#Tourajé

[animeboye]

Mid Dragon's World Chapter 7

Chapter 7: The Secret of the Closet

After we dropped Jericho off at his house, we headed straight for home. Alex and I said good night to Z’haer and Theian as they opened a portal and returned to the dragon realm. We opened the door and saw dad sitting at the kitchen table.

“Hey dad.” Alex said as we headed into the kitchen.

“So did you boys have fun on your little trip with Theian and Z’haer?” Dad asked as we sat down at the table.

“Eh. It was alright.” Alex said flatly. I guessed he was still upset that I made him show us his memories.

“Well I had fun. We didn’t get a lot of food but I did learn to use my powers. Thanks to them I was able to stop a bear that was gonna try to eat me and Jericho!” I said excitedly.

“Who?” Dad asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Jake’s new friend. He’s…a human.” Alex explained.

“Hmm…I see.” Said Dad, stroking his chin. “Well, if you say this boy’s your friend, then I’ll let you continue to see him. Just remember, Jakol: Don’t let your new friendship distract you from the task at hand.”

“Don’t worry dad. I won’t.” I smiled.

“Good.” Dad smiled back. “Now get to bed, you two. You’ve got a busy day tomorrow.”

“Okay.” So me and Alex left the kitchen and headed for our rooms. Shutting off all the lights, dad went into his room and shut the door so that only a crack of light was shining out.

As I took off my clothes and put on my pajamas, I could hear dad talking in his room. He did this a lot, ever since I could remember. Dad would open his closet door and he would talk to it, like someone was in there. For some strange reason he never let anyone go in his closet. Well, except Eig’nia. Sometimes when he spoke to whatever was in there, he’d say a name but I could never make out whose name it was. All I could ever make out was the first letter in the name: T.

Wanting to find out what dad was going to say, I opened my bedroom door a crack, then slowly opened it further. I tiptoed over to dad’s bedroom door and listened closely.

“Things are still getting underway…Yes…another one will be joining us soon, one of my Apprentices. Normally I wouldn’t do something like this but I can’t allow any risks. If he found out…No, best not to think about that right now. I know it’s taken a very long time but soon the preparations will be complete. I promise you, the world that you dreamed of will become a reality…Touraje.”

Touraje? Was that one of my dad’s friends? I remembered when I was younger, dad told me about a friend he had who wanted to make the human and dragon realms a better place. This friend wanted a world where humans, dragons, and half-dragons could all live together. Then something happened that caused his friend to die. Dad never told me what happened to his friend or even, until now, what his friend’s name was.

But then…if dad…was talking to Touraje…and he died…then did that mean that…what was in his closet was…Touraje’s body?! Just imagining dad talking to a dead person…dragon made me shiver all over. I hurried back into my room and jumped on my bed, quickly getting under the covers. I shut my eyes and tried to think of something, anything to push that image of a dead person’s body in the closet out of my head.  After awhile I fell asleep.

The next day, in the afternoon, me and Alex walked down the street to Jericho’s house.

“What!” Alex asked, not believing me.

“Sooo…let me see if I’ve got this right: you think that dad has been talking to a dead person, and you think he’s keeping the body in his closet?”

“Yeah. Pretty much.” I answered.

“Jake, I doubt there’s a dead guy in his closet. If there was, we’d know.” Said Alex.

“How?” I asked.

“Because dead people stink! That’s why they bury ‘em!” Alex explained.

“Makes sense I guess…” I shrugged unsurely.

We continued to Jericho’s house. It was only a few more blocks.

“So what are we doing?” Alex asked. “Dad’s going to get mad if he finds out we weren’t out doing what he told us to.”

“I know. That’s why I asked Theian to cover for us. Anyway, everyone’s out finding someplace to start with taking over the world and dad said he had to go to the dragon realm for something. So I think, while they’re gone, we sneak into dad’s bedroom and get a look at whatever he’s got in his closet.” I explained to Alex.

Alex sighed. He sounded like he didn’t think this would be a good idea. Maybe he was right. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea but I just had to know what dad was keeping in that closet that he didn’t want anyone seeing.

When we reached Jericho’s house, which was about thirteen blocks away from mine, I went up and knocked at the door. Alex hung out by the sidewalk. I stood there for a few seconds, then the door opened and there was Jericho, standing in the doorway.

“Hey, Jake!” Jericho greeted.

“Hey, man.” I greeted back to him.

Jericho asked if me and Alex would want to come in. I agreed to, although I didn’t know if Alex would want to. As I stepped inside, I saw Alex follow from behind.

Once we were in, Jericho shut the door and we followed him into the living room where he and his family were watching a movie.

“Mom, dad, this is my friend from school, Jake, and his brother Alex.” Jericho said, introducing us to his family.

“Hello.” I said, raising a hand. Jericho stood in the center of the living room and introduced us to his family.

“Well you already know my twin sister Cassie. This is my older brother Brendan. He’s seventeen.”

“Hey guys.” Brendan smiled. He was a tall, athletic looking guy. He had dark brown hair and wore a light blue shirt with a darker blue pair of shorts. Below his lip was a darker brown mustache that made him look a little bit older than he really was.

“Hey.” I replied back.

“This is my little sister Elizabeth. She’s five.”

“Hi.” The little girl said in a shy voice. Like her older siblings, Elizabeth also had dark brown hair. She wore a bright pink shirt with a white unicorn in the center and a small pair of blue jeans. Her hair was tied into two pigtails in the back of her head.

“Hi there.” I said, smiling at her.

“And last but not least…my mom and dad!”

Jericho’s parents looked a bit older. His mom had a few noticeable wrinkles but she also looked really nice. The same was with Jericho’s dad. He wore a pair of glasses and also had some noticeable wrinkles.

Jericho’s mom and dad stood up and came over to us.

“It’s nice to meet you boys.” Jericho’s mom said, shaking our hands.

“So you’re the boy my son and daughter keep talking about. They tell me you’re a half…what was it?” Jericho’s dad said.

“A half-dragon, dad.” Jericho answered.

“Ah yes. A half-dragon. Now, what is that exactly?” Jericho’s dad asked me.

To answer his question, I turned around, inhaled deeply and closed my eyes. Alex asked me in a surprised tone what I was doing but I assured him it was okay and that we could trust them. I felt my wings rip through my shirt and my tail make its way out of my shorts. As soon as I was done changing, I turned around and looked at Jericho and his family. Everyone aside from him and Cassie looked surprised. They couldn’t believe what they were seeing.

Jericho’s brother, Brendan was about to talk but couldn’t find the right words.

“Well…that’s something.” He finally managed to say.

I urged Alex to show them his half-dragon form too. He sighed reluctantly. Not saying anything else, he did the same as I did: He turned around and changed into his half-dragon form. When he turned back to face them, he and I saw the shocked faces of Jericho’s family grew even more shocked.

There was a long silence as they tried to think of what to say. Then finally, Jericho’s mom spoke.

“So…those wings and tails…they’re…they’re real?” She asked, not knowing what else to say.

“Yeah. Me and Alex are half human and half dragon. We don’t normally show our half-dragon forms around humans.” I explained.

“Well I think that’s cool!” Elizabeth jumped up, grinning. “Can you fly?”

“Yeah. A bit. My wings aren’t that strong yet.” I replied.

“Do you two have any powers?” Asked Brendan.

“Yep. I can breathe and control fire and Alex can turn into a humanoid dragon.” I continued to explain to them.

Jericho’s family continued throwing question after question after question at me, making it hard for me to answer all of them. Every couple questions was followed by a comment about how cool they thought we were for being half-dragons and Elizabeth even stated she wished she could be part dragon. I felt a little nervous having so many people admiring me. I looked back at Alex, wondering how he was taking it. He was looking away, towards the door and although it was hard to make out, I could see it perfectly. Alex was smiling! It was a small smile but it was still a smile. I smiled back at him. It made me feel happy to see Alex happy.

I changed back into my human form, Alex doing the same. I asked Jericho if we should get going.

“Hang on a minute! I gotta get something from my room!” Jericho ran to his room. A few minutes later he returned holding a folded piece of paper. I wondered what it was but didn’t get the chance to ask him as we rushed out the door.

“Jericho!” His mom called to him. “Be home no later than five!”

“I will mom!” Jericho responded.

As we started on our way to my house, Jericho handed the folded paper to Alex.

“Here, Alex. This is for you.” Jericho said, giving Alex the paper.

“What is this?” Alex asked, looking at the paper that was still neatly folded.

“Open it.” Jericho insisted.

Alex stopped to unfold the paper. Once it had been unfolded, we saw what it was: a drawing. The drawing was of me, Alex, and Jericho with Theian and Z’haer. The five of us were together in the woods as we sat around a campfire. Strangely enough, the sky was colored a light blue, making it look more like it was morning or the afternoon rather than nighttime.

“Did you make this Jericho?” I asked.

“Yeah. I wanted to make something to try and cheer Alex up so I drew us in the woods.” Jericho explained.

“This is really good. I didn’t know you could draw.” I said, smiling at the picture.

“I draw sometimes.” Jericho replied.

Alex stood there, just looking at the picture. I didn’t think he knew what to say. After all, I didn’t think he’d ever gotten a present like that from a human before. I wondered what he was thinking.

He pulled away from Jericho’s drawing and looked at him. He slowly opened his mouth and it sounded like he was about to say something.

“Th…thanks.” Alex said, sounding surprised.

Jericho smiled at Alex. “No problem man! I hope it made you feel a little better.”

“Ye…yeah, it did.” Said Alex, folding the paper up again and putting it in his pocket.

We continued on our way back to my house. Once we were halfway there, Alex reached into his pocket and pulled out Jericho’s drawing. He looked at it while he walked.

“So hey…” Jericho said suddenly. “What are we doing?”

Alex folded the drawing up again and slipped it back into his pocket. “Jake thinks that our dad is keeping a dead body in his closet.” He explained.

“WHAT!” Jericho shivered. “Does…does he?”

“I don’t know.” I answered. “But every night for as long as I can remember, he would open his closet and talk to it. Something’s in there and I wanna know what it is. I mean, whatever’s in there’s gotta be important if he doesn’t let anyone look inside, right?”

“Or maybe he doesn’t want people going in his closet because it’s his. Besides, Jake, we’re supposed to be on a mission. I’m telling you, Dad’s gonna be pissed if he finds out we weren’t.” Alex said, sounding huffy.

“Don’t worry.” I smiled. “Remember, I got Theian to cover for us. We’ll be okay.”

Alex rolled his eyes and slapped his palm over his forehead, the bottom part of his hand covering his left eye.

After going down a couple more streets, we ended up back at home. I sighed, relieved knowing that dad and everyone else was out looking for places to take over. This made it perfect for us to sneak in and see what dad had in the closet.

We approached the door which was unlocked. I turned the knob and pulled the door open, letting us in the house. All the lights were off with the only light being from the sun. It was strangely quiet without dad or the others around. I wasn’t used to the house being so quiet or so empty.

Quietly, I led Jericho and Alex to dad’s bedroom. Opening the door, I looked around for a bit before going in. I was a little nervous. I had been in dad’s bedroom plenty of times but this was the first time I was going to see inside his closet. I really, really, really hoped that there wasn’t a body in there and it was something else.

The door to his closet was on the opposite side of the door we stood by, to the left of his dresser. We approached the door slowly. I was about to grab the knob and open the door when I pulled back. I didn’t know what to expect. What was going to be behind the door and would I be ready for whatever it was? My palms became sweaty. I forced my arm forward and grabbed the knob.

“This is it guys. Ready?” I asked nervously.

“Ready.” Alex said.

“Yeah. Go for it.” Jericho said.

It was now or never. We had already come this far and we were all ready. I closed my eyes and slowly opened the door. I pulled it open all the way, then let go of the knob.  Slowly opening my eyes, I saw that…

“There’s nothing in here. Just…clothes and boxes…” I said, feeling incredibly confused.

This didn’t make any sense! So this whole time…dad was talking to nothing? Could he have been talking to the boxes and his clothes?  No…this couldn’t be right. There had to be something else here! I wasn’t sure how but I was certain that something was in here.

“Hey, what’s that?” Alex asked, pointing to something that was poking out from between two boxes.

Alex got on his hands and knees and pulled whatever it was out from between the boxes. He got up and held it in both his hands. I knew it! I knew there was something else here. And there it was, resting in his hands.

“A sword.” I gasped.

I took the sword and held it by its handle. I ran my hand over the blade. I had never held or even seen a sword before. Just holding it made me feel powerful. I felt like a knight who was on his way to save a princess and slay a dragon…Something I thought was kind of funny; a half-dragon thinking about slaying a full dragon. I held the blade up and looked at it in awe. I noticed that there was something carved into both sides of the blade. Something was carved onto the blade in cursive. It was a little hard to read but the longer I studied the word, the easier it became to understand. T O U R A J E.  Touraje. That was the name dad said last night. So then this sword must have belonged to Touraje.

Suddenly, the front door opened, startling us. I was afraid dad might be back. And if it was him, then me, Alex, and Jericho were all in very big trouble.

The footsteps grew louder. Whoever it was, they were coming this way. I tried to put the sword back in the closet but it was too late. The person stepped into the bedroom and saw us standing by the open closet and me holding the sword. This person wasn’t dad but it was still someone who made me feel afraid.

“Oh! Hi, Eig’nia.” I said nervously.

“What on earth are you two doing here?” She asked.

When she noticed I was holding the sword, she gasped. An angry looked appeared on her face.

“Give me that!” She demanded, swiping the sword from me.

She held the sword close to her in her arms. She closed her eyes, a painful look appearing on her face. She turned to the three of us, her angry look returning to her face.

“Where did you find this?” Asked Eig’nia, sounding pretty furious at us.

“We found it in the closet.” I explained.

“And THAT’S where it should have stayed! You boys had no purpose sneaking around in your father’s closet!” Eig’nia exclaimed, sounding even more furious than she did before.

“We’re sorry, Eig’nia! Really! We are!” I pleaded.

Eig’nia looked at the sword, then looked at us and sighed. She set the sword on the bed and sat down next to it. She rubbed her eyes for a bit then spoke.

“Well I suppose you want to know the story behind that sword, huh?” She asked in a much calmer voice.

Me, Alex, and Jericho didn’t answer her. What were we supposed to say? We thought that any answer we gave her might just make her angry again.

Eig’nia told us to sit down and she’d explain everything. So we sat down in front of her and listened to what she was about to say.

“This sword used to belong to a very dear friend of your father and I’s.” Eig’nia began.

“Touraje.” I said.

“Yes. Touraje was slightly older than us. He was like our big brother. He was very strong and noble. He would have done anything to keep us safe. The three of us were apprentices to one of the previous Leaders of our village. While your father and I wanted simply to become Champion to our Leader, Touraje had a second goal in mind: He wanted to work with our Leader and make it so that humans and dragons would be able to live together peacefully. To better understand humans, our Leader would send us to the human realm to observe how humans live and interact with each other. On one of our visits, Touraje entered into a contest where he got this sword. It was also on that day that we met another of our friends.”

“Another friend?” Jericho asked.

“Yes. Like Alex and Jake, he was a half-dragon. And just like Alex, he was born to a mother dragon. They had been living amongst the humans for quite some time. His name was Cyrus. For a time, things were great. I thought that maybe I’d be able to spend the rest of my days with Saulstrance, Touraje, and Cyrus. But then…something happened to change all that.”

Eig’nia stopped for a moment and wiped her eyes. She took in a deep breath and, with a bit of trouble, exhaled. After a moment she continued with her story.

“A terrible event took place one night. As a result of what had happened, Touraje lost his life and we never saw Cyrus again.” Eig’nia sniffled. She wiped away a tear that was forming under her eye.

I wanted to ask her what exactly happened but I didn’t think it’d be right. She already looked like she was having a difficult time continuing. I felt so bad for Eig’nia and for dad. One of their friends was dead and the other they never saw again. I really hoped that wouldn’t happen to me. I didn’t know what I’d do if I lost Alex, Theian, Z’haer, Jericho or Cassie.

“I’m sorry Eig’nia.” I said in a soft voice.

Eig’nia wiped away a few more tears. She handed the sword to me and then stood up.

“Put Touraje’s sword back in the closet just like you found it and we’ll pretend this never happened. And I won’t tell Saulstrance that you weren’t on your mission. Is that fair?” She asked.

“Yeah.” Me and Alex said at the same time.

“Good.” She smiled sadly and left the bedroom.

So we did as Eig’nia asked and put the sword back where it was. I looked at Touraje’s name one more time before shutting the door and heading back into the hallway with Alex and Jericho. We saw Eig’nia, sitting at the dinner table, her arms folded, eyes closed, breathing calmly yet loudly at the same time.

“Hey, Eig’nia, can you do one more thing for us?” I asked.

“What is it?” She asked.

“This is the friend I was telling dad about. His name’s Jericho. If you’re not going to tell dad I wasn’t on my mission, then could you please not tell him Jericho was with us? He might think it was because of Jericho that—“

“Don’t worry Jakol.” Eig’nia smiled. “I promise I won’t tell him anything.”

I smiled back at Eig’nia. “Thank you so much!”

“But if I were you, I’d get out of here right now. Your father may be back soon and you don’t want him catching you boys here.” She said.

I gasped. “Good point! Let’s go!” I said to Alex and Jericho.

The three of us headed out the door and went down the street. Where we were going to go next, we didn’t know.  We just knew we’d have to go somewhere dad wouldn’t find us. I thought that maybe the three of us could go to the mall and spend some time there but it would be hard for me and Alex to fly if we were bringing Jericho with us. We could go to my school and stay there for a bit but what would we do once we got there? I guessed we had only one choice: Slowly go with Jericho back to his house and then slowly walk back to ours’.

I told Alex and Jericho what I think we should do. They agreed that that might be the best idea. I looked back one more time and saw a portal open up. From out of it emerged Z’haer, Theian, and Girido. I knew this wasn’t good. If they were already back, then that meant that dad was going to be returning soon. So, before they could see us, we headed further down the street.

“Hey Jericho, sorry we couldn’t hang out longer.” I said.

“It’s good! Don’t worry! We can hang out next weekend if you want!” Jericho smiled.

“Okay!”I smiled back.

We made our way down three blocks, continuing on our way to Jericho’s house.

“Man! That woman’s story was something!” Said Jericho with a look of surprise.

“‘Woman’? You mean Eig’nia?” I asked.

“Yeah, her! Man, what kind of stuff happened to your dad? What kinda guy is he?”

“Well…” I tried to think how I should describe him. “He…has a pretty scary face. And he doesn’t like when people fail him. He really, really wants to take over the world.” I tried to explain.

“Take over the world? But isn’t that’s what bad guys try to do?” Jericho asked

“But dad said he’s doing it to make the world a better place. He says that when this world is his, he’ll make it so that people don’t hate each other anymore. And people…like me and Alex won’t be mistreated by humans anymore either.” I explained.

“Can he really do that?” Jericho asked again.

“I think he can if we help him. Dad might be scary and really strict but he’s a good guy. Me and Alex…we believe in him. We have to.” I replied, looking down.

“I see.” I understand.” Jericho said.

After a few more blocks, we were at Jericho’s house.  We walked up to the door with him. Just as he opened the door, he turned to us.

“Well Jake, I’ll see you at school tomorrow.” He said.

“Yep!” I said back.

As Jericho entered his house, his mom came to the front door, surprised to see him home much earlier than she thought he’d be. He told her that we were going to go hang out at my house but my dad said we wouldn’t be able to stay. So, with nothing else to do, we decided to just hang out some other time.

“Well that’s good actually. Now you can help get dinner started.” She said, going back into the living room.

“Okay. See ya Jake. See ya Alex.” Jericho said before shutting the door.

I waved goodbye to Jericho. For some reason, when I saw him and his mom talking it made me feel…sad and jealous. My chest was hurting. It felt like it was on fire. I didn’t know what this feeling was or why I was so upset seeing Jericho and his mom together. I went back home with Alex, all the while feeling upset, trying to figure out what was wrong with me.

[animeboye]

Dragon's World Past Chapter 9

Chapter 9:  An Unexpected Mission

The next day, Saulstrance journeyed to the human realm by himself to tell Cyrus about everything that occurred since they saw him. The two of them went down to the lakebed where Saulstrance shared with Cyrus his story. Saulstrance explained to Cyrus that he was told that Agcro, a killer from his world, had taken the lives of his parents and Saulstrance chose to set out to find Agcro and hear the truth from him. He recalled, after capturing Agcro, how overjoyed he was to learn that his parents might have still been alive.

“So where is Agcro now?” Cyrus asked.

“He’s locked up in my master’s fortress. My master sentenced him to execution in a couple of days.” Explained Saulstrance.

“Execution?” Cyrus asked surprised.

Saulstrance nodded. “I can’t say I’m surprised. He killed so many innocent dragons including some of my master’s guards. After everything he’s done, I’d say it’s too fitting for him.”

Cyrus agreed. “I just don’t understand what could make someone want to kill another person or dragon. I mean, there have been times where I’ve been angry and hated people but not enough to make me want to kill them.”

After Cyrus’ statement, the two friends fell silent. They stared out at the lakebed for awhile before Saulstrance stood up and was about to open up a portal. Before he could, however, Cyrus called his name. He asked Saulstrance if, before he returned to his world, perhaps they could have a race. Cyrus mentioned that he had been practicing flying and he wanted to see how good he had become. Saulstrance smiled and agreed to his friend’s request.

The two of them journeyed to the forest where they first met. Once there, Saulstrance changed into his dragon form and Cyrus changed into his half-dragon form. The two launched themselves into the air, erupting through the trees and into the sky.

Cyrus pointed to another forest in the distance. He told Saulstrance that they would fly over that forest and land back in the one below them. Saulstrance agreed to his friend’s terms and like that, the two of them were off. Saulstrance had never seen Cyrus fly before so he had no idea just how good he truly was. Comparing the size of his wings versus the size of Cyrus’ wings, Saulstrance concluded that he was more than likely the better flyer since his wingspan was greater and therefore more capable of supporting his body.

The two of them flew through the sky as quickly as they could. For a time, Cyrus was able to keep up to Saulstrance much to the latter’s surprise. As they neared the other forest and circled around it, however, Cyrus gradually began to go slower. His wings were beginning to cramp. He tried to ignore it and keep up with his friend however the more he exerted himself, the further he fell behind. Slowly, his wing flaps began to come to a halt until inevitably, they did. Cyrus plummeted from the sky, screaming as he did. Just as he was about to win the race, Saulstrance noticed this. He flew back to Cyrus, flapping his wings as hard and as fast as he could. Just as Cyrus closed his eyes and prepared for the inevitable, Saulstrance swooped down, saving Cyrus in the nick of time. Slowly, Cyrus opened his eyes, noticing that he had been saved by Saulstrance. With Cyrus on his back, he flew for the forest. There, Cyrus hopped off his friend’s back and thanked him profusely for saving him.

“Are you okay?” Saulstrance asked worriedly.

“Y-Yeah.”  Cyrus panted, holding his hand over his heart as he tried to relax himself.

After awhile, Cyrus calmed down. He removed his hand from his chest and took a deep breath.

“Thank you Saulstrance. I guess this wasn’t such a good idea.” Said Cyrus, taking several more deep breaths.

“You’re not kidding.” Saulstrance replied.

“I just thought that…if I tried to push myself, then maybe…I could make my wings stronger. Then maybe you, me, Eig’nia, and Tourajé could all go flying together.”  Cyrus explained in a disappointed tone.

“I’d like that and I know they would too but not at the risk of almost getting yourself killed!!” Exclaimed Saulstrance, his eyes widened.

Cyrus looked down, feeling ashamed. He had been scolded by his parents before but never by one of his friends. He thought that everything would be fine. After all, if he was ever going to become stronger, he’d need to push himself as hard as he could. Although, perhaps this time, he pushed himself a bit too hard Cyrus thought to himself.

Grateful, he thanked Saulstrance for saving his life. Saulstrance apologized for going off on him and explained that he wasn’t angry at him, he just got scared. The last thing he wanted was for any of his friends to get hurt, or worse. Cyrus nodded, showing Saulstrance that he understood. He hugged Saulstrance, thanking him again for saving him.  In response, Saulstrance wrapped a wing over Cyrus. In dragon form, this was his way of hugging.

As the two friends hugged, suddenly Saulstrance’s tail began to move on its own. Taking note of this, Saulstrance moved his wing from his friend and looked towards his tail. It was writing something in the ground: “IT IS TIME TO COME HOME”. Saulstrance realized that this message was from his master. He opened a portal before himself and Cyrus, bidding farewell to his friend. Just before he stepped through, Cyrus asked Saulstrance when he might be back. Saulstrance wasn’t too sure of the answer himself but he promised his friend that they’d see each other soon.

Cyrus smiled. “I hope so. And next time, bring Eig’nia and Tourajé. Then we can all go flying together.”

Saulstrance smiled back. “Okay, but we’re not going to fly as high as we did today. The last thing I want is to see one of my friends get flattened.”

“Ha ha ha.” Cyrus laughed sarcastically.

Saulstrance nodded and smiled. As he stepped through the portal Cyrus waved goodbye. Once the portal had disappeared, Cyrus headed for home.

Later that day, Saulstrance sat in his master’s library. The library had clawmade shelves that continued all the way up to the ceiling and these shelves contained scrolls collected and written by the past Leaders of Zalphonia. No dragon, not even Léruc himself knew just how many scrolls there were. There might have been thousands, perhaps even millions.

Saulstrance had collected several of these scrolls and had sat them on one of the large rocks that were in the center of the library. These rocks were used to allow dragons a place to study. There were also a couple smaller rocks set upon the much bigger rocks to keep the scrolls from rolling up while studying.

Saulstrance grabbed a scroll from the collection. He unraveled it and set four rocks on its sides, two at the top and bottom. He looked at the writing which was in a language he had never seen before. Wondering what it said, Saulstrance read it to himself.

“Ichtal salum matsirc zelen. Tremel…” Saulstrance stopped.

None of this made sense to him. Saulstrance had no idea what he was saying. To him, these words just seemed like a bunch of gibberish. Did they even mean anything? Although he couldn’t understand these words, Saulstrance chose to continue to read them. Perhaps in one of the other scrolls, he’d find out what these words were supposed to be. He placed a claw under the word he left off on and moved it under the word that came next. He continued.

“Mitol selmec, kugan…”

“I never thought I’d see a dragon as young as you take an interest in the ancient tongue.” A voice said to Saulstrance.

Breaking away for a second, Saulstrance looked to the entrance of the library and saw his master Léruc standing there. The old dragon walked over to his disciple and sat down next to him.

“The ancient tongue?” Saulstrance asked.

“It is the language our ancestors spoke in. A very, very long time ago, our ancestors did not know of the existence of the other world, the one the humans call Earth. They spoke in their own language. And unlike us, they didn’t know of portals or how to conjure them. That changed when one day, a dragon somehow opened a portal. The dragon that created it and the others that were there for its creation had no idea what it was. Curious, they stepped through the portal and arrived on Earth where they learned of the humans. As years passed, more and more young dragons traveled to Earth, or as they dubbed it, the human realm and it is said that the more they went, the more they forgot their native tongue. The older dragons didn’t like this as they felt that letting their children be too exposed to human culture would become a threat to their ways. For a time, travel to the human realm became forbidden. But, as always happens, the older dragons passed, the younger had hatchlings of their own and with the older dragons gone, the younger dragons were free to journey back to the human realm, this time with their offspring. Each new generation of dragons became more and more exposed to humans and their culture as well as their language until eventually, we got to where we are today where we speak the same tongue as humans and our old tongue has become all but forgotten by most.” Explained Léruc.

Saulstrance was astounded. He never knew that there was another language that his ancestors spoke. He always thought that the language he spoke was the same his ancestors did.  Now he was even more interested in what these words meant. The only problem was…he wasn’t sure how he’d be able to learn exactly what they meant. He asked his master if he might know what these words were supposed to mean.

“Hmm…” Léruc thought. He looked over the scroll Saulstrance had been reading and tried to find a passage he could translate.

“I’ve studied a bit of the ancient tongue myself Saulstrance but unfortunately, there’s not much I can remember. Let’s see…Ah! Here we go!” Said Léruc, pointing to a passage near the end of the scroll.

“Kenzum i saul strance intael fo wy tazel.” Léruc read aloud.

Saulstrance was shocked when he heard his name spoken in the passage. More curious than ever, he asked Léruc anxiously what that passage meant.

“Translated it says: ‘may the fiery light look over our world. The fiery light the scroll speaks of is a dragon who is powerful, kind, and watches out for his fellow dragon. Assuming your parents got the idea for your name from this scroll, then they must have expected that you’d become a truly strong dragon.” Léruc explained.

Saulstrance smiled in response to his master’s words. It made him feel good to hear that. Although he always believed that his parents expected he’d become a good and kind dragon, it felt good to hear someone else acknowledge this too.

Skimming through the scroll, Saulstrance found a random passage. He asked Léruc what it meant and then proceeded to read it aloud: “E ken’ti semzal tu rinh echtun akch.”

Léruc snickered. Saulstrance looked at his master puzzlingly. He wasn’t sure what was so funny. He asked Léruc what he was laughing about. Léruc explained that it was just what the passage said translated.

Laughing again, Léruc read out loud what the passage said.

“Translated, it says, ‘I can’t seem to find my cave’”.  Said Léruc with a bit of a chuckle.

“What?” Saulstrance asked in a deadpan voice, not believing what his master said. “Is that really what it says?”

“Perhaps.” Léruc teased in a playful manner.

Saulstrance fumed. He wanted to know for real if that was really what it said. Before he had the opportunity to ask however, he noticed the expression on his master’s face suddenly become more serious. Saulstrance wondered what that was about.

“Saulstrance…I actually came here because I need to talk with you about something. When you get the opportunity, could you come and meet me in my chambers? I have something I need to discuss with you, Tourajé, and Eig’nia. They should be here momentarily.” Léruc said in a grave tone.

“Okay.” Saulstrance said.

Léruc returned to his chambers to wait for his students. Saulstrance placed the scrolls he had been reading back on the shelves and hurried to Léruc’s chambers. There, he saw his friends and his master waiting for him.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t keep you guys waiting, did I?” Asked Saulstrance.

“No, we just got here ourselves.” Eig’nia said.

“Please sit down Saulstrance. We have something very important we need to discuss.” Said Léruc with an unsettled look on his face.

Saulstrance sat down next to his friends. It was a short while before Léruc spoke. At first he paced back and forth fratically, letting out an occasional sigh every now and then. The three dragons had never seen their master so shaken up before. Whatever it was he needed to talk with them about, it must have been something very serious.

Finally, Léruc spoke. “…I’ve received some…disturbing news. Raolef, the Leader of Aanki, the village to the west, has declared an attack on the human realm.”

The three dragons were shocked to hear that. Were their master’s words true? Although they didn’t know the Leader of Aanki, they never would have thought that he or any of the other dragon realm Leaders would try to declare an attack against the human realm. Curious, Tourajé asked his master how he acquired this information.

“In the beginning, it was simply a rumor that had slowly spread amongst a select few. When word of this came to me, I sent one of my guards to Raolef’s fortress as a spy to acquire more information. As fate would have it, these rumors ended up being true. My guard overheard Raolef speaking with his apprentice and several guards about their plans.” Léruc explained.

“I…I can’t believe it.” Eig’nia said, shocked and a little disheartened to hear that one of her world’s own Leaders was really plotting an attack.

“Sir, did your guard find out when Raolef was going to attack the human realm?” Saulstrance asked.

Léruc shook his head. “No. From what the guard said, Raolef never specified when the attack would take place. Regardless, we can’t allow them any time. We have to stop the attack before it can begin.”

Saulstrance and the others agreed. They had to stop Raolef’s plan right away. They couldn’t allow anything bad to happen to the human realm, especially when Cyrus and his family lived there. Eig’nia asked how they would best be able to get to Raolef .

“Yes…you won’t be able to just barge in and beat up all the guards. You three will have to sneak in. When you get to his fortress, stay high in the sky and make sure there are no guards patrolling the top of the fortress. That will be your way in. Once inside, you’ll need to remain out of sight. The ceiling will be your best bet. Fly overhead and use the darkness to keep yourself hidden. Once you locate Raolef, kill him.”   Léruc explained.

“K-kill him?!” Tourajé gasped.

“Yes…Raolef must die if the human realm is to be saved.” Said  Léruc.

“We…we understand…it’s just…” Saulstrance tried to say.

“We’ve never killed anyone before. I don’t know if we can.” Eig’nia said, not liking the idea of taking someone’s life.

Léruc understood and empathized with his pupils. He didn’t want them to bloody their claws either however, it had to be done and they were the only ones who could do it. He needed his guards around to keep an eye on Agcro and he was too old and had grown too weak to be able to stand a chance of stopping Raolef on his own. Thus, it fell upon them to see this mission through.

“Now then, there is one final part to this that I hadn’t had the chance to mention: once Raolef has been assassinated, make haste to the human realm and hide out there for a couple days. His Champion, apprentice, and guards will be looking for you. Hide in the human realm and I’ll contact you three when I feel it’s safe to come back.” Léruc finished.

The three dragons nodded in understanding. With their orders given, Léruc dismissed them. He told them to return home and prepare as their mission began next morning. He also instructed them to keep what he had just told them a secret from their families. He wanted to keep the information he had just given them contained as best he could so as not to cause any panic.

That night felt like the longest night ever for Saulstrance and his friends. They all sat outside, staring up at the night sky for what must have been hours. They asked themselves if they would be able to do this. Could they really bring themselves to kill another dragon? Would they get killed in the process? They were only three dragons going up against a Leader, his Champion, his apprentice, and his guards. The odds weren’t exactly in their favor. Even if they did as their master instructed and snuck through the fortress, there was always the chance that things could go wrong.

After some time had passed, the three of them went back inside and drifted off to sleep. Tourajé slept next to his little brother Utzie, extending a wing over his younger sibling to keep him warm. He smiled at Utzie and looked over towards his parents who were sleeping right across from them. He hoped that this wouldn’t be the last time he’d be able to sleep with his family.

With a light yawn, Eig’nia squeezed between her two sleeping older siblings. Just like  Tourajé, Eig’nia’s parents were sleeping right across from her and her siblings. Being in between her brother and sister made the young dragoness feel safe. Just like Tourajé, she hoped that everything would work out alright and she would be able to keep sleeping together with her family.

Eventually, morning came. Eig’nia and Tourajé said goodbye to their families and rushed off to meet up with Saulstrance. They gathered outside their master’s fortress.

“Is everyone ready?” Saulstrance asked.

“I am.” Eig’nia answered.

“Me too.” Tourajé answered as well.

“Then let’s go.” Saulstrance said with determination in his voice.

[animeboye]

Dragon's World Past Chapter 14

Chapter 14: The Honorable Enemy

Coming to, Saulstrance found himself back in his master’s resting chambers. As he slowly lifted his head, Saulstrance spotted Eig’nia and Tourajé who were resting in the nests to his left and right. Much to Saulstrance’s relief, he saw that Tourajé was still breathing, just fast asleep. He smiled, glad that his friend was still alive. Saulstrance also checked on Eig’nia to make sure she was okay. While her injuries were more serious than Saulstrance’s and Tourajé’s were, she still appeared as though she would make a full recovery.

Saulstrance noticed that there were several areas on his and his friends’ bodies, namely their front and back legs and their wings or tails that had been wrapped in cloth. These cloths acted as bandages and held flower buds over their wounds. Saulstrance recognized these flower buds as those of the Xernia plant that grew in their world. The Xernia was a flower from Zalphonia that was used mostly to treat common injuries such as cuts or bruises but would also sometimes be used in case of more severe injuries. The nectar from the Xernia helped to both soothe and treat wounds and also could also work well at disinfecting an open wound. In some cases, the Xernia’s nectar could even be tasty to a dragon.

As he stretched his wings, legs, and tail, Saulstrance saw a dragon come in to the resting chambers to check on him and his friends.

“Glad to see you’re finally awake Saulstrance.” The dragon said with a smile.

“Hi, Thetham.” Saulstrance greeted. “Umm…what happened? How long was I unconscious?”

“You and Eig’nia have both been out for about ten hours now. You were both in pretty bad shape when Tourajé brought you here.” The dragon identified as Thetham explained.

“Tourajé brought us here?” Asked Saulstrance, not understanding what Thetham meant.

Thetham nodded. “He did. All by himself in fact. Lord Léruc and his guards found you three collapsed before the entrance. Tourajé must have been carrying you two on his back because he was buried under you and Eig’nia.”

Saulstrance smiled. He was very grateful to Tourajé for doing all that for them. However, there was something about this that didn’t make sense to him: during their confrontation with Tomi, he made it abundantly clear that he sought to end their lives as retribution for killing Raolef. Yet, here they were, all three of them still alive. Had Tourajé somehow managed to beat Tomi while Saulstrance was out? No, that couldn’t have been it. The three of them together couldn’t beat Tomi and as strong as Tourajé was, there was no way he could have beaten such an opponent on his own. So if he hadn’t beaten Tomi, then how was it they were still alive?

As Saulstrance pondered over this, Thetham went over to the corner of the room, grabbed something in his paw, and brought it over to the rock next to the unconscious Eig’nia. This caught Saulstrance’s attention as he wondered what Thetham was giving her.

“Thetham? What do you have there?” Asked Saulstrance.

“Oh, this?” Thetham asked, holding in his talons a small seed. “This is a Zemphlin seed.” He started explaining as he set it next to a piece of bark with some nectar in it. “I’m going to crush the seed and put it in this Celoevera nectar. After they’ve been mixed, I’ll give this to Eig’nia to help take care of her wounds.”

Thetham proceeded to do the very process he explained to Saulstrance. Once it was ready, he slowly lifted Eig’nia’s head and poured the nectar combined with the shredded seed into her mouth. Once it went down, he slowly placed her head back where it was. Eig’nia’s muscles tightened for a second then she let out a soft whimper with a slightly pained look on her face. Within a second, her muscles relaxed and the pained expression on her face went away. Saulstrance watched in amazement. He never would have guessed that the plants in his world had such properties.

“Why don’t you try and get some rest, Saulstrance? Once all three of you are awake, I’ll let Lord  Léruc know. He wanted to speak with you three when he had the chance.” Thetham said, just before stepping out of the resting chambers.

Saulstrance took Thetham up on his offer and drifted back to sleep. Several hours later, Saulstrance, Eig’nia, and Tourajé had all awoken. To their surprise, they were greeted not only by their master but also by Shashala, Mayza, and Roasch too. The three dragons had received word of what had happened and immediately made their way to Léruc’s fortress to see Saulstrance and the others.

“How are you doing?” Asked Roasch, sounding deeply concerned for his friends.

“Well aside from the burns and the slight tingling, I’m just glad I’m still alive.” Eig’nia smiled.

“I can say the same.” Laughed Saulstrance slightly. “I really thought we weren’t going to make it back but I’m glad we did.”

Tourajé didn’t say anything. While he was indeed glad to be alive, he found himself puzzled. When they confronted Tomi, he made it very clear to them that he was planning to take their lives yet, when things were looking their bleakest for Tourajé and his friends, Tomi allowed him to leave. While Tourajé knew the reason Tomi let them escape, he didn’t understand the why.

“Are you okay, Tour?” Asked Mayza, noticing Tourajé lost in thought.

“What?” Tourajé asked, being broken out of his train of thought.

“I was asking if you were okay. It looked like you had something on your mind.” Mayza stated.

“I do actually.” Tourajé answered, looking incredibly serious.

Tourajé explained to everyone what happened after he knocked Saulstrance unconscious. At that moment, Tourajé was fully prepared to sacrifice his life if it meant that Saulstrance and Eig’nia had a chance to live. Yet, much to his surprise, Tomi decided to spare all three of them. Tourajé mentioned he had no idea why Tomi would do that. He sounded absolutely serious when he said he was going to take their lives yet…he didn’t.

Léruc threw in his two cents. “This is just a theory but…I wonder if maybe Tomi let you three go because of how far you were willing to go to protect one another.”

“What do you mean, sir?” Asked Saulstrance.

“Perhaps he would never mention it but, maybe Saulstrance and Tourajé’s actions touched Tomi if even on a subconscious level and that was what prevented him from enacting his revenge.” Léruc explained.

The three dragons thought that that definitely could have been possible. They clearly didn’t know Tomi beyond the stories they had heard of him. They wondered if perhaps there was more to him than they thought.

As they considered this, Shashala asked who Tomi was. He said that he had heard that name before but never heard anything about him. Roasch and Mayza were equally as confused. While they knew that Tomi must have been strong to defeat Saulstrance, Tourajé, and Eig’nia together, they didn’t know anything about him past that. Léruc went on to explain to them exactly what Tourajé had told Saulstrance and Eig’nia: that Tomi was the apprentice of the recently deceased Leader, Raolef. Yet, despite his status as an apprentice, Tomi was actually the favorite to succeed Raolef as Leader and could have easily rivaled Raolef’s Champion, Zano.

“Tomi’s also capable of breathing lightning.” Tourajé added to his master’s explanation.

Tourajé’s statement about Tomi being able to breathe lightning was what really shocked Roasch, Shashala, and Mayza. In Zalphonia, it was a very rare occurrence that a dragon be able to utilize lightning. It was one of the deadliest and most powerful abilities that a dragon could have and it was believed that less than 6% of the realm’s population had this ability. For a dragon to wield lightning meant that they were truly a force to be reckoned with.

Just as silence befell the room, Saulstrance slowly rose from his bed. While Thetham advised him not to, Saulstrance told him that it was okay. He took a step towards the nest Tourajé was resting in, a deeply serious and troubled look on his face.

“Tourajé…” Saulstrance began, finding it somewhat difficult to continue. “…When we thought Tomi was going to kill us, you knocked me out so that he wouldn’t kill me instead. Why did you do that? You DO have more to live for than I do…”

“That’s not true Saulstrance, and stop talking like that! You and Tourajé, you both have just as much to live for and you know that!” Léruc exclaimed, both infuriated and saddened to hear the dragon he came to look at as a son speaking like that.

It pained Tourajé just as much to hear his friend saying such things. Even though  Tourajé was willing to sacrifice his life if it meant his friends got to keep theirs, he knew that his, Saulstrance, and Eig’nia’s lives were all equally important but he felt that, if anything, Saulstrance should be spared so that he could get a chance to meet his parents.

“Ever since we were hatchlings, you’ve always talked about how badly you wanted to meet your parents. I couldn’t live with myself if I let you die before that happened. Besides, after what I said to you, I felt I needed to make it up to you somehow.” Tourajé explained, looking down in shame.

Saulstrance squished his eyes shut and shook his head. He couldn’t believe what he had just heard. He raised a paw and without warning, slapped Tourajé in the face. This took everyone in the room, especially Tourajé by surprise. All eyes focused on Saulstrance as he lowered his paw. He lowered his paw and had a pained look in his eyes.

“You’re really stupid, Tourajé.” Saulstrance sniffled, looking like he was going to cry.

Tourajé didn’t say anything. He sat there, stunned by what just happened.

“What you said to me really hurt but…but that doesn’t mean I want you to die for it! Of course I want to see my parents…but not if one of my friends has to die for that to happen…”

Tourajé was still at a loss for words. He lowered his head and looked away from Saulstrance.

“You’re not just a friend to me, Tourajé. You’re like a big brother.” Saulstrance said, unable to hold back his tears.

With an equally sad look in his eyes, Tourajé glanced up at his friend who had lowered his head and sobbed. This made him feel even more horrible. He never wanted to hurt Saulstrance as badly as he had. Leaning over to get closer to Saulstrance, he placed a paw on Saulstrance’s neck followed by a wing. This was a dragon’s way of hugging someone.

“I’m really sorry Saulstrance. What I said to you was horrible. I never meant it.” Tourajé said softly, his finned ears flattening.

“I’m sorry too, Tourajé. I don’t hate you.” Saulstrance said equally as softly, his own finned ears flattening.

Through her tears, Eig’nia smiled, more than happy to see her two dearest friends reconcile. Everybody else in the room had also become misty eyed, including Shashala who, despite seeing Saulstrance as a rival, deep down did look at him as a friend as well, even if he would never admit it to his face.

Léruc congratulated his pupils. He was more than happy to see the two of them having made up.

“It’s never easy to admit when one is wrong. It can be even harder to try and make up for it and I’d say the two of you did both splendidly.” Smiled Léruc warmly at his students.

Hearing this made Saulstrance and Tourajé feel a lot better. After their hug, they turned to their master and friends.

“This was just one of many experiences that will end up shaping you two into better dragons. Everything you experience, be they good or bad, will invariably shape you into the dragons you are meant to be. So while you two might not be proud of what you said and did, take comfort in knowing that you’ve learned from your mistakes and try not to repeat them.” Léruc explained.

Saulstrance and Tourajé nodded, showing their master that they understood what he was saying perfectly. Léruc smiled and nodded back. He then proceeded to stand up and take his leave. Thetham also left the resting chambers, leaving the six young dragons alone together.

“Gee, when I think about it, you three have had some wild adventures. First you got to go to the human world, then you took down a notorious criminal WITH a little help from the three of us of course, and now you faced a dragon who was not only the apprentice to a Leader but could also breathe lightning! I wonder what you’ll end up doing next!” Roasch recapped.

“Yeah…” Tourajé wondered aloud.

The other five noticed that Tourajé looked as if he had something on his mind. Shashala asked him what he was thinking about.

“Well, it’s just…something hasn’t been sitting right with me since we ran into Tomi. When we fought him, we mentioned to him that his master was planning to launch an attack against the human realm…yet he seemed really surprised when that was said.”  Tourajé explained to his friends.

“Do you think maybe Tomi was pretending to be surprised? Perhaps he was trying to trick you guys.” Mayza suggested.

Tourajé had considered that a possibility. But the surprise in Tomi’s voice seemed much too real.  Tourajé had come up with two possible scenarios: one, either Tomi played a real good game of pretend. Or two, there was something more going on. If Tomi truly didn’t believe that his master would try and attack the human realm, then what could that have meant? Were Raolef trying to stage an attack, as was suggested, surely Tomi would have been informed of his master’s plans.

“I’m not too sure he was trying to trick us, Mayza. He sounded truly genuine in his belief and the look in his eyes when this was brought up said he couldn’t believe what we were telling him.” Tourajé said.

“But that doesn’t make any sense! You were told Raolef was going to attack the human realm and Tomi said he wasn’t. So you can’t both be right.” Shashala added.

“Do you think Tomi may have actually been telling the truth?” Asked Roasch.

Tourajé sighed. “Right now, I’m not sure what to believe. None of this makes any sense and there are too many unanswered questions. What I do know is this: something isn’t right here and we need to find out what it is. Once I’m feeling better, I plan to get right to solving this whole mess.” He said with a determined look on his face.

“We’ll help you too if you need it. Right guys?” Mayza declared.

Roasch and Shashala nodded in agreement. Tourajé smiled, grateful for his friends’ desire to help them.

“Thanks guys. I mean it but…this is our mess to clean up and we can’t ask you to be dragged into this. Whatever happens could end up being dangerous.” Said Tourajé in an attempt to keep his friends out of harms way.

Despite Tourajé’s warning, the three of them understood fully what they would be getting into yet still insisted on helping. Even if what they were about to face was dangerous, they weren’t about to let that deter them from helping Tourajé, Eig’nia, and Saulstrance.

“Any more dangerous than taking on Zalphonia’s most dangerous killer?” Mayza asked in a snarky tone.

Tourajé laughed a little. “Good point. Alright, I guess we could use some help. However, just to be safe, I think it might be best if the six of us do this in two groups. I’ll work with Saulstrance and Eig’nia. Mayza, Shashala, and Roasch, the three of you work together. Try to find out as much as you can. Any information we find, report to the others as soon as possible.” Tourajé instructed.

“Alright.” Said Mayza.

“Understood.” Roasch said.

“We’ll be sure to let you know if we find anything out.” Shashala promised.

Although Tourajé had tried to dissuade them from getting involved, he was truly grateful and somewhat relieved to know that he and his friends would be getting a little extra help in finding out what was going on. Still, he wanted them to be as far away from this as they could in case something did go bad. It was for this reason he suggested they work in two groups.

As Shashala, Mayza, and Roasch stood up and prepared to leave, Tourajé, Saulstrance, and Eig’nia thanked them again for their assistance. The other three dragons assured them that it was nothing and that they just wanted to help their friends as much as they could. Tourajé, while he wanted to help them as well as his world, he also had another reason for doing this: he wanted to prove to everyone, especially himself that by stopping whatever was happening, he would have what it takes to be a good strong leader. He knew this meant that he might have to place himself at the forefront of danger yet, if he were to succeed in protecting those he cared about, then he was more than willing to do so.

Mayza, Roasch, and Shashala left Léruc’s fortress. They walked a ways before returning to their homes. Before they were about to head their separate ways, they opted to come up with a plan of attack.

“If we’re going to help them find out what’s really happening here, then we need to think of a place to start looking. Anyone have any ideas?” Roasch asked.

The three of them exchanged glances. Then suddenly, Mayza had an idea.

“I know this might sound a little crazy but what if we start at Lord Léruc’s fortress?” Suggested Mayza.

“Lord Léruc’s fortress? Why start there?” Shashala asked confusedly.

“Well, that was where Saulstrance, Tourajé, and Eig’nia were told about Lord Raolef’s plan to attack the human realm, right? Perhaps one of the guards or even Lord Léruc himself knows something.” Mayza explained.

“That’s actually a good idea. That information had to come from somewhere. If we speak to a guard or Lord Léruc, they might be able to tell us who told them about the attack. Once we know who it was, we’ll inform Tourajé and the others then we’ll go after whoever it was together.”  Roasch said.

Mayza and Roasch nodded in full agreement. Mayza elected to go and speak with a guard or Léruc about the matter of the information on the attack. Roasch asked why they wouldn’t just do it together but Mayza suggested only one of them ask as it may seem too conspicuous should the three of them go together. However, as it was beginning to get late, Mayza offered to ask tomorrow. And with that, the three of them parted ways and headed for home. The six dragons’ quest to unravel the truth had only just begun.

[animeboye]

Dragon's World Past Chapter 13

Chapter 13: The Dragon’s Apprentice

As soon as they stepped out of the fortress, Saulstrance and Eig’nia launched into the sky. They hoped desperately that they weren’t too late and that Tourajé was still okay.

They decided to split up and check any area of the dragon realm that Tourajé was familiar with, including his family cave. Whoever spotted Tourajé first was to let the other know through tail control.

As time marched forward, Saulstrance and Eig’nia swore they must have searched the entirety of their world although it had only been the places they and Tourajé were familiar with. They couldn’t find any trace of their friend anywhere. Perhaps he had journeyed to the human realm they thought to themselves.

Saulstrance walked past a small pond. He sat down by a tree that was right by the edge of the pond. He had tired himself out from searching for so long and decided to take a quick rest before continuing his search. The cool, shaded area helped to put Saulstrance at a slight ease for that short time. Despite this, thoughts of where Tourajé was still lingered at the forefront of his mind. Where could Tourajé have disappeared to? Why did he run off without letting anyone know? And what if he really was planning to take his own life? Could they have been too late? Saulstrance’s questions wouldn’t go unanswered for long though as he felt his tail begin to move on its own. Looking in the direction his tail was laying, he saw it dig into the ground. It was writing something.

I’VE FOUND TOURAJE. TEN MILES NORTH FROM OUR MASTER’S FORTRESS

Saulstrance studied the message left in the ground. He knew right away it was Eig’nia that had sent it to him. Without wasting any time, Saulstrance leapt to his feet, washed the dirt off his tail in the pond, and then proceeded to ascend into the sky. He headed in the direction of his master’s fortress and as he flew past it, he hoped even more that Tourajé was okay. Saulstrance had decided that as soon as he discovered that he was, he would apologize to Tourajé for saying that he hated him.

Flying over a lake, Saulstrance noticed Eig’nia below him with Tourajé. Saulstrance swooped down, landing behind his friends.

Saulstrance felt relieved when he saw that Tourajé was alright. He had been sitting in front of the lake, just staring at it. Saulstrance approached his friend and sat beside him. The two dragons looked at each other, a feeling of awkwardness between them. It was hard for the two of them to feel comfortable around each other for the moment considering what had happened the previous night. Neither of them spoke to each other for a solid minute but then finally, Saulstrance tried to break the ice.

“Tourajé, have you been here this whole time? Why did you leave without telling anybody? We were worried about you!” Exclaimed Saulstrance in a worried tone.

“I’m sorry. I just really needed to be by myself. I didn’t want anyone to follow me.” Tourajé explained.

“But why did you come here?” Eig’nia asked, figuring there might have been a specific reason for Tourajé to have chosen this location.

Tourajé smiled sadly. “I used to come here all the time with my parents and my little brother. Me and Utzie, we would always play in the water. It was our favorite thing to do together. Sometimes, Utzie would have me balance him on my tail then I’d launch him into the air and he’d dive into the water. For a little dragon, he’d always make such a big splash.”

As he reminisced, Tourajé’s saddened smile seemed to become more genuine. These memories of his family calmed him.

“I know it’s only been a short time but I really miss my mom, dad, and Utzie. I just want things to go back to how they were. I want to go back home.” Said Tourajé, his finned ears and wings flattening.

Eig’nia sat on the other side of Tourajé parallel from Saulstrance. She nuzzled up against her friend. The young dragoness wanted the same thing: just for things to go back to how they used to be when she and her family were together. She wanted to be able to go back to laughing together with them, sleeping together, basically just spending time with them. She and Tourajé remembered their master’s words that they would someday get to go back but that it would take awhile. But how were they supposed to know how long “awhile” would be? It could have been the very next day, the next year, it could have even taken the rest of their lives.

Saulstrance stepped in between his two friends to nuzzle against the both of them. His own finned ears and wings also flattened as a way to show his friends his sympathy.

They just sat in front of the lake, their heads resting next to each others’. The three of them each placed a wing around the other as if to try and keep one another safe. Eventually, at the suggestion of Tourajé, they decided to return to Léruc’s fortress. He was probably starting to worry about them.

But as they turned around, they were startled when they spotted another dragon standing behind them. This dragon was a light grey with piercing gold eyes. He glared at the three friends, his front and back legs trembling.

“I’ve finally found you three.” The dragon said, eyeing them like a predator on the prowl.

Saulstrance,  Tourajé, and Eig’nia could determine who this dragon was. He seemed a little familiar but they couldn’t recall where they had seen him.

“You don’t remember me, do you? I was there when you took my master’s life. I was his apprentice!” The dragon exclaimed, his eyes developing an even fiercer look to them.

The three friends were surprised. This dragon was Raolef’s apprentice? Once the guards had arrived, they escaped so quickly that they didn’t really get a good look at his face.

While Saulstrance and Eig’nia had definitely been perturbed by this development, Tourajé had a much more concerned expression on his face. If this dragon was indeed who he said he was, then had a feeling he knew the dragon’s true identity. Still, he had to make sure.

“What is your name?” Tourajé asked uneasily.

“My name? Well, since I plan to kill you three right here, I have no qualms with sharing my name with you. As I said, I’m Master Raolef’s apprentice. My name is Tomi.”

Tourajé couldn’t believe what he had just heard. This dragon was Tomi himself? He had heard stories about Tomi. It was said that despite being Raolef’s apprentice, Tomi was actually the favorite to take up the role of Leader after Raolef had stepped down. It had also been said that Tomi was very powerful and could easily rival the Champion Zano. Tourajé knew that if these stories were true, then they wouldn’t be able to stand a chance against Tomi.

“Guys, we have to get out of here. NOW!” Tourajé said flustered.

Eig’nia and Saulstrance were surprised. They had never seen Tourajé so scared and so unnerved. Neither of them had heard the stories about Tomi Tourajé had so they didn’t understand why Tourajé was so freaked out. However, they knew that if this dragon was enough to intimidate Tourajé, then they’d best not stick around and try to fight him.

The three dragons launched into the sky but before they could get anywhere, they were intercepted by Tomi who smacked Eig’nia over the head with his tail, sending her dropping back to the ground. Saulstrance descended and hurried over to his friend to make sure she was okay.

“I’m not going to allow any of you to escape from me. I meant what I said: I’m getting my revenge right here and now.” Tomi said. He was truly determined to kill the three dragons.

Tourajé knew there was no way they’d be able to beat Tomi even if they did outnumber him. However, he thought to himself, even if he can’t beat Tomi, he can still stall him long enough to allow Saulstrance and Eig’nia time to escape. He realized that if he did stay and fight, he would more than likely lose his life to Tomi. Yet this was a sacrifice Tourajé was willing to make so long as it meant his friends would be alright.

He lunged at Tourajé, the two of them plummeting from the sky and crashing to the ground. With Tomi pinned, Tourajé turned to his friends.

“Get out of here! Both of you!!” Tourajé bellowed.

“What about you?” Asked Eig’nia.

“I’ll hold him off for as long as I can. That should give you two time to escape.” Answered Tourajé, changing his focus back to Tomi.

Saulstrance and Eig’nia couldn’t believe what Tourajé was saying. He knew that Tomi wanted to kill all three of them. If they abandoned Tourajé, he would surely die.

“No way! We’re NOT leaving you!” Saulstrance called out, deeply determined to stick by his friend.

“Just go!!” Exclaimed Tourajé.

Tomi tucked his back legs in and kicked Tourajé off of him. Tourajé flew slightly into the air then dropped a couple feet before Saulstrance and Eig’nia. Standing up, he looked behind himself to see his friends. They ran up beside him. Tourajé realized there was nothing he could do to change their minds. They were either going to get out of this together or they wouldn’t get out at all. Neither of the three was about to abandon the other to save themselves.

Saulstrance attacked first. He shot a fireball at Tomi who leapt out of its way. He then proceeded to lunge at Tomi only to be knocked to the ground after having been met with a headbutt. Saulstrance grabbed a nearby rock and swallowed it. Standing up again, he attacked Tomi again. He swung around and attempted to smack Tomi in the face with his tail. The opposing dragon grabbed the end of Saulstrance’s tail in his mouth. With his enemy’s tail in his powerful jaws, Tomi swung Saulstrance around and then smashed him against the ground. As he approached the downed dragon, Saulstrance sprung up and launched the combination of the rock he had just consumed and his fire breath at Tomi. It just barely missed the dragon’s head as it ricocheted off his left horn, sending a painful burning feeling to his brain. Tomi winced with some slight pain. With his focus momentarily on the pain Saulstrance’s fire rock had brought him, Tourajé took this as an opportunity to attack. He did what Saulstrance had done before and swung his tail at Tomi only this time it worked as it smacked him in the side of the face, knocking him off his feet and sending him crashing to the ground.

While Tomi was down, Saulstrance, Eig’nia and Tourajé immediately attempted to escape. Their wings unfolded into the air and they flew into the sky. However, before they could get anywhere, a bolt of electricity struck Saulstrance, knocking him out of the sky and sending him plummeting to the ground.

“SAULSTRANCE!!!” Eig’nia exclaimed as she and Tourajé immediately flew down after him.

“GAAAH!” Saulstrance cringed as a sharp spasm surged throughout his body. He lay on the ground in what was perhaps some of the worst pain Saulstrance had ever felt.

As Tourajé and Eig’nia rushed to aid their friend, Tomi’s tail coiled around Saulstrance’s neck. As he lifted Saulstrance’s head up, both Eig’nia and Tourajé stopped dead in their tracks.

“Take one more step and I’ll break his neck.” Said Tomi, his tail held out in front of him as it wrapped tighter around Saulsteance’s neck.

Saulstrance struggled to breathe. He raised a paw and gripped Tomi’s tail as he tried to loosen Tomi’s hold on him but to no avail. Saulstrance wasn’t sure how much longer he’d be able to last or if he could even get himself out of this.

Even with Tomi’s threat on Saulstrance’s life, Tourajé knew that even if he or Eig’nia didn’t do anything, Tomi would still kill Saulstrance. No matter what, it may very well have been a lose/lose situation but Tourajé knew that at least the other way, he may have a chance of saving his friend. Thinking quickly, he formulated a plan in his mind and whispered it to Eig’nia. The dragoness wasn’t so sure if it would work but with things the way they were now, they didn’t have much time to come up with something better.

The two of them charged at Tomi. He didn’t understand what they were thinking or why they’d be so willing to put their friend’s life in jeopardy. Keeping true to his word, Tomi squeezed his tail as hard as he could against Saulstrance’s neck. Grabbing at Tomi’s tail as hard as he could, Saulstrance gasped desperately and in rapid succession. Things were already beginning to blur. As Saulstrance slowly came to expect death, Tourajé swung his tail at Tomi with full force. The opposing dragon just barely missed being hit. He found it difficult to try and avoid attacks and keep his hold on his enemy. While his attention was focused on Tourajé, he didn’t even notice as Eig’nia attacked from behind, releasing Saulstrance from Tomi’s grasp and sending their enemy face first once again into the ground. Tomi sprang up and leapt into the air. He unfurled his wings and flew over the lake. He hung just a mere inch above it. The three friends weren’t sure what he could possibly be planning. Just as Saulstrance and Tourajé were about to make a move, Eig’nia dashed ahead of them. She unfurled her wings and flew towards Tomi. She launched several attacks against Tomi, all of which he dodged with what seemed like no effort at all. Just as Eig’nia launched a fireball at him, Tomi flew above her and smacked her upside the head with his tail, sending her crashing into the lake.

Both Tourajé and Saulstrance noticed that Tomi was preparing to attack Eig’nia with a breath attack of his own. And as Saulstrance could attest, if it was the same attack Tomi used to strike him out of the sky, then Eig’nia was in serious trouble.

“Eig’nia! Get out of there! NOW!!!” Saulstrance exclaimed.

But it was too late. Tomi fired his electric breath at the lake. Eig’nia bellowed the most terrifyingly painful sounding roar Saulstrance and Tourajé had ever heard. As soon as the lighting ceased, Eig’nia lay there in the water, motionless, her head submerged underwater.

“EIG’NIA!!!” Shrieked Saulstrance in a horrified voice.

He proceeded over to the lake to try and get Eig’nia out before she drowned. Tourajé, who had stood there speechless at the sight, turned his attention to Tomi who was still hovering overhead. Tourajé growled. By now, he was truly furious. He no longer cared if he was facing Tomi or someone else. He wasn’t about to let Tomi get away with doing that to Eig’nia.

While Saulstrance took care of Eig’nia, Tourajé decided he would deal with Tomi to try and give Saulstrance some time. Tourajé launched himself at Tomi, unleashing a barrage of attacks on the dragon. Despite Tourajé’s assault, Tomi was able to avoid most of his attacks. Tourajé was speechless. Agcro was enough of a hassle when they fought him and back then they had Shashala, Roasch, and Mayza helping them but Tomi…he was almost something else entirely. Tourajé didn’t want to admit it to himself and he truly hated the thought of it but reality was quickly beginning to set in. They were outclassed. Tomi was just far too strong.

Tourajé began to wear out, his attacks becoming less and less fluent. Tomi however had barely tired at all. Eventually, Tourajé’s onslaught had ceased and in that moment, Tomi clenched his scaly paw into a fist and slammed it into Tourajé’s head, sending him falling out of the sky. He crashed before Saulstrance who had just gotten Eig’nia out of the lake and onto dry land.

Saulstrance glanced at Tourajé worriedly. He wanted to hurry over and help Tourajé but he knew he couldn’t do that. Right now, Eig’nia needed his help more. He moved Eig’nia onto her back and listened for her heartbeat. It was faint but still noticeable. Saulstrance noticed though that she was barely breathing. A cross between a saddened and terrified look hung on his face.

“Tourajé!! Eig’nia…she’s barely breathing!!” Saulstrance called to his friend.

Tourajé bolted up as soon as his friend told him. He rushed over to Eig’nia and Saulstrance. He tried to push on Eig’nia’s chest plate a couple of times followed by mouth to mouth resuscitation.

“Come on Eig’nia!!” Exclaimed Tourajé, his voice shaking. “You’re not gonna die here! I won’t let you!!”

While Tourajé continued to try and help Eig’nia, Tomi had descended to the ground. He stood before them, watching intently. Saulstrance glared at Tomi, his eyes filled with rage and sadness. He leapt up and stood in front of his friends.  He crouched, preparing for an attack.

“JUST LEAVE US ALONE!!!” Saulstrance roared. “We never did anything to you!!”

It deeply offended Tomi to hear him suggest that they never did anything to him.

“Wrong. You did a lot to me. You took my master’s life. THAT’S not doing anything?!” Tomi asked in an increasingly angry voice.

“We had to do it. If we didn’t, Raolef would have destroyed the human world!” Saulstrance protested.

Tourajé stopped for a moment to catch his breath. He turned to see Saulstrance and Tomi arguing. As his attention changed to Tomi, he noticed something…puzzling about the dragon: it was the look on his face. He had heard what Saulstrance just told him but strangely enough, the enemy dragon seemed more confused than anything else by this revelation.

“What?” Asked Tomi, not believing what he had just heard. “What are you talking about?”

Feeling even more enraged, Tomi took a step forward.

“My master would never do anything like that! He wanted dragons and humans to be able to learn and live with one another. Why would someone who wants to do that seek to destroy another world!”

Tomi didn’t believe what Saulstrance was telling him and vis versa. Tourajé, however, was a little more skeptical. There was something very wrong but he wasn’t sure what to believe. Both Tomi and Saulstrance sounded very genuine in their beliefs yet they couldn’t both be right. The last thing he wanted was to doubt his own friend but he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more going on.

Tourajé also realized that with the way things were going neither he, Saulstrance, or Eig’nia would be getting out alive. They couldn’t beat Tomi and even if they tried, they would most likely be killed in the process. Tourajé tried to think. There had to be something they could do. Then he realized that there may be a way that at least Saulstrance and Eig’nia could escape with their lives. With his plan formed, he stood up and stepped forward, hoping it might work.

“Tomi! You want revenge for the one who killed your master, right? Well I was the one who delivered the killing blow so I’m the only one you need to kill!” Tourajé announced.

“WHAT!” Saulstrance exclaimed, his eyes wide. He couldn’t believe what he just heard. Was Tourajé really willing to give up his life? He couldn’t let him do that.

“Tourajé! What are you saying?!” Saulstrance asked in shock.

But Tourajé didn’t respond to him.

“If you promise to let my friends go, I’ll let you have my life. I swear on my honor as a dragon.” Tourajé said with a determined expression on his face.

“You can’t do this!!” Saulstrance objected. “What about your mom and dad? What about Utzie?! What are they gonna say when they hear you’ve been killed! I can’t…I…”

Saulstrance stepped in front of Tourajé. This time, it was Tourajé’s turn to ask what he was doing.

“Tourajé has more to live for than I do. Kill me but let Eig’nia and HIM go instead of me!” Saulstrance exclaimed, his voice becoming slightly strained.

“’I have more to live for’? What about you Saulstrance? Don’t you want to see your parents someday?!” Tourajé asked, feeling angered and heartbroken that Saulstrance would even think something like that.

Saulstrance was silent for a moment. Then he finally said with tears raining down his scaly cheeks…

“More than anything. I’ve wanted to meet them my whole life…but not like this. Not if it means one of my friends has to die for it!” Saulstrance said through his tears.

Tourajé understood where Saulstrance was coming from. But even still, he couldn’t let Saulstrance die for something he did. He walked up behind Saulstrance and knocked him out. Unconscious, Saulstrance dropped to the ground. This act was enough to surprise even Tomi.

“I’ve proven I’m a dragon of my word. I meant what I said. If you promise to leave them alone, then my life is yours.” Tourajé said solemnly.

Tourajé looked back at Saulstrance and Eig’nia, who lay behind him. He let out a deep sigh. He didn’t really want to die but he didn’t them to die more. In his mind, he apologized to his friends, his master, his parents, and of course, his little brother. He hoped that he would get to see them again someday.

And so, without anymore waiting, Tomi stepped forward…

[animeboye]

Dragon's World Past Chapter 12

Chapter 12: No Home to Return to

Tourajé, Saulstrance, and Eig’nia returned home just as the sun in their world was beginning to set. They couldn’t have been happier to be back. This had been the longest amount of time that they were gone from their homes let alone their world. Eig’nia and Tourajé couldn’t wait to see their families again. They wondered how they’d react once they heard that their children saved both worlds. Wouldn’t they be surprised!

Eig’nia and Tourajé chose to accompany Saulstrance to their master’s fortress to inform him that they had returned. As badly as they wanted to see their parents and siblings, they figured that it could wait just a little bit longer.

“We’ve been gone for so long. It feels a little weird being back.” Said Tourajé, looking up into the sky.

“It does, doesn’t it? It was only a week but it feels like I’ve been gone forever.” Eig’nia added.

“We’ve never been gone from home for so long. It’s going to feel great seeing everyone. You guys will get to see your family…and I’ll get to see Master Léruc.” Smiled Saulstrance.

Eig’nia nodded. “Well then, what do you say we go report in to Master Léruc and go see our families?” The dragoness smiled.

Tourajé smiled back at his friend. “I’ll race you.” He said with a confident smile on his muzzle.

Laughing together, the three friends raced to their master’s fortress. Once there, they were surprised to see their families were already there waiting for them. Did they come to welcome them home or was there another reason for them being there?

Feeling overjoyed to be seeing their families after so long away, Eig’nia and Tourajé hurried over to their parents and siblings.

“Tourajé!!” Utzie exclaimed happily. He was about to run up to his big brother when his father stretched his front leg in front of him, preventing him from doing so.

Tourajé’s smile quickly faded when he saw this, changing to a look of confusion and worry. He looked at his and Eig’nia’s parents. Neither set of parents seemed particularly happy to see their offspring. Nervously, the two dragons approached their parents.

“Mom…dad, is everything okay?” Asked Eig’nia worriedly.

Eig’nia’s father gave a rather melancholic sigh. He glanced at his daughter with shame in his eyes and turned away from her.

“We…heard…about what you three did.” He said.

Saulstrance, Tourajé, and Eig’nia looked at each other puzzlingly. Could Eig’nia’s father have been talking about what happened with Raolef?

“Tourajé! Please, tell us what Lord Léruc said isn’t true! Please tell us you weren’t the ones who killed Lord Raolef!!” Tourajé’s mother pleaded desperately, sounding like she could start crying at any moment.

“Well…” Tourajé was unable to say anymore.

“So it’s true then…I…I cannot believe this.” Eig’nia’s mother said, horrified.

“Hang on!” Cried Saulstrance as he stepped forward. If his friends felt like they couldn’t explain themselves, then he would do it for them.

“We did what we had to because…because Lord Raolef was planning to launch an attack against the human world!” Saulstrance tried to explain.

“That’s preposterous!” Tourajé’s father exclaimed. “Of all the dragons, Lord Raolef would be the last one to want to attack the human realm!”

“But it’s true!” Saulstrance retorted. “Lord Léruc said he was going to attack the other world!”

The dragons’ parents and siblings couldn’t believe what they had just heard. As if it wasn’t bad enough that their own children had assassinated the Leader of a neighboring village, now they were pinning the blame on their own Leader and master.

Tourajé and Eig’nia’s families had nothing left to say to them. Distraught and filled with disbelief, Eig’nia’s parents and siblings brushed past her without so much as a look in her direction.

“Mom! Dad! Ruxie! Outol! Please wait!” Eig’nia begged desperately.

Her family stopped and she thought that maybe they would turn around and listen to what she had to say. Her father turned his head slightly. This brought a slight smile to Eig’nia’s muzzle. Perhaps they were going to listen after all.

“You have no right to call us that. You’re not our daughter anymore.” He said in the coldest voice Eig’nia had ever heard.

Her father’s words cut through the dragoness like butter. She felt a lump in her throat as though she was about to start crying any second. She lowered her head to the ground and began to silently sob to herself as her family walked away, not taking so much as a look back.

Tourajé’s family was the next to depart. His father walked over to him and unfurled his wings. Something fell to the ground. It was Tourajé’s sword. Tourajé’s father grabbed the sword and set it in front of his son. The two of them looked at each other for a moment before his father turned his back to him and said:

“Don’t come around our cave anymore.”

Tourajé watched as his family departed. Utzie looked back at his older brother with a sad, worried expression on his face. Tourajé looked away from his younger brother in shame. The dragon trembled as, just like his friend, tears streamed down his face.

“Tourajé…” Utzie said sadly. He had never seen his big brother cry before. Seeing this made Utzie feel sad too.  He wanted desperately to stay with his brother but his father forbade him from going anywhere near Tourajé. Reluctantly, Utzie followed his father’s orders. He looked back one last time as he and his parents left Tourajé behind.

In all the time he had known them, Saulstrance never saw his friends this way. Seeing them so sad, so broken, made him feel horrible. He wished there was something he could do for them. The question was: what could he do?

As his friends continued to cry to themselves, Saulstrance slowly approached them. He thought carefully of what to say to them. Especially in a time like this, he couldn’t say the wrong thing.

“Eig’nia… Tourajé…it’s okay.” He said softly. “I’m here if you—“

“Sure! It’s so easy for you to say it’s ‘okay’, Saulstrance! You don’t even have a family! You have no idea what this is like!!” Tourajé screamed, his eyes filled with rage and sorrow.

Eig’nia and Saulstrance gasped at the same time. Tourajé let out a gasp of his own shortly after.

“Oh my god...” Said Tourajé with a shocked, horrified look on his face once he realized what he had just said. “Saulstrance, I’m—“

With tears beginning to fill his own eyes, Saulstrance ran from his friends. Just as his master stepped out of his fortress to see what was going on, he noticed Saulstrance run past him into the fortress.

“What is going on out here?” Asked Léruc sternly.

Tourajé explained to his master what had just happened and what he said to Saulstrance. Léruc was shocked and saddened by this news. He took pity on his pupils and nuzzled against them as a means of showing his concern.

“I understand how you two must feel. But Tourajé, think of how you’ve made Saulstrance feel. He only wanted to help. He’s worried about you and Eig’nia.” Léruc said softly and sadly.

“I realize that, sir. I don’t have any excuse for what I said…” Said Tourajé, feeling ashamed of himself.

“You need to go and apologize to him posthaste.” Léruc commanded.

Tourajé agreed and the three of them walked together back into the fortress. They guessed that Saulstrance would  be in his room so they decided to head there first. Their guess was right as they noticed Saulstrance sitting on the ground, crying to himself, his back turned towards them. Seeing his friend like that made Tourajé feel even lower. He wondered how he could have even said what he did to Saulstrance. He had to make things right between the two of them. Slowly, he entered Saulstrance’s room.

“Saulstrance?” He asked.

Saulstrance didn’t answer him. He still sat there, sobbing to himself.

“Saulstrance.” Tourajé spoke a little louder.

Finally, Saulstrance turned to him, tears still filling his eyes. He looked at his friend with an angry yet sad look in his eyes.

Tourajé sighed. Saulstrance was really angry at Tourajé yet he couldn’t blame him for being angry.

“Saulstrance…I just wanted to…”

“LEAVE ME ALONE!! I HATE YOU!!” Saulstrance screamed at Tourajé.

His words pierced through Tourajé like an arrow. Tourajé didn’t attempt to say anything else to Saulstrance. Right now, there was nothing he could say that would make up for it.

“You think this is any easier for me, Tourajé? Ever since I was a hatchling, I wished I had a mom or dad, or a brother or sister like you guys. I wished I could know what it was like to have parents be proud of you or disappointed. To have an older brother or sister be there to protect you or to have a younger brother or sister look up to you.” Saulstrance said through his tears.

“Saulstrance…” Tourajé said, almost speechless. He knew how much being an orphan affected Saulstrance but it still hurt him to hear regardless.

“Now please…just leave me alone…” Saulstrance said in a tearful, defeated voice.

Tourajé’s finned ears and wings flattened. He turned away from Saulstrance, looking back just one final time, and exited his room. The young dragon looked at his friend and master, a saddened and unsure look on his face. With the way he had treated Saulstrance, Tourajé wondered if Saulstrance would ever want to be his friend again.

“He’ll come around.” Promised Léruc. “But for right now, perhaps it would be best to give Saulstrance some space.”

Tourajé looked down and nodded. Together with Eig’nia and Léruc, Tourajé walked away from Saulstrance’s room but not before looking back one final time.

As they walked down the hallway, Tourajé asked Eig’nia and Léruc what they think they should do considering that neither Tourajé or Eig’nia any longer had homes to return to.

“Just like Saulstrance, your parents will come around, and you will be able to return home. However, it will take some time. When something contradicts someone’s perception, they have a hard time believing it or choose not to.  Right now, your parents can’t bring themselves to believe Raolef would stage an attack on the human realm. But someday, they will open up to the truth. Until then, I’ll take care of you two just as I have with Saulstrance.” Léruc answered.

“Thank you sir.” Tourajé and Eig’nia said at the same time. The two of them were eternally grateful for their master’s kindness.

Léruc showed his pupils to their chambers. Here in these rooms they would stay until their families had come to accept the truth behind their actions. The two dragons thanked their master again. They felt slightly better knowing they still had someone looking out for them.

As night fell upon the dragon realm, Eig’nia and Tourajé were sitting in their rooms, thinking of everything that had happened. They wondered what they would do now. Raolef’s plans had been stopped but was everything really over? What if his apprentice or Champion planned to continue where their master left off?  Tourajé buried his head in between his front legs and tried to think of something else, something more hopeful. He thought of the day when he would be able to return to his family. Though he knew that day would most likely not be coming anytime soon, he still hoped it would.

In the meantime, Eig’nia stood up, deciding to take a walk. She walked down the hall, passing two guards on the way who asked her if she was okay. Eig’nia nodded, letting out a small sigh. They promised her that if she needed anything, they’d be there for her. The dragoness thanked them and continued on her way.

Continuing to walk through the fortress with no specific destination in mind, Eig’nia suddenly came up with an unusual idea: she would go and visit Agcro in the master’s jails. She wasn’t even sure herself why she would contemplate doing such a thing. Perhaps she just wanted someone to talk to and for whatever insane reason Agcro seemed like a good idea.

She made her way to the cell room and there he was: Agcro, still bound by his legs, his tail, and his neck. Agcro was surprised to see her. Since being imprisoned, his only guests had been the guards.

“Hello there, young dragoness. To what do I owe this visit?” Agcro asked sarcastically.

“I guess…I just needed someone to talk to. I’m sure you heard about what happened.” Said Eig’nia, sitting down in front of Agcro’s cell.

“That you and your friends killed the Leader, Raolef? Yes, I heard. News spreads quickly around Zalphonia. By now, I wouldn’t be surprised if all the dragons knew of your actions.”

Agcro shifted his head so that he was looking at Eig’nia. He had a sinister, proud smile on his muzzle.

“So tell me: how does it feel for you three to have become even worse criminals than I am?” Agcro asked, the smile on his muzzle growing wider.

This question infuriated Eig’nia. She glared at Agcro, baring her fangs.

“We are NOTHING like you. We didn’t kill innocent dragons like you have.” Eig’nia said in a very angry voice.

“A predictable response. Still whether or not he was innocent is irrelevant. He was still a Zalphonian Leader. To the dragons of our world, that makes you bad enough to be considered worse than me.” Agcro said, still smiling wickedly.

Eig’nia scoffed. She tried to calm herself as she realized she was letting Agcro get to her. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths before continuing to speak with him.

“I do have to thank you and your friends however. Thanks to your little attack, my execution has been put on hold until further notice. So I get to enjoy being stuck in here, my limbs and neck bound, barely able to move.” Agcro said, his terrifying, toothy smile fading.

Eig’nia wasn’t sure if Agcro was truly thankful or was upset by it. At first he sounded like he truly was glad to have been left alive but his last words sounded as though he was either angry or annoyed at them. She couldn’t figure him out.

“Right now, you feel conflicted, don’t you? ‘Did I do the right thing? Will I ever get to see my family again? What will the rest of Zalphonia think of me’ the dragoness wonders.” Said Agcro.

As much as Eig’nia hated to admit it, Agcro was right. Those were exactly the things she was concerned about, especially the part about getting to see her family again. She knew they had to do it in order to protect both worlds but she just couldn’t help but feel as if there was another way.

“Our world might never forgive you or your friends. Even if they do come to terms with what Raolef had planned. Regardless, you and your friends ended his life and now you must live with that.”

Eig’nia thought it hypocritical of Agcro to be lecturing her on taking a life when he had taken so many other dragons’ lives without any sense of guilt or regret. Who was he to be telling her this? She felt that she was done talking to Agcro so without saying anything else, she stood up and began to make her way out.

“So you don’t wish to speak anymore? Very well. I’ll be here if you wish to talk with me again.” Said Agcro just as Eig’nia stepped out of the room.

Eig’nia made her way back to her room. She didn’t even know what possessed her to consider speaking with Agcro. Just thinking about some of the things he said and the way he seemed to be taking joy in tormenting her about what they did made her angry. Still, she had to admit to herself that he was right about one thing: the three of them did take Raolef’s life and whether or not he was good or evil, they would still have to live with what they had done. She just hoped that they would never have to resort to killing someone ever again.

Saulstrance, Tourajé, and Eig’nia didn’t speak to or see each other for the rest of the night. They also ate their dinner by themselves in their rooms. With everything that had happened, they decided it might be best to just let each other be alone for awhile.

Some time later, just as daybreak was beginning to set on Zalphonia, Tourajé awoke. He peeked into the hallway to see if any guards were coming by. To his relief, he didn’t spot a single guard. Quietly he walked through the fortress. Once he was outside, he unfurled his wings and flew into the sky.

A couple hours passed before Saulstrance and everyone else awoke. As both Eig’nia and Saulstrance stepped out of their rooms, they were met with frantic guards who alerted them that Léruc needed to see them as soon as possible and that it was an emergency. They knew this couldn’t be good. They hurried as quickly as they could to their master’s chambers where he was waiting for them.

“Master Léruc, is everything okay?” Saulstrance asked worriedly. Léruc shook his head.

“Wait a minute. Where is Tourajé?” Asked Eig’nia.

“That’s just it: none of the guards have reported seeing Tourajé since last night. They also claim he wasn’t in his room. All that was there was his sword.” Léruc exclaimed to his two pupils.

This deeply worried Saulstrance and Eig’nia. It wasn’t like Tourajé to just disappear without saying anything. Saulstrance thought back to everything that happened to Tourajé and Eig’nia and when he told Tourajé that he hated him. Could Tourajé have left on his own because he was planning to…

No! Saulstrance thought to himself. Tourajé would never consider something like that…would he? Saulstrance feared that what he said to Tourajé may have pushed him. He had to find Tourajé and quick. He just hoped that nothing bad had happened to him.

“Saulstrance and Eig’nia, I give you a new mission: locate Tourajé, and bring him back here. With the state of mind he was in yesterday, I don’t want to think about what he may be planning to do.” Léruc said with a saddened look on his face.

“Master, you don’t really believe that Tourajé would try and kill himself, do you?” Eig’nia asked, looking equally as sad at the prospect of such a thing.

“He might…” Saulstrance said, looking at the ground.

“Telling him I hate him last night didn’t help any. Maybe he feels like he doesn’t have anyone left.” Saulstrance guessed, feeling a tremendous wave of guilt wash over him.

Saulstrance told himself that this was no time to be feeling bad. He had no time to waste. He proceeded to rush out of the fortress as quickly as he could. All he could hope for right now was that Tourajé was okay.

[animeboye]

Dragon's World Past Chapter 11

Chapter 11: Dragons at Dinner

Saulstrance, Tourajé, and Eig’nia traveled through the portal in a hurry.

“Eig’nia!” Cried Saulstrance. “Is there anyone behind us?”

Eig’nia looked behind herself. She breathed a sigh of relief when she discovered that no one was following behind. She informed her friends that everything was fine. There was no one behind them. They too sighed in relief.

Shortly after, the exit appeared before them. With a blinding flash of light, the three friends found themselves in a very familiar setting: they were in the same forest where they first met Cyrus. The sun was just beginning to set, small beams of light poking through the wooded area. Pretty much everywhere else in the forest was dark.

The dragons changed into their human forms and journeyed through the woods as they made their way to Cyrus’ house. As they came out of the woods, Tourajé couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened. However, although he still felt uneasy about taking Raolef’s life, there was something else now that was bothering him. It was something that Raolef said right before his passing: “I leave the rest to you…Zano and To…”

It was the last name that was bothering Tourajé. He wasn’t quite certain but he had a feeling he knew what the rest of that name was. He just hoped that for his sake, as well as Saulstrance’s and Eig’nia’s that he was wrong and that that name didn’t belong to the dragon he was thinking about.

“Hey! Tourajé” Saulstrance called to his friend.

“Huh?”

With his concentration having been broken, Tourajé found that he was falling far behind his friends who were standing before the exit to the woods. Tourajé apologized for falling behind and rushed over to his friends.

“Are you okay, Tourajé?” Asked Eig’nia.

“I’m fine. Just a little shaken up, that’s all.” Tourajé lied, trying his best not to make his friends worry too much.

Despite Tourajé’s reassurance, both dragons knew that there was something else going on with him. Concerned for his friend, Saulstrance asked Tourajé if he was sure he was okay. Tourajé said again that he was fine and that they didn’t need to worry about him. Although they were still obviously worried, Saulstrance and Eig’nia decided not to pester Tourajé about it anymore. If he didn’t want to talk about it then they felt that it wouldn’t be right of them to try to force him to tell them.

Cyrus’ village was only a mile away from them. Once they arrived, they immediately headed for Cyrus’ house, bidding hello to the villagers they passed, including Robert who, despite his old age, was able to defeat Tourajé in a sword wielding contest. The older man asked the three dragons turned humans how they had been and asked Tourajé if he had been practicing with his sword. Tourajé shook his head and explained that he hadn’t had time as of late. Robert, disappointed to hear that, still understood and urged Tourajé to practice when he got the chance. Tourajé assured him that he would and promised him that the next time they dueled, not only would it be a great rematch but he would win. Robert laughed heartily. He truly and deeply admired the young dragon-boy’s confidence.

Bidding farewell to each other, Robert, as well as Saulstrance and his friends parted ways as the latter continued to Cyrus’ house. Once there, Eig’nia knocked at the door. After a moment, Miranda came to the door. She was more than happy to see her fellow dragon kin again. Although she had seen Saulstrance only a few days ago, it had been a little while longer since she saw Tourajé and Eig’nia. She urged them to come in and get comfortable. She poured cups of water for the three of them and brought the cups over to the dragons who had taken their seats at her kitchen table. She sat down at the other side of the table across from them and as they proceeded to take a drink, she asked them what brought them back to her village so late in the day.

Saulstrance sighed. “We’re here because…we need to hide.”

“Hide? Who do you need to hide from?” Miranda gasped, caught off guard by what Saulstrance had told her.

“The followers of the Leader, Raolef.” Eig’nia explained.

“We, or more specifically, I…killed him.” Tourajé concluded, a tone of disappointment and regret in his voice.

Miranda didn’t understand. “Why? Why would you kill him? I mean, I didn’t live in the village that he was Leader of but from what I heard about him, he seemed like a fair and kind ruler.”

“We never really knew much about Raolef but according to our master Léruc, what you said wasn’t quite the case.” Eig’nia said, gripping her cup a little tighter.

The three dragons went on to explain what Léruc told them about Raolef: that he was planning to launch an attack against this world and that, while they weren’t sure just when the attack would commence, they couldn’t allow Raolef to go through with it. They snuck into his fortress, taking great care to avoid his guards, and attacked him. Just as they had finished what they were sent to do, they were discovered by Raolef’s guards, his Champion, and his apprentice. It was then that they fled to the human realm where they believed they would be able to hide for the time being.

Miranda was speechless. She hadn’t the slightest idea. While still confused and trying to make sense of what she was just told, she figured that if what they were telling her was true, then she should thank them for saving not just her, Cyrus, and Bill but also the entire world. In the time that she had spent in the human realm, she had truly come to love the world she called her home. It would have pained her deeply for something to happen to her friends and family.

“Oh! It looks like Cyrus and Thomas are back!” Miranda said, beaming as she saw her son and husband from out the window.

The door opened and Cyrus and his father stepped into their house. The two of them were both surprised and overjoyed to see Saulstrance, Tourajé, and Eig’nia had come to pay them a visit. Cyrus eagerly greeted his friends and asked them what brought them here so late in the day. Although the three dragons felt slightly annoyed that they would have to explain everything again, they still went ahead and told Cyrus and his dad the same thing they told his mom.

After having listened to the story, Cyrus and his father were just as surprised as his mother was. And just like his mother, while they weren’t sure how to respond to this information, they were still grateful to the three dragons for saving them and their world.

Both Saulstrance and Eig’nia blushed bashfully, looking away from Cyrus and his family. Tourajé, however, didn’t feel the same excitement and admiration that his friends were feeling. He rose from his chair and proceeded towards the door.

“Tourajé, where are you going?” Asked Eig’nia.

“I just need to get some air. I’ll be back in a moment.” Tourajé replied before shutting the door behind him.

The five of them looked at each other, unsure of what was bothering Tourajé.

“Is Tourajé okay?” Cyrus asked, concerned for his friend.

Saulstrance shook his head. “I don’t think so. He was like this when we arrived and for some reason, he wouldn’t tell us what was wrong.” He explained.

“Do you think it’s because he took Raolef’s life?” Asked Miranda theoretically.

Saulstrance and Eig’nia both believed that that was only part of it. While killing Raolef bothered them as well, they weren’t nearly as shaken up as Tourajé was. They believed there was something else that was bothering him. What that something was though, they couldn’t guess.

Cyrus wondered if it might be a good idea to go find Tourajé and see if he’s okay. Saulstrance decided against it. He believed that for right now, it might be best to just let Tourajé be. Perhaps being by himself was what Tourajé needed right now as both Saulstrance and Eig’nia believed that maybe it would allow him to clear his head. Then afterwards, maybe Tourajé would come clean with them and reveal what it was that’s been bothering him.

Night soon fell upon the village. All that could be heard were the sounds of the crickets chirping and the watermill’s wheel turning. Tourajé walked through the village, drinking the peacefulness in. It helped to quell his worries for that moment as he took in a deep breath and exhaled. Feeling less worried and anxious, Tourajé made his way back to Cyrus’ house where the half-dragon boy’s parents were finishing preparing dinner.

At Cyrus’ house, Cyrus and his friends were sitting at the table as his parents brought their dinner over to the table. The dinner consisted of two fish Cyrus and his dad caught the other day cut into several portions, three loaves of bread, and several large slices of ham. To drink, they were given cups of water. Just as they were placing the last bowl on the table, the door opened and Tourajé came into the house. Sighing with relief, he took his seat next to Saulstrance where he found his dinner ready and waiting for him.

“Are you feeling any better, Tourajé?” Cyrus asked his friend.

“Yes a lot. I just needed to clear my head. Walking around your village definitely helped with that.” Said Tourajé, smiling at Cyrus, showing the half-dragon he was grateful for his concern.

“Rather peaceful, isn’t it? That’s one reason I love living here.” Said Thomas as he sat down in his chair.

“It reminds me a lot of home. Every night is always so calm and quiet. It really helps wash away your worries.” Tourajé said.

Once everyone had sat down, they began to eat. This experience came as a surprise to the three dragons. Not only were they disguised as humans but they were eating as humans too. Aside from fish, they had never even seen the food that was presented in front of them. Saulstrance reached for a piece of bread. He held it in front of him, studying it for a bit. It didn’t feel like anything he had ever felt before. He held it up to his nose and sniffed it, finding no odor. Finally, he brought it to his mouth and bit into it. It didn’t have much taste to it but it was still able to overwhelm the dragon based on the factor that it was something completely new that he was eating. Saulstrance finished his loaf of bread and grabbed two more.

“Hey now, save some for the rest of us!” Thomas laughed, grabbing a slice for himself before Saulstrance could get it.

They all continued to eat until every single morsel of food had been cleared from the plates. Although it had just been dinner, Saulstrance, Tourajé, and Eig’nia found it to be a rather interesting experience. They hoped that maybe they might get to do it again sometime.

The dragons helped Cyrus and his parents clear the table. Afterwards, the four friends decided that, before bed, they’d go outside and watch the stars together.

As they lay in the grass, Cyrus put his arms behind his head and watched with his friends. Stars covered the entire sky and a big beautiful full moon shone down onto them. The four of them were transfixed on the sky, not uttering a single word as they laid there, soaking it all in.

Cyrus closed his eyes and sighed. With a smile on his face, he opened his eyes and turned and looked at his friends. He was happy to be with them. Although he loved life in his village and the human side of himself, he was glad he was getting to experience what it was like as a dragon. Before they came along, the only other dragon he knew was his own mother. He wondered if Eig’nia, Tourajé, and Saulstrance felt the same way about getting to experience being humans.

“Cyrus. Have you ever seen the rest of your world?” Saulstrance asked curiously.

“No. There’s a town a couple miles from here that my parents and I go to sometimes to buy stuff but other than that, I’ve never really seen the rest of the world.” Cyrus answered.

“Do you ever wonder what’s out there?” Eig’nia asked this time.

“Sometimes. I know there are cities that make the town I told you about look tiny and there are far, far, more people in those cities than there are here.” Explained Cyrus.

“No way!” Exclaimed Saulstrance in utter disbelief.

“It’s true!” Cyrus exclaimed as he jerked upwards and glanced down at Saulstrance.

One by one, Saulstrance, Eig’nia, and Tourajé also sat up.

“ Do you ever want to see the rest of this world, Cyrus?” Tourajé asked.

Cyrus shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe someday. But for right now, I’m happy just living here. Because this is where my friends and family are.” The young half-dragon smiled.

Cyrus yawned and rubbed his eyes. He was beginning to grow drowsy. His yawning made the three dragons yawn as well. They had gotten so caught up in star gazing and talking that they hadn’t even noticed just how tired they were. The four of them decided to call it a night. Saulstrance and his friends knew that where they would be sleeping: it was the same bedroom they stayed in during their first visit to the human realm. They bid good night to Cyrus who wished them a good night back.

Entering the room, they saw the same to beds as before, waiting there for them. Saulstrance wondered which one he should take. Since there were only two of them that meant that he would either have to sleep with Tourajé or Eig’nia. Eventually, he decided to take the right bed but just before he could take more than a step, Eig’nia made her way over to the bed that Saulstrance had planned to take. He figured that maybe he would be sleeping with Eig’nia. Saulstrance didn’t see a problem with it. Eig’nia was just as good a friend as Tourajé. It didn’t matter to him whose bed he slept in so long as he actually got some sleep.

As Eig’nia climbed into bed, she saw Saulstrance approaching the bed she had claimed.

“Uhh, Saulstrance, no offense but I think it might be best if you sleep with Tourajé tonight.” Eig’nia said, feeling uncomfortable having a dragon sleeping in the same bed as her.

“Why can’t I sleep here?” Saulstrance asked, not understanding why she didn’t want him sleeping next to her.

“Because I’m a young, innocent dragoness!” Exclaimed Eig’nia.

As she turned her back to her friends to try and get some sleep, Saulstrance and Tourajé looked at her, not understanding what that was supposed to mean. Feeling unusually awkward after Eig’nia’s comment, Saulstrance went over to Tourajé’s bed and climbed under the blanket. Shortly thereafter, the three dragons fell asleep.

The next day, Cyrus awoke three and a half hours before his friends. After having breakfast, he asked his parents to let his friends know that he was going into the woods to practice flying. As soon as Saulstrance, Tourajé, and Eig’nia woke up, Cyrus’ parents informed them that he was in the woods practicing flying. Before Cyrus’ parents even got the chance to ask them if they wanted breakfast, they rushed out the door and headed after Cyrus.

In the woods, Cyrus sat on a log, panting. He had spent so long training almost nonstop that his wings were beginning to cramp. Cyrus thought about how badly he wanted to fly. He could already fly somewhat but he wanted to be better than just “somewhat”. He wanted to be good enough to fly with his friends and his mom. He wanted to be able to fly with them. Cyrus wasn’t about to give up though. He was going to keep practicing as hard as he could until he was good enough to fly like his mom, Saulstrance, Tourajé, and Eig’nia.

And as he thought about them, Saulstrance and the others came up behind him. Tourajé placed a hand on Cyrus’ shoulder startling the young half-dragon and snapping him out of his thoughts.

“Geez!” Said Cyrus breathless. “Don’t do that!”

Tourajé was just as startled as Cyrus. “Whoa! I’m sorry!” He exclaimed.

Cyrus sighed. “It’s alright.”

Saulstrance and the others sat down on some logs that were next to the one Cyrus was sitting on. Eig’nia asked Cyrus why he came here to practice flying. Cyrus explained to them that he wanted to teach himself to fly as well as they and his mom could. He might have had human blood but he also had the blood of a dragon coursing through his veins so, he figured, he should learn how to fly like a dragon.

“Is that the only reason?” Asked Tourajé, believing there was more to what Cyrus was saying than he was letting on.

“Well…the thing is…I also want to learn so that we can all fly together. But also because…I’m a little envious.” Cyrus explained, feeling a little ashamed to have said that.

“Envious of what? Us?” Eig’nia asked, not understanding what Cyrus meant.

“Yes! Of you guys and my mom! I can’t even fly half as good as you four can. My wings are just…not strong enough.” Cyrus said sadly.

Hearing this made Tourajé, Saulstrance, and Eig’nia feel sorry for their friend. They had no idea Cyrus felt this way. They wished there was something they could do for him.

“Maybe I’m just not supposed to fly…” Cyrus said in an even sadder voice. He sounded like he was almost on the verge of tears.

Saulstrance went up to his friend. He sat beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Cyrus…maybe you’ll fly someday…and maybe you won’t. But you shouldn’t try to fly just because we can. We’re us and you’re you. Don’t try to learn to fly for us. Learn to fly for yourself.” Saulstrance said, trying to help his friend.

“While we’re here, we’ll try to help you as much as we can, Cyrus.” Tourajé promised.

Saulstrance nodded in agreement. Eig’nia promised Cyrus that she would help too. Cyrus was deeply moved by his friends’ kindness. He smiled and thanked them from the bottom of his heart.

A week had passed since then. During each of those seven days, Saulstrance, Eig’nia, and Tourajé would journey to the woods every afternoon with Cyrus to teach him to fly and there they would stay until it had become dark. Cyrus could tell his wings were growing a little stronger each day and the more he practiced, the farther and farther he would get from the ground. Eventually, he was able to fly above the forest, and ascend past the trees. He would fly higher and higher above the trees and he would realize that his wings weren’t tiring in the slightest. Cyrus was elated at this. He couldn’t believe how far he had come thanks to his friends.  It was such an incredible feeling being able to fly even higher than he ever could before and knowing that he had his friends there to help him out.

“Nice job, Cyrus! Now try to come back down!” He heard Tourajé call up to him.

Cyrus decreased his wing beats as he descended back into the forest. Being careful to avoid catching his wings on a tree branch, Cyrus eventually touched ground where he was met with praise from his friends who were almost as ecstatic as he was at the incredible amount of progress he had made in the past week.

“Very well done, Cyrus!” Tourajé said proudly. “Keep practicing and you’ll get better and better!”

“We knew you could do it!” Saulstrance said, smiling.

“You’ve really come a long way. How do you feel?” Asked Eig’nia.

“Really good actually. My wings don’t feel quite as tired as they used to get if I tried to fly that long AND I’m managing to fly over the forest!” Cyrus exclaimed, his smile growing ever wider.

The three dragons felt proud not just of Cyrus but of themselves for helping him. Just a week ago, Cyrus was deeply saddened at the prospect of never being able to fly. Now, he seemed like a completely different person. He was more confident, more happy. He seemed as though he thought he’d be able to do anything.

Just then, Tourajé’s tail began to move on its own. The four of them watched as Tourajé’s tail dug into the ground and wrote something. With the leaves covering the ground, it was a little hard to make out what it was writing but as Tourajé moved the leaves aside, the message became a bit clearer.

“TIME TO RETURN” his tail had written.

The three of them knew what this must have been: Master Léruc had somehow taken control of Tourajé’s tail to give them this message. They had been with Cyrus for so long that they were actually feeling a little disappointed that they had to leave now.  And, since they had been in human form for so long, they were starting to become somewhat used to living as humans would.

“I guess we have to go.” Eig’nia said a little disappointedly.

“Oh…” Said Cyrus, equally as disappointed.

Saulstrance opened a portal that would take them back home. Just as they were about to step through, they turned back to Cyrus, who was waving goodbye to them but with a slightly saddened look on his face.

“Don’t be sad, Cyrus. We’ll be back!” Eig’nia promised.

“I know you will. I guess I wish you could have stayed a little longer. Well, the next time you see me, my wings will be so strong, they’ll be stronger than all three of you combined.” Cyrus boasted, even though he knew such a feat was more than likely impossible.

Tourajé smiled at his friend’s declaration. Cyrus was reminding Tourajé of himself with that statement. The three of them thought that maybe Tourajé was beginning to rub off on Cyrus.

Looking back one final time, the three dragons bid farewell to Cyrus who bid farewell back to them. Once Saulstrance stepped through, the portal behind them closed, leaving Cyrus in the woods by himself. He smiled, thinking of how much progress he had made on his flying and how much of it was thanks to his friends. He promised not just them but himself as well that the next time they would meet, he would be an even better flyer!

[animeboye]

Dragon's World Past Chapter 10

Chapter 10:  Dragon’s Creed

As the three dragons prepared to set off, Léruc stepped out from his fortress to wish them luck. Saulstrance smiled and promised his master that they’d make it back. As the three friends opened their wings and prepared to take off, Léruc stopped them once more.

“I’m sure I don’t need to tell you this but the fate of both worlds rests with you three. Should you fall, both worlds will fall into disarray.” Léruc said gravely.

“We understand sir. We promise we won’t let that happen.” Eig’nia said with determination in her voice.

“Very good.” The old dragon smiled at his students. “And Tourajé?”

“Sir?” Asked Tourajé.

“You want humans and dragons to be able to live together, correct? I desire the same thing. However, as long as Raolef and his aspirations still live, our goals won’t be met. Explained Léruc with a glum look on his face.

“I understand sir.” Tourajé said.

Saulstrance and his friends lifted off the ground and into the sky.  Tourajé predicted that it would most likely take them about two hours to reach Aanki. With that window of time he thought that it would be a good time to go over their master’s instructions once more before they reached the village.

“Understood? Remember, we can’t be seen once we’ve entered Raolef’s fortress. If we are, we won’t be able to fight against him, his guards, or his apprentice and Champion. Like Lord Léruc said: we need to be sneaky.” Tourajé instructed.

Saulstrance and Eig’nia nodded together, showing Tourajé that they understood. Eig’nia giggled a bit. Curious, Tourajé asked the dragoness what she found funny. Eig’nia explained to her friends that it wasn’t that she thought something was funny. She just thought that Tourajé, with how serious and mentorlike he could be, would make a pretty good Leader. Eig’nia also concluded by noting in a somewhat teasing fashion that Tourajé was kind of cute when he was like that. Her comment made Tourajé’s mouth drop open. He looked away, blushing in embarrassment. Eig’nia’s comment about Tourajé being “cute” didn’t sit too well with Saulstrance however.

“Hey! I can be cute too! AND I’d be just as good a Leader as Tourajé!” Protested Saulstrance jealously.

“Aww don’t worry Saulstrance! You don’t need to be jealous!” Teased Tourajé playfully.

“I—I’m not jealous! I just…I just think I’d be a good Leader too! That’s all!” Saulstrance stuttered.

“I think you would both make good Leaders.” Eig’nia smiled.

“But which one of us would be the better Leader?” Saulstrance asked, sounding as if he was starting to take it just a bit too personally.

Tourajé groaned. He told Saulstrance that he didn’t need to turn it into a contest. Eig’nia explained to the both of them that she believed they would both make good Leaders but for completely different reasons: Tourajé she believed would make a good Leader because of his strength and determination and Saulstrance because of his kindness and dedication towards his friends and others. Tourajé agreed with his friend. He believed that the features Eig’nia just described him and Saulstrance as having complimented each other very well. As she thought about it more, Eig’nia began to wonder out loud what traits she had that would be good for a Leader to have. She didn’t have to think about it for too long as her friends immediately told her what features they thought she had.

“You’ve always been very supportive.” Tourajé smiled.

Saulstrance agreed. “And you can be a pretty unconventional thinker. Remember how you beat Mayza during the exams ten years ago? I don’t think I would’ve thought of that.” The reddish orange scaled dragon laughed heartily.

Eig’nia smiled at her friends and thanked them. She was more than happy to have them in her life. No matter who became their master’s apprentice or became Leader, be it Saulstrance, Tourajé, or Eig’nia herself, she felt that she would be happy with the outcome no matter what.

After about an hour and a half, the three dragons arrived at the village of Aanki. There were a few dragons out and around, one flying overhead while two others drank from a small stream. There were also four hatchlings who were playing together, two of whom were rolling around together in a ball while the other two laughed and ran after their friends. Eig’nia smiled as she watched the four hatchlings playing. She thought they were pretty cute. Saulstrance looked around the small village. He noted that it didn’t seem all that different from his own village. It was just as peaceful and serene. Tourajé, in the meantime, looked around for Raolef’s fortress. He noticed what he deduced must have been the fortress poking over a plateau. He headed in that direction with Saulstrance and Eig’nia following behind him. As Eig’nia followed behind her friends, the two hatchlings that were rolling around crashed into her left front leg. They were broken out of their rolling around and lay spread out on the ground.

“Oww, oww…” The little dragon said to herself as she rubbed her front paw over her back leg, trying to soothe the pain.

“I’m so sorry!” Eig’nia said in a panic as she helped the little dragons up. “Are you okay?”

“I’m okay now. That just hurt a little.” The young dragoness answered.

“I’m okay too!” The dragoness’ friend exclaimed.

“That’s good.” Eig’nia smiled.

“I’ve never seen you around here before. Are you from another village?” The young boy dragon asked.

Eig’nia nodded. She explained to them that she was from the village of Riotak as were her friends.

“We’ve never been to any of the other villages. Is yours far away?” The little dragoness asked.

Until now Eig’nia had never been to any of the other villages either. Considering how long it took them to get to Aanki, she would have had to say that it was pretty far.

While Eig’nia talked with the two hatchlings, their friends ran up next to them, asking them what they were doing. They explained that they were just talking with…and they paused. They realized they never asked the older dragoness her name.

“I’m Eig’nia.” Eig’nia introduced herself. “And what are your names?”

“My name is Minasha. This is Cerquil, Ontrix, and Angela.” Said the little dragoness, introducing herself and her friends.

Eig’nia was surprised when she heard the name of the last hatchling. Angela? That didn’t sound like a dragon’s name at all. Curious, Eig’nia asked Angela where her name came from. The small cerulean colored dragoness didn’t understand the older dragoness’ question. In a confused tone, she simply said that her name came from her parents. Eig’nia corrected her, explaining that she meant what made her parents choose to name her Angela. This was a story that Angela’s parents often told her: when they were younger, they used to journey to the human realm quite often. On one of their trips there, they met a kind old woman who was named Angela. This woman was the first and only human who Angela’s parents revealed their true selves to. With each consecutive visit to the human realm, they would teach Angela a bit about their world an in return, she taught the dragons about hers. One of the things she taught them was where her name came from. She explained that her parents followed what was known in their world as a religion and that a big part of this religion were beings called angels. Her parents named her Angela after these creatures because they wished for her to grow up to be as kind and as loving as the angels spoken of in stories. A few years after having met Angela, the old woman passed away.  In remembrance of her, they gave their first child her name.

Eig’nia found it very touching that this little dragoness’ parents would do that. She complimented Angela on her name, telling her she thought it was a very pretty name. This made the little dragoness grin.

“Thanks! My mom and dad said they once thought of naming me something else but they couldn’t remember what the name was.” Angela said.

Looking back towards her friends who had been waiting for her, Eig’nia quickly remembered they had something to do. She had gotten so caught up in talking with the hatchlings that the mission had completely slipped away from her. She bid farewell to the dragon children and went over to her friends. They continued on their path to Raolef’s fortress.

“They seemed like cute little hatchlings.” Said Saulstrance.

“They were.” Eig’nia said back with a smile. She looked back at the hatchlings one last time, noticing that they had gone back to playing.

“They remind me a bit of Utzie.” Said Tourajé, stopping and turning to the hatchlings.

Saulstrance and Eig’nia also turned around. It made them happy to see hatchlings like those four so happy and innocent. They didn’t know about what their Leader was planning and they didn’t have to deal with the inevitability that they would have to be the ones to end his life. Saulstrance, Eig’nia, and  Tourajé hoped that they’d never have to deal with the kind of things they were about to either.

“Hatchlings like them and my little brother are the major reasons why I want to see humans and dragons able to live together. So that they can learn and grow in two peaceful worlds.” Tourajé explained.

“And that’s why we’re going to stop Raolef and his plans. That way, we’ll be one step closer to helping you achieve your dream, Tourajé!” Smiled Saulstrance, a confident, determined look in his eyes.

“Thank you.” Tourajé smiled at his friend.

The three continued on their way to Raolef’s fortress. They walked for a short time, then flew into the sky high above the fortress so that Raolef’s guards wouldn’t see them. They circled over the fortress, observing the top. One guard stood atop the fortress, keeping a close eye out for any activity below. Getting past him was not going to be easy. They tried to think up a plan. Knocking him out probably was not the best option. What if one of the other guards were to come to speak with him and noticed him unconscious? That would raise alarm. They couldn’t just fight him either. The commotion would alert the others. Behind the guard on the ground there was a large wooden door with a round handle at the bottom. They wondered if they might be able to sneak past him and get in without him noticing. They quickly decided that that probably wouldn’t work either.

Just then, a blessing in disguise presented itself. The door opened as another guard emerged. The two guards talked for a second then together the two of them went back into the fortress. With the coast clear, the three friends descended. They landed in front of the door. Before opening, the three of them overheard the guards talking from inside. Their voices grew quieter and quieter until eventually, they couldn’t hear them anymore. This was their time to strike. Clenching the door handle in his mouth, Saulstrance pulled the door open. The three of them quickly hurried inside before the guards could take notice of anything suspicious.

It was pitch black inside. Saulstrance couldn’t even see his friends even though he knew they were right in front of him. Slowly, they crept down the steps, taking great care not to make the slightest wrong move. The stairway was long, it felt like it went on forever. What made it worse was that they still couldn’t see. They each kept a wing pressed against the wall to help guide them along. As they continued on, a feint glow made itself known to the dragons. There were several lit torches ahead of them. They just barely lit up the way. It was at this point that they decided to continue the rest of the way by flying. Slowly, they flapped their wings and raised themselves all the way up to the ceiling where they were once more obscured by darkness. They continued to slowly flap their wings as they moved along the ceiling.

Continuing further on, they were met with a slightly greater glow than the ones given off by the torches that hung on the walls by the stairs. They had come to a room occupied by three guards. There were several torches lit in different corners of the room. The guards lay in front of these torches.

One of the guards stretched his wings, yawning as he did so. The other guards yawned as well with one of them chastising the others for yawning as it was making him yawn too.

Eig’nia and Tourajé kept an eye on the guards as Saulstrance quickly looked around, trying to find a path for them to take. His work was soon done for him as another dragon came into the room.

“Courkin, Lord Raolef needs to see you.” The dragon said.

“Right now, Zano? I was just about to relax.” The dragon now identified as Courkin whined. “Let’s go, Courkin! If you don’t go see him right away, then that’s going to reflect badly on me!” Zano exclaimed.

Courkin sighed. He stood up and followed Zano. Saulstrance, Tourajé, and Eig’nia tailed the two dragons, expecting to be led straight to Raolef.

“I must say, Zano, the life of a Champion sounds pretty rough if you gotta take the fall for us.” Courkin said.

“It’s a small price to pay. Besides, you know Lord Raolef can be stern with us but it’s just because he expects us to give our best for him. Deep down, he is kind.” Explained Zano.

“I know he is. I just believe he should take it a bit easier on us. Especially on his Champion and his apprentice. You two have it rougher than us guards and the captain combined.” Said Courkin, sounding concerned.

“Maybe so, but that’s because, when Lord Raolef’s time as Leader comes to an end, one of us will take his place.” Zano said.

With the kind of plan Raolef had, his end as Leader would be coming sooner than later Tourajé thought to himself. Although all three dragons were determined to stop Raolef, Tourajé was the most determined out of all of them. After all, if they failed, both worlds would fall into disaster and he couldn’t let that happen.

They continued to follow Zano and Courkin for a time. Eventually, the two of them entered into another room. This room had to have been where Raolef was they thought. Sure enough, their hunches were confirmed as Zano spoke his master’s name, letting him know that he brought Zano with him. Raolef thanked his Champion and dismissed him. Saulstrance and his friends watched as Zano left the room and headed back in the direction he came from.

Saulstrance and the others couldn’t make out what Courkin and Raolef were talking about but they knew it must have been important as they had been taking a rather long time. Eig’nia wondered aloud if perhaps they were discussing their plans for the attack on the human realm. Saulstrance wasn’t sure but replied with a “maybe”.

They kept an eye on the room, anxiously waiting for them to step out. They continued to grow antsy. How much of an evil plan did an evil dragon really need to go over? Saulstrance couldn’t take anymore waiting. He was ready to rush into Raolef’s room and just take him and Courkin out. Before he could even make the attempt however, both Raolef and Courkin stepped out of the room. Raolef dismissed his guard and ordered him to return to his post.

“Yes sir.” Courkin said with a small nod.

As Courkin hurried back to his post, Raolef returned to his room. Once they were sure the coast was clear, the three dragons made their move. They quickly swooped into Raolef’s room and lowered to the ground. Raolef stood with his back turned to them.

“And who might you be?” The dragon asked.

“We’re the protégés of Lord Léruc. He sent us to put a stop to your plans.” Announced Saulstrance.

“My plans? What are you talking about?” Raolef asked.

“You don’t need to play dumb, Raolef. Our master told us you planned to launch an attack against the human realm.” Tourajé said in a somewhat angry tone.

Nothing was said for a moment. Then suddenly, a loud sigh came from Raolef. He swung around so that he was facing the three intruders.

“Is that what he told you? That I was going to attack the human realm?” Asked Raolef somewhat defensively.

Saulstrance and his friends didn’t respond.

“Listen to me. I have no desire to attack the world of the humans. You’ve been lied to.” Raolef said with a serious look in his eyes.

What Raolef said greatly angered Saulstrance. Who was this dragon to call Léruc, the dragon who took care of Saulstrance his whole life and raised him like his own child a “liar”?

Enraged at Raolef’s words, Saulstrance pounced only for Raolef to step back. He smacked Saulstrance in the face with his tail, knocking him off his feet and crashing into the wall. Tourajé and Eig’nia knew that wasn’t a good sign. They had to end this right away. Any more commotion would surely attract the attention of the guards, Champion, and apprentice.

The two of them charged at Raolef. As they attacked, Tourajé was yelling at himself internally. Why didn’t he just attack Raolef when his guard was down, when he didn’t expect them? He felt incredibly stupid. Unfortunately for Tourajé he was a bit too focused on his messing up. This allowed Raolef the opportunity to attack. He smashed into Tourajé, sending the younger dragon colliding into the same wall that Saulstrance had crashed into.

“Oh no…” Tourajé groaned. They were making far too much noise.

Both Saulstrance and Tourajé got back on their feet. They watched as Raolef continued on the offensive as he fought Eig’nia. The dragoness was just barely able to avoid his attacks.  Tourajé and Saulstrance knew they had to help her. The two of them both tried to quickly think up a plan. They had to put a stop to this. Everyone had surely been alerted by now. If Raolef’s guards as well as his Champion and apprentice got there before they completed what they were sent to do, then they would be done for. The three of them knew there was no way that they could take on so many dragons.

Just then, an idea came to Saulstrance. He whispered his plan into Tourajé’s finned ear.

“Hmm…” Tourajé thought to himself. “That might just work. Alright then. Let’s give it a try.”

Eig’nia was finding it harder and harder to avoid Raolef’s attacks. Eig’nia felt as though she was becoming more tired whereas Raolef didn’t seem as though he’d tire out anytime soon. The dragoness panted, trying to catch her breath. As she continuously slowed down, Raolef seized her neck in his jaws. He opened his wings, flew up, and crashed back down, smashing Eig’nia into the ground.  The dragoness lay by his feet, beaten and battered.

“I truly am sorry. But I can’t be killed here. I still have something I need to do. I don’t blame you or your friends. You’re young. Had you not followed Léruc, you three may have had a bright future ahead. “ Said Raolef, sounding surprisingly melancholic.

Just as he was about to move in to finish Eig’nia off, he felt something sharp go through his body. He coughed up some blood. Looking back, he saw Tourajé behind him. The younger dragon’s tail had gone through Raolef’s body and pierced his heart.

“N…N…no!” Raolef barely managed to say in a weak, sad voice.

Tourajé removed his tail from Raolef’s body. As the dragon fell to the ground and lay in a growing puddle of his blood, Tourajé watched, unsure if what he did was truly right. He wondered if there truly was no other way. Could they not have just locked Raolef up like they did Agcro? Did it really have to be…this? It seemed like such an easy decision to make at the moment but now he wasn’t so sure.

Saulstrance and Eig’nia also approached the dying dragon. As Raolef coughed up more blood, they also couldn’t help but wonder if what they did was right. Raolef had offended Saulstrance with what he said about Léruc but even then, Saulstrance still knew that wasn’t a reason to kill someone.

“Well, you got what you wanted. Are you hatchlings…happy?” Raolef said as it became more and more difficult for him to breathe.

They couldn’t answer him. The truth was…they didn’t even know themselves if they were.  They had stopped him from attacking the human realm but they just couldn’t help but feel that there might have been another way.

“In the end…I still don’t blame you three. You’re just…hatchlings. I lived a good life. I tried…to become smarter and stronger…I wanted…to devote…myself…to my village…no…my world.” Raolef said with tears in his eyes, yet sounding content…and at peace.

“I…leave the rest…to you…Zano…a…nd…To…” Before he could finish his sentence, Raolef passed.

The three dragons stood around Raolef’s body. Noticing that Raolef’s eyes were still open, Eig’nia put her paw over his eyes and closed them. They didn’t have anything to say about what had just happened. There was nothing they wanted to say about what happened.

Just then, they could hear commotion coming from out in the hallway. They couldn’t stick around any longer. They had to escape right away. Just as Eig’nia opened a portal for them and they were about to step through, the guards as well as Raolef’s Champion and his apprentice had come to see what was going on. None of them could believe what they were seeing. Their master, Lord Raolef…was gone…and they knew who it was that killed him.

“STOP THEM!!” The apprentice cried. “THEY KILLED LORD RAOLEF!! DON”T LET THEM GET AWAY!!!”  

As the guards charged at the assassins of their Leader, Saulstrance, Tourajé, and finally Eig’nia stepped through the portal. It closed before everyone in the room.

“Dammit! I’m sorry sirs, they got away!” The captain of Raolef’s guards said.

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll hunt them down myself. And I will make them pay for what they did.” Raolef’s apprentice said, a terrifyingly angry look on his face.

[animeboye]

Dragon's World Past Chapter 7

Chapter 7: The Six Reunited

Tourajé and Eig’nia dashed out of their master’s fortress and raced back to the village. They hoped that they still had time and that Saulstrance hadn’t found Agcro yet. If he had…no. They couldn’t think about that now. Eig’nia and Tourajé had to keep their minds on the task at hand and that was to gather those three to help them find Saulstrance.

“Tourajé, are you sure this is a good idea?” Asked Eig’nia. “I can understand asking the other two but are you sure about asking him? Especially considering how many times he and Saulstrance have—“

“I know he and Saulstrance have had their differences but right now we need all the help we can get. Saulstrance will just have to deal with it.” Tourajé said, sounding serious and determined.

Back on top of the mountain, the scarred dragon studied the two younger dragons. He asked them again what they were doing all the way up here but they didn’t answer. Saulstrance gulped, his gaze fixated on the dragon he was certain was Agcro.

“Are you Agcro?” Saulstrance asked.

“Perhaps…perhaps not. Why do you wish to know?” The dragon retorted with both a cryptic response and a question of his own.

Shashala watched without saying anything. He wondered if this dragon who stood before them really was Agcro the Carver. If he truly was Agcro, then it wasn’t a good idea for him to be there. He started to back away slightly. Saulstrance noticed this. Shashala may have been his rival and at times annoying but Saulstrance didn’t want to get him anymore involved or even worse.

“I apologize. You hatchlings must not have heard me. I asked you why you wished to know who I was.” The dragon said in a condescending tone.

Neither of them answered. Saulstrance turned his attention from the mysterious dragon back to Shashala.

“Shashala, listen. I’m going to charge him. When I do, you take off and try to get as far away from here as you can, ok?” Saulstrance said, explaining his plan to his rival.

The other dragon couldn’t believe what he was just told. He knew that if this dragon was truly Agcro, then he had to get away as soon as possible but he didn’t need Saulstrance to tell him that. At that moment, pride got the better of Shashala. He shrugged off Saulstrance’s plan, a decision he knew in the back of his mind was stupid of him to make and told him that he’d stay and fight with him.

“Don’t be stupid, Shashala! We both know you won’t be able to beat him!” Saulstrance exclaimed.

“And you think you’ll be able to beat him by yourself?? Don’t try to be the hero Saulstrance. What makes you think you’ll stand a better chance on your own than if we fought together?” Asked Shashala, all the while mentally kicking himself and yelling at himself to just leave.

As Shashala and Saulstrance bickered back and forth at each other, the scarred dragon stood there and watched. With their guards down, now was the perfect time. It was time for him to kill.

“The two little dragons fight amongst each other. Their guards dropped. Allowing the Carver what will no doubt be an easy kill.” The dragon who had just claimed himself to be Agcro said softly to himself.

He lunged at the two fighting dragons and with his tail, seized Shashala by the throat. The Carver’s tail constricted around Shashala’s neck, cutting off his oxygen. A psychotic look appeared on the Carver’s face as he continued to strangle Shashala, bringing him to his knees as he tried his hardest to gasp for air. The scarred dragon turned to Saulstrance and flashed him a smile that brought a chill to Saulstrance.

“You asked if I was Agcro. Well boy, you would be correct. I am Agcro the Carver.” Introduced the dragon who had just confirmed his identity as Agcro.

It was just as Saulstrance had thought. This dragon was indeed Agcro. Now that he knew this for a fact, he was ready to make Agcro pay but not before getting the truth straight from him.

“If you’ll be so kind as to wait just right there, I’ll soon be finished with your friend. Then I’ll take care of you.” Agcro said as he continued to asphyxiate Shashala.

With the only thing on his mind being that he couldn’t let Shashala die, Saulstrance jumped at Agcro and bit into his tail. Agcro roared in pain as his tail uncoiled from around Shashala’s neck. Shashala dropped to the ground, barely conscious as he tried to get air into his lungs. He slowly opened his eyes, seeing Saulstrance with his mouth still wrapped around Agcro’s tail. Agcro was trying desperately to get Saulstrance off but to no avail.

“Let go you runt!!” Exclaimed Agcro.

But Saulstrance didn’t let go. He continued to hold on until eventually he drew blood from Agcro’s tail. Angered by this, Agcro headbutt Saulstrance which was finally enough to cause Saulstrance to let go.

Saulstrance staggered back, then proceeding to be smacked in the face by the very same tail he had just bitten into. Some of Agcro’s blood ended up on the side of Saulstrance’s muzzle. Regaining his composure, Saulstrance wasted no time in making sure Shashala was okay. He rushed to his side and called Shashala’s name a couple times. Finally, the dragon opened his eyes yet again and looked up at his rival. He couldn’t keep them open for long and passed out. Saulstrance breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that Shashala was still alive.

Agcro roared in shock and anger, startling Saulstrance. He quickly swung around to see Agcro holding his tail in one paw as he winced in pain. His eyes bulged, his claws digging into the ground. The longer Agcro starred at his bleeding tail the angrier he became. He turned to Saulstrance, shaking violently as he held his tail in front of Saulstrance.

“Look at what you did! LOOK AT WHAT YOU DID!!!!” Agcro roared at Saulstrance.

“What’s wrong? You like causing pain but you can’t take it?” Asked Saulstrance tauntingly as he prepared himself for a fight.

Agcro growled. He was absolutely furious. “I’ve changed my mind: I was going to save you for last but after what you just did to me, I’ll kill you first!”

Saulstrance wiped the blood from his muzzle and charged. A fireball shot from his throat, causing Agcro to jump out of the way. Agcro followed up by breathing ice on the ground. The ice spread towards Saulstrance, encasing his paws and trapping him. With this, Agcro raced toward his prey, readying himself for the kill. Saulstrance used his fire to melt the ice surrounding his feet. His attention having been on defrosting his paws, Agcro took this opportunity to grab Saulstrance by the neck with his tail just as he did Shashala. However, instead of choking Saulstrance, he used his tail to throw Saulstrance to the ground. As Saulstrance got back on his feet, he found them once again being incased in ice. Just like before, Saulstrance was ready to evaporate the ice with his fire breath but before he was able to breathe his fire, Agcro grasped his paw over Saulstrance’s muzzle.

“Not this time, little dragon. This time, I’m going to send you to see your parents. Then you can ask them yourself if I killed them. Now then, what did your friend say your name was? Saulstrance?” Said Agcro as he prepared to carve Saulstrance’s name into his stomach.

As Agcro brought his claws closer to Saulstrance’s stomach, he wrapped his tail around Saulstrance’s neck just as he did with Shashala. Saulstrance struggled to get free as he tried to think of something, anything to save himself. He didn’t know what he could do. His legs were frozen and he couldn’t exactly use his fire to free himself and with Agcro’s paw covering his muzzle, he wasn’t exactly able to bite him in order to get free. There was nothing he could do. His only potential hope lay with Shashala who was currently incapacitated. Saulstrance quickly realized that this may be it. At the very least, he’d be able to see his parents.

Just as Saulstrance had given up all hope, something smashed into Agcro, knocking him off his feet and removing Saulstrance from his grasp. Saulstrance fell to the ground and as he looked up at the figure who saved him, he realized who it was.

“Tourajé!!” Saulstrance exclaimed, happier than ever to see his friend.

Using his own fire breath, Tourajé evaporated the ice that bound his friend. Saulstrance smiled and nuzzled the side of his head against Tourajé’s. Saulstrance asked Tourajé what he was doing here but before the older dragon was able to answer, a voice called to them from the sky.

“Hey, don’t forget about us!!” Said a familiar voice.

Three more dragons descended, landing before Saulstrance and Tourajé, one of whom was Eig’nia. The other two were dragons Saulstrance hadn’t seen in a long time yet he was able to recognize them right away.

“Mayza?! Roasch?!” Exclaimed Saulstrance, surprised to see them.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” Roasch said with a grin.

“Are you okay, Saullie?” Mayza asked, nuzzling against Saulstrance.

“Well, I’m…wait, ‘Saullie’?” Asked Saulstrance, confuddled by the nickname Mayza had given him.

Mayza giggled affectionately. Then she, Roasch, Tourajé, and Eig’nia looked around in an attempt to determine what had happened. When they turned around, they gasped in shock when they saw Shashala laying on the ground not moving. Everyone rushed over to him, calling his name in an attempt to wake him up. Slowly, Shashala’s eyes opened. Just like his rival, he was both surprised and grateful to see them. He smiled and thanked them in a weak voice. Saulstrance smiled back.

“You’ll be okay, Shashala. We’ll protect you. I promise.” Saulstrance said in an assuring voice.

“Ok, are you guys ready? We’ve got to beat this guy and protect Shashala. So let’s do it!” Tourajé exclaimed.

Tourajé, Roasch, and Mayza took to different corners of the sky while Saulstrance and Eig’nia remained on the ground. Agcro looked around at each of the five dragons, finding them amusing. He was looking forward to killing them.

“Four new victims had come to play. They thought they’d be able to beat The Carver but they were mistaken. It was a mistake that would cost them their lives.” Agcro said to himself.

Saulstrance and Eig’nia began by charging at Agcro. Saulstrance attempted to bite Agcro but was unable to as Agcro quickly stepped back which unbeknownst to him, was exactly what Saulstrance wanted him to do. Saulstrance leapt back and swung his tail. It smacked Agcro right in the face, sending him rolling back some feet. Not wanting to allow Agcro to get back on his feet, Eig’nia attacked next. She attempted to tackle Agcro but was stopped as a large block of ice shot out of his throat, hitting Eig’nia and sending her flying back. Before the dragoness could retaliate, Agcro launched himself up and slammed into her, sending her flying towards the edge of the mountain.

Before Agcro could try and finish Eig’nia, Tourajé, Mayza, and Roasch swooped down and tried to attack Agcro. One by one their attacks were blocked. They flew back into the sky, figuring that they would try another method.

Tourajé swooped down from the sky, once again attempting to attack Agcro. Just like before, Agcro blocked the younger dragon’s attack only this time, Agcro followed up with an attack of his own. He clenched his paw into a fist, hitting Tourajé in the snout then finished by slamming his tail over Tourajé’s head.

With Agcro’s attention on Tourajé, Roasch and Mayza used this opportunity to launch a surprise attack. The two dragons tucked their front and back legs in and spiraled downward, striking Agcro in the back. He roared in pain as he staggered forward then turned around and glared at the two dragons, growling loudly.

Eig’nia flew back over to where everyone else was and Tourajé returned to his feet. They all closed in on Agcro, knowing that if they all charged him at once, he wouldn’t be able to block all their attacks. They had him right where they wanted him…or so they thought.

Before they could attempt anything, Agcro breathed ice on the ground. It spread towards the five dragons and covered their paws. They weren’t worried as they were about to melt the ice with their fire, just as Saulstrance had done before. Agcro however knew they would attempt to melt his ice yet again. He ran towards them and smacked them all at once with his tail. He then proceeded to slam his head against Saulstrance’s, sending him crashing next to Shashala. Saulstrance’s paws were still encased in ice.

“Saulstrance!!” Tourajé exclaimed.

As Tourajé swung back around, he found Agcro’s face an inch from his, eyes wide and a wide crazed smile on his muzzle. Before Tourajé could react, Agcro used his ice breath to cover Tourajé’s head. Agcro continued this until his ice completely spread over Tourajé’s body. Eig’nia, Mayza, and Roasch watched this with horrified looks on their faces. Roasch, who was the closest to Tourajé was about to attempt to thaw him when Agcro used his power to cover him in ice as well.

The only ones who were left now were Mayza and Eig’nia. Saulstrance, whose paws were still encased in ice, watched helplessly as Agcro approached his friends. He melted the ice that covered his front paws and slowly tried to stand up. He found this hard to do however with his back paws still frozen over. Struggling to keep his balance, Saulstrance looked back at his paws and then over to the others. He watched as Agcro carefully observed Mayza and Eig’nia. He must have been deciding which one to freeze first. As soon as Agcro’s attention returned to Mayza, the dragoness jerked her head towards Eig’nia and used her own fire breath to free her.

“NO!” Agcro cried in anger.

Thanks to Mayza, Eig’nia was able to get free. She flew over to Saulstrance and melted the last chunks of ice that had trapped his paws. As he stood up, Saulstrance noticed as Agcro finished trapping Mayza in ice. He turned to them, visibly upset that Eig’nia had gotten free.

“One got away…But that’s okay. After all, if you don’t do something soon, your friends’ organs will freeze along with the rest of them and then they’ll truly die.” Agcro explained, smiling at the thought.

Seeing this dragon smile at the thought of his friends dying made Saulstrance angry. He had to free them but how could he do that and keep Agcro preoccupied at the same time? Then it hit him.

“Eig’nia.” Saulstrance whispered. “I’m going to try and distract Agcro. And while I do, you need to free Tourajé and the others. OK?”

Eig’nia nodded in understanding of her friend’s plan. She hoped that this plan of Saulstrance’s would work. Otherwise…no, she couldn’t think about that.

Saulstrance thought of how the best way would be to keep Agcro’s attention long enough so that Eig’nia could save everyone. He figured the best way to do it would be to make him mad. Saulstrance then wondered how he would do it. He contemplated hitting him with something such as a rock. The only problem being…there were no rocks around. He thought of what else he might be able to use and as he looked down, the answer hit him.

With his powerful claws, Saulstrance dug into the ground. After several attempts he was able to unearth the part of the ground he had been digging. Because he needed all four of his legs to be able to move, Saulstrance stored the dug up ground in his mouth. He and Eig’nia looked at each other one last time before setting the plan into motion.

First, Saulstrance charged at Agcro. He swung his tail at Agcro who opened his wings and flew over him. Saulstrance took to the sky as well. As the two dragons battled overhead, Eig’nia slowly and carefully approached her frozen friends.

“Don’t worry guys. I’ll have you out of there in no time.” She said to them.

As Saulstrance and Agcro flew past each other, Agcro noticed Eig’nia about to unfreeze her friends. The murderous dragon flew as fast as his wings could allow. Just as Eig’nia was about to begin melting the ice, Agcro crashed into her, knocking the both of them to the ground. As Agcro stood up, he turned to Eig’nia and said:

“I am not letting you ruin my work!!”

Agcro approached Eig’nia, ready to freeze her along with the others but before he could, Saulstrance crashed into Agcro, just as he had crashed into Eig’nia. This once more knocked Agcro off his feet and sent him flying a couple feet away. While Saulstrance was successful in saving his friend, the part of the ground he was carrying in his mouth had gotten stuck in his throat. He gagged, trying to spit it out. However, it was already too far down his throat. It moved further down, eventually dropping into his stomach. Once it was over, Saulstrance panted as he realized what happened: he had just swallowed the part of the ground he had dug up. A worrisome look appeared on his face. He wasn’t looking forward to when it would eventually come out.

Agcro once more returned to his feet and glared at Saulstrance and Eig’nia. As they prepared themselves for battle, another figure rose to his feet and wearily approached the dragons.

“Shashala!” Exclaimed Saulstrance, surprised to see him back on his feet.

“Saulstrance…you deal with Agcro…while Eig’nia and I set everyone free.” Shashala instructed.

“But Shashala, are you sure? I mean you…”

“You guys have all been fighting as hard as you can. I can’t just lay back and do nothing…So please, let me help you save them.” Shashala said with a truly determined look in his eyes.

Saulstrance could tell Shashala really wanted to do what he could despite what had happened to him earlier. Against his better judgment, he agreed to let Shashala help Eig’nia.

As Shashala and Eig’nia prepared to free their friends, Saulstrance ran towards Agcro. A blast of fire erupted from Saulstrance’s throat. Agcro’s wings unfolded as he flew into the sky, barely missing Saulstrance’s assault. Saulstrance also took to the sky as he fired another fireball at Agcro who dodged that one as well. Agcro retorted with a blast of ice. Saulstrance unleashed a mighty stream of fire, melting the ice in no time at all. He followed up with another fire stream meant for Agcro. Much to Saulstrance’s surprise, Agcro countered this with his own stream of fire. Saulstrance didn’t understand. How was it possible for a dragon to have two powers? He had never heard of such a thing before.

While Saulstrance tried to make sense of what he had just seen, Agcro used this to his advantage. With just a little more strength, his fire overpowered Saulstrance’s. It struck Saulstrance, sending him plummeting through the sky and crashing into the ground. As Saulstrance slowly regained his footing, Agcro dropped from the sky and body slammed into the younger dragon. Saulstrance roared in pain, eyes bulging as he collapsed once more to the ground.  

Agcro walked in front of Saulstrance. He looked down at him with a triumphant smirk. It was over. All that was left for Agcro to do now was carve his victim’s name into his stomach and then…

Saulstrance felt as Agcro’s tail moved under his neck. This caused him to launch himself right up. Without knowing it, something erupted from Saulstrance’s throat, hitting Agcro in his right eye, blinding him. Agcro roared as he fell backward and held a paw over his eye. Saulstrance wasn’t sure what just happened. He looked at the spot where Agcro was standing and noticed the dug up ground he was keeping in his mouth. It was on fire! Saulstrance wondered…could he have done that?

Still holding his paw over his right eye in intense pain, Agcro sat up, looking at Saulstrance angrily.

“That…So then, you’re just like me. You have another power too.” Agcro said, angry at Saulstrance yet curious at this new revelation.

“Another…power. What do you mean?” Asked Saulstrance, not understanding any of what Agcro had just said.

Agcro chuckled, amused. “Of course, it would seem your powers aren’t quite as contradictory to each other as mine are.”

None of what Agcro was saying made any sense to Saulstrance. What did Agcro mean that he had another power? Saulstrance thought that all dragons had only one power, either being able to breathe fire or something else. He had never heard of a dragon who had two powers before.

As Saulstrance and Agcro had been talking, Eig’nia and Shashala finished unfreezing the last of their friends. The sight of this made Agcro furious. Even with his blinded eye, he charged towards the five dragons in a blind rage. Before he could try to do anything though, Saulstrance flew over Agcro and body slammed into him, just as Agcro had done to him. As the two dragons wrestled, Saulstrance had managed to wrap his tail around Agcro’s neck. He strangled Agcro, who was gasping, trying to breathe. Saulstrance didn’t let up though. He kept strangling him, shaking in anger as his eyes widened and his teeth clenched.

The other five stood watching in shock. This was not the Saulstrance they knew. The Saulstrance they knew would never act like this. This was too much. Eig’nia walked up behind Saulstrance.

“Saulstrance!” That’s enough!” Eig’nia demanded.

Everyone else slowly walked up behind Eig’nia.

“Wasn’t the whole reason you came after him because you wanted to know the truth about what happened to your parents? If you kill him, then this was all for nothing!” Eig’nia exclaimed.

Slowly, Saulstrance began to regain his senses. He released his grasp on Agcro as the unconscious dragon fell to the ground. Panting heavily, Saulstrance tried to calm himself as he looked back at everyone. He half-expected everyone to have terrified looks on their faces after seeing him like that but what he saw instead were looks of sadness. Saulstrance sighed sadly and looked away, ashamed that he let them see him like that.

Eig’nia placed a wing on Saulstrance’s back in an attempt to show him empathy and understanding. Tourajé followed, placing his wing over Eig’nia’s. Then Mayza did the same, followed by Roasch and finally even Shashala. Saulstrance looked at them and then closed his eyes. He thought that after what he did, he didn’t deserve to have friends like them.

“I’m sorry…” Said Saulstrance softly.

With Agcro unconscious, they decided it might be best to take him back to Lord Léruc’s before he wakes up. Despite how weak they still were from their fight, it would take all six of them together to transport Agcro to their master’s fortress. As they journeyed back, Saulstrance tried to push what had happened with Agcro out of his mind for the time being and focus on what he sought out Agcro for in the first place: to hear from his own mouth the truth about what happened to his parents. Saulstrance wondered what Agcro would tell him as soon as he woke up.

[animeboye]

Dragon's World Past Chapter 6

Chapter 6: Tracking a Killer

Night fell upon the dragon realm when the three dragons returned. Before returning home, Eig’nia and Tourajé went with Saulstrance to report to their master on their time spent in the human realm. Once at their master’s lair, they entered his chambers where he eagerly welcomed them back.

“So how was the human realm?” Asked Léruc, interested to hear what his students had to say.

They proceeded to tell their master everything they had experienced while in the human realm. Although they did mention that they had stayed with a family, they remembered their word to Cyrus’ mom and left out the parts of her being a dragon and Cyrus a half-dragon. When they got to the part about Tourajé entering a contest, he excitedly held up his tail which was holding his sword. He brought it up to Léruc and set it at his feet. The older dragon grabbed the sword in his talons and studied it. As he examined the craftsmanship of the blade, he noticed that Tourajé’s name had been carved into the sword. Léruc smiled as soon as he noticed this.

“Here you go, Tourajé. You should be proud. Take good care of that sword.” Said Léruc, handing the sword back to his student.

“I will sir. Thank you.” Tourajé bowed respectfully.

“Now then, you three must be pretty tired. Go on home and get some sleep. We’ll see you tomorrow.” Léruc said.

Eig’nia and Tourajé bid farewell to their friend and master and set off for home. Once they reached their respective families’ caves, they found their families waiting for them. They were eager to hear what Eig’nia and Tourajé did during their time in the human realm.

The two of them shared what had happened with their parents and siblings and Tourajé presented his new sword to his family. While his parents found their son’s sword interesting, his younger brother, Utzie was the most excited about it. He begged his older brother to let him hold it. Tourajé, who was never one to turn down his little brother, handed the sword to the little dragon, instructing him to be very careful with it. Utzie held the sword with his tail and tried to swing it around a few times but found it difficult to do so being not much bigger than the sword. With a startled yell, he fell face forward, dropping the sword in the process. Tourajé helped his younger brother back onto his feet and took his sword. He placed it by the side of his nest.

Eig’nia and Tourajé wished their families goodnight and dropped down in their nests. Shortly after they fell asleep. At that same time, Saulstrance was also preparing for bed. He walked to his room, passing one of his master’s guards.

“Hi there Saulstrance. How was the human realm?” The guard asked.

“It was interesting. I hope I’ll get to see more of it.” Saulstrance answered.

The guard smiled. “You know Saulstrance, you remind me so much of your father. You look just like him…and you both talk so much alike.”

Saulstrance was shocked by the mention of his father. How did this guard know him?

“You…you knew my father?” Saulstrance said surprised.

“Indeed I did. In fact, your father used to be the captain of Lord Léruc’s guards.”

Saulstrance’s surprise continued to grow. He couldn’t believe that his own dad used to be the captain of his master’s guards. He wondered if his father was the captain then why didn’t Lord Léruc ever tell him?

Saulstrance noticed a sudden look of sadness on the guard’s face. “He was a great leader. We all looked up to him, your mother especially.”

“My mother?” Saulstrance asked, surprised by the mention of her.

The guard nodded. “Your mother was Lord Léruc’s aide. She was a kind and beautiful dragoness. She was very devoted to her job and your father. What happened to them was…tragic.” The guard said with a sorrowful look on his face.

Saulstrance’s heart sunk. What did he mean “what happened to them” and why was it tragic? Immediately, Saulstrance deduced that the guard meant his parents were…

“Wait. When you say ‘what happened to them was tragic’, you don’t mean…” Saulstrance asked nervously, even though he was already certain he knew the answer.

“Now Saulstrance, this is based off only what we’ve been told but according to Lord Léruc, your parents were victims of Agcro the Carver. Apparently, they were attacked right after you were laid.” The guard explained.

Normally, Saulstrance would have been upset upon hearing of his parents’ deaths but he was actually more surprised than anything. He never knew anything about his parents and would always wonder just who they really were. However, even though he was told that they were supposedly killed by this “Agcro”, that wasn’t good enough for Saulstrance. He needed to hear the truth straight from Agcro’s mouth and to do that, he needed to find him.

“Agcro the Carver…do you know where he is now?” Asked Saulstrance.

“I…I’m sorry Saulstrance. I’ve already said too much. Go to sleep and try to forget everything I told you about Agcro.” The guard said in a panic, quickly walking away soon after.

Saulstrance did as the guard said and went to bed. However, he wasn’t about to forget what he was just told. He finally had a lead on his parents and he knew he needed to follow that lead. It didn’t matter to Saulstrance if Agcro was dangerous or not. Even though he now knew his parents were gone, if he could find out from Agcro just what he did to them, then Saulstrance felt as though he’d be able to move on.

The next day, Saulstrance met with Eig’nia and Tourajé outside their master’s fortress. He explained to them everything he learned last night and what his plans were. Neither Tourajé or Eig’nia had heard of Agcro so they eagerly agreed to help their friend find out the truth behind his parents’ deaths. Saulstrance told them that before they put the plan into motion, he had to let Lord Léruc know what he was planning to do. He declared that their search for Agcro would start tomorrow at the same time.

That night, as Tourajé and Eig’nia were eating with their families, they shared with them that they were going to help Saulstrance go after Agcro. At the mention of Agcro’s name, their parents stopped eating and looked at them with shocked looks on their faces. While Eig’nia’s older siblings had heard of Agcro, Tourajé ‘s little brother Utzie hadn’t. He watched awkwardly as everything went deafly silent.

Their parents couldn’t believe what their children had just said to them. They had hoped they would never learn of that dragon and believed it would be better if their children never found out about him. Unfortunately for them, that had changed. Since they now knew Agcro’s name, their parents decided that they might as well explain to them who Agcro was.

At the same time, Saulstrance and Léruc ate together in what Léruc called “The Feeding Chamber”. Just like his friends, Saulstrance explained to his master that he learned of Agcro and that he killed his parents. He told Léruc that tomorrow, he was going to go after Agcro so that he could hear the truth from Agcro’s own mouth. After Saulstrance finished sharing his plans, Léruc turned to Saulstrance in shock.

“You will do no such thing!!” Thundered Léruc, his voice echoing throughout the room.

Some of Léruc’s guards rushed in as soon as they heard their master shouting to find out what was wrong. They stood by the entrance and watched as Léruc and Saulstrance stared directly into each others’ eyes. Suddenly, Léruc entered into a coughing fit. His guards rushed over to him to make sure he was okay.

“Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.” Léruc said as he stood back up.

As soon as Léruc regained his composure, he returned to his feet and looked directly at Saulstrance. The younger dragon noted the severely serious look in his master’s eyes.

“Saulstrance, listen to me and listen good: you are NOT to go after Agcro, do I make myself clear?” Asked Léruc sternly.

“Master, did you know this whole time?” Saulstrance asked suspiciously.

“Saulstrance, do I make myself clear? You may not go after Agcro.”

“PLEASE! TELL ME!!” Saulstrance pleaded.

Things went quiet for a time in which neither Saulstrance, Léruc, or Léruc’s guards said anything. Léruc finally broke the silence with a defeated sigh. He sat down across from Saulstrance but before Léruc spoke to him, he turned to his guards.

“You may leave now. Tell the other guards that I will be speaking with each of you until I find out who told Saulstrance about his parents.” Léruc commanded.

The guards departed from the room, leaving the two dragons. Léruc turned his attention back to Saulstrance. The older dragon’s fixated gaze made Saulstrance feel uneasy.

“Sir, why did you never tell me the truth?” Saulstrance asked.

“It was…in order to protect you. I feared that, should you find out, you would most likely try to get revenge.” Explained Léruc.

“Even still…now that I know the truth, you can’t really expect me to just do nothing!” Saulstrance exclaimed. This marked the first time in his life that Saulstrance had ever raised his voice to his master.

“THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I EXPECT YOU TO DO!!!”   Léruc exclaimed even louder than Saulstrance.

Saulstrance flinched. Intimidated, he looked away, shivering a little from his master’s shouting.

“You don’t have ANY idea who Agcro is, do you?” Léruc asked, his eyes bulging from their sockets, looking as though they might pop out at any second.

Saulstrance didn’t answer. He looked down, too scared to look at his master. Léruc noticed his pupil’s meekness but continued on anyway.

“Agcro is…more of a monster than a dragon. It is said that he has killed more than twenty-five dragons. It didn’t matter if they were hatchlings or elder dragons. If he found a suitable victim, he’d kill them.” Léruc explained.

Saulstrance cringed. He had never heard of a dragon killing old or young dragons for fun. In fact, he never heard of a dragon killing another dragon ever. How could anyone do something so terrible he thought to himself.

Léruc continued to tell Saulstrance about Agcro. He hoped that telling Saulstrance more of what Agcro had done might be enough to change Saulstrance’s mind about going after him.

“Saulstrance, if you know about Agcro, then I assume that you know of his nickname ‘The Carver’. Do you know why he gained that name?” Asked Léruc.

Saulstrance looked up at his mentor and shook his head. The guard he talked with last night made mention of Agcro’s nickname but Saulstrance didn’t think to ask what it meant.

“Just before Agcro kills someone, he asks them their name. And after they’ve died, he carves the victims’ names into their stomachs. This trademark has earned him the nickname, ‘The Carver’ amongst our kind.”  Léruc continued to explain.

His master’s explanation of Agcro made Saulstrance feel a little ill. Ever since he was little, he always believed that his world was a peaceful one. He never would have imagined that such a cruel creature resided within it. Even then, he still needed to hear what happened from Agcro himself. Saulstrance felt that he would never truly be able to move on until he confronted Agcro for himself.

“Long ago, my guards managed to capture Agcro. However, despite this, five of them lost their lives trying to catch him. For me, that was…one of the biggest mistakes I had ever made. I didn’t want to allow something like him to exist in this world so I sentenced him to execution. Any regular dragon would have been scared out of their minds knowing they were about to die. Not Agcro however. After I told him, he just smiled as if welcoming it. That twisted smile on that scarred muzzle of his is something I’ll never forget. To further add insult to injury, just moments before execution, Agcro killed the guard who was assigned to watch him and made his escape. Let me tell you Saulstrance: Agcro’s escape, along with the deaths of those six has haunted me since that day. That’s why I’ve never sent any guards after him since then. I can’t bear the thought of losing anyone else I care about.” Léruc concluded his story.

“But if you haven’t sent your guards after him since, couldn’t Agcro still be out there somewhere killing more dragons? Or…do you think one of the Leaders’ guards caught him?” Saulstrance asked.

“I would assume the second option is the most likely one. Ever since your parents were killed by him, all reports of his activity had ceased. That would suggest one of three things: 1.He’s been captured by one of the other Leaders and possibly executed. 2. He’s hiding out somewhere in the human realm. Or 3. He’s dead.” Answered Léruc.

Although Saulstrance knew that Agcro’s death would be a good thing for dragons and possibly even humans, deep down he hoped that Agcro was alive so he could make him pay for killing his parents. Saulstrance then realized that even if Agcro was still alive, he wouldn’t even know where to begin looking for him and all he knew about Agcro, other than his nickname and real name, was that he had a scar on his muzzle. That wasn’t enough information. He needed to find out more about him.

After his master had gone to sleep, Saulstrance snuck into the library. There, he searched through Léruc’s archives, hoping to find something about Agcro. He read through several scrolls, hoping that one of them would tell him something. After searching through seven scrolls, he found one that contained information on Agcro. Saulstrance read it to himself:

“Name: Agcro. Age: Unknown. Village: Unknown. Scales: gray. Eyes: red. Agcro has been sentenced to death for the deaths of twenty-five dragons, dragonesses, and hatchlings. Notable features include a scar on the left side of muzzle and crimson claws on front paws while back claws are white. Claims they were stained by the blood of his victims.”

This was just what Saulstrance needed. While he still didn’t know precisely where to look, he at least had an idea of what Agcro looked like. He folded the scroll up once more and inserted it into his throat as it traveled down into his body. If Saulstrance was going to find Agcro, he’d need that scroll to help him.

He snuck out of his master’s fortress and took to flight in the cold morning air. Saulstrance was ready to search all of his world and the human world if he needed to. As he flew, Saulstrance didn’t notice that a familiar face had caught sight of him. This familiar dragon took to the air and followed behind Saulstrance, curious as to where he was going.

Hours later, Léruc awoke to unsettling news from one of his guards: both Saulstrance and the scroll containing Agcro’s information had disappeared. Léruc realized right away what had happened: Saulstrance had taken the scroll with him and set out to find Agcro on his own. While this angered Léruc, he was more disappointed in his pupil than anything else. Disappointed that Saulstrance was so desperate to hear the truth from Agcro that he’d go so far as to steal from him. As he bolted out of bed and rushed out of his room, he called for his guards and ordered them to summon Eig’nia and Tourajé.

A short time later, Eig’nia and Tourajé appeared before their master. Still sleepy, they yawned and rubbed their eyes. Léruc briefed them on what happened.

“Think of this as your first true mission.” Said Léruc. “Find Saulstrance and bring him back here before he finds Agcro. The chances of him finding Agcro are very slim but in the off shot that he does, he won’t stand a chance.”

“We understand sir. But, Agcro is as dangerous as you say, it might be best to get some extra help.” Said Tourajé.

“That is true…It sounds as though you already have someone in mind, Tourajé?” Asked Léruc curiously.

“I do. Well, actually I have three dragons in mind.”

As that was going on, Saulstrance was walking through a dragon village. He kept an eye out for any dragon that matched Agcro’s description. Some of the dragons he came across did have gray scales and red eyes and some even had red claws however none of them had a scar going across their muzzles.

Saulstrance sighed and flew up to the top of a mountain where he laid down, his wings stretched out over him. He sighed. Agcro must not be here he thought to himself. That just left him the rest of the dragon realm to search…and possibly the human realm too. Saulstrance whined to himself, not liking the idea of having to search all throughout his world and the other world.

Just then, he heard someone calling his name. Looking up into the sky, he watched as the dragon descended, landing right before him. As he looked up, he realized right away who this dragon was.

“Shashala!” Saulstrance exclaimed, surprised and, for once, glad to see him.

“What are you doing?” Shashala asked.

Saulstrance sat up and explained to the other dragon everything that he had learnt about his parents. He mentioned that he had set out to try and find Agcro so he could hear the truth from Agcro’s own mouth. Then all of a sudden, Saulstrance thought of something: what exactly was Shashala doing here? When he presented the question to Shashala, the other dragon explained that he had been following Saulstrance for the past couple of hours, curious as to where he was going. Shashala’s first thought was that maybe Saulstrance was secretly seeing another teacher to help train Saulstrance to beat him. He explained that that was why he followed Saulstrance: so that he could find out what kind of things Saulstrance was learning so he could apply Saulstrance’s lessons to himself.

Saulstrance looked at Shashala with a puzzled expression on his face. He was surprised that Shashala would go that far just so that he could potentially discover a way to defeat him. Then Saulstrance remembered that ever since he first beat Shashala during the exams all those years ago, he had always been obsessed with trying to beat him. Ever since that day, Shashala would occasionally approach Saulstrance and challenge him to fights. Most of the outcomes resulted in Saulstrance winning with an occasional win or two by Shashala. However, these occasional wins weren’t good enough for Shashala. He needed his wins to pass Saulstrance’s.

Shashala leapt up and, like always, demanded that since Saulstrance seemed to be taking a rest that they fight. Saulstrance sighed in annoyance. He guessed it never occurred to Shashala what it meant to rest. Just as he was about to decline the dragon’s offer for battle, Saulstrance spotted a figure coming towards them. The sight of this figure made Saulstrance uneasy. As he neared the two dragons, a shocking jolt went through Saulstrance’s heart. He observed the dragon carefully. He had grey scales, red eyes, and his front claws were a crimson red while his back ones were white, and his most notable feature: a scar on the left side of his muzzle. This was it. The dragon he was looking for was right before him. This had to be him…Agcro.

“What are you two hatchlings doing up here?”

[animeboye]

Dragon's World Past Chapter 5

Chapter 5: The Mighty Sword of Tourajé

Tourajé’s words made Cyrus happy. He plopped down once more in the grass, thinking about how great it would be if he lived in a world where he wouldn’t have to hide his true self. In that short moment, Tourajé’s dream had become his dream as well.

The three dragons layed their heads down in the grass too. They lay together in a circle and closed their eyes, enjoying the gentle breeze and the calm gurgling of the river. They collectively sighed and before they knew it, they were fast asleep.

Awakening a little later, the four of them noticed that it had gotten a little darker. The sun was beginning to set. They stood up, brushed the grass off of their clothes and returned to Cyrus’ house. Saulstrance, Eig’nia, and Tourajé pondered. They weren’t sure how much longer they would be able to stay in the human realm. They had already been there for a pretty long time. Their master was probably starting to wonder what was keeping them.

Just as Saulstrance was about to say Cyrus’ name, Tourajé’s eye was caught by something. He spotted three men setting up what appeared to be a ring.

“Hey, Cyrus, what are those guys doing?” Asked Tourajé.

“Let’s find out.” Cyrus answered.

The four of them walked over to the men who were setting the ring up. Curious, Tourajé asked one of the men what they were doing. The man explained that every year, the village would hold a sword fighting contest as per tradition. The winner of the contest would receive one hundred and nineteen pounds sterling. While Tourajé didn’t know what pounds sterling were, he did know that he wanted to join in their contest so he asked the men if he could. Upon hearing Tourajé ask if he could join, the other two men stopped what they were doing. They looked at the young dragon turned boy as if he were crazy. They never had anyone as young as him compete. That was because they didn’t allow anyone that young to compete. To enter this competition, the combatants had to be twenty-one or over and despite Tourajé being twenty, in his human form, he appeared a bit younger.

“Listen young man, we admire your enthusiasm but swords aren’t toys. Have you even held a sword before?” Asked the man.

“No, but I can learn pretty quickly.”  Tourajé responded.

“That isn’t the point. You can’t compete. Maybe when you’re a little older but for right now, I cannot allow it.” The man said sternly. And with that, he turned around and went about resuming his duties.

The man’s back turned to him, Tourajé glared. Why did it matter if he was young? He was strong, he knew he was. After all, would a “kid” have become Lord Léruc’s apprentice? But Tourajé felt he knew what the real issue was.

“Are you going to be competing?” Asked Tourajé.

“Indeed I am. As will these two.” The man answered.

“Then I know why you won’t let me join: you’re scared you’ll lose to me.” Tourajé said with a cocky grin on his face.

Cyrus gasped. He wished Tourajé hadn’t just said that. The men stopped what they were doing and turned to face Tourajé and the others.

“Excuse me?” The man asked, walking up to Tourajé and folding his arms, trying to intimidate the young boy.

Tourajé didn’t budge though. He knew that if the man knew what he really was, then he’d be the one intimidated.

“If you aren’t scared, then let me join.” Suggested Tourajé, egging the man on.

The man knew Tourajé was trying to get under his skin so he’d eventually slip up and let him join by accident. He wasn’t about to let himself fall for it. He explained again that Tourajé was too young to join. Yet again, Tourajé would not accept it. Noticing this, one of the other men suggested that he just be allowed in just this once.

“But the tradition has always been--”

“I think we can break tradition just this once. Besides, the kid really wants to have a go at it and it doesn’t seem like he’ll take no for an answer.” The man’s coworker said.

The man gave a defeated sigh. Feeling agitated, he reluctantly gave up, declaring that Tourajé could be allowed to enter the contest but that this would be the only time anyone younger than twenty-one would join. In addition, this would also be the only instance where Tourajé would ever be able to compete. While Saulstrance and the others thought that seemed unfair, Tourajé didn’t complain. He agreed to the man’s conditions.

The man laughed. He was impressed that someone so young would agree to that. He half expected Tourajé to pout and whine about how unfair that was. Even though he’d never tell him, the man was beginning to develop a little bit of respect for Tourajé.

“The contest will be held tomorrow afternoon. If I were you, I’d get as much sword practice in as possible before then.” Informed the man.

“You don’t have to worry! I’ll get so much practice in that I’ll beat all of you no problem!” Tourajé boasted, trying to make himself seem impressive and intimidating.

The men had a hearty laugh at the boy’s declaration. They wished Tourajé luck and went back to setting up for tomorrow.

That night, Saulstrance, Eig’nia, and Tourajé stayed at Cyrus’ house. They sat around the dinner table with Cyrus and his parents. This marked the first time the dragons had ever eaten dinner the human way. Usually, their parents would just go hunting for dead animals in the human realm and bring the carcasses back to their realm for their families to eat.  Behind the table was a fireplace. The fire illuminated the otherwise darkened room. For dinner, the six of them had roasted chicken with a side of mashed potatoes. To drink, they had cups filled with water.

As they ate, Cyrus told his parents that Tourajé would be entering the contest tomorrow. They were just about to take another bite of their food when they heard the news. They paused for a moment, stared at their son for a moment, then turned to Tourajé who was looking back at them, confused as to why this was such a big deal. He understood that no one under twenty one was allowed to join but was it really that surprising that they allowed him in anyway?

“Tourajé, do you even know how to use a sword? Do you even know what one is?” Asked Cyrus’ father.

“Well…no…” Tourajé answered both questions, feeling a little embarrassed for joining a competition for something he knew nothing about.

“…Oh, dear…” Cyrus’ dad said worriedly. “You’re going to have a lot of preparing to do before tomorrow. In that case, I’ll help train you. After dinner, meet me behind the house. I’ll teach you how to use a sword.”

“You’ve used a sword before?” Eig’nia asked.

“Of course. I use to enter these contests myself.” Cyrus’ dad said.

“Dad used to be pretty good when he was younger. He doesn’t compete anymore but he should still be able to help.” Cyrus explained.

Smiling, Tourajé graciously thanked his new friend’s dad for offering to train him. He quickly finished his dinner and rushed out to the back of the house, urging Cyrus’ dad to hurry up.

Cyrus quickly finished his dinner as well and went to join Tourajé outside. He saw Tourajé standing there, staring up into the night sky. He walked over, stood next to Tourajé, and joined him in sky gazing.

“So, do you really think you’ll be able to win tomorrow?” Asked Cyrus while still looking up at the sky.

“In all honesty? Not really. I mean I didn’t even know what a sword was until a few hours ago.” Said Tourajé, sounding surprisingly unsure.

“But then why did you want to enter so badly?” Cyrus asked, not understanding what Tourajé was trying to accomplish.

“Well, I think it was because I want to challenge myself. That, and because I want to learn as much about this world as I can.” Explained Tourajé.

Just then, Cyrus’ father stepped outside. In his right hand he held a sword. He asked Tourajé if he was ready to train. With an eager look that was all too apparent on his face, Tourajé ran up to his friend’s dad and declared that he was ready. Cyrus’ father handed Tourajé his sword, instructing him to take it.

As Tourajé studied the sword that he held in his hand, He rested his other hand over the blade. It was smooth and cold to the touch. There were a couple nicks in the blade, no doubt meaning that it had been used quite a bit and was probably pretty old.

Tourajé couldn’t explain it but holding that sword made him feel stronger. It also made the dragon feel more confident. He had to wonder if perhaps this was how it felt being human. As a dragon, he was much stronger than anyone in this village but as a young human boy, he wasn’t quite as strong as most of them were. Tourajé pondered if maybe it was his human side beginning to take life.

“So Tourajé…” Smiled Cyrus’ dad. “How does it feel?”

“It’s…incredible.” The dragon-boy said awestruck. He swung the sword once, causing both Cyrus and his father to step back.

“Careful!” Cyrus’ father exclaimed. “You don’t want to swing that around anyone. Unless they have the proper protection, it could seriously hurt them.”

“Really? I’m sorry…” Said Tourajé shamefully.

“That’s okay. You’ll learn. For right now, let’s get your training underway.”

Meanwhile, inside the house, Cyrus’ mother showed Saulstrance and Eig’nia where they’d be sleeping. It was a small guest bedroom with only two beds, meaning that two of them would have to share a bed.  Cyrus’ mother sat on the edge of the bed on the left hand side while Saulstrance and Eig’nia sat on the right.

“It’s so hard for me to believe that you two kids are really dragons.” Said Cyrus’ mother.

“Why is that?” Saulstrance asked.

“I haven’t seen or even spoken to another dragon in almost twenty years.” Cyrus’ mom answered.

“Not even your family?” Asked Eig’nia with a bit of concern in her voice.

Cyrus’ mom shook her head. “Not even them. When I met my husband, Thomas and discovered that I would be having his child, I couldn’t return to the dragon realm. Our world doesn’t think too highly of half-dragons. I couldn’t take Cyrus back with me and risk his safety so I decided: from then on, I would be a human woman by the name Miranda and raise my son as a human as well.”

“But Cyrus knows he’s a half-dragon.” Eig’nia said, confused by the last part of Miranda’s story.

“I know but I couldn’t hide that from him. Ever since Cyrus was born, I felt that it wouldn’t be right to hide from him what he and I really are.” Miranda answered.

Cyrus’ mother, who had revealed her human name to be Miranda, stood up and headed for the door. Eig’nia also stood up and went to lie down in the bed Miranda was sitting on. She pulled the covers over her and shut her eyes.

“Good night, Saulstrance and Eig’nia. And…can you do me a favor? When you return to the dragon realm, can you please not let anyone know you met me? Please? I just don’t want anything to happen to me…or my family.” Miranda asked, almost sounding as though she was pleading.

“You don’t have to worry. This is just between us.” Saulstrance smiled in an attempt to assure her that he’d keep his word.

“Thank you.” Miranda smiled back, grateful for their kindness. She closed the door and retired to her own room.

For Tourajé and Thomas, most of the night was spent practicing swordplay. Cyrus watched for awhile as his dad tutored his new friend in the art of swordsmanship. Eventually, the half-dragon began to grow tired. He turned in for the night, leaving his father and Tourajé to continue their training.

The training lasted for two more hours before both Thomas and Tourajé decided it was time to call it a night. Tourajé handed the sword back to its rightful owner and the two of them went back in the house, more than ready for a good night’s sleep.

The next day, Tourajé woke up before everyone else. He decided to get in some last minute training before the contest began. He would train for ten minutes, take a break for another ten, and then train again. He continued this process until it was time for the competition.

The citizens of the village had all gathered around, anxious for the competition to begin. There was a small ring in which seven men stood inside, brandishing their swords. These men would be competing in today’s contest.

Saulstrance, Tourajé, and Eig’nia, along with Cyrus and his parents squeezed through the crowd and Tourajé took his place among the seven men. The chatter died down as soon as Tourajé stepped into the ring. All eyes were on him as people wondered what he was doing. They didn’t have to ponder over it too long though for as soon as all the contestants had gathered together, the holder of the contest who was one of the men Saulstrance and the others met yesterday, announced the beginning of the contest.

“Before we begin, I’d like to announce that this year’s contest, we will be experiencing something that, until now, had never been allowed to happen: everyone, meet our youngest ever contestant…what is your name?” The man said.

“Tourajé.” Answered the young dragon.

“Tourajé. And Tourajé, exactly how young are you?” The announcer asked.

“I’m twenty.” Tourajé answered again.

Despite that Tourajé had been truthful, the villagers didn’t believe him. He looked much too young to be twenty. They assumed he was more around fourteen or fifteen. They also didn’t believe Tourajé was his real name. They wondered if he was either making up the name or if he was from another country. The younger members of the village didn’t like that Tourajé was allowed to compete when they themselves were never allowed to. They jeered and protested, claiming how unfair it was that someone who wasn’t even from their village was allowed to compete in their village’s competition when they never could. In spite of all that, the competition commenced.

The line ups for the matches were drawn up and handed to each of the participants. The first two opponents entered the ring with swords in hand. As they fought, Tourajé looked over the piece of paper with the line ups written on it. He noticed that his match would be the very last one of the quarterfinals. He also noticed that his opponent would be a man named Robert. He looked around at the other men who were competing, wondering which one of them was Robert. As he looked around, he noticed one of the men in attendance was the man he met yesterday, the one who was setting up the ring. Tourajé had figured he would be one of the contestants. He hoped that he’d get a chance to face him.

The first match came to an end with a man named Thomas being crowned the winner. Thomas helped his opponent back to his feet and thanked him for a fun challenge. As they cleared the ring, the next two combatants stepped in.

“You may begin when ready.” Said the announcer.

Tourajé and the others watched in amazement as the two men fought. The way humans battled seemed so much different to them than the way dragons did. Tourajé also noted that it seemed as though humans also had much more diverse ways of battling each other than dragons.

After the last two matches, it was time for Tourajé to step into the ring. He could barely contain his excitement. As he entered the ring, to his surprise, he noticed that his opponent for this match would be none other than the man he met yesterday.

“Wait. You’re going to be my opponent?” Asked Tourajé with surprise in his voice.

“Now, now, don’t sound too alarmed. My name is Robert and I requested that I face you. After all that boasting you did yesterday, I just had to see for myself if you were really as good as you think you are.”

The announcer entered the ring and presented Tourajé with a sword.

“Tourajé, as this is your first time competing, you’re going to need a sword. So I ask that you use this one.” Said the announcer as he handed the sword to Tourajé.

Tourajé stared at the blade in wonder. He gripped the handle tightly as he felt power surging through his fingertips. Just like yesterday, Tourajé felt like he could do anything while holding a sword.

“Now Tourajé, since this is your first time competing, I am obligated to tell you the rules: you and your opponent are each given a sword. Your goal is to either knock your opponent’s sword out of their hands or knock them out of the ring. Causing severe harm to your opponent or worse, killing them is not allowed. There is no time limit. You either lose when you fall out of the ring, lose your sword or give up. Is that understood?” The announcer explained.

Tourajé nodded. The rules seemed simple enough. All he had to do was get this guy out of the ring or make him lose his sword. Didn’t sound too hard.

“Very well. You can begin when ready.”

Tourajé and Robert both gripped their blades. They circled around the ring, anticipating each others’ move.

“Just so you know boy, you don’t have a chance of beating me. I may be old but I’ve fought in these competitions for over twenty-nine years. And seeing as how this is your first and only time competing, you don’t have even a slim chance of winning.” Robert boasted.

Although he didn’t want to admit it, Tourajé knew Robert was right. He didn’t have a chance in beating him. If this guy really fought in this as many times as he said he did, then this match was over as soon as Tourajé got in the ring with him. Regardless, Tourajé couldn’t just give up. Even though he knew he would lose, he still wanted to give it his all.

Tourajé charged at Robert, his hands gripping the sword’s handle as tightly as they could. Robert took a defensive stance and just as Tourajé was about to swing his sword, Robert blocked with his sword. The swords clanged together as Tourajé struggled in a futile attempt to break through Robert’s defense. Tourajé withdrew his sword and tried again only to experience the same result. With his sword, Robert pushed Tourajé’s back, causing the dragon-boy to stagger back. With Tourajé off guard, Robert knew this was his chance to strike. He went on the attack and before Tourajé knew it, the sword flew out of his hand, landing at the edge of the ring.

Tourajé’s mouth hung open. He looked down at his hand that had been holding his sword. He couldn’t believe how quickly that match went. It was over. He lost.

“And the winner is…ROBERT!!!” Announced the announcer.

Everyone in the village clapped and cheered for Robert. Tourajé lowered his head, went over to his sword, and grabbed it as he left the ring. He didn’t say anything or look at anyone. He just solemnly took his leave.

Tourajé went to sit down by the riverbank. He tossed the sword on the ground in frustration as he proceeded to lean against a tree. Feeling ashamed for losing so quickly, he slouched down and buried his head in his legs.

A short while later, he heard someone call his name. It was Saulstrance. He and the others had come after him, unsure why he left so quickly.

“Tourajé, what’s wrong? Are you okay?” Asked Eig’nia, concerned for her friend.

“No, I’m not.” Tourajé pouted.

“Well what’s wrong? Is it because of the fight?” Eig’nia asked again, trying to figure out what had made her friend so upset.

“Of course it is…I knew I wasn’t going to win but I didn’t think I’d lose that quickly.” Tourajé said sadly, feeling ashamed of himself.

“But Tourajé…” Cyrus’ mother chimed in. “We think you did pretty well. Especially for a dragon who had only been human for about two days. You shouldn’t be sad. If anything, you should be proud.”

“I agree with her.” Said Cyrus’ dad. “You know, I remember the first time I lost in that contest. I felt the same way that you do right now. But I kept practicing and practicing until I got good enough to win.”

“Yeah but you were still allowed to compete. I can’t anymore.” Tourajé replied.

“Perhaps not.” A voice said from behind them.

The six of them noticed Robert standing behind them. They asked Robert why he was there if the contest was still going on.  Did he lose a match? Robert laughed heartily, assuring them that he didn’t. He had made it to the finals which were going to take place within an hour. In that time, he wanted to find Tourajé so that he could talk with him. He sat down next to the disappointed boy and grabbed his sword.

“Listen, you shouldn’t feel so upset. For your first time with a sword, you weren’t that bad. Your sword skills do need work but I think you’ve got potential.” Robert smiled at Tourajé.

Tourajé looked at him, sighed, and then looked away. Robert released a sigh of his own. He guessed there was only one way to get through to Tourajé: share with him his own experiences from when he first entered the competition.

“You know, I didn’t win the first time I took part in this competition. Heck, I didn’t even win my second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth times. But even though I didn’t win, I knew I was getting a little better each time. As long as you keep practicing with the sword, you’ll become even better too.” Robert said empathetically.

“You really mean that?” Asked Tourajé.

“Of course! Now I do have to stand by what I said. You can’t compete in this contest anymore but…how about this? Keep practicing with that sword. Grow stronger, and when you think you’re good enough, come back and challenge me again.” Robert said.

Tourajé smiled. Robert smiled back, feeling glad that his words had gotten through to him. The two of them shook on it and Tourajé promised him that he’d get stronger so that they could sword fight again.

Everyone returned to the contest where the finals were about to take place. Both Robert and his opponent fought as hard as they could. In the end, Robert was victorious. Applause erupted from the villagers. Saulstrance and the others joined in. Everyone who had taken part in the contest reentered the ring and joined Robert and his opponent in enjoying the applause. Saulstrance gave Tourajé a little push, urging him to go up there and join them. Tourajé looked back at everyone who were all urging him to go up there as well. Taking in a deep breath, Tourajé ran through the crowd and leapt into the ring. To their surprise, Saulstrance and the others noticed that Tourajé was smiling. This made them smile too. It made them grateful to see their friend back in good spirits.

Some time had passed. The sun was setting on the small village and the three dragons knew that it was time for them to be going home. They couldn’t wait to tell their leader all about what they experienced in the human realm. However, before they were able to do that, Robert had something he wanted to do for Tourajé. He had asked to borrow Tourajé’s sword for something. Just what that something was though, he wouldn’t say. He returned some time later, apologizing for taking so long. He handed Tourajé something wrapped in cloth. When Tourajé removed the cloth, he noticed that it was his sword. However, there was something different about the sword. Tourajé noticed that his name had been carved into the blade.

“That sword is yours now. Take good care of it.” Robert smiled.

“I will. Thanks Robert.” Tourajé smiled back.

The two of them shook hands and bid each other farewell. Saulstrance, Tourajé, and Eig’nia, along with Cyrus and his family returned to the forest in which Cyrus had found them. They didn’t want anyone to see them opening a portal back to their world.

Inside the woods, Saulstrance and his friends bid farewell to Cyrus and his family. Cyrus asked them if they’d ever come back. They assured the boy that they would and that this wasn’t the last time they would see them. Just as they opened a portal and were about to step through, Cyrus asked them to do something for him: he wanted to see them in their real forms as dragons. Since no one else was around, the three of them didn’t see the harm in it. They closed their eyes as they felt their bodies begin to change back. When they opened their eyes, the noticed the look of surprise in Cyrus and his parents’ eyes.  As hard as it was for Cyrus’ parents to believe that these three kids were dragons, it was even harder for Cyrus himself to believe it. After all, aside from his mother, he had never met a dragon before. He smiled to his friends and waved goodbye to them. He told them that they better come back and that he’ll be waiting to see them again.

“Goodbye Cyrus!” Saulstrance smiled, before stepping through the portal.

As the last of them stepped through the portal, it closed, leaving the half-dragon boy and his family standing in those woods by themselves. Although he had only known them for a short time, Cyrus had come to really like the three dragons. He knew this wasn’t the last time he’d see them.

[animeboye]

Dragon's World Past Chapter 3

Chapter 3: A Whole New World

For the next ten years, Saulstrance, along with Eig’nia and Tourajé continued their studies under their master, lord Léruc. Each day they grew a little stronger and a little wiser and, in what was seen as in the blink of an eye for a dragon, ten years passed.

Tourajé was playing outside in the front of his family’s cave with his younger brother, Utzie. Laughing together, the older brother chased the younger one around.

“You can’t catch me, Tourajé!” Laughed Utzie, opening his wings, about to fly.

“Oh yeah?” Tourajé said, taking his brother up on his challenge. He grabbed Utzie by the tip of his tail, pulling him back down to the ground as the little dragon struggled to fly.

“Hey no fair!” Exclaimed Utzie, flapping his wings fiercely.

“Weren’t you the one who said we couldn’t fly?” Tourajé asked his little brother in a teasing manner, removing the end of his brother’s tail from his mouth and grabbing it with his paw.

Utzie gulped, knowing he was busted. “Well…”

“Gotcha!” Exclaimed Tourajé.

Pinning his brother to the ground, Tourajé tickled his younger sibling. Utzie screamed and laughed at the same time, pleading for his brother to stop. The little dragon wasn’t necessarily ticklish but somehow his older brother always knew just where to get him.

The brothers’ parents stepped out of their cave. It warmed their hearts to see their sons playing and laughing together. They remembered how much Tourajé protested and hated the idea of having a younger sibling so to see the two of them so happy together made them happy too.

The siblings’ laughter and play died down when they saw three dragons approaching. Tourajé recognized them as three of Léruc’s guards and to his surprise, Eig’nia was with them! However what he wasn’t sure of was why they would be coming to his cave.

“Tourajé?” Said the guard up front.

“Yes?” Tourajé asked.

“Lord Léruc has asked to speak with you, Saulstrance, and Eig’nia. If you would accompany us to his fortress.”

“Did something happen?” Tourajé asked, growing a little concerned as he feared that something bad happened.

“It’s nothing like that. He just wanted to speak with you three.” The guard explained, noticing Tourajé’s alarm.

Tourajé agreed to go with them. He told his family that he’d be back in a little bit. He, along with Eig’nia, followed the guards back to their master’s fortress. They couldn’t help but ponder over what Léruc could possibly want to speak with them about.  Tourajé asked Eig’nia if she knew anything but she told him that what they told her was the same they told him.

Once they made it to the Leader’s Fortress, Léruc’s guards led the two dragons to Léruc’s chambers where he and Saulstrance were waiting for them. Tourajé and Eig’nia sat down beside Saulstrance.

“So you must all be wondering why I called you here.” Started Léruc.

“Yes sir. Is everything okay?” Asked Eig’nia.

“Everything is fine. I have just been thinking about how much time has passed. Ten years can seem like a really long time but for us dragons, it can also feel instantaneous.” Léruc said.

The three dragons looked at each other with confused expressions. Was this the whole reason Léruc summoned them? Just to reminisce?

“Umm, sir? Is this why you asked us here?” Asked Tourajé.

“Not quite. I have something more important I wish to discuss with you. Do you remember when I mentioned the ‘other world’?” Léruc asked.

Léruc didn’t expect any of them to remember any mention of the other world. After all, how would they? He had never discussed the other world with them in any of his lessons and had only mentioned it once briefly when they were hatchlings. However, much to his surprise, one of his students did in fact remember the other world: Tourajé.

“I do. I’ve also read a little bit about it. Unlike our world, this one is inhabited by many different species. The most dominant of these species is called ‘human’.” Explained Tourajé.

“Human?” Parroted Eig’nia.

Tourajé nodded and then resumed his explanation.

“This is the most interesting part: these humans are able to walk on only two legs!” Tourajé exclaimed, sounding as though he didn’t quite believe it himself.

Saulstrance and Eig’nia protested. There was no way that was true. How could there be a species that only needed two legs to walk? Saulstrance decided to try it himself. And so, slowly and carefully he raised up, lifting his front paws off the ground. As he tried to stand on two legs, Saulstrance wobbled around, trying to brace himself. Eventually he couldn’t stand up on his back legs anymore and fell backwards.

“I just don’t understand how the humans can do it.” Said Saulstrance as he sat up.

Léruc chuckled. “Don’t worry Saulstrance. You’ll understand once you see them.”

“Lord Léruc, you sound like you’ve been to the human world before.” Eig’nia said a little suspiciously.

“I’ve been there a few times. You may not believe this but their world is even much bigger than ours.” Léruc said.

“It is?!” The three of them said together, surprised.

“Indeed. And just as how our world’s name is Zalphonia, their world’s actual name is Earth. I could explain more of the world’s workings but perhaps you would rather see Earth for yourselves.” Said Léruc, knowing his pupils would be excited at the prospect of seeing a new world.

He was right. Saulstrance, Eig’nia, and Tourajé went wide eyed after hearing that they would get to visit this other world. They talked amongst each other, asking one another different questions such as what kind of things they thought the human realm had, what the other species that lived there must be like, and how big they thought the world must be. Excitedly, Eig’nia asked her master when they would be able to go. Léruc informed them that he would be sending them there tomorrow.  This news made them even more anxious.

Having said everything he felt needed to be said, Léruc concluded the meeting. He sent Eig’nia and Tourajé home, telling them and Saulstrance to get much rest for tomorrow.

That night, Tourajé and Eig’nia told their families that they would be visiting the human realm. Utzie gasped, a wide beaming smile on his face. He desperately wanted to go with his big brother but knew, and was disappointed that he was unable to.

Eig’nia’s siblings also shared a similar feeling of disappointment with that of Utzie. Despite being older, they had never gone to the other world. They never would have guessed that their youngest sibling would be going there before they did.

The three dragons lay in their nests, thinking about what the human realm must be like. What were the humans like and how could they walk on only two legs? How many of them were there and what would their world be like? These were just some of the questions that swam through their minds. After awhile of imagining the human realm, the three dragons fell asleep.

The three of them woke up bright and early that morning. Eig’nia and Tourajé met up and together, headed for their master’s fortress. When they got there, they found that Saulstrance was up but not Léruc. Tourajé asked Saulstrance where their master was. Saulstrance informed his friends that Léruc was still asleep. Because they were incredibly anxious to get to see the human realm, the three dragons decided to go and wake their master up.

They stepped into Léruc’s room. It was almost pitch black save for a small puddle of light by the exit. Loud snoring came from the sleeping dragon, something that surprised his students.

“I had no idea Lord Léruc snored so loud.” Eig’nia whispered to her friends.

“Should we wake him up?” Asked Saustrance.

“Of course! We want to see the human realm don’t we? And Lord Léruc is the only one who knows how to get us there! So let’s get him up!” Exclaimed Tourajé.

Just before they got the chance to wake their leader, Léruc groaned groggily. He slowly opened his eyes, surprised to see his students standing by his nest side.

“What are you three doing here?” Asked Léruc, still half asleep.

“We’re ready! We want to see the human realm, sir!” Saulstrance exclaimed.

Léruc moaned again. He raised his head slowly and quickly lowered it back into the nest.

“What time is it? Has the sun illuminated the sky yet?” Léruc asked.

“Uhh, not completely.” Eig’nia replied.

“Then let me sleep. We shall discuss your going to the human realm once the sun is high into the sky.” Said Léruc, shutting his eyes again.

“But sir!” Saulstrance was about to protest.

“No! Sleep now! I’m an older dragon, I need my sleep.” Léruc grumbled.

The three of them realized that they weren’t going to win this one. Saulstrance, Eig’nia, and Tourajé quietly left their master’s chambers and went to Saulstrance’s room where the three of them fell asleep together.

Five hours later, the three dragons awoke and met with a fully rested Léruc in the hall. It was there that he would explain to his young subjects how they would be getting to the human realm and what they should do once they got there.

“Now then, it’s time for what you three have anxiously been waiting for: your first trip to the human realm.” Léruc announced.

Saulstrance, Eig’nia, and Tourajé could barely contain their excitement. The moment they had been waiting for was finally here. They were finally going to get to see what the human realm…what Earth was like.

A portal opened up before Léruc. The three dragons had never seen anything like it before. They wondered how it opened up and whom, or what made it.

“This is a portal. We dragons use these to travel back and forth between Earth and Zalphonia. In order to open a portal of your own, you must first clear your mind. Afterward, focus and imagine a portal forming in your mind. Go on, give it a try.” Léruc instructed.

Eig’nia stepped forward. Just as her master instructed, she cleared her mind then imagined a portal forming. Tourajé and Saulstrance were surprised when they saw another portal forming next to the one their master had previously opened.

“Nicely done, Eig’nia. Tourajé, Saulstrance, it’s your turn now.”  Léruc said.

Saulstrance and Tourajé did just as Eig’nia and Léruc before them. They cleared their minds of any thoughts and focused on creating a portal. To their surprise, two more portals opened up beside Eig’nia’s and their teacher’s.

Léruc was impressed. It astonished him that they learned how to create portals so quickly. But of course, he thought to himself, creating a portal wasn’t that difficult. Even still, he knew he had made the right choice in naming them his apprentices. He closed his portal and walked in front of the portals his pupils had created.

“Now that you know how to create portals, it’s time for you to journey to the human realm. Go ahead and close your portals. Just imagine the portal closing.” Said Léruc.

They did just as their master instructed. They imagined their portals closing and as they did, their portals closed right before their eyes. With that done, Léruc opened another portal.

“This portal will take you to the part of the human realm I want you to go. Once you’re there, locate some humans. That will be important for if you’re going to walk among them.” Léruc continued giving his instructions.

“What do you mean by that, sir?” Asked Tourajé, confused by the latter part of his master’s instructions.

“We dragons have an ability that allows us to take on human forms. It’s necessary for if we ever visit their world. To humans, we’re creatures of myth. They would never believe their eyes if they saw one of us for themselves.”

Léruc concluded his lectures. Before his pupils could step through the portal, he told them that the process of changing into a human and vice versa was the same as creating portals: they just had to visualize themselves changing into a human form. With that, he wished them a fun and safe journey to this new world.

Saulstrance, Eig’nia, and Tourajé stepped through the portal. Once they were inside it closed behind them. They looked around, finding themselves floating in an endless void of nothing. What was this and where were they they thought to themselves. Then suddenly, their bodies began to move forward as if drawn by something. They didn’t know what was happening or where they were going but they didn’t fight it. They just allowed themselves to be pulled towards…whatever it was that was pulling them.

After a moment, a bright light shone, temporarily blinding the three dragons. As soon as they opened their eyes, they found themselves surrounded by trees. The trees’ leaves were thick, preventing all but small circles of light to break through.

“Where are we?” Asked Saulstrance as he stood up.

Standing up, the three dragons looked around. They had never seen so many trees before. Was this the human realm? If it was then where were all the humans? They decided to look around to see if they could find any humans.

After searching around this new environment for awhile, they stumbled upon two creatures they had never seen before. They noticed that these creatures had oddly colored scales, only…they weren’t scales. They were something else. They wore strange material over their bodies and one of them was carrying what looked to be a weapon while the other carried five parts of a tree in his arms. The dragons wondered if these were the humans their master mentioned. They also weren’t sure why one of them was carrying a weapon with him.

They observed these creatures for a short while. They were surprised to find that these creatures were capable of talking just like them. They stood there for awhile and talked a bit before finally making their way into another part of the woods.

Once they were gone, Saulstrance, Tourajé, and Eig’nia agreed to try changing into their form, certain that these were the humans Léruc mentioned. And so, they closed their eyes, imagining the creatures they just saw. Without their knowing it, their bodies started to change, their mass decreasing and their draconic parts such as their wings, horns, spines and tails being absorbed into their bodies.

They opened their eyes. The first thing they noticed was that their front legs were now in a different form. Their claws had shrunk and were now colored pink. Likewise, their paws had shrunk down a bit and were donned not with talons but something that seemed like talons. They weren’t sure how to describe these new appendages.

Looking behind themselves, they discovered that their wings and tails were missing. Their jaws dropped, eyes widened. It was then that they realized what had happened: they had turned into the same creatures they saw just a little bit ago. They had become humans!

Much to their surprise however, they noticed that unlike the humans that they had just seen, they weren’t wearing the same material that they were. In fact, they weren’t wearing anything at all.

First, they tried to stand on their fours. However, because of their new bodies, the dragons turned humans now found it strange to be doing so. Slowly and carefully, they tried to stand up on only two legs. Once they were on just two legs, they were surprised to find that it actually felt more natural now. They decided that they would try and walk around in an attempt to get used to their new posture but before they could, a loud scream came from behind them. Startled, the three turned around and saw a boy standing behind them. This boy was about their size in their human forms and, as they guessed, was probably about as old as they were too. He wore material sort of like the ones the humans from before had on.

“Who-who are you guys?!” The boy asked, feeling weird to be seeing three naked people out in the woods. “And…why are you naked?”

[animeboye]

Dragon's World Past Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Eig’nia and Tourajé

Saulstrance and Eig’nia followed Léruc and his guards to the resting chambers. It was there that Léruc would share with his three new underlings his plans for their studies.

The two hatchlings bounced up and down in excitement. They could hardly wait to hear what their new master’s plans were for them. The little dragons grinned at each other and ran past Léruc and his guards only to be called back by their Leader.

In the resting chambers, Tourajé and Roasch had both just woken up. They were laying in nests which served as the resting chamber’s beds. There were ten nests in the resting chambers, five for each row. A dragon who served as the doctor had been taking care of the two children after their battle.  Both dragons sat up in their nests, stretching their wings and their legs as Léruc walked in with his guards and his new apprentices.

“Ah, good, Tourajé. You’re up. Saulstrance, Eig’nia, if you wish, you may take a seat in the nests.” Said Léruc, sounding pleased.

Saulstrance and Eig’nia climbed into the nests across from Tourajé and Roasch. They listened closely to what Léruc was about to tell them. Before he began, however, he turned to Roasch.

“Roasch, what will you do now?” Asked Léruc.

“What do you mean, sir?” Roasch asked.

“Well, you may not have become my apprentice but that doesn’t mean your journey ends here. Perhaps you have a new goal in mind?”

“Well actually…I do.” Roasch began. “I thought about it for a bit and I decided that I still want to serve under you. Except this time as a guard.” Beamed Roasch.

Léruc was impressed with Roasch’s resolve. Even though the little dragon wasn’t able to become his Leader’s apprentice, that hadn’t discouraged him in the slightest. In fact, it seemed as though Roasch was more determined than ever now.

Roasch tried to stand up so that he could leave and allow Léruc to discuss with Saulstrance, Eig’nia, and Tourajé. As soon as he was back on the ground, Roasch collapsed. Immediately, Léruc went to help his still weak subject. He lifted Roasch up with his muzzle and lowered him into the nest. Léruc told Roasch that he didn’t have to leave just yet and that he could wait until he was better. Roasch smiled, grateful for his Leader’s kindness and thanked him.

“Now then, on to business. Saulstrance, Eig’nia, and Tourajé, you three have passed the exams and become my apprentices. From here on, you shall be studying under me. However, there will be more to it than just learning from me.” Léruc explained.

“Like what, sir?” Asked Saulstrance.

“You will also be working for me. As you grow stronger and wiser, I will be giving you harder and harder tasks and missions. And who knows? You may even get to see the other world someday.”

“The other world?” Eig’nia asked with surprise in her voice.

“What other world?” Asked Tourajé curiously.

“You’ll find out eventually. As for right now, why don’t you three get acquainted with one another? After all, from this day forth, you three are comrades so it will do you good to get to know each other.” Said Léruc.

Léruc left the resting chambers with his guards. Soon after, Saulstrance, Eig’nia, and Tourajé did as well. Saulstrance showed them to his room. In there was a small nest which served as his bed. Several torches illuminated the room, one of which hung directly above Saulstrance’s bed. Next to his bed were several scrolls which Saulstrance would read every night before falling asleep. The scrolls all contained different stories some of which were believed to be lore relating to the dragon realm.

“This is my room!” Announced Saulstrance with a smile.

“Wow!” Eig’nia and Tourajé said at the same time.

“So it’s true then: you really do live with Lord Léruc.” Said Tourajé in amazement.

“Yeah, he’s…kind of been like my father ever since I can remember.” Saulstrance said.

“Where are your real parents then?” Eig’nia asked.

“I…I don’t know. I never met my real parents.” Saulstrance answered, sounding unsure.

The whereabouts of his parents was something the young dragon always wondered about. However, every time that he would try and ask Léruc where they were, all he would always say was not to worry. Saulstrance never understood what Léruc meant when he told him not to worry. Could something have happened to his parents that Léruc didn’t want him to know about? Saulstrance chose not to worry about that right now and instead try to get to know his new friends.

“So, Eig’nia and Tourajé, what are your families like?” Asked Saulstrance.

“I think my family is pretty good. I’ve got my parents, and an older sister and older brother.” Eig’nia explained.

“Well, right now, it’s just me, mom, and dad but my mom’s having another hatchling.” Explained Tourajé, looking a little sad.

“Aww! You’re gonna have a little brother or sister, Tourajé? You’re so lucky! I wish I had a little brother or sister.” Eig’nia exclaimed, more thrilled than Tourajé was at the news.

“I don’t.” Tourajé said, looking down. “I liked it better when it was just me, mom, and dad. I don’t want to be a big brother.”

“At least you’re gonna have a brother or sister.” Saulstrance protested, sounding offended by what Tourajé was saying. “I don’t have any brothers or sisters. I wish I did.”

Tourajé frowned. For all his complaining about his new sibling, he never considered how Saulstrance must have felt considering that he never had any family. He never could have guessed how lonely Saulstrance must have been. Feeling ashamed of himself, he apologized to Saulstrance who smiled at his new friend, accepting his apology.

Some time later, Léruc entered into Saulstrance’s room, declaring that it was time for Eig’nia and Tourajé to go home. He told the young dragons that they should go home and share their accomplishments with their families. Excited at the thought of what their parents and siblings would say, Eig’nia and Tourajé eagerly ran out of Saulstrance’s room, quickly wishing their new friend goodbye.  But before he got the chance to say goodbye to them, they were gone.  

With a yawn, Saulstrance went to lay down in his nest. Léruc sat down beside the nest, smiling proudly at his protégé/adopted son. He placed a paw on top of his head, smiling wider.

“You did good today, Saulstrance.” Said Léruc.

“Thanks sir.” Smiled Saulstrance, happy to be complimented.

“You and your friends have a big day tomorrow. Get plenty of sleep.”

“I will.” Saulstrance said, yawning just before shutting his eyes.

With a small gush of breath, Léruc put out the small fires, making the room darker. As he turned towards the exit, he looked back at Saulstrance who had quickly fallen asleep. Then he left the slumbering hatchling’s room.

It was bright and early the next day. Saulstrance, Eig’nia, Tourajé, and Léruc gathered in front of the Leader’s fortress.

“Today begins your first lesson under me. Eig’nia, Saulstrance, and Tourajé, are you three ready?” Announced Léruc.

The three dragon kids erupted into thunderous cheers. All three of them were incredibly eager to know what their Leader had planned for them.

“Your first lesson is going to be about teamwork. In addition to learning together, you must also learn how to work together. During this exorcise, I want you to pay attention to each other. Learn each others’ strengths as well as weaknesses and determine how you can make up your teammates’ weaknesses and build upon their strengths.” Léruc explained.

“Yes sir!” The three dragons said together.

“Now then, for what your test will be: you three will fight against me. However, this won’t be a regular fight. I want you to find a place to hide and come up with a plan of attack. Tied to my tail, you can see three pieces of fabric tied to it. Work together, and try to claim all three. And once you do, we then can move on to the next lesson.” Léruc finished explaining.

The three of them nodded, showing their master they understood his instructions. He told them that he was going to close his eyes and wait until they were out of sight. The three of them huddled together and whispered amongst each other as they tried to think up a good place to hide. With eyes still shut, Léruc informed the three hatchlings that he could overhear them. Startled, they flew off together and tried to find a place where they could hide. They noticed three trees alongside the fortress. Thinking fast, Tourajé swooped down. He informed Saulstrance and Eig’nia of his plan: they would hide in the trees and wait for Lord Léruc to pass by. When he did, Tourajé would jump out first and snag one of the pieces of fabric without Léruc knowing. As a backup plan, if he were to fail, he would try to distract Léruc, allowing Saulstrance and Eig’nia to snag their pieces.

With the three in agreement on the plan, they each hid in separate trees. They waited anxiously anticipating Léruc to come by looking for them. So they waited until finally, off in the distance, Tourajé could see Léruc coming up. He alerted the other two, telling them to get ready. Once Léruc’s back was to them, Tourajé would sneak down and snatch a piece of fabric followed by the other two.

Léruc walked past them. Now was the time. Tourajé dropped out of the tree and snuck up to his master. Once Léruc’s tail was down close enough, Tourajé tried to grab one of the strands of fabric in his jaw, but to no avail. His master’s tail lowered again and Tourajé tried once more to get himself some fabric. Once again, he was unsuccessful. On his third try, Léruc’s tail slammed down on Tourajé, knocking the tiny dragon off his feet. Saulstrance and Eig’nia knew that this couldn’t be good. Tourajé had been spotted!

“That was a nice attempt, Tourajé. However, there was one fatal error in your judgement: you never took into consideration that your opponent may be anticipating your moves. I will give you this though: you were smart in trying to attack when my back was turned. Now then—EIG’NIA! SAULSTRANCE! I KNOW YOU’RE CLOSE BY! IT’S TIME TO COME OUT!!” Said Léruc.

For a brief moment, things were quiet and then suddenly, Eig’nia leapt out of the tree she was hiding in. She stood in front of her master, looking down in disappointment. The little dragoness was certain Tourajé’s plan would work but their master was just one step ahead of them…or so he thought.

“So where is Saulstrance then? I do hope he’s not planning on using the same tactic as Tourajé!” Exclaimed Léruc, swinging around, expecting Saulstrance to be behind him.

To his surprise, Saulstrance wasn’t behind him. He had expected Saulstrance to try the same tactic as Tourajé. Suddenly, it hit Léruc: if Saulstrance wasn’t there, then he must be…!

He swung around again and sure enough, there was Saulstrance. To Léruc’s frustration, not only had his pupil tricked him but he was also able to acquire his fabric piece. Saulstrance stood among his friends, smiling widely and proudly at his master as he held the fabric in his mouth, his tail wagging around excitedly.  Léruc was both proud of Saulstrance and also slightly annoyed that he was outsmarted by a dragon so much younger than him. He then noticed that Eig’nia and Tourajé didn’t have their fabric. When he asked why they didn’t try to get their fabric when Saulstrance did, Eig’nia explained:

“Me and Saulstrance were talking about it and we decided that one of us would trick you while the other stole the fabric from you.”

“Quite clever I must say. Yes…As I’m sure you three know, there are going to be times where you won’t be able to rely on strength alone to defeat an opponent. You will have to rely on three things: each other, your cunning, and your other attributes. Do you understand?” Coached Léruc.

“Yes sir!” Said the little dragons together.

“And Saulstrance, even though you were able to get your fabric, you still have to help Eig’nia and Tourajé get theirs. After all, as I’ve been saying: if you’re to work as a team, you must help each other even if one of you succeeds. It isn’t truly a team unless each member is successful.”

“I understand, sir.” Saulstrance said.

Their training continued for hours. In that time, neither Eig’nia or Tourajé were able to steal the fabric parts tied to Léruc’s tail. Saulstrance had also done his best to help his friends but he was ultimately just as unsuccessful.

Annoyed, Tourajé launched himself into the sky and dove behind his master. He leapt up and tried to snag a piece of fabric only to have his master grab him with his tail and throw him into the air. Tourajé propelled higher and higher into the sky, eventually becoming able to stop himself. His temper becoming worse, Tourajé flew high above the clouds, then spiraled down once he was behind Léruc. This time it had to work. He had the clouds to use as cover. There was no way he could fail.

As he got closer to the ground, he noticed that Léruc’s attention was on Eig’nia and Saulstrance as he fought the two. This was perfect! All he had to do now was stealthily take the fabric without Léruc knowing. But without turning around, Léruc’s tail lifted. He wrapped it around Tourajé’s right front leg and, with just enough force, but not enough that he seriously hurt Tourajé, slammed him into the ground.

Tourajé had no idea what just happened. His plan should have worked! Léruc didn’t even turn around. He shouldn’t have known he was back there. Yet…he did.

“Tourajé, if you’re going to survive in battle, you cannot be so predictable. If one tactic hadn’t worked against an enemy, what would make you believe it would work a second time?” Léruc asked, looking ashamed for his pupil.

“Well your back was turned, and you were focused on Saulstrance and Eig’nia so…”

“So you thought you would be able to sneak by and claim the fabric, huh? Listen: even if your opponent can’t see you, they can still anticipate you. I had a feeling you would try that again, and I was right.” Léruc explained.

Tourajé looked away, grumbling to himself. He thought his plan was perfect. He was sure it would work. But instead, his plan ended up being too obvious. He was both ashamed and upset.

“Well my little hatchlings, we have been going at this for a long time. Perhaps we should call it a day and then—“

“NO!” Tourajé and Eig’nia exclaimed together, interrupting their teacher.

“Saulstrance was able to get  his fabric piece and we can do it too!” Eig’nia said.

Léruc took note of the fire in their eyes. He smiled. It was a very admirable trait for dragons their age. He couldn’t just say no to determination like that. He allowed them to continue and promised that they wouldn’t stop until all of them had passed the test.

Determined to pass, the three of them took off and disappeared into the sky to come up with a plan of attack. They couldn’t very well just attack Léruc and get the fabric that way. He was much too bigger and stronger than them. They needed another way to beat him.

And then it hit Saulstrance: they might not be able to beat their master but maybe there was a way to immobilize him. Saulstrance explained his plan to his friends: he would act as the decoy. He would fly directly at Léruc and shoot fire at him. This would leave Léruc’s backside vulnerable allowing Eig’nia and Tourajé to sneak behind and claim their pieces of fabric.

The other two dragons decided it was worth a try. They lingered in the clouds, waiting for their chance to strike as Saulstrance descended. Léruc was down there, waiting patiently for them to come up with a plan of attack. He was surprised when he saw that Saulstrance was alone. This time he wasn’t sure where the other two were what they were planning. He quickly glanced behind him to make sure they weren’t trying the same trick again. To his surprise, neither Eig’nia nor Tourajé were there.

“Hey! Master!” Saulstrance yelled.

Returning his attention to his young pupil, Léruc suddenly found himself assaulted by a stream of fire, courtesy of Saulstrance. Just as Saulstrance had planned, Léruc used his wings to cover his face, thus leaving his back exposed. As Saulstrance’s onslaught continued, Tourajé and Eig’nia snuck behind their master. Because of this distraction, the two dragons were able to remove the fabric that Léruc tied to his tail without him knowing. Once they had done so, Saulstrance ceased his barrage of fire, allowing his master to move his wings away from his face.

“And what did you hope to accomplish by doing that, Saulstrance? All you managed to do was leave some small burn marks on my wings.” Asked Léruc, flexing his wings to try and get the slight burning feeling out of them.

Saulstrance giggled. “Oh I accomplished more than that.” He said knowingly.

Realizing what Saulstrance meant, Léruc turned around and saw Eig’nia and Tourajé standing behind them, the fabric pieces clenched in their mouths. The two of them smiled, knowing that they were finally able to pass their first lesson. Léruc, on the other hand, wasn’t quite as happy. He couldn’t believe that three hatchlings were able to outsmart him on not just one but two occasions. Despite his chagrin, however, a part of him was proud of the trio. If there was one thing this lesson had shown him, it was that these three little dragons were very smart for their age and that he had made the right choice in naming them his apprentices.

“Well, with that, I suppose the lesson is concluded. Saulstrance, Eig’nia, and Tourajé, you have all passed your first lesson.” Léruc declared.

The three of them cheered proudly. It had taken them a long time but finally, they all managed to succeed.

“You three really worked well together. Your teamwork and strategizing really helped you in this lesson.”

“But master, I thought you wanted us to fight you?” Asked Tourajé confused.

“That is true. However I wanted you to rely more on your brains than your brauns. I may be old but were this a real fight, you three would not have stood a chance against me. And there will be times where you’ll fight someone who’s just too strong for you to handle. However, just because your opponent may be stronger that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t beat them.” Léruc explained.

“What do you mean?” Asked Eig’nia.

“You’ll learn as you grow older. It’s better if you learn that for yourselves instead of me telling it to you. For now, it’s starting to get late so let’s call it a day. Tourajé and Eig’nia, we’ll see you two back here tomorrow morning.” Said Léruc.

“Okay!” The two nodded.

The two of them said their goodbyes to Saulstrance and Léruc and flew for home, anxious to tell their families about their passing their very first lesson with the Leader.

Saulstrance stretched his limbs and yawned. He raised a paw and wiped the tears out of his eyes.

“Tired?” Léruc asked.

“Mmm-hmm…” Saulstrance said, still rubbing his eyes.

“You did really well today, Saulstrance. I’ve never seen you push yourself so hard before.” Said Léruc impressed.

Saulstrance smiled. “It was because I didn’t want to disappoint you guys. Not you, Eig’nia, Tourajé, or mom or dad.”

Léruc smiled back. He told Saulstrance that the only way he’d ever be disappointed with him is if he didn’t try. This made Saulstrance smile wider.

The two dragons walked back to the fortress. After both another big stretch and yawn, Saulstrance tiredly asked Léruc if he could carry him. Without hesitation, Léruc agreed to carry the worn out hatchling on his back. He lifted Saulstrance up and together they headed into the fortress. Léruc promised Saulstrance that in celebration for passing his first test, they would have a huge dinner, bigger than any they ever had. Saulstrance’s eyes lit up upon hearing this and he demanded that his adoptive father walk faster so they could eat.