148 The Course for Arangard

The first section went well. All the Formations, slides and loops were really great. After the spiral, me and Curly flew towards the second section. That section was even better. A combination of tunnels, loop rings and all sorts of free falls. The Formations were mostly there to provide character, but the section alone looked great. Some slides and loops were coated with glass, while others were made from polished stones.

There were no alternative paths, but the section finale wasn't rubbish by any means. Inverted loop, suspended above the ground with the use of Formations and really strong chains. That wasn't all. The loop moved, and that was achieved with the use of the Wind Element Formations. Fortunately, the chains were thick and strong enough to withstand such motion.

That section got named Turbulent Section and it was really thrilling. The last section looked a bit plain, but there was a secret hidden within the plain design. Seemingly, there were only tunnels in both walls and the ceiling of the cave. That would be plain and simple, if not for the Formations used for that section.

To be precise, I've used the similar Formations used for the ceilings of the stages at Sedon's Grand Stage. Though not exactly the same, these were the Formations Suly taught me during the fast travel Formation project. That plain looking third section, became something unique that even Sedon's Grand Stage could envy.

"It's beautiful, isn't it? You can see all the different parts of the Obsidian Mountains as we pass through the tunnels. Each tunnel has a different angle, a different location", "...Arf!", Curly approved. Not only was that a unique part of the course, it represented the area itself. Lizards were proud of their home, my idea was to simply reflect that pride.

I decided to call that section the Obsidian Traveller Section, since people would literally travel through the Obsidian Mountains landscape. The last tunnel shot us out into another spiral, where we slowly made our way downwards. Just to make sure, I've placed a Formation at the bottom to catch people. "That was great, right? We should tell everyone, I'm sure they'll be eager to give it a go too. Hehe, I wonder how they'll take the final section and the surprise", "Arf, arf!", Curly agreed.

My uncle was the first one to receive the news. He was really excited, "I've seen the course a few times in the past, but now we can give it a go… I have a favour. Let's find Leran first, before announcing the completion of the course. I'd like him to enjoy it a bit". 'I'm happy uncle thinks like that. He really wants Leran to enjoy himself, and the course was for him too', "Of course, let's go and get him", I replied with a smile.

Fortunately, Leran was at home. Though his surprised face was priceless to see uncle Lazar with me. "Stop making stupid faces, let's go for a walk", uncle said with a smile. Leran didn't even question where we were going, his father being there was good enough for him. "Uncle, you really need to stop working so much. He might not admit it, but look at his happy face. I didn't have a father for a long time, I know the feeling", I whispered to him.

Uncle sighed but didn't reply. I wasn't sure why he worked so much. After all, aunt Alicia could earn all the money they'd ever need. Perhaps he enjoyed working, but in what sense was that better than spending time with his family? Surely, he didn't have to work so much. 'I can't really force him to quit… Maybe my parents could, but that wouldn't be right either', I figured.

"Anyway, what's the occasion? You're never home this early? Where are we going?", Leran asked on our way. "You'll find out once we get there", uncle replied without providing him with any hints. Leran directed his gaze at me, as if asking for something to go on. "I'm sure you'll find out soon enough. Have some patience", I said with a smile.

At some point, Leran didn't need any hints at all. We were heading towards the course area, he wasn't an idiot. "Heeh, you seem really happy all of a sudden. I wonder why?", "Pah, Who's happy. I don't even know where you guys are taking me", he replied, but couldn't wipe that smile away from his face. "Anyway, let's speed up. I'm busy today", he added while taking the lead.

"Since when do you know the way? We didn't say anything about our destination", I teased him a bit more. "Yea, yea, I'm sure you didn't. Let's go already!", his reply was full of excitement. Once we arrived at the course area, Leran's jaw almost dropped to the ground. "I didn't visit this place on purpose, but… man… You managed that on your own?", he asked.

"Hehe, of course not. I had loads of help from others. Though the Formations were placed solely by me. Anyway, you two will be the first Lizards to give it a go, since me and Curly already tried it out. Don't be shy, the course doesn't need to be activated. It's active all the time, of course I'll tell you guys how to stop all the Formations", I replied.

Leran rushed towards the starting point, but uncle grabbed him. "Didn't you forget about something? Anna did all of this for free". Leran's face turned a bit red from embarrassment. He rushed back towards me, and hugged me as much as he could. "I'm really thankful, so don't be mad. I was too excited. This course is great, it's the best thing ever!", "Hey, don't mention it. I promised, right? Now, go have fun. That's why we came here", I replied with a smile.

Leran rushed back at the course, while uncle joined me to watch his son go. "You really did it. That was what? Five months of your life, just to make this course?… Hehe, sometimes we could learn a lot from the younger generation", "That may be true, but the younger generation needs our predecessors too. People who'd guide us... Uncle, why do you work so much? Do you enjoy your work that much? Leran would be happy to have a father around more often", I replied.

"... Haaah… You know, your father told me something like that before. Seems like we old timers never change. My daughter grew up mostly without her father, now I'm doing the same to my son…", there was a tint of regret in his voice. That perhaps was a good thing. To change, one had to realise his or her mistakes. Perhaps someone as young as me was required to make him realise. After all, my parents tried as well.

"... Oh right, I haven't seen uncle Harlin for a long time. He's not here in Arangard, so where is he?", I tried to change the topic. "Oh, him? Hehe, your father made him train once again... I abandoned my training a long time ago, perhaps that was a mistake too... Yea, anyway. Your father grabbed him and Jira one day, and that was the end of Harlin. I'm not sure where he took them, but I'm sure of one thing. Your father wants him to reach the next stage", he replied.

"To be honest, that's why my workload increased. I agreed to that, but perhaps it's time to slow down a bit, eh?", he added. "Wait, uncle Harlin is trying to reach Primal Limits?", I asked, surprised. "What else? Your father proposed something similar to me, but I refused. Crow isn't different, though he stayed at home. Your father understands that all of us are different. He took away Harlin to make him focus, but Crow never had such issues. He probably works twice as hard than me or Harlin ever would", uncle explained.

'Dad isn't joking around then. He really tries to help everyone improve... I wonder what sort of improvements mom made. She is his wife, I refuse to believe he'd simply forget about her'. My thoughts were disturbed by Leran, who shouted at us full of excitement. "Calm down, will you? You can have another go if you want", uncle said.

"You don't understand! The course, the last part…", I stepped forward at that point and blocked his mouth. "Nuh, uh, we don't reveal anything about the course. It's a surprise for everyone, alright?...Uncle, why don't you have a go now? Check it out, I'm sure you'll find it surprising". "Eehh? Now you got me interested. Then, let me have a try", he replied.

Once uncle left, Leran made sure to whisper everything to me. "You used my sister's Formations. The same ones Sedon's Grand Stage has, right?", "That's right. Did you like it? I thought this would be unique, while at the same time connect you guys with the course. Obsidian Mountains are your home, though it seems dangerous, it can be beautiful", I replied.

"I think this is the best idea ever!", he exclaimed but then quickly returned to whispering, "Even though this was used for Sedon's Grand Stage, there's no comparison. Your idea is much more unique, and incorporated into a course. Your previous course has nothing on this one… I mean, both of them are great, but this one is better".

"I'm glad you like it so much, but don't suck up to me anymore. I'm not making such promises ever again… This alone took me in excess of five months", "Hehe, no worries. I'm fully satisfied. Besides, there wouldn't be any course in Arangard, if not for that promise. In other words, if not for me, there wouldn't be any course here, hehe", he proclaimed. "...You take pride from wrong places, Leran. Anyway, I should leave my name on this course too, wait here for a moment", I replied.

'I'll try to replicate that signature of mine… How did that go again?'. A few moments later, I grabbed my sword and slashed it at the wall. "Well, it's not as good as before, but it will do. Now that the course was signed by the author, it can officially open… After we name it of course", I said to myself.

Once uncle finished his ride, he was also excited and surprised. "These were the same Formations used at the Grand Stage, right? Suly taught you these Formations, am I correct?", "Heh, you actually know about that? I thought you wouldn't care what she created and stuff", I replied. "Who do you take me for? Of course I'm interested in my daughter's and son's activities", he replied.

"Anyway, before we notify the higher-ups, how about you go a few more rounds?", "Of course! That goes without saying!", Leran replied. "Good, then I'll go with you", uncle added. "You guys have fun, I have to get someone else here. They helped me build this course, and we'll need a name for it too. See you soon anyways", I said before leaving them alone.