17 17 Ruby saves

After his parents dissolved and he absorbed their energy, Joon found himself alone. While he traveled, he felt an internal loneliness that made the cold seep into his bones. He moved towards the equator for warmer weather. While passing through the melting mountain caps, Joon was overwhelmed with sadness and cried out in despair. He cried bitter tears for what was lost, the warmth of love. For such a short time he felt the comfort of belonging and now it was gone.

After wallowing in self pity for a while, he gathered himself and moved along. Except something was different now. Jon felt a comfort rise up in him that was not there before. It was as if someone was traveling with him from a distance. After mourning his loss, he could now feel his parents presence within him helping him to continue on his travels.

Slowly but surely, his desire to hunt returned. The climate was changing as he traveled south. The land became hot and dry. There were no trees to protect him from the rays of the sun. Hills of sand became the landscape. He craved fresh water. The ever observant sun noticed Joon energy wavering. Sun decided to converse with Joon. Sun teased Joon "Are you thirsty?"

This was the first time Sun had spoken to Joon. How unpleasant Joon thought. He didn't like to be teased. Joon resolved to keep up the conversation in hopes of making the time pass quicker. He questioned Sun, "You so high in the sky, can you see where the nearest watering hole is from here?"

Sun exclaimed, "Near nor far, is it water you require?"

Joon became more annoyed with this answer. Sun was teasing him for sure now, and in his time of need. He did not have the strength to continue the dialogue. This terrain was new to him. At any moment the sun seemed to be increasing in power. He could take no more. Joon tried to use the last bit of his will to take to the sky. He needed a bird-eye view.

A cry let out from below him, "Wait!" Joon turned his head down and saw something red reflect in his sight. He dove from the sky.

Ruby couldn't help it. She had trailed him all this way. Since she heard his sad cries in the mountains, she followed him. His sadness was interesting. She could not loses him now.

He startled her with his abrupt response to her call. Joon descended upon her, lost his strength, and fell into her arms.

Ruby was dumbfounded. Joon was resting in her arms and she was not sure how to proceed. The vultures looked excitedly from above in the heavens. Upon seeing the circling birds Ruby began to worry. She shoved her hands deep into the sand and close her eyes to focus in on the flow. After a few moments she felt it. The water source was only a mile or two away. She regretted calling him back.

———————

Joon woke up to the trickling sounds of water. There was the fresh smell of plants and floral in his surroundings. Wet little droplets fell into his eyes. He considered he might have made it. Did he found water? The last thing he remembered was a female voice calling him to wait...That was right. He unfortunately recalled passed out. Then he questioned how he reached the oasis.

A vaguely familiar female voice spoke, "Finally awake?"

Joon looked up above his head to find a women with lovely red eyes. She had water dripping from on her figurines. He sat up shyly, feeling a little embarrassed about fainting.

"You are heavy.", She said condescendingly.

Joon felt slightly insulted. He did not like to be teased. Joon corrected his posture and tilted his nose upwards, "Of course I am. I am a full grown dragon."

Ruby laughed. Joon internally thought 'Is she is laughing at me?' His scowl revealed his thoughts. His eyes withdrew into small slits.

Ruby's laughing ceased. She tried to lighten the mood. "I dragged you all this way. Maybe a thank you is in order."

Joon remembered his previous situation and suddenly said, "Thank you." His unexpected humility made Ruby's irritation subside.