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animeboye · 6 months ago

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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.

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animeboye · 7 months ago

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Dragon's World Past Chapter 1

Chapter 1: My Name is Saulstrance

Six years later, an exam was held by one of the rulers of the dragon realm, the Leader, Léruc. Six very young dragons were gathered at their Leader’s hall. The purpose for this exam was to determine three possible candidates who would go on to study under their Leader. Eventually, the Leader would determine one of the three who would go on to become his or her apprentice and if the chosen dragon wished, they could also become the Leader’s Champion or even take the Leader’s place if they passed away or resigned. Normally, the Leader in question would appoint someone they knew and trusted, such as a friend or member of their clan. It wasn’t too often that they held exams.

The six dragons were all very anxious. Each one strongly believed his or her self to be the one who would become Lord Léruc’s apprentice. Among these dragons was a small orange dragon named Saulstrance. Having been raised by Léruc since birth, he wasn’t sure why his master would have him take part in the exams. Saulstrance assumed that, perhaps Léruc didn’t want the other hatchlings to think that Saulstrance was receiving special treatment.

The dragons talked amongst each other until it was time for Léruc to give his speech. As he stepped forward, followed by his two guards, the hatchlings became quiet. Léruc carefully observed each of the six dragons before speaking. The old dragon noted the confidence in these childrens’ eyes which he found greatly admirable. Afterwards, he cleared his throat and spoke.

“In the beginning, we had eighteen young, bright eyed dragons before us. We are now down to six. The six of you have all shown great promise and if I had the choice, I would accept each and every one of you as my pupils. But, as per tradition, only three of you will go on to study under me. Thus brings us to the next and final part of the exam: a tournament. You will battle each other one on one in a series of three battles. The victors of each battle will go on to become my pupils. Remember: these fights aren’t just about defeating your enemy. They are also a chance for you to demonstrate your powers as well as your ability to plan. Devise your plan of attack not just before battle but also during. Fight well, little dragons.”

Once Léruc had finished his speech, the six dragons applauded. The dragon Leader introduced in which order their matches would play out. The first match was between two dragonesses named Eig’nia and Mayza

Eig’nia was a small dragoness with silver scales and piercing golden eyes. Mayza was also about the same height as Eig’nia. She had cerulean scales and dark blue eyes.

“Before the battle begins, close your eyes and lower your heads.” Léruc commanded.

The little dragonesses did as they were instructed. This was seen as a sign of respect for your opponent in wishing them a good, fair fight. When that was done, the two of them took their stances and prepared to fight.

“Good luck, Mayza.” Said Eig’nia with a smile.

“You too, Eig’nia!” Mayza smiled back.

Mayza leapt forward, swinging her tail at Eig’nia. Eig’nia jumped back, just barely missing being hit by her opponent. A fireball spluttered from Eig’nia’s throat. Mayza rolled out of its way. She jumped up and swiped her claws at Eig’nia, scratching her face. A little bit of blood trickled down Eig’nia’s face as her cheek stung slightly.

“Oww!” She whined, putting a paw over her cheek to stop it from stinging too much.

“Oops!” Mayza giggled. “Sorry, Eig’nia!”

“That’s okay.” Eig’nia smiled deviously. Without any warning, Eig’nia suddenly shot a fireball of her own at Mayza. Without thinking, Mayza leapt out of the way and before she could get back up, Eig’nia pounced on top of her. The cerulean colored little dragon struggled to get free as her foe laughed triumphantly.

“I got you, Mayza! Say uncle!” Eig’nia demanded.

“No!” Mayza exclaimed.

“Say it!” Eig’nia demanded again.

“No!!” Mayza exclaimed again.

“Okay then…” Eig’nia said in a singsong voice.

Eig’nia leaned in closer to Mayza so that their heads were just a few inches from each others’. Eig’nia puckered her lips up as slowly drool started to leak out. Noticing this, Mayza gasped and struggled even harder to get free. She stopped for a moment and noticed that Eig’nia’s drool was getting closer to her face. Moaning in fear and disgust, she soon realized that she didn’t have any other options. It was either give up or get drooled on. Neither one sounded good to her but at least if she gave up, she wouldn’t have another dragon’s spit on her face.

Before she could say “I give up” though, it was too late. Eig’nia’s saliva spilled onto the side of Mayza’s muzzle. Poor Mayza shuttered in disgust before letting out a long, ear piercing scream which gave her enough of a chance to kick Eig’nia off of her and send her flying back. Mayza jumped up and quickly rubbed her paw against her face to try and get the spit off.

“Eww, eww eww!” Mayza exclaimed, wiping Eig’nia’s drool away with the back of her paw.

As Eig’nia stood up, Mayza glared at her as she tried to wipe the spit that was now on her paw off on the ground.

“That’s it…” Mayza said, sounding like she meant business.

“I QUIT!!!” Cried Mayza, about to storm away. But before she could get too far, she was asked by Eig’nia to wait. The little dragon turned around as Eig’nia went up to her.

“I’m sorry about that. Really.” Eig’nia apologized.

Mayza frowned at Eig’nia but that frown soon turned into a smile. She nuzzled her face against Eig’nia’s to show her that she wasn’t angry with her.

“It’s okay. It was still pretty gross though.” Mayza chuckled.

“Yeah. I guess it was.” Eig’nia chuckled back.

With their battle finished, the two dragonesses shook tails, congratulating each other on a good battle. Although she was sad that she wouldn’t be able to learn under Léruc, she was also happy at the same time. She didn’t understand why she felt this way but she was glad she did. She left the hall with a grateful smile on her muzzle, and whispered “Good luck, Eig’nia” to herself. Mayza looked back just one last time to hear Léruc announce the winner of the fight.

“Eig’nia, the first victory goes to you. While it was a rather…disgusting victory, it is a victory nonetheless. Besides, you used intimidation on your opponent which is also a way to win a battle.” Léruc announced.

“Thank you sir.” Eig’nia said, bowing in respect.

“And now, we begin the second battle. Tourajé will battle Roasch.” Announced Léruc.

Tourajé was slightly older than the other dragons there. While most of the other dragons there were around five or six, Tourajé was ten. He had dark brown scales and reddish brown eyes. Roasch was also older than the other dragons and was only two years older than his opponent. He had dark grey scales and purple eyes.

The two of them closed their eyes and bowed their heads. With a wide smile on his muzzle, Roasch wished Tourajé a good fight, the latter doing the same.

Tourajé swiped at Roasch with his claws. Roasch rolled out of the way and swung his tail at Tourajé who dropped down, barely avoiding being hit by it. Tourajé leapt up and launched a fireball at Roasch who took to the air and flew high above the others. Tourajé followed suit, spreading his wings and launching himself into the air. He chased after Roasch, shooting several fireballs at him. The grey little dragon swooped down out of the way and flew past Tourajé.

The two dragons flew throughout the hall, colliding into and shooting streams of fire at each other each chance they got. They did this for awhile until finally they landed back on the ground. They headbutted each other, Roasch’s horns resting above Tourajé’s. Roasch and Tourajé struggled, each one trying to overpower the other. Everyone kept a careful eye on the two young dragons as they continued to struggle back and forth. Tourajé would push Roasch back a bit and vice versa. This continued until Roasch summoned most of his strength and managed to send Tourajé toppling back. Immediately, Roasch tackled his opponent, sending him flying backwards.

Tourajé landed on his wings, causing the little dragon some pain in his back. Slowly, his wings moved from under his back and spread out on the ground. Before he could get back on all fours, Roasch leapt on top of him, stepping on his wings and his hind legs to prevent him from moving. Tourajé struggled to get free while at the same time, trying to make sure he didn’t end up ripping the leather in his wings.

“Give it up, Tourajé! Keep struggling and you’ll end up wrecking your wings.” Said Roasch proudly.

Tourajé tried to think of something. He thought that he might be able to use his fire but that probably wouldn’t be enough to get Roasch off of him. He couldn’t move his front or his back legs and he definitely couldn’t fly out of this predicament. Then suddenly, something caught his attention. He hadn’t realized it before because his mind was too focused on trying to get free: Roasch hadn’t stopped his tail from moving. Tourajé smiled as Roasch took notice of this. He was surprised that his opponent would be smiling. Who would smile during something like this and especially when they were about to lose? It didn’t make any sense to Roasch.

“Why are you smiling?” Asked Roasch.

“Because I’m about to win.” Tourajé answered confidently.

“What are you talking about?” Roasch asked again, not understanding what he meant.

Tourajé wrapped his tail around Roasch’s left leg. With a tug of his tail, Roasch lost his balance and fell to the ground, allowing Tourajé the chance he needed to get back to his feet. With his tail still wrapped around Roasch’s leg, he braced himself and flung Roasch overhead, sending him crashing several feet in front of him.

Slowly, Roasch struggled to stand up. But before he could, Tourajé opened his wings and flew a few feet into the air, right above Roasch. He stopped flapping his wings and plummeted, body slamming into Roasch and knocking him out. Tourajé lay next to his unconscious opponent, panting, tired from his battle. He was amazed by how well he and Roasch fought.

“Good fight…Roasch.” Said Tourajé weakly.

“Tourajé, it is my honor to declare you the victor of the second battle. You and Roasch both battled spectacularly. Each of you fought hard and when presented with the chance, you took it upon yourself to finish the fight by knocking out your opponent.” Léruc said.

“Thank you sir.” Tourajé smiled, feeling happier than ever to be complimented by the Leader of his village.

Léruc ordered two of his men to take Roasch and Tourajé to the resting chambers so that the final fight could commence. The last fight of the exams was between Saulstrance and a green dragon named Shashala. While all the dragons there wanted desperately to become their Leader’s protégé, Shashala probably wanted it the most out of all of them. He always aimed to be the best at anything he did and saw getting to become Léruc’s apprentice as the ultimate chance to prove himself to everyone. No matter what, he wasn’t going to lose. He was going to get that third spot.

“Saulstrance, I hope you don’t hate me after our fight’s over.” Shashala said snidely.

“Why would I hate you?” Asked a confused Saulstrance.

“Well you see Saulstrance, you’re the one everyone thinks is most likely to win since you were raised by Lord Léruc. However, since I’m your opponent, that won’t happen. I’m going to beat you and get the third spot as Lord Léruc’s apprentice. And maybe if Lord Léruc is feeling nice, he’ll let you study with us every now and then.” Shashala boasted.

Saulstrance rolled his eyes. There was no way he could allow himself to lose to someone so annoying. No matter what it took, he was going to beat this guy and acquire the third spot as Lord Léruc’s apprentice, just like Saulstrance knew his master wanted.

The two dragons bowed but neither of them closed their eyes. Saulstrance kept his head up slightly, glaring at Shashala with an annoyed look on his face. Shashala noticed this but didn’t pay any mind. He thought the same thing that Saulstrance was thinking: he was going to get that third spot and become Lord Léruc’s apprentice and no one, especially some orphan dragon, no matter if he was raised by Lord Léruc was going to take that from him.

Saulstrance and Shashala opened their wings and took to the air. Fire and lighting filled the hall, striking the walls and the ground with one stray bolt of lighting almost striking Eig’nia. Léruc ordered Eig’nia to come over to him so that she’d be safer. He worried that this fight could get a bit out of hand. Eig’nia ran as fast as she could, avoiding occasional fireballs and lighting bolts. She stood right beside her master as he placed a wing over her to keep her safe.

The two dragons dropped back to the ground. Saulstrance drove his fist into Shashala’s face and the latter bit into Saulstrance’s left front leg as deeply as he could. To get him off, Saulstrance released a stream of fire from his throat, aiming it right in Shashala’s face. Shashala roared in pain, releasing his jaw’s grip on Saulstrance’s leg and falling backward.

With a mighty swing of his tail, Saulstrance smacked Shashala in the side, causing him to roar in pain and sending him rolling ten feet. Growling, Shashala stood up. He was becoming furious. This fight was proving to be much more difficult than he would have liked. However, he knew he couldn’t let that scare him. He had to win, no matter what.

Another bolt of lighting shot from Shashala’s mouth, causing Saulstrance to jump back as the bolt struck where he was standing. In response, Saulstrance expelled another stream of fire which Shashala also avoided. The two of them leapt at each other, swiping the other across the face with their claws. They then headbutted, a small stream of blood trickling down their heads. It was at that moment that both dragons began to feel dizzy. In trying to defeat the other, both of them had ended up pushing themselves to their limits. Shashala, however, had overexerted himself far more than Saulstrance. He staggered, trying to maintain his balance. He knew this wasn’t good. He had used up way too much energy though he was certain that Saulstrance had too and he hoped that Saulstrance had used more energy than he did.

Saulstrance noticed Shashala was having trouble keeping his balance. He saw this as his opportunity to win. He ran towards Shashala and pulling the remainder of his strength into his tail, smashed it into Shashala’s face, knocking him off his feet. The green dragon struggled to try to get back to his feet but collapsed. He tried again, reminding himself that he had to get up. He had to win this fight.

It was no use. Shashala’s legs gave out under him and he collapsed again. He squished his eyes and growled under his breath.

“It would appear that Shashala can no longer battle. Therefore, Saulstrance is our third victor.” Declared Lord Léruc.

Saulstrance’s eyes lit up upon hearing that. A big smile formed on his muzzle. He did it! He was finally going to get to learn under Lord Léruc. Even though he lived with him, Léruc always told Saulstrance that he would teach him if he took in an exam he was going to hold and won it. Now, that moment had finally come and he couldn’t have been happier. Saulstrance was certain that if his parents were there, they would have been just as excited as he was.

However, not everyone was happy about the victory. Shashala glared at Saulstrance. That was supposed to be HIM celebrating. HE was meant to be the apprentice to the Leader of the village, not Saulstrance.

“Saulstrance, you fought with all your strength and you gave a splendid show. You should feel honored to have—“

“Wait!” Shashala called out, cutting off Léruc.

“ I want a rematch! I can beat Saulstrance! I know I can!” The little dragon pleaded.

“Shashala, you fought well too. Although you may not have won, you still fought admirably and that is something to be proud of.” Léruc smiled.

“So what! That doesn’t mean anything if I don’t win!” Shashala protested.

“Shashala, just stop!” Eig’nia chimed in. “Saulstrance won fair and square. Don’t be such a sore loser.”

Hearing that made Shashala even madder. He struggled to his feet again and slowly walked out of the hall. He looked back one last time and stared at Saulstrance, growling and wearing an intensely angry face. This wasn’t over for Shashala. He was going to beat Saulstrance someday and prove to Lord Léruc that he deserved to be his apprentice and not Saulstrance.

“And with that, the exams are concluded! You three have shown that you are the ones best suited to becoming my pupils. You will learn under me and perhaps one day, one of you will succeed me as the village’s Leader. From this day forth, let it be known that the dragons Saulstrance, Eig’nia, and Tourajé are my apprentices.” Declared Léruc proudly.

Saulstrance and Eig’nia cheered. All of their hard work had finally paid off. However, unbeknownst to them, the events that were to occur in the years to come would end up shaping their futures. This was only the beginning.

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