-Eleven days later-
There is only one word that can be used to describe the journey through Devil's Canyon: Hell.
Throughout the whole canyon, there had only been one narrow path that the group had been able to travel on. This was due to the fact that the canyon was a tight squeeze at some parts, wide open with endless falls to either side at others, and sinkhole-ridden valleys in between. The Korzai's Elephander and Ginger's Gustav and Lanstag held them up on many occasions, for their weights caused rotten rock to collapse multiple times. Every single step that they took had to be double, triple, and quadruple-checked before they took it, and they had dozens upon dozens of close calls.
The weather of Zi even seemed to be against them. Freezing rain that created hazardous ice fell from the heavens on many days, and when it wasn't freezing rain that fell on them, it was normal rain. They had a few days where the weather was nice enough to move at a normal pace, but most of the days were dreary and wet.
Along with those difficulties, they also had to fight against seemingly wild zoids every step of the way. Terraces bombarded them from the skies, Heldigunners clawed at them from below, and Rev Raptors swarmed them from all sides. Although they were not particularly difficult models to handle, their numbers were rather overwhelming. Also, it was near impossible for the group to battle them in their precarious environment.
Understandably, all of these things placed a great amount of stress upon the group. Not only was the constant tension of the air wearing them down, but their night watches were becoming increasingly more difficult. The loss of sleep was positively killing them, and bags began to form underneath their eyes. Sometimes, they weren't even able to rest during the nights.
The first two days were not horrible, and they were all able to bond with each other. But two days after that, every group member's patience had been completely destroyed. Afterwards, there were three or four days of almost constant yelling as each group member pointed out each individual fault and flaw in the opposing members' attitudes. The rain certainly did not help their moods. The last three days that they had been in the canyon consisted of little to no conversation, for the pilots were too exhausted to participate in conversation. Every snide remark had been met with uncaring silence, and even the rare jabs at each other had become extinct.
Nonetheless, the pilots finally triumphed over Devil's Canyon. When they reached the other side, they had released a cheer of joy, and all frustration and annoyance had vanished. Tears of relief had been shared, and many hugs had been given. Due to the fact that all of the zoids had major and minor wounds, they found the nearest repair station that they could, applying the necessary repairs.
Finally, after eleven days of Hell, the pilots were ready to go to Zyphron.
~~~~~
Cadmus yawned and stretched his arms back over his head, feeling his joints pop. The previous day, they had exited Devil's Canyon, and last night, they had all finally received a night of well-deserved sleep that hadn't been interrupted by wild zoid ambushes. They were all still filthy with mud and sweat, which is why Cad was itching to get to Zyphron.
He sighed as he heard the pattering of raindrops upon the outside of the zoid. Damn, it's STILL raining? The rain had only been stopping momentarily for the past four days, and Cad had begun to miss the sun. This didn't dampen his mood, however. They had gotten out of Devil's Canyon, and that was good enough for him. After tapping a couple of controls to wake the Liger, he felt the familiar rumble beneath him.
Well isn't this strange? I'm the one waking YOU this time, Rigon.
Let me rest, Cadmus. You weren't the one who had to walk through the whole canyon.
Get up, you lazy beast.
The Liger slowly stood up, shaking its body groggily. Cadmus saw that the other zoids were awake and moving. He connected with the others to send them a little good morning message.
"Another day of rain. Sweet. Korzai, make sure you keep an eye on your Elephander's front right foot. It looks a bit weathered down, so watch your step in this rain."
Cracking his neck, he prepared himself for another day of traveling.
~~~~~
Even though the journey through Devil's Canyon had been impossibly terrible, Aelia knew that it would be worth the trip. Zyphron had to have some answers about her parents and her past, for nowhere else did. A city full of genezoids like me. How could they NOT know anything about my past? But if I don't find anything here...what else is there?
It matters not, Aelia. We will find you answers.
Looking distantly out the window, she let out a short sigh. Yeah, we're too far to turn back. Shrugging, she tapped a few of the buttons on the controls. She had become much more comfortable with this group, and after hearing Cadmus' message, she established a connection with Michael.
"Rise and shine, bud. Time for us to move."
Bookmarks