a kind of a refresher so that we won't forget our training and in return be the best for you guys." She answered, "Not to mention she was not here yesterday and just got back last night." She added.

Hearing the explanation the siblings nodded their head in understanding. Kowal then remembered the task that Captain Morriel asked of her, looking at the two in front of her a brilliant idea formed in her mind.

"So as I remember the Captain gave me a task to help the Registrations Department for today." She said looking at the two with a grin on her face.

Seeing this Anubis and Teine felt frightened about what was going to happen

"Anyway since you're both my trainees now, I can ask you to do things for me as part of your training" Kowal continued, now literally walking around the two siblings who were both shaking in fear. Stopping at Anubis' front and looking at him she grinned showing some of her sharp teeth and said. "And I think I know what your first task would be." She happily said prancing away while humming a tune.

Looking back she saw that the two were still glued to the place they are standing on. Glaring at them she then asked them to follow her.

Gulping Anubis and Teine slowly followed their friend. Towards their first task, whatever it was.

Kowal was just happy that she has now someone to order around, now that she finally has trainees of her own!

And so the trio then proceeded towards the Registration Department, one of them was walking with a slight jump to her steps humming a tune, while the other two were dreading the task that they still have no idea about.