Eke nodded looking down.

He was thankful he could bring out his claws and used them to dig into the muddy cliff side.

He stopped after a bit and seemed to be frozen.

But it didnt last long as he readied himself again and started once more.

He made it to the first ledge and pushed himself onto the flat surface panting.

"I...im...fine" he panted and looked up.

His hands were covered in mud.

And with that, he continued up.

He was determined.

Eke continued up.

He passed two ledges, nearly slipping multiple times, as it was getting very slippery.

He made it to a ledge half way up.

And he collapsed wheezing. He curled up coughing.

"Im okay...im just tired.." he protested pre-emptively.

It was obvious he wasnt alright, but he was being stubborn.

Eke finally sat up.

He didnt want to give up, he felt like it was giving up.

"I...im halfway..." he whined.

Eke looked up.

"Fine..." he conceded. "I just need a moment, or i might puke on you"

"I know but thats all i do most of the time...rely on others i mean" he said looking up.

"It gets fustrating when theres very little i can do on my own" he continued.

"But...i shouoldnt kill myself over this..." he reasoned and got up.

"Alright...lets keep going up"

Eke got up and stretched.

He pulled out a bottle of water and drained the whole thing.

"Right...I think i can make it to the next ledge before you have to carry me" he said

Eke started climbing, digging his claws into the side of the cliff.

The higher they went, the more lightening started to strike on the side of the cliff.

One bolt hit right next to Eke causing him to wince.

He nodded.

"Its getting more frequent" he said and he started climbing again.

He was getting slower, visibly struggling now.

He made it to the next ledge and collapsed.

"I cant...my arms...im so tired..."

"I think so" he said slowly sitting up.

"My arms feel like jelly..." he said pouting.

"I...i pushed too hard didnt i? Dont tell Aly..." he said

Eke weakly held on, his arms shaking from the strain of just staying on Ryker's back

When he was put down, he sat so he could try and regain himself.

Lightening was striking everywhere, the wind roaring. The rain that hit their faces felt more like rocks than water.

Eke shielded his face looking around

Eke stood up.

Despite how his legs wanted to crumple under him, he walked.

He curled his tail to him and he slowly transformed into his draagon form

And he made his way to the center