When we crossed the border of the Goblin District that led to a new biome – the Chimera District – the environment changed again. It became a stretch of unkept greenery as far as the eye could see. The environment was natural, untouched, and reeked of animals, like the world's largest zoo.
As we raced to the central city, I spotted various animals and creatures throughout the district.
"Some of them aren't even from Cindar, are they?" I asked aloud.
No. The Chimera District has always been a place where any creature without a home could converge. Some are brought here from other planets, while others escape captivity from another district and find their way here. The Golden Law protects Sacred Guardians in every district, but there are additional laws within the Chimera District that protect every creature. No hunting is permitted here, Viraa answered.
"You all created a haven for wild animals," Za'Fia said in awe.
"It's decisions like that which cause issues such as this," Avarice remarked, pointing ahead as we neared the district's central city.
The city was in ruins, barely recognizable aside from the towering structures that were once buildings. Everything was covered in overgrown vines, moss, and mold, and we could see creatures running, sleeping, hunting, or flying about. And there was no power running through most of the buildings.
"Welcome to Ferelo," Za'Fia said sarcastically as she placed her hands on her hips while hovering in place.
"There are no people?" I asked, coming to a halting hover.
"It's to be expected," Avarice stated. "The district is filled with wild animals, and the Chimera Crest only had Viraa. It was likely her powerful presence that kept the creatures at bay. Of course, when the sole person keeping everything together left, eventually, the wild animals ventured into the city, and the residents of the city left."
You are mostly correct, Viraa applauded him. However, the district always had a number of naturists who resided within it, helping to keep animals out of the city. They were never part of Ferelo's citizens, choosing to live in the wild as their own tribe of people, but their help was appreciated, nonetheless. Try sensing for them.
We did just that, and my eyes fluttered open when I felt how many people still lived in Ferelo, despite its state.
"Whoa! There are millions of them," I said. "They must've moved in with the animals after everyone evacuated."
I began to fly forward. As we flew, we came across a decommissioned hangar bay that hadn't been used in eons.
"Guess the tribe down there doesn't travel much," Za'Fia remarked.
"Guess not," I joked before something caught my attention.
On top of one of the smaller buildings, I saw something struggling beneath some broken vines.
"Oh, it's adorable!" Za'Fia exclaimed as we landed. The creature that was struggling turned out to be a baby chimera that'd gotten wrapped up in vines.
It looked like a cub lion with tiny draconic wings growing from its back. Za'Fia ripped the vines without effort and picked up the creature that didn't seem the least bit concerned for itself. It rubbed its face against Za'Fia's and let out cute little roars that made me smile.
"This is a waste of time," Avarice impatiently crossed his arms. "If there's nothing we can learn from this place, let's move on already."
"Relax, we'll leave in a bit," I told him. "This is our home here, you know. Of course, we need to see at least what the territory looks like, but I agree that we shouldn't stay long. There's no one we need to meet here, but first, let's get this little guy to his parents."
The cub looked at me with an adorable curiosity. It forced its way from Za'Fia's arms and sniffed me before getting excited, letting out small chirping sounds.
"Seems it likes you," Za'Fia commented with a smile.
"Seems so," I knelt to pick up the creature, but it took off in a blur. I blinked, having not expected it to be that quick. I could sense it heading further toward the center of the city, where an old castle could be seen standing firm.
"Whoa, he can move," Za'Fia complimented.
"Guess it wants us to follow it," I grinned and ran after it before anyone – *ahem* Avarice – could complain more about us wasting time.
Knowing where it was headed, I swooped the little guy up as we passed him and quickly arrived several dozen miles later at what must've been the old Crest House.
In the base of the building was a massive hole with a similarly sized creature burrowed in it. The beast was a much older, larger version of the creature I held in my hands. Its lion fur was slightly discolored, its dragon wings were folded neatly against its back, and its canine teeth dripped a mysterious (likely poisonous) green liquid.
The cub chirped again, and the old chimera peered down at us with what seemed to be painful movements. Its eyes were a sickly yellow, almost lifeless, which made me feel a deep sympathy.
For some reason, instinctively, I moved to touch the creature.
Oh, Aerial. You've gotten much older in my absence, Viraa said, full of sorrow. Forgive me for abandoning you.
The creature, Aerial, groaned in response, shaking the building.
"She heard you?" I asked in disbelief.
Of course, we were once linked. She's the Sacred Guardian of this district, Viraa answered. I am thankful that we have arrived in time. Do not worry, Aerial. I have brought with me someone who has officially been acknowledged as my successor. If she is willing, you may link your life to hers and grant her your sacred gift.
Aerial's eyes locked onto me, and I could somehow understand her asking, "Do you accept?"
"I do," I replied, and was immediately assaulted with an indescribable sensation of energy rushing through me from Aerial and vice versa.
Aerial's yellow, sickly eyes became healthy and lively, reflecting the sudden youthful energy she regained as her old fur shed and was replaced with a new golden coat. Aerial rose and dashed out of the burrowed hole she'd dug for herself. She spread her massive, dragon wings and took to the skies with a mighty roar that frightened the nearby animals.
She likely has not moved like that in ages, Viraa stated as I smiled at Aerial, enjoying her regained youth.
"I'm glad I could help," I said.
The exchange is two-sided, remember? She also gave you something in return.
"Oh yeah," I looked at my hands, feeling the additional power within me. My hands secreted a green liquid that I could move to my will.
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