Dododex

ARK: Survival Evolved & Ascended Companion

Tales of Pandora

Origins of Salizar, Chapter 20: ~hostile takeover~

“I have to say, your scales are much more comfortable than I expected.” Salizar said atop the massive back of Apex. “Thank you father, the sky rock is just ahead.” Apex said. “Land ho.” Salizar said.

Darkhide angrily scuttled through the base, searching for signs of life, “stpd Emrld, darn Talus..” he mumbled, getting Terrace’s name wrong yet again. He was sick of searching, there was obviously nobody there and he hadn’t heard any roars, it was time to head back and hopefully collect his reward. But then he heard it, the roar, followed by a huge crash and the sound off falling shingles. “What the-” he turned around to the castle to see the mighty Apex, perched atop Fort Olympia, the structure crumbling under his weight. He stared wide-eyed at the massive dragon for a moment, then he ran for the caves, unfortunately for him Salizar saw him, “There! It’s a.. hmm I don’t know actually.” He said. Apex flew off of the castle which made the roof fall in as he did, and kept soared down to intercept Darkhide. Darkhide looked back at the dragon quickly outpacing him, he squealed a bit before getting caught under a massive talon. ‘Oh no this is it.. they were right about the surface!’ He thought, his head under his claws and eyes shut. “You, what are you..” a voice said in-front of him. He opened his eyes to see a mesopithicus wearing a cloak, satchel lined with throwing knives, and a skull mask. “Better question who are you?! And WHAT IS THAT!?!” He said as Apex’s head lowered to see him. “Nevermind who we are, tell me who you are or he’ll turn you into a rather pungent puddle.” Salizar said. Darkhide’s eyes widened at the thought, “I’m- uh Darkhide..” He said. “And what is Darkhide?” Salizar said. “I’m a rockdrake.” He said. “Impossible, rockdrakes are feathered and never leave their caves.” Salizar said, “squish the ‘Rockdrake’ Apex.” He said. “Yes father.” Apex said. “WAIT!” Darkhide protested. Apex loosened his grip. “I am a drake I swear, I was born without feathers and I was sent to the surface to find out what happened to the humans!” Darkhide said. “Hmm prove it, bring me another drake, your leader. Oh and tell them that if you don’t comply that my so- … Apex will blast fire into your caves and cook all of you like dodos in deep fryer.” Salizar said rather pleasantly. Apex lifted his talon and Darkhide scurried away. “You have one hour.” Salizar said.

“Lies! You’re just trying to trick us into leaving the security of our home and to make a fool out of our leader!” A councilman said. “Are we sure it’s worth a risk? Think about the children.” A drake General called Igneous said. “You’re the most by the book drake here Emerald, what say you?” Terrace asked. Emerald looked around the room thinking, Darkhide’s face looked truthful, and scared. “We have no choice. We have to do it.” She said.

“So, how bright up there is it exactly?” Terrace asked Darkhide as they led the way through the cave. “Crazy bright, but it should be almost sunset now.” He answered. “Ah the fabled ‘sun’ I have to say I am intrigued by the concept.” Terrace said. They eventually reached the exit, only Darkhide and Terrace actually left the cover of the cave ceiling, the rest watched from the wide cave mouth. The lumbering form of Apex towered behind Salizar, Terrace saw them, but was paying much more attention to the beautiful sunset, the purple willows glowing slightly from its fading light. “This the leader?” Salizar asked. Nobody really answered before he immediately snapped his fingers, Apex on cue lunged his head down and snatched Terrace up, swallowing him with a horrible crunch. There were screams and gasps of shock and horror from the onlookers, but Salizar continued without so much as a flinch, “you all belong to me now. Any questions?” Nobody answered, they all just looked on in disbelief, “good, first order of business, I need miners, who’s good at digging?” He asked happily. Nobody moved. “Come on don’t be shy, I won’t bite! That’s what Apex is for.” He laughed. “I’ll do it.” Darkhide said. “Darkhide!” Emerald whispered urgently, she couldn’t believe he just signed up for this. “Ahh our first volunteer! I’ll make you Forman!” Salizar said, still cheerful, “who else?” A few slowly stepped out. “Good, good! Welcome to Salizar mining, where your safety is the least of our concerns!” Salizar said, quite pleased with his slogan. “What about the rest of us? You gonna eat us all?” Emerald asked defiantly. “The rest of you can find your uses, the castle over there needs some renovations. And guards are always nice!” Salizar said. “And if we don’t want to work for you?” Emerald said. “Well, down the hatch.” Salizar replied. Emerald just looked between Salizar and Darkhide, she felt betrayed and hopeless, but she did notice others seemed to look the same.