It has been what I believe was a week since we arrived at this cave, justifying this with the temperature variations; since then, we have hunted some arthropods since we ran out of toad meat. It wasn't that difficult since we used the spoiled meat as bait to attract and catch them.
I also managed to make two small spears with the branches we found; nothing spectacular, to be honest, but something is something. I also managed to make some small knives with sharp-edged stones, to use as little knives and to cut things.
For my part, regarding getting used to my new body, it wasn't easy at first; I still had the mindset of my old body. But as I practiced, I gradually got used to it and made my mind understand that this was my new body. And while Garrl moves more agilely and quickly than I do, it's not something that keeps me up at night. I wasn't the most athletic person in my previous life; besides, I don't know if it's because we are young, but I have plenty of energy to practice. The advantages of youth, I suppose, haha. I also took advantage of our free time to play with Garrl. As I said, we had plenty of energy, and sitting in a cave watching rocks was neither a physical nor mental way to spend time. Luckily, I knew a game or two, the typical "you bring them," "hide and seek," "whoever throws the most rocks," and so on—games that, although simple for me, were very entertaining for Garrl. At first, he didn't see them that way, as apparently, kobolds in his culture don't see the need for young ones to have fun. Instead, they spend their time training for what they are supposedly destined to be. There's no time or reason for young ones to enjoy their childhood with games that are just for fun and have no other purpose. But well, once Garrl got into them, just as soon as we didn't have any tasks or obligations, he would ask me to play. Honestly, for me, it was quality time with Garrl and a way to not be so bored. It's not that I didn't have other things to do, like researching fluorescent minerals or continuing to plan and prepare for exploration, but it did remind me of my childhood, and for me, that was more than enough.
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Breigon is incredible, he knows many things, his heritage is greater than mine, although he says it isn't; he taught me how he believes the outside world should be, he explained where various things come from, like making weapons, the importance of planning and anticipating things, playing, which is very fun. In my heritage, I have nothing similar to what the adults in our village did; if I had to bet, my brother will be a wise man.
Something very curious was when he asked me to teach him how to move better and how to defend himself with his claws and fangs. It surprised me, but I know Breigon is different; and I think I now understand why Kirkarrg told me he was special and that we should look out for each other.
When I was trying to teach him how to defend himself and move, he taught me something incredible; it all started when we began training together. He was worried that we might hurt each other, but I told him that our scales were strong and that we wouldn't be going all out either. Besides, it's normal for the young ones to face off to see if any of them can become a warrior.
At first, I defeated him over and over again, much to his frustration; it was as if he didn't know how to use his claws and fangs. But little by little, he improved. However, one day while we were training, he asked if he could try something different that he called "self-defense techniques." He told me it was part of his heritage and that he only knew the basics. According to him, he hadn't tried it before because, in his words, "he hadn't gotten used to his body yet." Yes! That last part sounded strange, but it's Breigon, what can I say; in the end, as always, I attacked him, and to my great surprise, he sent me flying. On other occasions, he immobilized me with something he called " joint lock," strange name, and instead of slashing, he would kick and punch without extending or using his claws; it was incredible. I begged him to teach me everything, with this we could become warriors! He was surprised by what I said, emphasized that it wasn't such a big deal, and told me that he wasn't an expert and that it worked against me because he caught me off guard; but that wasn't true, and after much begging, he said that of course, he would teach me the little he knew, but not to get my hopes up.
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Another week passed, and during it, I learned how to use my claws and fangs, as well as how to move, similar to how Garrl does; it was somewhat difficult to get used to the fact that I can swipe and that I should take advantage of my bite, but the incredible part was when I taught Garrl some self-defense techniques. Honestly, I didn't think they would work, but in the end, they did. However, that wasn't the incredible part. I only know the basics because I took a couple of courses, but when I taught them to Garrl, he not only learned them quickly but also started practicing other moves, using his tail and claws. Soon, and just like that, my only advantage against him was gone. Of course, I should have seen it coming; he knows how to handle his body better and does it instinctively. I had to think before acting. But I also believe he has talent; I hope it helps him defend himself in this life.
By the middle of the third week, we felt confident enough to explore the caves. We took our spears, stones, the dagger, and one of the medicine vials; since it was just exploring, we would always return to this cave as it was quite safe. Also, while we had grown, it wasn't that much, just a couple of centimeters at most. I know our species isn't exactly giant, which is strange considering we descend from dragons, but anyway; we also started to grow what must be the horns and, wow! How much it itched! Garrl explained to me that the moment our antlers fully grew, we would no longer be considered younglings, well, that would be a short childhood, which made me curious to know our life expectancy, but Garrl didn't know anything about it, I'll find out later, I hope.
Returning to the topic of exploration, we agreed to only explore, not to seek conflicts, especially if we encountered humans. Garrl didn't like it; he wanted revenge and to fulfill his duty. But I insisted he be patient. I felt bad not telling him the whole truth; while I harbored resentment for what the humans did to us, I honestly didn't know if I could attack and kill a human being. Killing a frog or arthropod to survive is one thing, but killing a person is another; the very idea terrified me. I know that if I have to defend myself or Garrl, I won't hesitate; or will I? …………………………….. But I don't want to enter this cycle of violence, hatred, and revenge; I don't want that for Garrl either. There has to be another solution. I am aware that what they did to Garrl is something that cannot be forgiven and forgotten just like that; but ……………….. the truth is, I don't know. I sincerely hope to explore this cave peacefully and, if possible, to be able to leave it without incidents, so that I can then find a kobold village, and after that, I would think about what to do. Well, here we go!
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The kobold pups are leaving; they behaved very strangely during all the time I was watching them. I already know what happened to their village, and it saddens me, especially for my friend Tammat. One of my offspring confirmed it to me; I don't know if I should have helped them or if I should help them now. The kobolds are very proud of their descent from the great dragons and almost never ask for help; that fool Tammat and his foolish pride, why didn't he warn me about the attack? I would have helped them; I know our species are not on good terms, but, mmmmmmmmmm. Silly Tammat! ……………………… We were friends! ………………………… We were friends! ………………………… Why didn't you ask me for help? ………………………………..
I tried to help these two kobold hatchlings without them noticing; after all, they are the last descendants of the great dragons in these caves. I got the frog to them, and luckily, although in a strange way, they caught it. I also prevented other dangerous creatures from arriving; but they, of their own accord, are moving away from here. Should I follow them? Should I tell them that there are still humans? No, even if I wanted to, I couldn't follow them wherever they go; besides, I must respect my friend's memory. Even if I don't agree with it, they must prove that they are worthy of the lineage of the great dragons, right?
