"I had hoped to make use of the family's ship to get my companions to Arcadia. We have urgent business there." Explained Leyocan.
Onyx eyed Storm and Aurora suspiciously.
"And who are these 'companions ' of yours? You have yet to introduce us?"
"Forgive me! The news about father rattled me a bit.
This is Aurora, from the Wyrm Tooth mountains dragon clan.
And this is Storm, you may also know him as 'Calamity'." Explained Leyocan.
Onyx seemed taken aback by the news.
"I've heard of you, dragon.
You've been causing quite a lot of trouble in the human cities.
You've caused a significant death toll to both humans AND other races!
Some Nogitsune resent you for it, and I can't say I blame them!
If it is your intention to destroy this city like you have done to others, then I suggest you return home immediately!!
There's a significant Nogitsune and Kitsune presence there, and many of them are my dear friends!
I will not allow you to snuff out there lives simply to sate your bloodlust!!" Exclaimed Onyx.
Regret grew in Storm's heart when he heard the Sensei's words.
"I will not try to give excuses for my actions, because I have none.
I wasn't in the right mind at the time, but my friends have managed to pull me out of the madness that plagued me before.
I'm trying to do better now! And I promise I have no intention of destroying the city." Explained Storm.
"Then what business do you have in the Land of the Magi, dragon?"
"Several dragons have been kidnapped recently from the Wyrm Tooth Clan, my investigations led me to Arcadia.
I intend to continue my search there." Explained Storm.
"Am I correct in assuming that you intend to seek the aid of 'The Spellbreakers', Brother?" Asked Onyx.
Leyocan nodded his head.
"Then you should know, they've hit a bit of a rough patch of late.
The mages have been pushing back hard, and several of their operations have already been dismantled." Explained Onyx.
"All the more reason for me to go.
If any clan is in danger, then it's our duty to help." Explained Leyocan.
Onyx hesitated.
"Normally I would be happy to help you, brother. But we too have encountered 'problems'."
"I heard rumors that your ship's captain has recently been captured? Is it true?" Asked Leyocan.
Onyx nodded his head.
"We managed to keep his ship from being confiscated, but it will take us weeks to find a suitable replacement and trustworthy crew.
You're welcome to stay here with us while we do so?"
"You're not going to attempt a rescue?" Asked Leyocan.
Onyx shook his head.
"He was caught smuggling and has since been bought by the owner of King's Peak Prison.
He is currently housed in that hellhole."
Leyocan grimaced.
"I see you realize how difficult it would be. Reaching in castle inner grounds is hard enough at normal times.
But after the trouble you 3 caused! It will be impossible!" Explained Onyx.
"Could we scale the dockside cliffs at night?" Asked Storm.
Onyx shook his head.
"They've increased the sentries watching it at night and are using search light crystals to scan the cliffs.
If they spot you, you're dead." Explained Onyx.
"What about 'The High Road'?" Asked Leyocan.
Dread showed on Onyx's face.
"You're not seriously considering such a dangerous course, are you?!" Exclaimed Onyx.
"Forgive me!? But what is this 'High Road'." Asked Aurora.
"It's a safe path up the cliff facing the ocean, it leads up to the back of the castle.
Sentries can't see it from the dockside and it's doubtful that they're using patrol boats to scan it at night." Explained Leyocan.
"SAFE!!! You call that route 'safe'?! Do you have any idea how many people died trying to make that climb!!?" Yelled Onyx.
"But it can be done! Or have you forgotten that I was one of the few that successfully reached the top!" Retorted Leyocan.
Onyx shook his head.
"The road has only grown more dangerous over the years!
Many of the old handholds have broken away and the rock has grown even more fragile from the constant battering of the waves!
This is too dangerous and I forbid this action!" Exclaimed Onyx.
Leyocan was silent as he considered his options.
"I may be a bit rusty in the Nogitsune traditions, but I seem to recall that a Sensei cannot forbid another from taking an action unless it directly endangers their clan and that we are obligated to help each other?"
Onyx sneered at him.
"Your action would endanger your own clan by leaving it leaderless.
By ancient rite, I am allowed to intervene. " Added Onyx.
"I'm hoping that you won't though, I'd prefer to do this with your approval, but I'm doing this regardless of what you do." Said Leyocan.
Onyx glared at his brother.
"Since you've clearly already made up your mind! I'll allow this!
But I don't approve of this action!"
Leyocan nodded his head.
"Thank you, brother. "
"So... when do we start?" Asked Storm.
"I'm making this climb alone, Storm. "
Storm immediately began to object, but Leyocan quickly silenced him.
"The handholds along the clifface won't be able to support your weight and you both lack the necessary climbing experience. " Explained Leyocan.
"I still feel that...." started Storm.
"This is 'family business ', Storm!
I will not endanger the life of an outsider for this!"
"Just your own. " Grumbled Onyx.
Storm continued arguing, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't change Leyocan's mind, nor could he come up with a better plan.
So they reluctantly escorted him to the location where he intended to start the climb.
Onyx handed Leyocan what looked like a black metal pick.
"Use this!! It will help you make the climb!"
Leyocan nodded his head in thanks, then attached the tool to his belt.
After considering it for a few minutes, he removed his gloves and handed them to Storm.
"Don't wait for me the whole night! We'll need to set off early tomorrow morning when I free him!
Get some rest, and I'll see you all at first light. " advised Leyocan.
"How do you intend to get down with him?" Asked Storm.
"There's a specific point on the wall where there are no rocks in the water below. We'll make our way there, then we'll dive into the water." Explained Leyocan.
"Be careful, brother! I don't want to have to explain to father that you fell to your death after you just returned to us!"
Leyocan nodded.
Onyx hesitated before adding.
"... I... know you're still upset with him but maybe after you finish your business in Arcadia, you should comsider going to see him!
.....
It will do him good if he saw you alive and well."
".... I'll 'consider ' it." Said Leyocan.
It was clear that Leyocan had no intention of elaborating further.
So Onyx led a reluctant Storm and Aurora back to their hideout.
Leyocan watched them go, then turned around and started his climb.