Never Lose Hope

First topic message reminder :

While this plot is opened to all, due to its setting a few particularities are to be noted. So don't jump in before having read this topic : http://www.rpgdragons.org/t2963-plot-idea-never-lose-hope
So let the plot begin !

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Rhune grunted as he pushed the bar in front of him, turning around a pillar as he was powering some sort of mechanism. What kind of mechanism, that he didn't know. Nor he cared. He didn't have the strength to even wonder what was the meaning of what he was doing. He was doing it. If he didn't, he was assured to get whipped, or worse. At least by doing his job he was assured not to get whipped... too much. That was his daily life : pushing a bar, motioning some mechanism or breathe some fire under the supervision of the guards to earn a pitiful meal and a few hours of sleep. He was just going on and surviving. The rest... he was always too tired to think.
Suddenly the bar he was pushing stopped, the mechanism being blocked. By what, he didn't know. But this time he cared for a simple reason : if it wasn't starting to turn again in a few seconds, he was good for a whipping. The green dragon put as much weight as he could on the bar, hoping it would be enough to make it turn again. But between his weakness and his body being light from the constant starvation, he couldn't put enough pressure to make it start again. A jolt of pain on his flank informed him it already was too late.
"Push harder you useless beast !" the guard yelled as he whipped Rhune once more.
The dragon could only yelp in pain as he tried the hardest he could to make the mechanism move. After a few hits from the whip, the guard seemed to understand the mechanism was blocked. Rhune's flank was painful, the whip having left some clean cuts through the scales. Scales that were almost useless as they were so thin.
"Hey you ! Help him with this." the guard ordered to another dragon.

Milo stood up, nodding for himself.
"Alright Rhune, ready to get up ?" he asked to the dragon.
Rhune difficultly stood up, his legs already requiring more rest after his tiring day.
"What do we do then ?" he only could ask, seeming a bit lost.
"Just follow me. I'll need your help to calm down some other dragons before we go." Milo said.
Rhune had his mind full of questions, but asked none yet. He followed as Milo went through the corridors toward a destination only he knew. All the cages on their way were empty except for one, where an orange dragon was sleeping. The various deep scars on his body indicated this was a gladiator. Milo was a bit wary about them, as some were extremely aggressive.
"Rhune, could you wake him up ? He might attack me if I do." he told the green dragon.
Rhune nodded, understanding the problem. Not all dragons were tolerant to humans, so it would be better if he woke him up himself. The green dragon entered the cage, nudging the sleeping dragon on the shoulder.
"Hey, wake up." he simply said.

Opyn was woken by a small green dragon. He had been prodded in the shoulder and it was annoying. Opyn growled at the dragon and raised a paw and scratched his shoulder. He looked at the dragon and said, ”Why?"

Rhune blinked as the other dragon simply asked him why he should wake up. Had he been at his place Rhune would have first wondered why there was another dragon in his cell...
"Erm, we're getting out of here." was all he managed to reply.
And what was there to add ? Simply the concept of actually getting out of here was hard to grasp to him, so how could he explain the situation any better ?

Opyn simply raised his eyeridge and again said, ”Why?"

Rhune once again blinked, surprised by the other dragon's reply. He didn't really know what to add to this...
"Erm, well, to get out of here and not be here anymore. Anywhere would be better than here." he just replied.
To him this conversation was feeling a bit surreal. Not only because he wasn't used talking to anyone, but also because he couldn't understand what that other dragon was thinking. Maybe he just was as confused as he was himself ? Going out wasn't an easy concept to grasp when you didn't even know what 'out' was. But well he would come anyway, no dragon could enjoy living like this.

”Will that disable my fights?" Opyn wasnt surprised about this conversation. He just almost didnt want to leave.

Paul found Milo and walked up to him. "Milo. So what do we do now, I mean now that we've got everyone out?"
Atarijor noticed two Dragons talking--one whom was still in his cage--and made his way over to them. He kept his head low, partly because of the heavy muzzle, and partly because his head still hurt so much. "Are you coming with us?" he asked of Opyn as he sat beside Rhune.

Opyn turned to the newcomer and said again,”Will it disable my fights?"

((I fail to see why he would want to stay even if it disable his fights - he's just continue them outside. The only thing that would prevent a dragon from wanting freedom would be a severe Stockholm syndrome XD))

"Of course. No more working, no more fighting." Rhune replied.
It seemed Rhune started to realize what it truly meant as he was saying it. No more work... No more of this exhausting and tiring work... He wanted that, badly. The green dragon turned around and started to get out of Opyn's cage, spotting Atarijor observing them.
"Come and let's get out of here !" he said.

Milo turned around as Paul arrived.
"Oh, hi Paul. No problems on your end ? Well now we're going through the sewers. The wall crumbled and hasn't been repaired yet, the crack is wide enough for the dragons to get through. We'll get directly outside the city, we'll just have to walk through the Golden Fields to get to the forest." he explained.

"The Golden Fields, huh? Great, let's get started then. Sooner we get this done..." he trailed off and walked over to the cage Atar and Rhune were standing in front of. "Alright now, you two go with Milo, he'll show you the way out. Hurry up now, we haven't got all night to stand here." Paul looked at Opyn and frowned a bit. "Well are you coming or what? Honestly, I don't care if you die here out there... But if I'm gonna risk my own life to help you, I'd rather you did the latter. At least you might last a few more days than in here. And you'd be free, too, among your own kind. Heck, if you're lucky, maybe the last thing you see would be how you're supposed to have lived. Wouldn't you like that? Ah... Forget it. We're leaving now... if you're smart, you'll follow us. Or maybe not, maybe the smart thing is to stay here. I don't know anymore... But this is a one-time thing. So whatever choice you make, make it right and make it quick." With that, Paul tossed Opyn a piece of fresh meat--perhaps out of habit after caring for Atar--and left.

Atarijor, meanwhile, had gone over to Milo as Paul had said. The Wyvern had never met Milo before and, much like a puppy being brought into a new home, spent a great deal of time sniffing him. After a minute, he looked up at Milo. "Where are we going?"

Opyn was now unable to decide if he wanted to join them or not. He would like to continue fighting, but...”What am i thinking! I should not want to kill my own kind…." Opyn stood up picked up the meat and threw it back at the human that gave it to him. Opyn decided to stay silent, because after a whileo f talking he started yelling. He watched the humans and waited for them to leave. He would slowly follow.

Rhune glanced backward to see if Opyn was following him. It was weird that the black dragon didn't seem to be so motivated at the idea to finally leave this place... Well it wasn't really his problem, was it? The green dragon went next to Milo, waiting for what was next.

Milo couldn't help but feel weird between Rhune watching him and Atarijor sniffing him. He sure had a lot of attention...
"Alright let's go then." he announced.
The human resumed walking through the hallways, visibly knowing his destination. Soon enough they arrived at what seemed to be a dead end. In front of them was a wall, with a few planks covering it. Milo removed the planks easily, revealing a large crack through which the dragons would be able to squeeze through. The smell was however not exactly enjoyable. Rhune heavily frowned, not used to such a smell.
"Uhh this stinks! Is that what outside smells like?" the green dragon asked.
"No, don't worry. We're just going to pass through this once... and hopefully never again." Milo replied, smirking.

Opyn followed them silently. He glanced around and waited as the human opened the hole. Opyn lunged forward as soon as it was all off and squeezed into it.

Atarijor followed along behind Milo and Rhune. He could hear Opyn behind them. As like Rhune, the Wyvern made a disgusted face when they reached their destination and was subjected to the terrible smell there. He listened as Milo explained that this was--hopefully--the only time they'd have to deal with it. Atar had a qusetion, but before he could answer, Opyn jumped into the hole. Doesn't the smell bother him? With a huff, Atar--slowly--climbed through the hole too. He had wanted to ask Milo about his muzzle, but he decided it was best to wait until they were away from here first.

Milo blinked as the black dragon Rhune had woken up suddenly slipped through the hole. Atarijor soon followed, more slowly. Rhune gave Milo a look before also squeezing through the hole with the other dragons. They didn't even know what was on the other side, yet they didn't seem to care. Of course they didn't. They just knew that whatever it was it couldn't be worse than here.
Well he'd better catch up with them himself. They might reach the outside fast, they wouldn't be out of trouble until a few hours... Or more. Milo went through the hole, smirking with the smell of the sewers.

Rhune was smirking because of the smell, but that only motivated him to walk. He hadn't done much yet but his legs were already feeling tired. If there was more walking ahead it would be hard...
The green dragon stopped as he reached a corner. Three different tunnels were starting from there. He patiently waited for Milo to catch up with them, awaiting instructions.
"It's the one on the right. However... I really know you want to be outside and stuff, but you'll have to stay calm. We won't be safe until we reach the forest, and we need to make sure to leave as little trails as we can. So once we'll be outside stick with me, okay?" Milo said.
Rhune nodded. He would do so, and Atarijor probably would too, but would that black dragon do the same?

((Btw he is mostly orange ^.^ ))
Opyn made it to the other side and watched the other do the same. He sat and watched them converse. He waited for the chance to leave and get outside. He looked at them with his turned his head waiting for someone to go forward.

The Wyvern stopped just behind Rhune when they came to the forked tunnel. Soon, Milo was there to tell them which way to go. Atarijor listened carefully as the Human explained what would happen once they got outside. Outside... it was still so strange a word to hear and he couldn't help but wonder if he were dreaming. He must be, must still be sleeping in his cage, waiting for his head to heal enough for him to fight again. If this were a dream, he hoped he never would wake from it.

The smells of the tunnel wasn't bothering Atarijor as much now as his head was starting to again. The heavy muzzle was preventing him from lifting his head--of course, he only wanted to lift it high enough to keep his chin off the ground. With a slight whimper, he nudged Rhune with his paw to encourage him to move again.

Milo got a bit concerned when Atarijor started to whimper. He couldn't take the time to remove that heavy muzzle of his, but when they would reach outside he would do so - and there was a good chance everyone would want to make a pause to discover what outside was like. The human was bothered by the orange dragon that was with them, if that dragon decided to go on his own as soon as they reached outside he might put everyone in trouble - not to mention he would be unlikely to survive. He hoped that dragon heard him when he asked everyone to stick with him.
Milo lead the way once again, the group making their way through the sewers. And soon, an end. The sound of the wind could be heard, as well as the sound of water falling. The exit of the sewers were easily meters above the ground level, but a rocky formation would let everyone climb down easily.
Rhune's eyes widened as he began to saw that. He began to trot, his paws producing loud splashes as he headed toward the end of the sewers. And he stopped. The green dragon gazed at the landscape that was right in front of him. Everything was so large! And the sky... It was the first time he was seeing the sky. And it was beautiful. He couldn't quite think clearly, just admire the scenery. What a wonderful sight... So that was what outside looked like.
"Alright let's just get down, you don't want to stay in the sewers forever do you?" Milo smiled at him.
Rhune's grin was so wide it was heartwarming. Free, at last. His freedom was a single step away from him. And he made that step. That was it, he was outside. He couldn't wait to try everything... And especially flying!
Milo didn't react fast enough when Rhune began to spread his wings... and suddenly jumped of the edge of the sewers. For half a second, he looked majestic with his wings deployed, proudly taking off. But that was only half a second before he realized his wings weren't bearing his own weight. The green dragon heavily fell and entered the water below with a loud splash. A few seconds after his head emerged from the water, visibly confused. Milo quickly climbed down the path the rocks were providing before rushing toward Rhune's location. The dragon was difficultly getting out of the water, where the border was flat enough not to bother.
"Rhune! You're okay!" he asked, worried.
The dragon blinked once again. "Yes, I'm okay. Actually, that was nice. I feel fresh." he slightly smiled.
Milo had a nod, reassured Rhune was well. It was right that the place they were working in was always hot, with all the forges lit and the lack of aeration. Freshness was something they probably didn't know about.
The human looked at Atarijor and the orange dragon, who were still at the edge of the sewers.
"Well, come down here. Atarijor, I'll take care of your muzzle." he called the two dragons.

Opyn followed everyone quietly. He paid no attention to the smells of the sewer. He spared a glance at the wyvern. He liked this wyvern. He was a fighter, as Opyn could tell from the wound on his head. Opyn returned his gaze forward. He walked like a soldier and stopped when everyone stopped.

He stared at the cliff with fright for a second. Then it was replaced with a insulted look. He was insulted that he was scared by this. Opyn watched the green dragon foolishly try to fly. He didnt care whether it died or not, but it survived nonetheless. Opyn pushed through the group and looked all the way down. He studied the fall and looked for ways to grab without falling all the way. He decided on some form of a half-plan.

He jumped down. He fell. He waited until he fell for a few seconds and the reached out for something to grab. His paw tightened around a rock that was sticking out. It began to slowly crack. Opyn let go as the rock broke off completely. He dropped for a few more seconds and did the same thing. This time though, the rock broke off immediately. He fell again and almost roared. But he thought again because that could draw attention. He just reached out again and grabbed into the wall itself. He held his paw there and spit at the air. He knew it would be foolish to try to fly the rest of the way down so he just dropped the 20 feet that he had left.

Atarijor XVI was finally free from the darkness he had always known... and he had absolutely no idea what to make of it. He watched as Rhune attempted to fly but only succeeded in falling. Was that water down there? The Wyvern was about to take a step out into this new world when Opyn pushed past him. It was only then that he remembered his broken toe; it bent oddly as he steadied himself. Atarijor whimpered again and lifted his left arm to look at the toe. And then he became aware of his other injuries from earlier today. His head hurt so much more than his other injuries combined,he's forgotten them. Now the only thing he wanted to do was lay down and go back to sleep... But that was no longer an option.

Atar looked up when he heard Milo mention taking off his muzzle. Finally! The Wyvern timidly stepped out of the sewer and onto the ground. The green stuff he stepped on was odd, but it felt and smelled good at the same time. There were so many smells and distant sounds. The air was so clean and relaxing. Atar took a moment to take it all in before going over to Milo. "There's so much... Is it like this everywhere?"

Milo went to see Atarijor as the wyvern made its way toward him. The human quickly glanced at the other dragon to see how he faired, but apparently he was doing well, only having to get through the river before being with them. Milo carefully approached Atarijor, removing the knots that were maintaining the harness. It took a long minute, but he finally managed to remove the muzzle.
"And there, you're now free. The world is really a vast place, and everywhere will be like this indeed. Different, but still as big and borderless." he replied to him.
While Milo was tending to Atarijor, Rhune stepped on the grass, highly curious about it. It was way more comfortable to walk on than the stone he was used to.
"So we've done it? Can we sleep yet?" he asked.
Milo had a small sigh.
"No, we have a lot of walk to make. You're maybe free now, but not in safety yet. We have to reach the forest. From now, you three have to be cautious. We will go through a zone where there are human farms, with beasts outside. I know it will be tempting, but do not hunt anything. There's some food prepared where we're going, so you'll be able to eat as much as you want." the human explained.
Rhune nodded. Hunting? The word was foreign to him. Anyway, not doing anything to beasts, whatever it meant.
Milo suddenly noticed Atarijor's thumb was broken. It would prove hard to walk with that... Hopefully he had some bandages in his satchel.
"Just don't move, Atarijor. I'll maintain that in place, should be easier for you to walk."
He then proceeded to bandage the thumb, making sure it wouldn't move.

Opyn stared at the human, Milo. He wouldnt be able to stop himself from hunting. He gave a slight growl as he was told not to. ”Grrr.. You’ll have to put the muzzle on me if you want that to happen…" He lowered himself to the ground and waited.

The Wyvern felt a great weight lifted off his shoulders--quite literally. Atarijor breathed a huge sigh of relief as Milo removed the heavy metal muzzle. While he tried to adjust to the sudden and terrible headache that resulted from having the muzzle removed, Milo bandaged his toe. It felt nice and now he could walk better. Atarijor wished Milo had time to tend to his other injuries, but he knew they had to start their journey.

Remembering the food in his satchel, the Wyvern pushed his short snout into it and grabbed a piece of meat. "What's hunting?" he asked as he gobbled down the meat. "Where exactly are we going? And far is it? What will it look like?" Atar had so many questions to ask. For the first time in his life, he was actually excited can something.

Milo couldn't help but chuckle as Atarijor suddenly threw a barrage of questions to him. The dragon seemed guenilles excited, and how couldn't he be? The three dragons had the same spark in their look, a spark that Milo never saw in them before. It was hope. For the first time in their lives, those dragons were free. This made him smile even wider.
"Where we are going is a few hours of walk away from here. We're going to a forest, where you'll be safe for a few days. But enough talking, we have a long way to go, and I fear you're going to need all your strength for this. If you want I can try to tale while we walk." he smiled at the dragon.
He had a slight frown as the orange dragon protested about being forbidden to hunt. That would definitely be a problem.
"Do I really have to? This muzzle is really heavy... I just need the three of you to stick with me and don't leave my side whatever happens. If you don't... You'll get caught again and probably killed. So please just make an effort... Like I said, there's going to be plenty of food for you once we'll be arrived." Milo explained.

Opyn glared. He sat down. ”No. Unless you want dead animals littering behind us, put the muzzle on me." He stretched his toes and watched Milo. Opyn stared at Atarijor weirded. He was a little to excited.