After the disastrous encounter with the military a month ago, Hestia and I have been flying out for supplies. We had to set out early morning and then come back later at night. Basically spend an entire day away from home and then come back hoping that soldiers aren't swarming the place. I've had to make the saddle away from the shack.
I was able to create the base from upholstery I scavenged from vehicles. Its basically the same as a saddle for horses, but made to fit on the back of Hestia. Right at the back of the neck, where it connects to the shoulders. I made it from black leather and polyester, using factory grade bindings from old sixteen wheelers to attach to Hestia's body. There is a harness sewn in so I won't slip off. I also made a separate attachment that functions as reigns. It's a collar that clasps on the back of Hestia's neck, with handles made from aluminum poles that are bent into a circle for an easier grip. The poles are covered in leather and attached to the collar by bungee cords for strength and flexibility. It really was a test of my skills. Damn near killed myself trying to make the collar alone, but ended up with something Hess and I both liked.
As I was crafting the saddle, Hestia was practicing her aim. She's been able to breathe fire since she was born, but it's become a inconvenience to have to deal with stray flames. So she's been practicing on concentrating her flames on one specific target, rather than letting loose on everything. With a lot of trial and error, Hestia can now shoot a small line of fire in one direction for up to ten minutes, rather than shooting a large fire ball that burst everywhere. She was so proud of herself. I can argue that I was even more proud than she was. I was even practicing with fire. I have learned how to hold and maintain a constant flame on my hands. I have also learned how to shoot small fireballs of my own.
But nothing last forever. It all went to hell in a matter of weeks. We had just gotten back from our latest supply run hungry and tired to the bone. After eating, I was putting away our latest batch of loot and Hestia was doing a perimeter check. As I was getting ready for bed, I heard the one thing that could stop my heart.
"ROAR, ROAR!!!"
"HESTIA!" I shrieked, running into the woods.
Dodging trees and large rocks, I ran as fast as I could, following the sound of her roar. I reached her in two minutes and nearly had a damn heart attack. Hestia was caught in a huge net made of steel cables. Her feet were entangled in the cables and one of her wings was pinned to her side. The other could barely move, only unfurl a fraction at time until its halfway. She had large gashes on her back and legs. As scary as that was, that's not why my heart almost gave out. It was the the twenty or so soldiers surrounding her, trying to over power her that made me so fearful. Some were attempting to use gas bombs to knock her out, others were sticking her with cattle prods. Every jab made her body tense, her wounds gush with blood, her throat rumble and roar with agony over and over. She was on the verge of losing consciousness.
"GET AWAY FROM HER!" I shrieked as I tackled the closest soldier into the ground.
All of them froze momentarily, then some lifted up what looked to be tranquilizer guns and fired at me. I was able to dodge most, but when a few stuck to me they didn't even hurt. Despite the soldiers efforts to subdue me, I was able to knock many of them out with a tree branch. Hestia was fighting to stay awake, her body shaking from after shocks. This spurred me to keep fighting, knowing that defeat or even death was not an option. God only knows what they would do to her if I couldn't finish this. Managing to break the line of defense they set up, I started to ignore them in order to free her. I ripped out as many stakes that were holding the steel net in place, but ended up being shoved to the ground by one soldier. Refusing to stay down, I pushed over and then straddled him before punching him repeatedly. His green eyes were shocked before he fought back, managing to block most of my blows. Still having the upper hand I then stole his combat knife, before landing one good hit. He seemed to be dazed, but I didn't care to much, I was to busy running at the soldier using a large hose connected to a truck on Hestia. He was attempting to make her unconscious by gassing her in the face. I took the knife and sliced through the hose with it. I then concentrated my energy into Hestia, hoping to heal her. The one with the hose was standing in shock, just enough time for the transfer to be completed. Hestia's shook off the net, healed her wounds and glared daggers at the soldiers. They immediately froze in fear.
SNAP! SNAP! SNAP!
Hestia pulled the net apart through her teeth, making it useless on her. Then with a roar, she tossed the truck across the forest. It exploded somewhere in the distance and caused the soldiers to retreat.
I was weak after the transfer, but thankfully it worked and Hestia was willing to take me back home. Although it may not be home for long, since this was relatively close to where we are. I hope it will last at little longer, but know we should get ready to move. Why can't we just be left alone. Eventually, Hestia and I get home safe and sound. I barely get to my bed, but manage wrap myself in blankets. Hestia is curled around the shack, sticking her head in the doorway. I know she's worried about me, making it well known on our way home. I'll be fine tomorrow, hopefully we can avoid the military and find a new home.
As I try to sleep, I can't help but be scared and anxious for Hestia. The military was clearly attempting capture her, and damn near succeeded. I am terrified for Hess, wondering what would've happened to her if I had been unable to stop them. Why in the hell would they try to take her from me? What are they planning? Could they be trying to make dragon riders? Do they know something?These are the thoughts that won't let me rest.
"Hey Hess, did you hear the soldiers say why they were trying to get you?" I say out of the blue.
{_No. They were only shouting out instructions._} She responded.
I sigh, knowing that even if they were to say something, she was to unfocused to understand. Still it was worth a shot.
{_We should sleep now since we'll have to start looking for a new home. You're gonna need all the strength you can get, and it would be best to leave early in order to avoid being spotted._}
I nod, "I know, I just hope we'll be able to stay away from them."
Hestia snorts. {_Yeah, fat chance on that happening. Might as well see if we can spot a flying pig._} She quips.
I laugh, hoping no one else is around to hear it. Three and a half years ago, this would've been one of those stupid lines to say. Now I wouldn't be surprised if there were flying pigs out there. Everything else seems to exist, so why not the cheesiest comeback line of all time.
{_Because it would be to obvious, even in my world._} Hestia claims.
"Ha Ha, whatever you say. Anyway, let's get some sleep. We both need it after today." I said.
HUFF
With that we quite down, and eventually fall asleep. My final thought before was that we better watch out. After all, we don't need a repeat of today, like ever.