Night and Day passed, as during there walk they survived on the meals, given by the people of the city.
Aiden had no idea, where he was going but Mira said another zone nearby. He believed her, he started trusting her more than before, still it was mainly due to her relationship with Kurt.
She pushed him to survive and seek something more in life. Still again it was that potential she see. Yet, I don't.
Riven on the other hand, he didn't know what was his deal. Aiden had always kept away from him, he he'd his warning about bring trouble to, Mira he which he didn't he just seems to have a dislike for him.
Aiden had a burning felling of, skeptical or vendetta against him. At which he wasn't wrong about one thing, Riven did already show and explain, why he so against him.
And, one main thing was his feeling , resentment because Riven was moving at fast pace looking for what needs.
He came around slowing down my progress of my search, just because Kurt wants Mira to teach him.
So, Each time there sleep, in nearby tents, it felt like it was shrinking, suffocating them in unspoken resentment.
…
On, the final day walking through a steel tunnel, where he saw other Exodites all stronger than having a overwhelming presence. On his CAD, the number had went back down from 100 to 50, he haven't had a proper chance to ask, Mira why.
One thing, he noticed it that it happened from his fighting, danger around him
Anyway, this tunnel was really just a "Safe Area" for Exodites of you can freely call it that.
In the mist of his thoughts, he heard Mira.
"Put this on…"
Mira pushed over, bandana and goggles Aiden hesitated because it doesn't make sense you suddenly need this. He glanced around again, he got a somewhat understanding, it is something he need to cover, his eyes and mouths from in the zone.
He took it from, her putting it on before she then gave him a ear bud. And a black cloak, covering his body.
"You won't be able to hear us over the noise…"
Now ready, his body was stiff approaching a wall made a completely darkness, he couldn't see the other side.
Aiden took a deep breath, he entered the dark wall, in an instant he was hit by a force of breeze that bite his skin, but also could push him back if it was any stronger.
This is like a different plane…before it the Kaven Town was somewhat connected to the city this isn't.
He looked around, to see nothing but sanded desert. Heat shimmered off the sand, distorting the distant rock formations into shifting illusions. Each gust of wind carried the whisper of sand against stone.
The sky blazes with hues of gold and crimson, the air thick with the scent of scorched stone and drifting dust.
This is a zone, how can anyone explore or even fight here there nothing.
"Aiden!" He heard Mira voice coming from his ear bud, he turned to her expression serious. "Stick close behind us. OK!"
Aiden put up a thumb finger, then he followed Mira and Riven who walked to the other side of they just excited.
Minutes Later, They all arrived in a small warehouse that he never saw before entering his body relaxed. From, all the wind and sand attacking his body.
He looked around, from the moment he entered he felt like something was watching and waiting.
While, Mira and Riven walked away on there own, he did the same and walked around a dark coner after he a clink.
"Ahh!"
Aiden jumped back, he fell to ground landing on his buttock, his heart was racing, his skin became pale, he felt unease.
Riven, who heard, Aiden shout came back. "Ha!" He chuckled.
Aiden he was froze feeling unease staring ag the, unkown creature that was ahead of him.
A body horse like body, powerful, lean frame is covered in a short, sand-hued coat, speckled with darker patches to blend into the arid landscape. A single, curved horn juts from its forehead, glistening like polished ivory, sharp
It's mane and tail are long and windswept, dark as obsidian, Its muscular legs are like reinforced hardened tendons.
When Mira came from, the back the creature jumped over Aiden to her and she rubbed its head. Can't believe this girl is still alive…I'm happy.
She was easily able to show, and kept in emotions. It wasn't that she couldn't say, that emotions out she just can't right now or maybe never.
"This is Maya a Dune Strider one of primary transport vehicle in this zone." She said. "Still. It's no ordinary beast of the sands. It moves like a phantom, barely leaving a trace behind." Mira had slight smile of tender beginning to form."Its hooves don't even sink into the sand, and its dark mane whips through the wind like it's part of the storm itself. Those silver-blue eyes?…"
Mira mouth closed, her gaze flicked back and forth at Aiden and Riven as realized, she just talked about something so simple with so much passion.
Her expression went back, emotionless then she continued. "Anyway… it's the one the fastest desert riders."
Riven, having a smirk chimmed in. "Nice to see you still cars about, something after all we lost…" He knew that, there first time they came here she rescued it, after it couldn't have survived on it own but she helped while other didn't.
Aiden mouth open before closing as he heard the sounds, of scarching coming the roof, it didn't sound like the strong sand. He knew it had to be, something that can get up and properly dangerous.
Mira and Riven, frowned having already, sense that it was something so they knew what must be done.
"Get out there clear them, before we leave." Riven said, his eyes glanced at Aiden.
He knew what he meant so he followed, Riven while Mira took care of the creatures. So he had his dagger at the ready
Outside, scorching sun bore down on him, before long he saw what had made the, scraching sounds.
"Sand Ravage."
Riven glanced at Aiden, his expression enjoyment or maybe amusement. "Sand Ravagers aren't just ordinary desert predators. They hunt in packs, using the dunes as cover to ambush their prey. Their spines are as sharp as blades, and their venom can paralyze in seconds. Stay sharp and don't let them get behind you."
In Aiden sight was. A Sand Ravager hopped down from the roof, its sandstone-colored hide blending seamlessly with the arid wasteland. Jagged spines jutted from its back, rattling as it prowled forward. Its maw yawned open, revealing curved fangs dripping with venom, an eerie amber glow pulsing within its throat.
Its clawed feet barely disturbing the sand. Then, in a blur of motion, it vanished beneath the sand.
Aiden gripped his dagger tightly, his eyes scanning the sand. I'm no longer scared of most creatures.
'I had to evolve past them, adapt…survive.' He reflected.
In his thought, suddenly, a surge of sand erupted behind him one of the Ravagers lunged, its fangs aim right at him. With a swift pivot, Aiden shifted the sand causing it slide makijg him slide away from the Ravager.
He countered with a quick upward slash, his dagger carving through the beast's throat in a spray of blackened ichor.
It was like a Burrow Ambush, to quickly burrow beneath the sand, launching surprise attacks from below.
Riven, standing away just watched Aiden fight he paun attention to his every move he was still, puzzled by how the Pale Requiem need his help.
However, just as Aiden turned to he saw another, a second Ravager lunged at his blind spot. Before Aiden could react, a metallic impact echoed through the air… in his gaze Riven's arm had a broze, black small shielded intercepted the attack.
The sheer force of his block sent the Ravager skidding backward. He wss just going to stand there and watch, Aiden until he saw, the Ravager heat absorption attack, its body plates store solar energy, allowing it to release bursts of superheated breath.
'That attack would have seriously injured him, then Mira will be angry at me.' He thought.
Now, saved without hesitation, Riven countered with a brutal punch, the raw power behind it sending the Ravager crashing into the sand, motionless.
The last Ravager hissed, its amber-glowing throat pulsating with rage as it circled them. Aiden and Riven exchanged a knowing glance. In an instant, Aiden dashed forward, feinting left before vanishing beneath the sand using his shift. The Ravager recoiled, confused only for Riven to slam his fist into its side, cracking its hardened hide.
Seizing the opening, Aiden emerged from the sand like a phantom, driving his dagger deep into the creature's exposed neck. It screeched, writhing violently before falling limp.
Aiden flicked aways it's black blood from his blade, breathing heavily. Riven rolled his shoulder, smirking.
"Not bad." Riven muttered.
Aiden srached his head, this was the first time Riven said anything good to him."Thanks." Still he, is grateful for Riven saving him.
Thought Riven felt reluctant to praise him. He shouldn't have that praise he haven't went throught what a real challenges Exodites take…everything you can die from.
He shook his head. 'Still, no matter how i feel about him, us Exodites have a code.' He thought. "Aiden if come of negtive just know, there leave no one behind."
Aiden, watched Riven back as he entered thr warehouse. He started to understand, the dangers Exodites face, so in return they all strive to rescue their own whenever possible.