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My wings carried me across the sky in the night, the open lands flowing below me. I was content of the feeling of flight, like always. The small rush of wind felt smoothing over the wing membranes, and all across my sky blue scales. My eyes then scanned at the endless darkness in the sky that is now glittered with shining stars. With hardly any clouds to block my view, flying in the night sky with them was always a sight to behold. Any dragon would've ENJOYED this. I stopped in midair momentarily to admire them. It was almost heavenly, just like my name, as I was named after the heavens. Like the stars were all angels. Or rather, as ghosts, watching over the living as they've done for hundreds, thousands of years. I can think of only one watching me... I shook my head out of the thought, then resumed my flight, pushing away the face floating inside my head. No need for that again. I softly beat my wings, looking down at the rolling lands again. I always did love the stars, I always think they were beautiful, but sometimes it does bring up this thought that suddenly comes out of nowhere. I'm never ready for it. It always manages to sneak up and pounce on me like I was its prey. Not that it would stop me from looking and gazing admiringly towards them ever again. It only makes me sad, for only a very slim moment. To think that I would be prepared for it by now. A little while later, as I was now over a forest, my maw let out a yawn. I wasn't sad now, that moment already swept past me. I was feeling tired. Come to think of it my wings were feeling a little sore also. I have been flying most of the day, never staying in one place too long during the day. That was always me, traveling across lands without sticking around for long, only to eat and drink when those certain times comes. I don't really have a home to go to. I haven't found one. I've been like this for years. No home...No friends...No family. That's who I am. I let out a tired sigh. Well...Enough flying with the stars now. I glided towards the trees, thinking the woods were a good spot to rest as any. My huge frame and wings managed to scrape by through the limbs without any incident. A couple were broke, but no damage towards me. I hate when one of my wings sometimes get scratched by one of those sharp limbs. If one of them was broken beyond repair and I can't fly anymore, I don't know how I'd feel. Finally I landed delicately in a small round area of grass. As my wings folded against my back, my eyes swept around cautiously, seeing if there was anything that was waiting for me, wondering if I had landed in some sort of trap...From anything. No such thing here, thankfully. The only things that have greeted me were the sounds of crickets, and a hooting owl. My scaly chest drew in a breath and let it out. Good...I'm not in the mood for any trouble. I yawned again as the tiredness compelled me to lie down. I did as it told, circling around for a bit and then curling on the grass. My tail tapped lightly as I closed my eyes, letting all the hours of this day's travel take me to slumber. Such a peaceful night...Wish I could stay up longer to see it all... ***** I was breathing through my nose, sleeping peacefully, till the bright sun rays hit my eyes. I groaned in frustration, opening them up and being blinded for a second. I was lifting my chin to see the canopy, and grumpily huffed in annoyance. Morning? Already? No...I don't think it's the morning sun. I think I slept for hours before the rays finally hit me. I must've already slept through morning. But it SURE feels like it... Just when I thought I could sleep forever...And then this happens. I HATE when it happens. Bastard sun...Why don't YOU sleep for a change? Then out of nowhere, I heard a foreign sound that completely caught me off guard. A laugh. A child's laugh. I stood on all four of my paws and gazed directly at the edge of this circle, following the sound of the screaming laughter. My good sight managed to catch a glimpse of...Children, playing in the woods. HUMANS. I gasped quietly, eyes widened up, head reared back in panic. Drat! There are people around here! I didn't see a village last night! I gotta hide myself! I closed my eyes, taking a deep, relaxing breath. I was urging my brain to be calm, and my heart to slow its beats. I pictured myself underneath a waterfall, the waves cascading over me. I didn't let anything else intrude my mind. I only focused on the falls. Then I felt my scales changing, shimmering over them from the tip of my tail...To all the way up to my horns. My eyes popped open. I gaped openly at myself, checking to see if it worked. It did. Good...Haven't done this in a while. I glanced at the three children chasing and still playing each other with a smile on my face. Great, and they didn't see me! And they wouldn't now. I was blended in with the environment, invisible to anyone that came across me. Then the children suddenly came rushing into the circle, laughing gleefully. I sucked in a breath and jumped out of their way when they were barreling towards me. Luckily they ran past me to the other side of the circle and out of my sight. I let out some relieved air. Phew... Then I put on a glare. Well...At least until someone runs into me. You can imagine THAT'S fun. I was eyeing around the area to see if there is any indication of a village around here. I didn't see any houses, and I never saw any lights on my way down to this spot, or upon landing. I eyed upward at the canopy now. If there were, I guess they were well hidden. If there even is a village here. I don't think there are many that are inside a forest. But there must be one here...And probably the first that I'll probably come across in this type of terrain. I trekked slowly, and cautiously out of the circle of grass through the greenery. I was trying not to make any loud noises as I worked my way through the woods, tucking my wings in so tightly so they wouldn't bat anything in a few tight corridor of trees. I did accidentaly bang my horns against a stray branch and hissed quietly at it, then moved on. Finally I came across a supposed village within the woods. I stood around, spying on it with my invisible scales keeping me hidden. So, there actually is a village here. It was a large village in fact, with lots of houses made of wood. There was also a river running near it, probably for gathering water to drink and cook with, and with fish to catch for anybody's small stomach, and for MY huge stomach, with a wooden bridge arched over it that leads the trail forward into the place. And there were definitely people roaming around in it, culminating with a few voices and a neigh of a horse echoeing from a distance. I gazed above the village. I was certain this place had things to light up outside the houses at night, and I figured out why I didn't see any last night when I was up in the air. There was sunshine brimming through the cracks, so the village wasn't deprived of that, but the trees above were apparently long and thick enough to cover most of the place. And shrouding it from anything, like me, that would fly over it. Clever...Even when it was unintentional. Then out of nowhere, again, the SAME children that almost ran into me earlier were out charging RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME to a different direction. They literally caught me off guard again, basically almost having me leap out of my owns invisible scales! But, I somehow kept perfectly still not to raise any attention. As soon as they left, running towards their village home, I snorted. Damn hatchlings. You guys just stay there! Makes me glad I don't have one. Then I was back to frowning at the village curiously. Hmmm...Wonder why there is a village in this forest. Bunch of strange people living here, I guess... I shook my head to myself with a frown. Who cares, that's not my concern to think up an answer why they are here. It's their lives, so who cares where they live? Besides, there's no need to stick around here any more than I should. I was turning a bit back to where I came from, thinking of heading back to the circle patch of grass so I could take flight. I'm outta here. Before I could fully turn around, I heard somebody screaming, "Come on! Leave me alone!" I perked up my head along with my ears, twisting my neck to see what the commotion was. From what I can tell, I see one person, a young male with short brown hair, I assume, running straight out of the village, with three more young males behind his tail. One of them was jabbing a...Wooden sword at that young man's back. I turned around to watch the scene. Something underneath my scales tells me he's being picked on. ***** I spun back around when I ended up near the edge of the river, glaring furiously at the three morons that were bothering me all over the dang village. I demanded angrily, "Are you neaderthals done?!" Gunther, the leader of the group, stood in the middle with a huge grin on his smug face. He had sandy brown hair with green eyes, and not to mention he was pretty lanky than me. He always bore the same smug grin for as long as I can remember, like he was better than everybody else. He wasn't, just for the record. He always bullied any poor sap that stood in his way. Like me...Most of the time. Gunther responded smugly, "Giving up already, Dirt?" I internally groaned in frustration at that. My name isn't really 'Dirt', it was actually Dart. He's always called me that just to spite me. The asshole went on, "And here we thought we were about to chase you out of the village. Total exile!" He shot grins at his boys and declared, "Be one less loser to spot here! Am I right?" They all laughed at the statement. I just stood there, growling under my teeth. I heatedly said, "I don't give up without a fight!" "Oh no?" He said with a look of dare in his eyes, "Then why are you running away from me like a total chicken wuss, CHICKEN WUSS?" He cackled his stupid laugh. I would've told him that it's because my dad always taught me, 'never fight back against the innocent', although I don't think he is innocent at all, more like beyond that aspect and leaning towards guilty. But I doubt he'd buy that explanation. And besides...I can't fight that well anyways. Cause guess who hasn't tried to teach me how to fight back towards neaderthals like this guy? I stood my ground still, my hands balling into fists. I said sharply, "I was looking for the right place that's less crowded. Now unless you're gonna just stand there and mock me, either leave me alone already or fight!" Gunther then changed his expression to mere anger along with his pals that stood and watched nearby. He said, "You DARE challenge me to a fight?" "I ain't saying that your face looks like a horse's crack, am I?" Now he looked a bit more tilted, "What you say? You better take that back." But I continued to speak, with a small grin, "Heh, I think I realize now why your friends always follow you around. Your mouth also looks like one of those holes that a woman has beneath them and they want to stick their...I think you get the picture." That made him very much infuriated. Internally, I was laughing. Whoa ho, that got him! He spat, "Argh! My mouth doesn't look like a pussy! You really want to get hurt, don't ya! If you like getting hurt, I'll make sure to injure you so bad that you won't ever remember your name, and how much of a disgrace you are!" The grin melted off my lips very quickly. Despite what I already know, and despite my heart pounding nervously in my chest, I outright dared, "Then bring it, jerkoff." I HOPE I can do this! And he did, by letting out a battle cry and ramming at me with his wooden sword raised. But I quickly sidestepped out of the way, seeing him almost fall into the river headfirst but only teetering at the bank. That was probably the best battle tactic I thought so far. Then he whirled around with fire mixed with embarassment shone in his eyes, and swung the sword sideways really hard. But I ducked fast, the wooden blade only missing my hair by an inch. I fell on my butt, watching my fighter stagger when he missed me accidentally. That was a close one! Almost gave me a concussion with that thing, and heck, I most definitely wouldn't remember who I am if it hit me! Not that Gunther would care how good my well being is. He obviously cares about himself...And maybe those two guys that always agree with everything he does. Speaking of which, one of his posse cheered behind me, "Get him, Gunther!" And the other shouted, "Teach him a lesson!" I thought with irritance. If only someone cheered on the sidelines for me. Gunther cried out a huff, "You're dead meat, loser!" Then he fiercely brought down his sword. I rolled away when it hit the dirt, then took his legs out from under him with one of mine since that was the only thing I could think of. It wasn't like I had a sword too. He groaned in frustration as he landed on his back. Mentally, I was grinning when I saw that. Woo! Never did that before! Take that! I crawled to my hands and knees and then stood up on my own two feet, my back facing the river again. Gunther got up shortly after, ready to actually KILL me with that wooden sword. I was breathing heavily, my heart pounding away, trying to think up another trick that I can pull up my sleeve. Dang it, dad, why couldn't you have teached me how to fight! But before he would charge at me again, somebody yelled, "Hey! That's enough!" All of us looked towards a lone man standing behind the two cronies Gunther brought along with his arms crossed. His name was Kay. He was young like us, but probably older than me and Gunther. He had much shorter brown hair with very thick eyebrows and had such a daring chin, and also seemed to be very well fit in his black outfit he always seems to wear. If there was ever somebody that looked like Prince Charming, it'd be that guy. Gunther shouted at him, "Butt out, stranger! It's not your battle!" I just stood around with my eyes narrowed up, watching this conversation play out. Although Kay isn't much a stranger, least I think so, I guess some people here still consider him to be one. After all, Kay hasn't lived here his whole life. He's only been staying here since probably over two weeks ago. Kay raised a brow, "Starting one with your fellow villagers? That goes against the rules this place has, Gunther." Gunther denied it, "I didn't start crap, man! He did!" He rolled his eyes, "Somehow I sincerely doubt it. Now leave Dart be and crawl back to the hole you came from." Gunther growled in defeat, "Fine. But first..." Unexpectedly, in a flash, he had the tip of his wooden sword on my chest, and used it to push me back. I grunted before crashing into the river behind me. One half of my body was in shallow water, but the other, which was my torso and head, fell into the deeper part and my face engulfed in liquid. I pushed myself up, coughing and sputtering. I did hear my tormentors laughing maniacally, Gunther especially, triumphant over his actions. I shot him a newfound glare. My bully cried out triumphantly, "Now you're all WASHED UP, just like your daddy!" I retorted, "Stop mocking him!" I growled through gritted teeth. Damn you! He's not washed up! "Why not, it's the truth! One loser born to another! I see where you get your traits from!" While Kay rushed up to the river, Gunther continued laughing and began walking away with his friends. As my savior reached out with his hand and pulled me out of the water, Gunther delcared over his shoulder, "I'll see you later, DIRT...Unless you exile yourself! Buh bye!" I heard him and his buddies laughing as they walked off back into the village while I was standing on the bank, dripping wet. Damn that prick...I'll get him next time. Nobody talks that way about my father. Kay asked in concern, "You ok?" I complained, swinging down my limbs in frustration, "Damn it all, my clothes are wet!" Kay apologized, "I'm sorry, Dart. I should've figured he'd do that." I sighed, "Yeah well, it's not the first dirty trick he pulled off. And you'll probably witness some more of them if you stick around." He put on a smirk and replied, "Wouldn't miss it." He barked off a laugh. And despite what had happened, I was just smirking a little myself. Eh...No reason to be mad at him. This isn't his fault. I should've just got out of the way before it happened! Kay pressed again, "You ok now?" I nodded a bit, "A little. Thanks for the help, Kay, I appreciate it. Hardly anyone tries." Kay shrugged, "It's no problem. I saw them chasing you around and I decided to check it out. But you know, someone should teach him some manners." I joked, "You're right. Nobody has been teaching him table manners. I heard he hasn't been using his silverware whenever he eats deer." Kay chuckled, "You're probably right, but you know what I mean." "Sure I do." I said, "I don't really need table manners to deal with that guy. What's a spoon gonna do to him?" He suggested, "You can try throwing it at his forehead, but only if you have good aim." I shrugged my shoulders, then he offered, "Hey, I can probably teach you a few things. I know one thing or two that'll knock his lights out." Huh...I didn't think of this guy as a fighter. Then again...I don't know everything about him still. I said, smiling at him, "I'll ask for some pointers later." Then this certain thought that I've been having all the time lately has crossed my mind. If I'm not leaving this backwoods-boring place very soon... As Kay patted my shoulder, he said, "That's the spirit! Let's go before you catch a cold." He began guiding me back to where we came from, back to the village, while my head was down and still in thought about what I'd been through just now. I guess in case I stay here a bit longer...I'll take this as a lesson the next time me and Gunther end things at a stalemate near the river. That is if I want to see his face again after this. ***** I was across the river watching one of the humans patting the other's back softly, booming, "That's the spirit! Let's go before you catch a cold." Then he was leading him back to the village. After spying on those group of humans from within the trees for a second, while I was still invisible I snuck more closely to the scene till I was standing at this spot. Nobody saw me at all obviously, and none were the wiser that a lone dragon was stalking around and watching them a bit up close. I tilted my head to the side with a frown, my attention solely focused on this certain young man. Dart...So that's the human's name. What kind of a name is that for a human? That sounds like a dragon's name. Well, it is better than 'Dirt' as one of the other humans called him. Heck I didn't think that was the human's name at all. What parent names their child THAT? And gee did he try to put up a fight like he was a dragon. Wasn't much of a fight, but at least he tried. He was being picked on, I can tell, besides the name calling. I wouldn't have taken it so lightly if I was in his shoes. Just because I'm a female, doesn't mean I'll take ANYTHING. I had a look of annoyance on my face as my tail lashed behind me. I, especially, won't take anything from that Gunther fellow...What a dickwad. I softened up my face as Dart and that other human Kay disappeared deeper in the village out of my sight. I wonder if he'll be ok? I may not like humans, but I don't think he deserves to be pushed around like that. He could've seriously gotten hurt. A rumble within my stomach pushed me out of my thought. I let out a sigh, then spun and wandered back into the woods. Well, I better hunt something...And then get out of this forest before someone finds out about me. I still ain't in the mood for trouble like that boy. Besides, I shouldn't even be concerned about him. Why should I? It's not my problem. I think he can take care of himself. Maybe. ***** Kay and I wandered down further in the village of Clear Sight. A ironic title considering this village isn't in CLEAR SIGHT of anything from the outside world. But there was a good, logical reason behind why this village is situated within a forest so I wasn't going to argue on how to name a village. That's not my job. The people we passed by were going about in their peaceful, usual business. A few children playing, a carriage rolling by, a woman watering her pot of flowers, a nice man standing behind his apple vendor stand handing one out for a customer. It really was a peaceful sort of place. But more than that, it sorta feels like a prison. Least to me. Heck, it even feels like Gunther is one of those guards that picks on his prisoners whenever they talked back at him, or something like that. Fits the relationship perfectly between us. I looked over myself again, my outfit still dripping a bit. Despite that I was a little better with how things went a few minutes ago, I was showing humiliation in my eyes. I've been picked on by Gunther for all my life here, but this is probably the most weakest and humiliating thing I went through thanks to him, and I didn't even bother him earlier! I was only minding my own business, trying to see my best friend, Heather, at her house, but on my way there, I got ambushed by him and his pals and they've kept pestering me, especially Gunther with that dang wooden sword of his, poking me and daring me to fight him. But things usually start because of him so it wasn't new. And usually we don't really fight, physically anyways. Mostly it's just him mocking me and saying he can do better things than I can and he was destined for greatness than me, also daring me to swing a fist at him, blah blah blah. And also making ridiculous jabs about my father, because I was his son, like he was worthless and a fraud, or something like those two. Sometimes, despite what my dad tells me about fighting against the innocent, I'm so close to hitting the numbskull across the face for all the things he spits in my face about my dad. My dad isn't washed up...Far from it. He is a hero. In fact, he is kinda famous around here. And normally I don't usually goad Gunther into fighting with me, even though he was starting what he started earlier in the first place, and I know I might lose if I try to fight him, but there are times where I can't take his crap anymore. And what happened at the river, was one of them. I wished that dad had carved me a wooden sword for me to swing around, and that way I'd have stood a chance against my adversary. But other than not training me in combat, he never did that either. Figures. I did somewhat train myself in the past, I somewhat knows the basics. So it's not like I don't know HOW to fight. I know I can swing hard, in every direction. I know I can roll and dodge. But even I can't go so far as being the greatest...Like my father. If only I was trained to be a better fighter, then I'd show Gunther that I wasn't a washed up loser that he claims. We were about halfway to my own house when the twin girls of the village, Lily and Rose, both beautiful with long brown hair and pretty blue eyes, came up to Kay beside me with eager smiles on their faces. They both cried, "Hey, Kaaay!" I was smirking while Kay chuckled, "Hey, ladies. How you doing?" Lily started, "How are WE doing?" Then Rose finished, "We were wondering how YOU are doing. Still like living here?" "Do I?" Kay replied, "Of course. In fact, I'm thinking about staying here forever." He flashed them a toothy smile. They both cried in glee. I rolled my eyes playfully. Those two...They've been all over this guy after the day he began staying here. I wasn't kidding that he is Prince Charming. They think he is. I sometimes wonder if he has placed a spell on them. But whether that's the case or not, wherever he used to live, he was most likely a ladies man. He certainly doesn't mind the attention. Not even offended. How lucky is that? Lily asked, "Say, would you mind hanging out with us again?" Rose grabbed hold of his arm and tried to drag him away. She said, "Yeah, please. It was so fun the other day!" Lily had begging eyes as she plead, "Pretty pleassssse?" "Heh heh, ah, girls, you kill me." Kay started to decline, gesturing his free limb towards me, "I'd love to, but Dart here is wet and I am busy escorting him back to his homestead. You understand, right, ladies?" Rose held a serious look in her eyes, "So what? He's not a kid anymore." Lily held some urgency on her face also, "Yeah, he can walk himself back. Come on, there's no need to worry about him." I said with a chuckle, "Go ahead, Kay. I can take it from here." Kay looked at me for a moment, then put on a smile. Then he looked back at the girls and sighed pleasantly, "Alrighty then, where should we head off?" Then both twins at each arm, who both giggled, dragged him away from me. I was just standing there, watching them leave with a small shake of my head. Eh, he can have all the fun. I don't think there are that many young handsome men like him living around here anyways. Not like they care about me too much. I didn't mind it. Then I thought back to two weeks ago. It was almost yesterday when Kay arrived here one day out of nowhere. It was in the middle of the day, a couple villagers were out catching fish at the river when he showed up, running over to meet them after he crossed the bridge. According to my dad, who is part of the village council, Kay explained that he came from a faraway place, I forgot the name of it, and was with a small group of people in a small carriage. Why he left that place, I still haven't found out, even from a few conversations we had together. But the point of why he was here was, they all got attacked by dragons. Obviously he was the only survivor. But he seems to not be too bothered by the experience. Then again, he could just be keeping the trauma to himself. I hadn't really talked to him that much yet to find out. I took a deep breath and let it out. I bore a look of hatred. Dragons...The things that I hate a whole lot worse than Gunther. I knew these creatures were always a bane in everyone's existence. They were a BIG threat, no pun intended. Have been probably since the dawn of time. My dad has told me stories about them. How smart they are, even when they can actually speak human unlike a regular animal, how dangerous they pose, how cunning they can be, and worst of all...How good they are at deceiving others for their own gain. He would know...Because he was a dragonslayer. He's killed a bunch of them in his own time before I was born. Traveling forth across many lands and slaying any dragon he came across without backing down. He's even saved a village on different occassions. He knew every weakness those vile creatures had, and he'd always use them to his own advantage. According to him, not that many people would win a battle against an overgrown lizard. I can imagine how difficult fighting a dragon can get, even when I never fought one myself...Even I can imagine how well that fight can go between one dragon and myself. But...He was one of the few that has managed. He was good that way. But that was ages ago. After he met my mother, got married to her, and I was born, he hung his sword and is now retired. He hasn't fought a dragon in years. Sometimes I wonder if he is rusty at it these days. I think that's stretching it. I eyed up at the sky, the small bit of a blue sky and a couple white clouds appearing in the cracks of the thick limbs of the forest above the village. I wasn't really born in this village. Truth be told, I was born in another that was far away from here. It was called Sapwood, which was actually the place where my father met my mother, and was the village my mother also grew up in. If you asked me, that might've been a much more suitable title for this village. Anyways, long story short, my former village was attacked not by one, but by a bunch of dragons, that came out of nowhere, sweeping down, firing flames from their snouts, swiping their paws at anybody when they landed, killing people... I was about six when it happened...But I can still remember the flames...And the screams... It was horrifying. But, me and my family and several other survivors were lucky enough to barely make it out alive. I knew that me and my family had moved on from the ruined village, I don't exactly remember how far we traveled...Till we managed to find our way here. From what I was told...Mom and dad had never heard of the place before we came here. We found this place just by chance. From what I know now for a long time, this village was built in this forest, just so to become a safe, hidden haven from dragons. That was the purpose of Clear Sight. All those limbs up there blocking the sky were perfect enough to provide us cover from any aerial threats. I'd say that has worked for a long time. Though I have heard there have been a close calls in the past, but for as long as I lived here, no dragon attacks had occured. No fire. No claws. No blood. No death. But thanks to that, along with all the things my father has spilled to me over the years about them, I hated dragons since then. I am kinda afraid of them too, but I hate them mostly. I sighed in relief, trekking between buildings for my house. I'm glad the dragons that attacked Kay didn't follow him all the way here...Or we'd be in trouble. I don't know how I'd feel if my family died this time. Would dad be able to fight them off, after retiring his dragon slaying for years? Would I be able to help and fight one off, even with no years of battle training against dragons like father has? Well, I know how things will end up with me...But I'm not doubting my father's abilities. But I won't have to find out anyways, will I? There are no dragons around. That's fine by me. Just as long as I don't have to worry about them and the village when I run away from home tomorrow night, I won't care. I finally stood at the front door of my two-story home after what seemed like an eternity to get to. I opened the door and quickly stepped inside. I found both my parents were still here where I left them, considering that it wasn't all that long ago. My parents, my father, Squall, and my mother, Adelle, were sitting at the dining room table eating their lunch off their plates that my mother had been making before I left this place earlier. My mom looked like a sweet, delicate woman, most likely as he had described her when he told me the story of how he met her. He also mentioned how her touch would make anything beautiful. She would plant flowers and take care of them and never die, and would always make such a delicious meal that never gets stale. I think the last bit was totally true. I always did love her cooking. Even her age doesn't seem to change her much, just a few wrinkles on her face, a slightly slim figure, with her long brunette hair and green eyes. I'm sure when she gets old one day, she'd still look beautiful. As for my dad, the hero and former dragonslayer himself, had the same colored hair as me, but its length was longer than mine. For as long as I known him, his hair was always long. He had this wise man's look about him. Funny part about him was my mother commented one time that he had the same face, and charm, like mine. I think that is true, I can see that. I guess that's another thing me and him have in common, other than we're both adventurous type of fellows. Well, he isn't now, but I am. He seems to like where he is and doesn't really want to explore outside the forest. But if he did, for his age, he still kept in good shape. I don't think his age would slow him down and I certainly don't think he'd be rusty at killing dragons when the opportunity arises. He could probably still win if he tried. How I wish he was still adventurous now like he used to be. Maybe he might've given me the chance of taking me on an adventure with me...And I wouldn't be stuck here for all my life...And I wouldn't have to wonder what's out beyond this village...This forest....This prison... Too bad that never happened. Dad and mom caught sight of my entry. My father greeted me with a smile, "Hey, kid. You came back to lunch on time! What an accomplishment." Mom started with a smile of her own, "How's Heather doing? Did you two even-" But then she noticed how I appeared and exclaimed, pushing herself off her chair, "Geez, Dart, what happened to you? You're all wet!" I nodded, answering in modesty, "Let's just say I was taking a bath in the river." Dad pressed me, more interrogating than asking, "Why were you at the river? I thought you went to Heather's house." I sighed in humiliation, "I...Had a bit of change in plans." I walked past the table, "I gotta change my clothes, I'll be right back." Dad said with a agreeable nod, "Alright, good, cause I want to know." I think he figured right away what caused this. He ain't a big fan of Gunther either, for all he's heard about him from me. Mom instructed, "Just make sure to hang them outside, alright?" I went for the stairs and took two steps at a time, then ended up in a small hallway till I went for my bedroom on the right. Rather quickly, I replaced my dampened outfit for a clean, drier one, then went back downstairs moments later. I shortly went outside straight away and did as my mother told, hanging the wet clothes on the clothesline beside the house. Then right after that, I went back inside the household and slumped down for my seat at the table, where my plate was waiting for me thanks to my mother. I immediately began digging into my meal, since I was getting hungry anyways. Mom and dad were still there at their seats and were just staring at me, waiting for an explanation from me. After a few minutes, my mom finally asked, "Is everything ok, Dart?" I gulped down some food before I replied, "Yeah, I'm fine. Never better. I was only looking for a place to drink." Dad chuckled a bit, "Well that's a way to quench your thirst." Then he face turned serious as he pressed again, "So really, what happened to you? Did Gunther do this?" I answered with a question, "Who else?" He moaned, pinching the bridge of his nose, "Oh for crying out loud, I knew it..." I nodded that time in silence. Yep, you thought right. When his hand flew down off his face, he suggested, "What got into him this time? Same stuff? You know, maybe I should have a talk with him and show him that he can't keep messing around with people like that." I shot him down with this statement, "Forget it, dad. He'll never stop, no matter what anyone says. He'll never change." He cupped his own chin with his hand and had a thoughtful look. He said, in what sounded like a devious tone, "Huh, maybe he needs an actual reason to change." Mom shook her head, placing a hand on his shoulder with a small plea in her eyes, "Oh, honey." Dad looked to her with a smirk, "Ah, don't worry, it's not as severe as you think." He suggested when he looked back at me, "I was thinking more, like, having him work at the stables too. Have him dig through all the dung till he's covered in it and then he'll quit his act." I rolled my eyes, "Oh sure, have the two of us working together. You know I do work there too, right?" Dad shook his head adamantly, "I never forget. Teamwork always bonds people together." I scoffed, "...Right, say that about the parts where we go off to school together for years on end. I'm sure that'll give us a chance to bond over our boring paths in life." Dad narrowed his eyes in small offense, "Kid...I'm just trying to help." "Help?" I groaned, my chair scraping when I pushed myself off the table, "Help? You can't even help teach me how to fight back when I ask you! You never tried helping me!" Mom gasped, "Dart..." "This again?" Dad argued, "I told you a thousand times before that you shouldn't fight against the innocent. Sure Gunther's a bully, but he's never made a serious mistake in his life." This stupid logic again. I heatedly asked, "So you don't call shoving me into a river and leaving me humiliated a serious mistake?" He remarked, "I'll put it like this...Least he didn't kill you." I shot back, "Oh really? Well did I happen to mention that he tried to swing that wooden sword that he sometimes carries around at my head? You think THAT wouldn't kill me?" Dad sighed, "Dart, please-" I yelled my complaints, "Dad, why can't you teach me your skills? I've had enough of this! I'm not a child anymore! He always thinks about himself and doesn't care about anything at all. Someone needs to put him in his place! Why won't you help me out with that?!" He fought back, "Because fighting is not always the answer. You should only be fighting against dragons, not your own kind, unless absolutely necessary! And you know there is no point in teaching you these things, we're safe here. We've been safe here for years! No dragons have ever attacked this place, and you never have to go out there and find them yourself!" There we go again. That's another one of those same exact excuses every time I bring up this subject. I've fucking had it...AGAIN. I retorted, "Right, it's because you guys forbid it. I can never go out and explore what's out there. Not like you. What freakin surprise. Well you know what, maybe I do want to get away from here, because I am tired of dealing with the same shit day in and day out! Better yet, maybe if I already knew how to fight, maybe Gunther will probably give me a break and not have to leave me defeated and humiliated every time he catches me, and then I wouldn't have to take it and be a LOSER like you!" Dad's mouth dropped agape in surprise. My mom demanded angrily, "Dart! How dare you say that? Apologize to your father this instant!" I scoffed once more, "For what, mom. This isn't fair and you know it! When's the last time he ever slaughtered a dragon? All he does is laze around and do nothing at all, especially for me! You think talking and apologizing is always the answer, well it's not! I've had it up to here! You guys are never on my side about this and I am sick of it!" I spun and headed for the door. Dad tried to call out, "Dart, wait!" But I slammed the door behind me and stomped away outside with a very frustrated look on my face, swinging my arms hard and fast in a very infuriated way. I finally stopped when I hid myself near another house when I got far away from my own. I was pressing my back against a wall while I just reflected. I think you can guess that isn't the first time me and dad had an argument like that. But I don't think any argument we had before was like THIS. Not with a bunch of yelling. Then I was feeling regret within my chest, and it even showed upon my face. And especially not with ending any argument with questioning my dad of killing a dragon recently...And referring to him as a loser. I never called him that before. Here I was speaking like Gunther and acting like a jackass. It only slipped out, it was just out of frustration, but I shouldn't have said that. I closed my eyes. But it's just because I was still tired of dealing with Gunther's crap. That sort of humiliation still had an effect on me. I only wished that I had done something about it...And I only wish dad would just listen instead of declining me to teach. I hate that. He can teach me many things, right and wrong, how to respect others, how to kill a dragon, but not fighting. It's ridiculous. What if one dragon suddenly showed up here and I can't defend myself? Does he ever think of that? I guess he just has this belief that nothing bad will ever happen here. Not like with what happened to Sapwood. And he and mom has this belief that I'll be stuck here, for the rest of my life...Like he has committed himself to. I opened my eyes, having a determined look now. I took a deep breath and let it out. Well, I know one thing for sure...Fighting skills or no fighting skills, and despite the fact that dragons are still out there and I am kinda afraid of them...None of those things will stop me from finally leaving this place. I will do it. With...Or without my parent's permission.