Chapter Thirteen — Debt, Storms and Unwanted Promises (Ash Zenith Arc)

◽ 3240.12.01 ◽
Varn chuckled softly.【Saying no would be stupid… but saying yes saves credits.】「Alright, fine,」she said aloud. 「I’ll go on a date with you. But keep your expectations low.」Drasson laughed. 「Don’t worry—they’ll be ground level.」He turned and began walking away. 「I’ll see you another time.」Varn watched his massive frame retreat.【So he’s really trying to date me, huh…】Her device chimed.「Yes, Rynn, what is it?」⟦We’re about a week out from Grath’Mol, Chief Elder Varn.⟧She nodded. 「I see. But will Ash Zenith in effect next month, we’ll move after this month ends.」⟦Understood. I’ll inform the others.⟧ Rynn hesitated. ⟦But… what about the princess?⟧Varn looked at the small projection. 「She’s alive. Thriving. Still the same adventurous girl she’s always been.」⟦That’s good to hear.⟧A small smile tugged at Rynn’s lips.Varn cleared her throat. 「Anything serious happen since your last call?」⟦A messenger from the Ashru’Keen tribe intercepted us—with a warning.⟧Varn sighed. 「Is he still there?」⟦Yeah. Annoyingly patient.⟧
Moments later, a Mid’cal clad in Ashru’Keen markings appeared on-screen, his expression dismissive.
⟦I hear your princess is nowhere to be found, Varn.⟧ Zarek looked down at her.Varn bowed—out of obligation, not respect.「That was true. I’ve since found her.」⟦Oh? Is that defiance I hear?⟧ he asked mockingly.She straightened. 「All Calzor races run cold when it’s cold, Messenger. Lou, Mid, and Eli alike.」⟦Tch. You’re lucky our chief favors your tribe. Otherwise, I’d have your head.⟧Varn mock-gasped. 「I would never disrespect you, Messenger of the Ashru’Keen Tribe.」⟦Then where is your princess?⟧ His irritation leaked through.Varn remained calm. 「On a mission.」⟦What mission outweighs her preparation to be bonded with my tribe’s chief?!⟧She stepped forward, standing at her full height.「A mission that will earn both our tribes a lot of credits.」Her eyes hardened. 「It’d be shameful if she couldn’t fund her own dowry—right?」Zarek paused. ⟦…Hmm. Fair point. For reassurance, I’ll remain with your tribe until she returns.⟧
The transmission cut.Varn exhaled slowly.
⟦So they’re the reason for the delay,⟧ Rynn said tensely. ⟦They’re forcing us to slow down.⟧Varn’s eyes narrowed. 「They’re waiting for the peak of Ash Zenith next month.」⟦You don’t mean—⟧She nodded grimly. 「I do. But don’t worry.」A smirk curved her lips. 「Our princess has always found a way to bulldoze obstacles.」⟦I know that look. What are you planning?⟧Varn chuckled nervously. 「Am I not entitled to privacy?」⟦Not when our tribe’s fate’s on the line.⟧She smiled. 「You’ll find out later. Bye, Rynn.」She cut the call.【Phipher… whatever’s holding you back, hurry up.】
◽ In the Vortex Lanes ◽
Phipher stared into the raging stormscape and laughed.「Yeah… I’m definitely not meant to be here.」She sighed.【And yet… something’s pulling me in.】
The Vortex Lanes—second most dangerous region to Calzors.Endless lightning.Killing wind tunnels.Rocks hurled like weapons.And yet… life persisted.
【By every lou’cal metric, I should be dead.】She grinned. 【But this is fun. Thanks, Carlton’s armor.】
She pushed forward, dodging lightning and debris until she reached the source of the call.
Her breath caught.「No way… a Skycrusher.」The massive creature lay wounded.「Looks like your own kind jumped you.」
She moved quickly, pulling medicine from her kit. The Skycrusher watched her warily—but didn’t resist.
⟨Lou’cal…⟩She cut in gently. ⟨Name’s Phipher.⟩⟨Phipher… why help me?⟩She smiled. ⟨Everyone deserves to live. Simple as that.⟩⟨No. Everything is give and take.⟩⟨Meet the human who taught me that—and you’ll change your mind.⟩⟨I won’t.⟩She chuckled. ⟨Bet.⟩
Minutes later, she finished treating the wounds and climbed back onto the Sunrider Echo.
⟨How’s the wing?⟩⟨Feels good as new.⟩⟨Glad to hear it.⟩⟨Phipher… Skycrushers never forget their debts.⟩The creature took flight.She laughed softly.【I’ll hold you to that.】「Alright—time to head back. I’m way too far out.」
◽ Elsewhere — Skycrusher Territory ◽
⟨You stink, Tor’Vyrr.⟩ Zer’Kael, Storm Crown, sneered.Tor’Vyrr, The Thunder Gate, remained calm.⟨That scent belongs to the Calzor who saved me.⟩⟨A Calzor healed a Skycrusher?⟩⟨Yes. She healed me.⟩Zer’Kael scoffed. ⟨One day you’ll regret it—when your kindness gets you skinned and sold.⟩ She vanished deeper into the cave.Tor’Vyrr sighed.⟨Da… are you okay?⟩ Lyss’Rei, The Screaming Wind, asked softly.He chuckled. ⟨I am, my little lightning bolt.⟩