Work Text:
Wind Through the Canyon
"We ended up working together more since he took Ajaw in to see me."
"Ifa? We just keep crossing paths because of our occupations."
"Kinich? He's one of my bros, he helps out a lot with the saurians."
"Ifa treats my injuries from time to time, that's why I'm there when there aren't pressing issues with the saurians."
"I just want to keep an eye on Kinich's health, he's one of Chasca's and mine's friends."
"We work well together, that's all, is that so hard to believe?"
Ifa sighed, the same questions, the same responses, the same curious looks. There really isn't much to why he and Kinich ended up close, truly.
Well, maybe that wasn't all true.
"Ifa… that wasn't like you normally, did something happen?"
Ifa took another breath as he put his gun away, several stunned men lied prone on the ground. They were alive, just heavily sedated. A fontainian researcher and a sumerian scholar, not to mention the scary looking mercs around them.
"They were looking for trouble, and I had to deal with them, that's all." Ifa said, crossing his arms. "What are you doing out here bro?"
"I was just looking for some wild seeds for Kinich to examine and I uh… heard a commotion." Ororon said. "What happened?"
"They were causing trouble, that's all." Ifa said, "Where is Kinich?"
"Oh, he finished up a comission not too far from here I think. Why?"
"Just wondering, these men were looking for him." Ifa sighed, "The lines between medicial doctors and mad scientists seems to be growing thinner and thinner by the day."
"Huh? Why would they be looking for him?"
"They want to 'examine' him, apparently word of his unusual contract with Ajaw drifted across the desert." Ifa said, "Now all sorts are trying to find him."
"You know that about?" Ororon asked.
"Yeah, not the first time I had to deal with them honestly." Ifa sighed, "No matter, I already send Cacucu to find Chasca and Mutota to deal with them."
"I see… it's not often I see you fight." Ororon said after a moment, leaning down and poking one of the immobile mercs. Who only managed a pained groan in response.
Ah, Ifa used his extra strong sedative… Ororon thought.
"I normally don't have to, but can't really do much when trouble comes aknockin'." Ifa shrugged, "I just hope these are the only ones in Natlan for now."
"Even if there's more, I'm sure Kinich can handle them." Ororon said as he stood back up. "He's quite strong after all."
"I don't doubt his strength," Ifa said, "But this many people. They're definitely aware of his strength somewhat, but since they couldn't even wrangle me, I also think Kinich should be fine."
That is unless they sent some fodder after me… Ifa thought.
He hopes it's just paranoia, but he's seen this before. Poachers and other bad actors would distract others in a group so their more skilled workers can swoop in and catch the harder prey off guard.
"Ororon, bro." Ifa started, "Can I ask you for a favor right now?"
"Huh? Um, sure, why?" Ororon asked.
"Where did you see Kinich?" Ifa asked, "I'm going go check on him, you stay here and keep an eye on these guys until Chasca and Mutota come around."
"Alright." Ororon said with a nod, "Kinich is just southeast, he was planning on doing some foraging before heading back to his tribe."
"Got it, thanks bro." Ifa said with a smile, "Be sure to stop by the clinic afterwards, I baked up some more saurian cookies with that honey of yours. Help yourself."
"Be safe, and see you back at the clinic." Ororon said with a nod.
Ifa nodded and waved before taking off across the field.
Ifa remembers when he first formally met Kinich. It was when the well established saurian hunter inquired his services in regards to his pixelated companion.
He hasn't really treated dragons like Ajaw before, but it was an interesting experience to say the least. Even if Ajaw ended up scared of him for some reason. One would think an "Almighty Dragonlord" wouldn't be scared of such a simple procedure.
Regardless, he heard rumors about Kinich, the bearer of 'Malipo'. They were all chalked up to some scary image of some heavy duty merc with the shadow of a dragon loyally following him.
What he got was a scrawy looking kid and an annoying little… pixel thing. To be fair, Kinich was far from actually scrawy, he was well built and lean and he could wield that claymore of his without much issue. Due to all the medical knowledge his father would beat into him, saurian specific or otherwise, it was immediately clear what was going on. Kinich didn't have much proper nutrition growing up. It was only a relatively recent development.
Regardless, he shouldn't poke his nose where it doesn't belong. So he treated Ajaw, as much as he could, and sent them both on their way.
The second time they met, was when Kinich stopped by with an injured yumkasaur.
"They were targetted by poachers, I think it's best if you take a look at them." Kinich said simply, he moved to leave, but Ifa stopped him.
"Hold it, bro." Ifa said, "I need some more details. You said there were poachers? Was she hit with anything? This behavior is usually linked to a type of tranquilizer."
Kinich blinked, "Sure, the poachers sought me out to 'deal with her'. Apparently she was hit with the chemical long before I came into the picture, but that substance caused her to lose control and go on an attack spree against the poachers trying tk wrangle her. I have the dart still, the poachers are taken care of."
Kinich took the item from one of his pockets and handed it to Ifa.
"I sometimes forget you work as a 'saurian hunter'. Thanks for bringing those poachers down." Ifa mused.
"The price they offered was not worth her life." Kinich said, shaking his head. "That's all."
"If you say so." Ifa said, "I'll take a look at her real good, they probably used some weird concoction to try and sedate her. Unfortunately for them, randomly mixing sedatives can usually cancel out effects or completely revert them."
"I am well aware of that, it's for reasons like that why I never used sedatives, just temporary blood thinners so I can track them down." Kinich said.
"Mhm, while temporary blood thinners are a good idea, do be careful. They can also cause adverse reactions, and don't do much to calm the creature down." Ifa said.
"I see, would it be safer then to use a basic sedative then?" Kinich asked.
"Not just any," Ifa said as he walked over to one of his cabinets. He took out a small bottle filled with liquid. "Here, it's a sedative using the chrysanthemums. The formula is a bit complicated, but if you need to calm a saurian down fast and for a long time, it's best to use this. You don't need a lot, even less than a dose of a regular blood thinner."
"…Thanks, what do I owe you for this?" Kinich asked Ifa handed him the bottle.
"No payment needed-"
"I insist, or I won't take it." Kinich saif solidly. "Tell me your price."
Ifa looked at him, one would think anyone would be happy with a freebie every now and then. He doesn't often have to do something like this… what even would be a mora based amount for th sedative? It was one his father refined a long time ago and had just been their own to use.
"I can't think of mora," Ifa said, "Buuut, how about a favor instead?"
Kinich tilted his head slightly, "A favor?"
"Yeah, I can't think of a proper price, so how about a favor?" Ifa asked, "I want you to use the sedative, but then assess the Saurian after they've been calmed down. If you can lug them along, take the saurian to see me or send someone my way to check them."
"…That's reasonable, alright then." Kinich said with a nod.
"Looking forward to working with you." Ifa smiled.
After that, somewhat formal, first meeting, they've been interacting a lot more. However, Ifa noted that Kinich kept to himself a good deal of time still. They might be working together more closely now, but Kinich treats him still as simply a business associate. They work together in their jobs and that's about it. Kinich asks him for medicine and supplies, in turn Kinich brings him saurians who needed healing or rescuing from poachers.
Ifa was wracking his brain on how he should try to get closer to Kinich. It wasn't like his friendship with Ororon, which happened in a more relaxed manner and they both engaged in the silliness of it. Plus Ororon liked caring for saurians, so they have that in common to begin with as well.
Kinich on the other hand… he's keeping his distance. He doesn't want to encroach on him, but at the same time, he's kinda worried.
Ignoring the anomaly that is Ajaw, Kinich himself is still just a young kid. Hell, he didn't look much older than when Ifa lost his own parents. Hell, he looked younger, than that. However, it seemed like fate had different plans.
Ifa was wandering around the cliffs near the Scions of the Canopy, he came here to collect some herbs he needed to treat Yumkasaurs. That's when he heard shouting.
"Stay still you brat!"
Ifa felt something, it sent a chill down his spine as he spun in the direction of the noise and took off. His hand resting on the gun on his person. He ran, the commotion was getting louder.
"Stay still!"
Ifa saw a flash of green, he saw Kinich tumble across the grass, a neon green grapple flailing across the ground for any type of anchor. He saw several men… ones that's don't look like they're from Natlan.
Ifa froze for a moment, trying to comprehend what was happening. He saw Kinich struggle to his feet, leaning on his claymore for support. He looked exhausted. Ifa's eyes drifted as he saw two pinprick dots on Kinich's neck.
Almost on instinct, Ifa felt himself move. More men tried to jump Kinich, the saurian hunter's movements sluggish. Only for a burst of Anemo to suddenly explode in front of them, shoving them all away.
"Get away from him!" Ifa shouted, his vision glowed on his back. His gun held tightly in his hand as he fired another burst. He kept going. Another round and another, more Anemo swirling in the air, knocking the men across the fields and the ground. Their one large forms becomjng ragdolls in the winds.
Most of them were down, but then Ifa heard something behind him. He turn and saw another man. The man was in a panic, he grabbed Kinich by the back of his harness and tried to drag him away.
Ifa moved as swiftly knocked the man out with a solid blow with the butt of his pistol.
Silence soon filled the air, barely audible groans from the various men being the only noise besides his own heavy breaths.
Ifa looked down at Kinich's form. Wounds littered his body, he looked exhausted, and his eyes…
Kinich always kept his emotions in check, his expression hardly changing no matter what happened. He was certain, brave, calm. That's how he usually was and how Ifa kept some of his own behavior in check despite how small Kinich looked.
Now though… Ifa saw exhaustion and fear in those draconian eyes. Confusion too, his form looked even smaller now. Almost like a scared kid, a scared saurian whelp. Time slowed down and he remembered how young Kinich actually was again.
"Hey, Kinich, are you okay?" Ifa asked, kneeling down to get to his eye level and assess the wounds Kinich had.
"I…I'm… I'm fine." Kinich said after a moment, his breath was shaky and his hands clenched the dirt around him. "What are you doing out here?"
"I came to gather some herbs for the clinic, and then I heard a commotion." Ifa said, moved a hand to look at the wounds on Kinich's neck. The boy flinched at the motion, but tried to calm himself down.
"You were drugged, hit by something. I can't tell if it's a sedative or not out here." Ifa asked, "Let's get you to a healer, or your house. You need rest. Can you walk?"
"I can… I can walk." Kinich said, he tried to use his claymore as a support, but fell to his knees again once he tried to stand. His breath was coming heavy too.
Ifa frowned, "Here, put that thing away."
Kinich blinked, but did as he was told and the claymore vanished into the air.
"Up we go." Ifa grunted, he grabbed Kinich and hoisted him up. Getting a firm grip on his legs as he leaned over for Kinich to rest on his back. "Hold onto me, I'll get you to someone."
Kinich complied again, seemingly too weak to protest. He wrapped his arms around Ifa's shoulders as Ifa kept a secure hold on his legs to keep him on his back.
"Go to… Elder Leik…" Kinich said, "His house is the closest."
"Got it."
By the time Ifa managed to get Kinich back to the main village, most of the tribe had gone to sleep. Except for Elder Leik's house, which still had a light on in the front room.
Ifa gently knocked with his foot and the door opened.
"Hm? Ifa? What are you…? Kinich, did something happen?" Leik asked ss he ushered the two into the small building.
"Kinich was attacked on the outskirts of the tribe, by men not from Natlan." Ifa said as he set Kinich on the couch. He had long since fallen asleep on the trek here. "I already alerted the tribe guards, but he needs rest. They shot him with… something. I can't tell if it's some kind if sedative or something else."
"I see, so word has gotten out." Leik murmured.
"What do you mean?" Ifa asked, more alert now then just a few moment prior.
"Ifa, you are aware of Kinich's contract with Ajaw, correct?" Leik asked.
"Yeah, but now that you mentioned it, I didn't see Ajaw fighting with Kinich." Ifa said with a frown, "Isn't he supposed to help in a fight like that?"
"Normally yes, but Kinich knocked him into time out earlier today. Bad luck I suppose." Leik said, "Besides that, Ajaw is part of the reason why those men were after Kinich."
"How so?"
"I suppose the rumors don't travel to the Flower Feather Clan too much." Leik sighed, "But there has been talk about Kinich's composition being different than normal humans now because of his contract with K'hul Ajaw. It started a simple rumors, but soon enough word got out of Natlan. In the past it had been other doctors who requested to examine Kinich to see how different his composition is. However, it seems that some are not taking 'no' for an answer."
Ifa scoffed, "That's it? Supposed doctors want to poke and prod him without consent. No way, bro."
"That is unfortunately a fact." Leik said solemnly, "A good chunk of it are still rumors, so dealing with them is only ever so often. Kinich usually can handle himself, but I suppose the foes tonight were more cunning than most."
"Indeed, and personally, I'm a little offended." Ifa said, crossing his arms. "They jumped him by hitting him with drugs, almost like they're trying to jump an unexpecting saurian. I can't explain how wrong that is on so many levels."
"Regardless, thanks for taking care of him." Leik said.
"My pleasure, I consider him one of my bros." Ifa said as he looked at Kinich. "I hope he sees me like that one day too."
After that, Kinich had been slightly more trusting of him. He's less formal around Ifa and offered a lot in exchange for helping him that night.
"It's what bros do! Don't sweat it!"
Still, Ifa couldn't get the image of how… defenseless Kinich looked that night.
He too followed the belief of how strong Kinich was, how brave he was, he was an Ancient Name bearer, a champion of the pilgrimages on many occassions.
Yet, that night made him remember that nagging feeling. How small Kinich was, how young he was. Despite his power and skill, Kinich was still a kid. It made him remember his own past. How he had to take over everything aftet his parents died to abyssal corrosion all those years ago. Even then, he sensed something was off when he learned Kinich lived on his own far away from the tribe. The only person he seems to talk with on any sort of basis was Elder Leik and Chief Wayna.
He learned a lot about Kinich over the years, they had grown closer too. Something he was grateful for. He could watch over him like he did for all the kids in the tribe who decided he would be the 'older brother'. He can make sure Kinich was okay…
And that lend to present issues like now. Ifa ran across the cliff in the direction Ororon told him about. Kinich might be close by.
"For the Lord of the Night!"
"Bow before your king!!"
Ifa heard both Kinich and Ajaw. He saw the large, black pixelates dragon form and bursts of green fire.
Ifa pulled out his gun and saw a group of men trying to corner Kinich. He got close and let out a burst of anemo. The group got disbanded just long enough for Ifa to get behind Kinich.
"Ifa? What are you doing out here?" Kinich asked as he leaned against Ifa's back, holding his claymore tight.
"Wanted to make sure you're okay." Ifa said, "Now then, what's the situation?"
"Unsavory researchers." Kinich said, "Stubborn at that."
"Very well." Ifa smiled as he spun his gun in his hand. "Let's get to work."
Ororon ran across as Chasca followed after him with Cacucu. Chief Mutota and a few other warriors from the tribe could handle the ones Ifa knocked down earlier.
He does hope Ifa and Kinich are alright…
Thankfully, Ororon could put his worries to rest as he saw Kinich and Ifa suddenly swap positions and down the last two men attacking them. The threat now eliminated, Ifa holstered his gun, and Kinich put away his claymore with a breath.
"Awesome bro! No way bro!" Cacucu squawked as he flew over and around Ifa's head.
"So there were more men…" Ororon said as he looked down at them.
"Such a pain in the butt if you ask me." Ifa sighed, "I thought I told you to go back to the clinic?"
"It's too far for now. I thought it best to just wait for Chasca and then rush over to see how you guys were doing." Ororon said.
"We're alright now, just some reckless researchers again." Kinich sighed.
"Reckless, more like dumb." Ajaw scoffed, "You have to deal with this same lot year after year. When will they learn that barbaric methods are not the way to learn about the Great K'hul Ajaw?!"
"Probably never. Unfortunately." Ifa sighed, "They're getting smarter too. They even sent decoys after me. How did they manage to come up with that?"
"Maybe they saw us in Fontaine?" Ororon asked, "We were there not too long ago. Perhaps they concluded the three of us are brothers or something."
"That… sounds a little unlikely." Chasca said with a frown.
"It's… honestly not." Ifa sighed, "Jeez… this is a pain…"
"If these people keep coming after Kinich, I think that'll be an issue in the long run, won't it?" Chasca asked.
"They only happen once a year at most." Kinich said, "For now, we just need to keep an eye out."
"If anything, I think it's best if we keep tabs on these guys. All the ones you encountered in the past only have a vague goal of "meeting the contractor of dragons". I think those guys just jumped on vague rumors." Ifa said, "This group was much more prepared, we're just lucky no one had the idea of drugs."
"That is true, the fact they sent people to target you as well is concerning." Kinich said, "Was it because we were all in the same vicinity?"
"Only one way to find out." Ifa said as he looked at the unconscious assailants. "But I don't think we'll be getting answers anytime soon. For now, let's get these guys to Mutota and figure out our next course of action there."
"Sounds good to me."
Ororon looked as he heard Ifa let out a long sigh. The vet collapsing on his desk chair.
"You sound tired." Ororon said, munching on a saurian cookie.
"It's been a long day bro." Ifa said, "Honestly, when will people leave Kinich alone? It's getting annoying, don't you think?"
"It is, but I think Kinich can handle himself." Ororon said, "Although he also is stubborn about it. I don't get why people stoop to that instead of just… talking to him? Kinich may be closed off, but he's always open to talks. Even I know that."
"That just tells more about the figures he deals with." Ifa said, "Says more about them than Kinich. Can't the kid have a break one of these days?"
"Says the vet who refuses to take a sick day without one of the elders locking you inside the clinic." Ororon said lightly.
"Hey, not cool bro. It's not the same." Ifa frowned with faux annoyance.
"You care a lot about him, don't you?" Ororon asked.
"Of course I do, he's like a lil bro." Ifa said.
"He does feel like a little bro." Ororon said, "Though, he also feels like an uncle…"
"I still remember when you called him uncle." Ifa chuckled, "You do remember he's like a solid two or three years younger than you, right?"
"Does that mean I should call you gramps too?" Ororon asked.
"Hey, I'm not that old!"