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DHW

Part 7-2

(with the generous help of Dragon95 thanks man i owe you one)

The capital.

Kyo:

What is that thing?

I don't know what time is it, probably late in the night when I wake up for a brief moment, my eyes snapping open, my blurry vision and still fogy mind only allowing me to see a dark outline running away, throwing quick glances behind him. Our eyes cross for a split second, those icy blue irises fixated on mine. This look is familiar to me like I've already seen it in the past but I don't have time to ask myself question. I fall asleep again, with only this feeling of weakness inside me.

Its loud shootings and rough shaking that wake me up the next morning.

• Kyo wake up! Yell Tarken in my face.

• What?

• We've been attacked!

My eyes snap open and I jump on my paws.

• Where? When? How? Who?

I take look around but everything seems fine to me, all my scaly friends are there, living with no harm on them. It's only then I realize they are all circle around a point a bit further near the entrance.

I walk to them and see, in the middle Zarakay lying on his flank dry blood covering his head as some fresh pours from claw marks in his head.

• No... not you Zarakay.

I come closer to see him open his eyes with a long grunt of pain.

• Zara... are you ok?

• My head....

• Take it easy Zara... don't move.

• What happened to me?

• You were attacked.

• Yeah... I remember.

• Can you tell us who attacked you?

• It was... a dragon... a pretty young one... damn he was agile... he completely took me by surprise and knocked me out... I think.

• So Kaos was right... we underestimated the Watcher.

• What was he doing here? Ask Kaos.

• I'm not sure... I saw something red glowing in one of his hand... I think it was a crystal... he was murmuring words.

• Fuck... an incantation and a draining crystal.

• He was trying to take me away. Mumble Kaos in an undeniable fear.

• We must leave this place before they try to attack us again.

• Good idea.

• I still have a question. Say Kaos anxiously. Where is the crystal?

• I think it's the pile of debris there.

Kaos look in the direction Zehyr is pointing. In fact there, on the irregular stone floor lies the debris of a large red crystal.

• He must have broken in the fight.

• It's still a close one.

• Yeah... we should make some sentinels, someone who will assure our safety.

• Maybe later. Now let's just go to the others and warn them of the danger.

• Zarakay can you walk? Ask Zehyr worried for his mate's life.

• Yeah... I'll be fine if someone gives me a hand.

• Hold on to me. Whisper Zehyr as he help him get up.

We leave this cave with in our mind the memories of this night of pleasure and of this attack that left us with a heavy heart. Our friend could have purely and simply died because we weren't vigilant enough.

• Kyo... it's not your fault you couldn't guess they were going to attack. Kaos.

• Don't try to comfort me Kaos. I knew it, I knew they were on our back and I knew they weren't going to stop now.

.........

Allen:

I don't know exactly what made me so brutally awake but I know it's bad. I feel some of Kyo's thought enter my mind. I soon learn something as happened but what exactly? I don't know.

I stay in bed to note wake Kyle and patiently wait.

Soon I hear the sound of dragon claws on the ground and see them coming.

Kyo comes directly to us and, when he see Kyle holding me in his arms he start to growl. At first it's almost nothing but the more he waits the louder they become. Seeing he obtain no *reaction from Kyle he stops. I hope for a brief second that he is calmed but the next thing he does prove me wrong. He roar just above Kyle's face, showing his impressive fangs and spiting a copious amount of saliva on him.

Kyle instantly awake and jump out of the bed, crawling away with Kyo following him, rumbling and falsely snapping and clawing at him until he judge him far enough.

• There is definitely something wrong with him. I whisper to myself.

Kyo then walks to me.

• Get out of there and get dressed we've got to move. He growls.

• Why are you like this? Is there a reason to hurry?

• Yes... we were attacked. He hiss in anger.

• Is everyone fine?

• No... Zarakay... he... he is injured.

• Badly?

• I don't know.

I crawl out of my sleeping bag and quickly put on a shirt and my underwear and run to Zarakay who's already been examined by Astuna.

• How is he?

• Nothing bad don't worry. She answer with her usual calm voice. He just received a good hit on the head. Those wounds are not as bad as they look, they just bleed quite a lot. The one ho did that to you didn't wanted to kill you otherwise he would have hit you harder. You'll only have some headache for a few days and you might feel a bit dizzy but nothing alarming.

• It's good to hear.

• What happened exactly? I ask.

Kyo quickly explains everything.

• So they are close.... Grumble one of the riders.

• We don't have to waist any more time. Add another before climbing on his dragon. Let's fly straight to the capital. We'll be safer there.

• I hope.

• Can I come now? Ask Kyle, hiding behind one of Tarken's hind legs.

Kyo make a muffed sound then nod.

Kyle slowly walk to me and whisper.

• Do you know where my clothes are?

I make him sign that no just before Kyo shoves him away from me.

I use this occasion to grab Kyo by the inferior lip and tug at it until he turns his eyes in my direction.

• What is wrong with you?

• I don't want to see him close to you. He growls.

• Why? I will do what I want. You don't have the right to choose who I must be with.

Kyo takes a deep breath then whispers so low I thought he said nothing.

• I have something to tell you?

• And what does it have to do with our problem?

• When I'll tell you you'll understand.

• So tell it now.

• I... I can't... not now... not here... I don't feel confident enough to talk of this.

• So when?

• When we are alone.

• You're boring with all those secrets of yours.

• Yeah... I know.

I return to our sleeping bag and start to search for my clothes, strangely I find my boots attached to a tree branch, my pants in a bush and my coat at the other side of the camp.

• Strange.... I whisper.

I smell them they have a kind of strange earthy smell, similar to a dragons scent, which doesn't belong to Kyo.

I note this detail but take them. Then I find my armor and put it on.

• I'm ready let's go.

• Shit where is this damn thing. Grunt Kyle.

• What are you searching?

• I had a... special object with me, it was in my pocket and now it has vanished.

• What was it looking like?

• A black metal cylinder.

• What was inside?

• A small invention of mine. You throw it on your enemies and it turn them to ashes.

• A grenade.

• More...it makes things... hotter.

• Oh....

• In some places like this. He waves indicating the forest. It can become quite useful.

• It's interesting but not important, you could make new ones when we arrive at the capital.

• You're right. It's not like someone was going to use it. It's not even finished.

• Really.

• Yep I missed an ingredient to finish it.

• That's good to know.

• Yep otherwise it could have blown in our hands.

I gasp when he mentions that.

• Allen I'm joking I know what I am doing.

He hold me close in this strong embrace and makes a mess of my hair.

• Get up here before I smash one of you. Growl Kyo with an angry face.

• Mood breaker.

He crouch next to me, I grab a spike and pull myself higher but when my foot touch the scales I glide and fall on the ground.

• You should be more careful. Say Kyle, giving me a helpful hand.

I go to Kyo's side and put a hand on his neck scales. When I do I feel him tense.

It's only now I notice the long blood trail tainting his scales and the deep wound in his neck. I move around him and discover the claw marks he tries to hide behind his large wings. I go behind him and gently push his tail, revealing a stretched and gaping tailhole soiled by a mix of cum and blood.

• Kyo... what happened to you during the night?

• Let me see. Say Astuna.

Kyo tries to protest but I don't leave him time to do so.

• Hmmm... It look like your mate gave you a pretty love bite.

Kyo blushed with shame.

• And these marks there are just the scars of a rough session am I right Kyo?

Once again Kyo nod and lower his head until it touches the grass.

• You mean....

• It was just a rough mating, nothing worrying. It will heal in no time.

• Are you sure?

• Allen I'm not an expert in dragon but I'm sure of what I'm saying. There is only the bite mark that will leave a scar but it's his goal.

• I trust you. Let's go.

I take my place on Kyo's back and we take off. But Kyo stops a few meters above the trees and look back, witnessing Zarakays quite unstable take off and unsure ascension in the sky.

• It hurts me to see him... in this state. Whispers Kyo.

• Don't blame yourself for this Kyo. You couldn't guess they would have attacked you lastnight.

• You're so wrong Allen I knew it... it was so obvious. They used our own relaxation to stab us in the back. We thought they wouldn't dare to attack us again and they did the opposite because they knew we had reduced our vigilance. How could I be so stupid?

• Kyo... stop this. He is fine... almost fine. It could have been worst. If... If he hadn't been there they would have succeeded, took Kaos and maybe... killed you.

• You're right. He cry. But it doesn't change a damn thing. It's a friend... a dragon like me... and he has been injured by my actions.

Kyo starts to cry. I try to comfort him but it's so hard in midair.

*Zarakay slowly rises in the sky until he come to our level. He is panting, gasping for breath.

• Oh gods... the hard part is done.

• Are you ok.

• I think I'm gonna vomit but aside from that... I'm fine.

• Let's head straight to the capital so you can see a healer.

• Bright Idea.

• The wind is on our side it will be easier for me to fly. Murmur Zarakay.

• So let's go.

Kyo start to flap his wings, using the warm winds to climb higher in the sky.

.........

Watcher:

I observe them in silence as they fly away. How I wish I could be up there flying on the back of a dragon, free, careless, *fearless. Good old times.

When I see the wounded one leave the ground I can't stop a satisfied smile to form on my face.

• Sorry Ordan. Cry the young dragon behind me. I failed you again.

• No... no my dear. I rub his chin. You didn't failed me... you did better than I imagined you could do.

• What... I... I don't understand... my mission failed... the crystal is broken... they escaped again....

• Silence Whelp. Roar Ares before clawing at his own face.

• Don't hurt yourself please.

• Sorry.

• I'm gonna explain you. You failed that's right but you also made something that could play in our favor.

• What do you mean?

*- You failed... quite miserably that is undeniable but now they fear you; they imagine you're powerful, a warrior ready to kill them all.

• So... it's a good thing?

• Of course. Now they're waiting for you... not for me and *even more for a young dragon.

• What.

• I don't think the one you knocked out could recognize you... not that easily at least.

• Oh... I start to understand.

• I'm glad you do.

• So you have a new plan.

• Of course.

• So let's put it in place! He yell before starting to run.

I teleport in front of him.

• Wait!

• He brakes, claws digging in the dirt and roll over. There is no need to hurry... we have all our time.

• But... I thought we needed to catch them before....

• Our plans have changed my dear scaly friend.

• If you say so....

• So get up and follow me.

• Ok.

I walk at a normal pace to the south east, on my face a malicious grin, my eyes lost in the contemplation of the blue sky, drowning in those old memories.

.........

Allen:

It takes quite some time to get to the capital. We fly in thick clouds full of water waiting to rain on the lands miles below. The air here is a bit thin so I have some trouble breathing and feel much lighter but the freezing air whipping my face keeps me awake and aware. On our left side Zarakay is flying quite well, his dizziness gone. Only a dull pain remains. On our right side Tarken is carrying both Kyle and Astuna who are making jokes. Strangely Kyo stay far from Tarken and Kyle like he didn't want us to talking together.

• What is wrong with you Kyo?

• I don't see what you're talking about.

• Don't play stupid Kyo, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

• Allen....

• Answer to me Kyo.

• I... I can't.

• Kyo.

• Hey have you seen the gryphon that passed below us an hour ago... I wonder what he was doing there.

• Don't try to change subject Kyo.

He lowers his head and says in a brief whisper.

• Not today... not there.

• Kyo... my patience has limits.

• I know... but it's not the right time.

• Kyo... stop avoiding the subject would you.

• I don't want to talk about this.

• Have you argued with Tarken recently?

• No... not more than usual.

• Are you feeling guilty?

• Guilty... no... why?

• Just asking.

We stay silent for some time until I ask.

• Was Tarken to rough for you?

• What! No... he... he was perfect?

• It's not what those marks on your body means to me.

• Shut up please. I wanted it... this treatment he did to me... I begged for more all along.

• Wait what.

• Allen... don't be stupid... you know I like to be submissive when it comes to mating.

• I know... but I never imagined... it would go... to this... kind of thing.

• What? I like to be... dominated... sometimes.

• Really?

• Yes... you weren't there at the time... but when I was younger... it was even worse. When my dominance became too much to bear for me I asked them for a good mating session... a special one if you see what I mean.

• God... please Kyo don't tell me more.

• You wanted me to talk now I talk.

He start to tell me everything, describing every smallest detail *with a surgical precision: how rudely and restlessly his ass was pounded by his male and how his female found new ways to torture him, riding him until he was on the verge of erupting but she kept denying him the right to cum, teasing him until his cock was so bloated with cum he was on the brink of blowing up, until he was crying, begging for relief, then and only then she would allow him to cum in whatever hole he wanted. Cumming so hard it was painful for both of them, his cum blasting out of his penis straight inside her.

He ends his story with a needy moan then silently breaks into tears.

• What's wrong?

• They missed me... so much. He cried.

• I'm sorry Kyo.

• I hadn't seen them in three years... three fucking years and what do I get when I come back? Lies and dead bodies. What have I done to the gods to earn such punishment?

• Gods have nothing to do with that Kyo. Huff Kaos. It's just the tricks of the living.

• Why did they do it? I came back... my mission was a success... the bond with Allen could have been broken at the time and all this sadness erased but no, they decided to kill *them when they did nothing to deserve that.

• I think I know why? Mumble Kaos.

• Tell me.

• It was all a trap... simply.

• A trap....

• I think they never planned to give you what they promised you. I think they killed them to have you convicted of *there murders, and with all that blood on your hands it wouldn't be difficult to have you sent back to jail or worst... executed.

*Kyo stay silent for some time and whispers.

• I hope I will find a new mate here.

• It's weird how quickly you changed your mind.

• They once told me they didn't wanted me to cry on their tomb. They would want me to continue to live, to go... further ***and... honestly the touch of a female is something I miss a bit so... let's find a new one.

• A one that accepts a dominant dragon, eager to fill her but slutty in bed.

• I know I will find one who will understand me.

It's only now I realize Kyo managed to change subject and draw my attention away from the important one.

• I agree Kyo... but don't forget that our conversation isn't over.

Fuck....

• You'll never get away so easily Kyo.

• At least I tried.

I look around me but outside of the cloud surrounding us I see nothing.

• I hope we are close I'm starting to get cold here.

• We're halfway through... maybe a bit more.

Finally we leave the thick cover of the clouds and descend but I still cannot see any city, any major one at least. Below us are only large fields and small villages like the thousands we already passed.

• Let's descend a bit more. Offer Zehyr.

**In fact; he just rolls on his back and dives, quickly followed by everyone. He levels his flight so close to the ground I first think he is gonna crash in the fields below. Kyo does even *worse and barrel roll just above the ground, his left wing cutting through the wheat below, forcing an innocent farmer to jump to avoid being crushed but, when I look in his direction with an apology gesture he answer me with a warm smile laugh and gestures back hi.

• They're used to it. Explain Zarakay who adopted a more cautios flight path.

• So where is the capital?

• You see the mountains there. He point at the south but I only see a thick fog.

**- I don't see them.

• Normally the morning mist hides them but to make it short, behind those mountains is the city, well more precisely in the mountains.

• You mean?

• Yep it had been built in a valley before expending in the surrounding mountains it's quite impressive to see.

• I trust you.

• And... where do we are... I mean dragons? Ask Kyo curious.

• Not in the city.

• What! But... I... I thought humans....

• They do Kyo but the main city isn't large enough for us to live in. We've our own place ten kilometers to the east, I'll show it to you shortly.

• Ok.

We fly low and fast for miles, passing just above farmer's head and homes. Kyo is as much surprised as me to see peoples making signs to us.

• Why are peoples so... happy to see us.

• Because they are used to dragons. Explains Zarakay.

Kyo you may not know, but it's in this sector where the first dragon accepted by the ancient king used to live.

• Really? We ask surprised.

• Yes, legends say our ancient king Talos the wise ruled our lands and with his brother prince Ordan the Conqueror they started what would later become our great empire. While Talos was sitting on the throne his brother was in battle spilling rivers of blood, the legends say that one day he came back with stolen dragon eggs. When the mother came to claim what belonged to her he offered her to stay on our lands in exchange for one of her hatchlings which raised himself.

• No... it... can't be.

• He became the first dragon rider of our lands and trained the next ones.

• So... we're flying above a sacred place for you.

• In some sort, yes.

• We will have to climb. Warn another rider.

• Understood! We will follow you. Yell Tarken to cover the strong wind that started forcing everyone to lay against our dragon's very scales as they had to constantly level their flight to make sure not to fall.

We see the said rider climbing rapidly; we follow.

Soon the green is replaced by greyish rocks as we climb along the mountain sides. Soon we're swallowed by the thick mists that form around the peaks, thick enough I have *trouble locating the others.

Suddenly, coming out of nowhere a pile of rocks appear.

• Kyo left!

Kyo makes a sharp turn right to avoid the obstacle just to face a cliff.

He turns at a sharper angle to avoid crashing.

• You're too low, climb! I yell.

He obeys. Soon, through the thick fog I see the sky ,but between it and us are those impressive rock walls and platforms covering them like sharp blades waiting to cut us in half.

• Where are we?

• Much too low. Answer Kaos with an enigmatic tone.

• What was this place? I ask when we exit the fog.

• Trust me, you don't wanna now.

• Kaos stop being mysterious for a sec and explain it to us please. I grunt.

• These are the ruins of an ancient city destroyed and looted by the emperor and his men's thousands years ago.

• Oh.

• There they are! Screams a voice above us.

I lift my eyes to see, descending on our position Tarken and Kyle making me signs with a relieved expression on his face.

• Where were you man?

• And you?

• We lost track of you when we entered the mist.

• We were in a strange place.

• You saw the ruins? Ask a rider?

• Barely.

• It's not important, you're alive and that's what matters.

• Alive... did someone died in there?

• More than one. So many creatures or humans lost themselves in this plaice and died of starvation or thirst

• That's horrible.

• I know but it's not the time to talk about this let's go.

We leave this strange place and quickly they make us dive between two picks and chain risky moves between mountains. Gaining speed as they roll, dive, climb at sharp angles, fly through spaces so narrow we are almost touching the rocks, even flying in a cave so tight I can almost touch the ceiling with a hand. Even Kyo is shaking in fear, sweating like mad, gasping for breath as he is so focused on his flight only *animalistic thoughts pass in his mind.

When we leave the dangerous places Kyo takes a deep breath of relief.

• Oh gods... that was really dangerous. Why am I even following them?

• Coward. Spit Kaos.

Kyo grunt and immediately react, rolls on his back and literally let himself fall, wings tucked against his side.

• Oh shit!

We dive toward the ground at an increasingly fast speed. Below us, in a narrowed path I see the caravan of a merchant. Kyo brutally open his wings to their max length and let himself hover above them, his claws missing their heads by inches, forcing the human merchants to roll aside to avoid being impaled on the sharpened spears; then flaps his wings to take altitude.

• My god... my fucking gods. I thought I was gonna die in there. Gasp Kaos.

• Kyo... that... was... insane. I mumble, shaking violently, holding tightly to the spike before me.

• Kyo... I said you were a coward... not a freaking mad guy. I never told you to have us killed!

• Are you sure.

• Yes.

• Oh... if I had a body I would have peed on myself.

• Please don't use me for this.

• No worry.

• Are you ok down there? Yell a voice above.

• We're doing fine.

• Ok because that was really crazy. Dude I think you scared this merchant for the rest of his life.

• It's not important let's continue on.

• We're only waiting for you.

• I'm coming but this time don't make us risk our lives please.

• No problem the hardest part is behind us now it's just calm and easy flying straight to the capital.

• I trust you, you know the way better than I.

They climb but not that much, just enough to stay out of danger above the peaks.

• Here we are! Scream the leader.

• I see nothing. I answer.

• Yeah let's descend a bit.

We fly through the thick fog once again to discover, lying in an immense valley are numerous houses pact together forming the city. On the mountains side snakes small roads climbing to higher places where even more houses seems to have popped up from the ground itself.

• That's impressive.

• It's only a small part.

• It still looks so big.

• It is. You see those small house in the center?

• Of course I see them.

• Don't they look different to you?

I observe with a renewed attention, searching for the smallest detail ,but before I can find the answer Kyle talks.

• They look more ancient... but I'm not sure.

• Exactly. Those are what's left of the ancient city. They are built in the heart of our ancient capital, the place from where everything started.

• I... can't believe it.

• You see the place at the center?

• With the statue?

• Yes this one. Legends says it's precisely where the first dragon landed in.

• It's... amazing.

• It's nothing really.

• So if I understand correctly the higher houses are more recent.

• Yep, the higher you go the newer they become.

• Where is the emperor's palace?

• Just simply take a look around and tell me what you see, you should find the answer by yourself.

I do as said and observe the sprawling city below extending everywhere and finally see, like put there by the hand of a giant between the snowy peaks the large walls surrounding the city, protecting it behind a thick barrier of stone, every hundred meters a high tower cut the wall, climbing high above the rest to ensure a good point of view on any opponent. I then realize it's only the first set of walls who just lead to an abrupt descending toward another barrier of even bigger walls, made of harder rocks and reinforced by steel everywhere, metal like spears protruding from the stone itself, waiting for an enemy to impale himself on them. On the *top of the walls are patiently waiting cannons placed on turrets, impressive siege machines. I start to have a clear idea of how the city is made, it seems build around a mountain.

• The palace is....

• In this mountain right.

• It mustn't be that comfy.

• Don't let this bulky and... yes quite ugly appearance fool you, it's the greatest place you'll ever see on earth.

• Really.

• Yes. The king who ordered the construction of this new palace in the thick granite of this mountain was ingenious, the place is easy to defend, resistant to almost anything, easy to warm up in winter and can be decorated with some gusto.

I look at the mountains; still amazed by how natural it looks, until I discover the Balcones piercing the rocky faces of the mountain. At the top of it the large golden dome shining in the sun light and the thin ivory towers raising from every floor, covered with gold roofs.

I have to stop my admiring when I see the dragons turning right and descending and landing outside the city.

• Why can't we continue?

• Flying above the capital is forbidden to us?

• But... why all those big birds can.

• Those are the imperial gryphons. They are used for message carrying, transport of heavy things throughout the city and by even the guards to keep it safe.

• I see.

• Imagine if our dragons had the same right, the number of incidents, mid-air collision and crashes per day.

• It would be such a mess. Comment Kyle with a smile.

• Yup.

• Going on foot don't sound like a bad idea now.

.........

Kyo:

Going on foot isn't a bad idea... great choice of words Allen. I growl.

This city is definitely insane.

When we were before the walls, waiting for the caution guard to check our papers and belongings I could hear the sound of *the crowd behind but I wasn't expecting what awaited us behind those heavy doors and gates. When the soldier gave the order to open them, giving us back our things and smiled before saying, "welcome to Novalis I hope you'll enjoy your stay".

When the doors open in a loud creaking sound partially covered by the noisy chains and winch system used to open them I freeze in shock and amazement.

Behind appear one of the strangest scenes for me: a large road filled with humans walking in every direction, entering and getting out of houses and stores, lifting heavy things, yelling things to others.

• My goodness....

• It's so... crowded.

*Even the guard made an annoyed face.

• Yeah I think we will have to... clear the way a little bit.

• Just a bit.

• Hey you and you come with me! He yell to other guards defending the door with two long spears.

• Yes sir.

• Come with us and clear the way.

• Yes Sergeant.

The said Sergeant then takes a strange air horn and breathe in it, making a loud and deep noise.

Instantly five gryphons plunge from the sky and softly land on the pavement.

• Yes Sergeant, what can we do for you?

• Go ahead and warn every soldier on the way to... to.... He turned in our direction. Where do you want to go sir?

• To the palace.

• Shit. He grumbled under his breath a bit too loud.

The gryphon's rider hear it too and don't look happy too.

• What's wrong?

• It's on the other side of the city.

• And it's market day.

• And even worse, we're close to the autumn fest and... it's quite messy with all the preparations... you see.

• Oh... so it's why the city looks so... full.

• No that's normal.

• Shit.

• So what do we do?

• Warn everyone on the way to the palace, make us way.

• Yes sir.

The majestic birds take off in a cloud of dust.

I couldn't stop from staring at them, they look so... pretty, so majestic with those feathers, so soft to the touch. Those beaks, those colorful plums those large wings, those talons, those malicious eyes... it had quite an effect on me.

I can't stop from wondering how they look under those thick feathered tails on them and how they'll feel inside me. Were those gryphons males or females, do they mate like I do? So many lusty thoughts form in my mind even Kaos seems affected by them and we both gasp when my cock sneaks out of my slit, smearing pre on the ground under my belly.

• Kyo. Growl Allen, a hand covering his nose to prevent the thick rich scent to enter.

• Sorry.

• I see our dragon friend is interested by our gryphons. Comment the sergeant.

• No... it's nothing.... I pretend, trying to hide my erection.

• Oh really Kyo... you're not interested by those so fluffy birds. Moans Tarken in my ear. They look so fluffy, so soft... they would make such a great pillow don't you think?

• Shut up Tarken... you're making it even worse. I whine, my cock stirring painfully in anticipation, enticed by his words.

• It's my goal silly. He whisper slapping my ass with his tail, making me groan in a pleasure I never expected to feel. I'm so ashamed I blush even more.

• Can we continue before he teases me to death?

• Of course, please follow me.

We enter the city, walking so slowly waiting for the guard to make us a way large enough to put our paws without crushing a dozen of humans in the process. We have to be careful, cautious, aware of everything: of the place where we put our paws, our tails swaying behind us, our wings and even our necks. The street, even the larges boulevards are smaller than I imagined; we can barely fit inside them and, the glances the people throw us makes me wonder if I made a good choice.

The look in their eyes is filled with defiance.

I'm so surprised that I stomp on a wooden kart crushing it under my footpad.

• Ah god damn beast can't you be careful! Yell the owner.

• Oops... sorry.

• Are you blind or what? Don't you see where you're walking empty headed beast?

• I said I was sorry.

• It doesn't change the result idiot, I lost all my merchandise thanks to you... you stupid brainless animal.

I snort, annoyed by this pesky human.

• Hey scaly asshole are you listening to me?

• No and please shut up your voice gives me headache.

• How dare you!

He draw a small gun and point it at me.

• I'm gonna make you pay for this.

I growl, barring my fangs.

• I'd like to see you try.

• Don't push me dragon. Your scales are thick but you're not bullet proof.

• Dare to shoot at me and I'll tear you apart.

• Calm down! Calm down both of you!

The sergeant pushed me back, grabs the man's gun and put it in a small bag. "You;" he point me with a finger; "you leave this man alone, I don't want to put anyone of you in jail or have clean your mess so please keep your claws on the god damn ground and your mouth shut.

The man brutally grab him by the shoulder and turn him around.

• He destroyed my merchandise! Do you know how much it cost?

• It's not my problem.

• Do you want to ruin me?

• Not my fucking problem. If you have any complain please take an audit with the emperor's intendant and don't bother me with your bullshit.

The man leaves yelling at me.

• We will meet again dragon, I promise you.

• Yeah yeah let's say... what about... never.

• Kyo keep your mouth shut for once would you?

• I have something to stuff it and make sure he won't bother us again for a long time. Offer Tarken.

• Not now dragons... please not in public. Pleaded the guard, horrified by the thought.

• You're right. Approve Allen. This is not the right place or time.

*We continue our long walk through the city streets still so full of people walking, chatting, making signs, some other yelling to attract clients.

• Fresh fish! Fresh fish from the western seas! Look at my fish! For two silver coins it's yours.

• Don't look so fresh. Grunt Tarken with a disgusted face.

• Spices of the new world! Come here and taste those new tastes!

• No thanks. I cough, my nostrils assaulted by the spicy scent of a red powder.

• Swords! Axes! Shields! The best selection of weapons of all Novalis here for you today! The best blade from all around the world gathered in my humble shop! Weapons only for the braves and the bold, sharpened like razorblades, unbreakable, capable of cutting everything, even dragon scales. Those are only for the bravest, the boldest, and the greatest warriors ready to fight the mightiest creatures.

• Let me be the judge of that. Yell Kyle in return.

He walks to the merchant.

• Ahh! I see we have someone who has the guts... and the credits to use one of those... Hey, hey, hey what are you doing!

Kyle just grabs a sword.

• Tarken would you kindly be my test subject for a little experiment? He asked with a honey coated voice.

• Gladly. Answer Tarken with a fake smile.

Kyle then stab Tarken with the sword. It just bounce against the hard scales of Tarken's chest. He tries again and again, Tarken yawning when the sword hits him until the blade curves then simply breaks.

The crowd gasp in shock as they see the pretty looking weapon break like a leaf.

Kyle take another sword, even though the merchant harshly protests then twist it with so much ease the merchant makes himself as small as he can.

• Those swords are nothing more than fakes you sell for... one thousands golden coins! Crook!

The crowd repeat it, rushing on the merchant who run away under the rocks and insults.

The sergeant takes a deep breath, mumbling something like "what a great day" and give a few orders to some other guards to calm the ragging crowd ravaging the merchants shop with carnal rage.

• Can we continue? Ask Tarken.

• We're only waiting for you.

We go further in the strange city, so big and so narrowed at the same time; big for its impressive houses and monuments but narrow by the roads never meant for dragons.

• How can dragons live in here? I ask after almost crushing a child who looks at me with amazed eyes.

• They don't Kyo. Answer Zarakay's rider. We have our own place.

• Where?

• A dozen kilometers away, well hidden in the mountain, I'll show it to you.

• I can't wait.

• You'll have to.

We arrive in a large place as crowded as the rest leading to a large stair like road climbing along a mountain side. It take us *quite some time to get to the top, into a more luxurious *sector where the streets are larger and the houses even more decorated with gold and circled by a large garden. Finally we reach the center where a mountain like structure *rises from the ground, from up close it look like a strangely shaped house than a real mountain. The large door at its entrance is made of pure metal. The giant structure is separated from the city by a large and deep hole which ends on deadly spikes emerging from a greenish water.

• It don't look to good below.

• It's pure acid silly.

• Does the emperor fears an attack?

• Of course idiot we're in the middle of a war.

• I had forgotten.

*- Hey you, what do you want! Yell a guard from the other side of the hole.

• They must see the emperor right now!

• Sorry they'll have to wait.

• It's a direct order! Yell a rider before throwing him a large parchment. The guards look bored but open it and gasp in shock.

• Deploy the bridge. He yell his face white like he had seen a ghost.

From slits in the rock I hadn't even noticed appear a large and thick metal road held by a strange system of cranks and pistons while pillars rise from the water and come in contact with the bridge, inserting themselves in there rightful places. When the bridge is finally fully built I discover a huge metal structure richly decorated moved by another miracle of human technology. Where we have a total mastery of energy they compensate by their knowledge of mechanism and machinery and their capacity to build what they lack and find new way to overcome difficulties. We cross the gap and arrive in front of the now nervous guard in his shiny golden armor.

• My apology sir riders....

We growl.

• And mighty dragons. He add, shaking in fear. I... wasn't expecting you... today.

• It's forgiven.

• It's just... the emperor ordered us to not let anyone enter unless it was important or if they had an official document... like this one. I was just following orders.

• We understand and forgive you, just be kind and get those doors open.

• Open the doors! Yells the guard.

In an instant those door slam open, revealing a large covered court yard, the roof being made of glass letting sunlight flow inside.

• Magnificent... I mumble.

We enter this place and walk on the cold stone floor. I can't stop from taking a look around. I see those large trees making a natural roof above us, losing plenty of small leafs who rain down on us. I hear the gurgling sound of water and discover some small artificial river, on the side between the two lines of trees, their source being two dragon head statues spitting jets of clear water. It's only then I realize the ground below me feet is slightly wet and I discover thousands of rivulets in the stone where water draws a strange figure in the stone.

*The guards lead us to another huge door opened by another mechanism. Behind this new door is a corridor who seems to have no end. We enter, the ground is covered of a thick carpet and the wall decorated with imperial banners, paintings of ancient emperors and other important people and other things like old items under thick glass. Throughout the corridor I see several doors differently shaped, some are just wooden panel the size of an average human, other are big enough to allow two dragons to walk in simultaneously. Every door is kept by two or more guards either wearing long spears or sword or handling big guns.

I take quick glances, through open doors, of large rooms, a library filled with even more books than we can dream of, a dining room with a table made for at least... a hundred person or more and so many other things I can't describe them all.

This castle is kind of chilly compared to the almost unbearable warmth of the outside.

• Why is this place so... huge?

• Don't you get it Kyo? The emperor has his own dragon.

• Really.

• Yes and it's quite a large one.

• How large?

• You'll see soon enough.

I gulp nervously.

• Here we are. Announced the guard, designating a large door made of pure gold incused with gems, on them drawn the imperial Sigel and a crown.

• Stop! Shout two muscular soldiers, blocking the access with two long and shiny spears. No one enters.

• They must see the emperor.

• I said no one enters. Return to your post soldier Pavel.

• They have an official authorization.

• Show it to me.

He gives them the parchment; the guard reads it and nod.

• Open the gates.

With the help of the other soldier he push the two heavy shiny doors, unveiling a large room with barrel vaulted ceiling held *by a line of thick, richly decorated marble pillars leading straight to an immense golden throne. The same red carpet covers the ground.

All the group freeze in the entrance.

• Come on go ahead he doesn't bite... well only if you deserve it.

We all shake nervously, cold sweat running down my spine.

• Lets not make him wait too long I guess.... I mumble, unsure.

• Do you have any other idea?

• I'd like to.

We enter, walking slowly on the thick carpet; in other situations I'd love to observe and appreciate the pretty throne room with all those mythical objects intelligently displayed around us, counting the story of this realm. The thing I notice is a display with a small cushion enclosed by a thick glass. But the whole thing is empty. There is only a small panel saying something in a language I don't understand and I know it's not the right time to ask Allen for a translation.

I focus on what appear in front of us. There, sitting on his throne, a large cape on his shoulders, a long white bird; *piercing blue eyes, a face marked by age; a long sword lying against the throne in its sheath, holding a long golden scepter with a large ruby at its top.

Next to him is a tall man dressed in a long black and gold robe holding a smaller scepter too; he looks younger but in his eyes **I see the wisdom of a powerful man used to the misteries of powers, a man who knows exactly what he is doing, how and why he does it.

He stares at us for quite some time, making us a sign to hold still.

• Emperor Ballus, the group of riders you sent on this mission of yours.... His eyes sticks to me for too long. And a thief.

• Thank you Intendant Garreth I have eyes. Leave us be.

• As you wish my emperor.

**He bows respectfully and leaves by a lateral exit.

• Emperor. They all say, bowing before him, humans and dragon alike. Only I and Tarken stay up, doubting, unsure of the behavior we must adopt.

• You don't have to bow before me my dear riders. He say with a warm smile. How went your mission?

• Our mission... was a success my emperor. Answer Zehyr's rider. The beast is dead, the farmers safe again.

• And is what had been stolen back to where it truly belongs.

He gets up and walk to us, eyes fixated on Allen. This armor suits you well young man.

• Thanks... my... emperor. Mumble Allen.

• And I hope you'll put all those... equipment's to good use for your country.

*- I will... I promise on my own life.

• Can I know your name?

• Allen....

• Well Allen I'm glad to have you on our side. He say, vigorously shaking Allen's hand.

He then walks to me.

• I think I know what is in those bags but I'd like to hear you say it.

• Eggs... all the eggs... I had stolen from you and your riders. I whisper, eyes fixated on my claws.

*The warm contact of his large hand makes me shiver.

• You took the right decision.

• I hope. I whisper.

• How can I call you?

• Kyo....

• Kyo... I'd like to know a few things.

• Tell me... I'll answer any question you might have?

*- What brought you to our lands and even more... what made you change your mind?

• It's orders that brought me here... a bargain...... I had to bring all those things to my homeland in exchange of my freedom.

• You weren't free?

*- No... I... was... imprisoned... enduring several years... for things I never wanted to do.

• What does it mean exactly?

• I killed... more than can be accepted or forgiven.

The emperor's eyes darken slightly.

• Dragons or human?

• Dragons.

• Why?

**- I'll explain you... later. If you want to know why I came to *the decision to come back... its... complex.

• Tell me more... go ahead....

• First... there was... Allen... I couldn't take the risk of having us killed because they discovered the bond linking us. The second reason is... it's hard to explain. Let's just say I've seen their true nature... the truth hidden behind the veils of lies they blinded us with for so many years.

• Stop speaking like this Kyo would you? Tell me everything.

• My lands are lost. I explode. My kind is lost, drowned in corruption and blinded by lies.

• What do you mean by corruption?

• My kind is infected... by a plague that goes beyond what you *can even imagine, it infected all of us... almost all of us... ****subdues us, forces us to submission, turns us into good *obedient pets... transforms us into monsters.

• And you... aren't you infected by this... diseases?

• No... I'm... immune to it.

• By what means?

• A good example is better than hours of talk's right? I'll show you.

I close my eyes and, when I reopen them my right one as ***shifted colors. I let Kaos' dark energy flood into my veins, my flesh, scales, bones shifting, mutating in all possible ***manner. The emperor doesn't even flinch.

When I talk, the deep dark voice who get pass my lips sounds... alien even to me.

• We are... immune to this because we are already infected... by the very soul of one of them.

Kaos takes pleasure in letting his words fall like a death sentence.

*- It prevents this plague from infecting us, corrupting our mind and taking over us because we've already gone through it.

They all gasp in horror.

*****- We are more than powerful enough to resist, enough to mess up their plan... it's why they want us... why they want me.

I take the power back and take a deep breath.

• What you just saw is....

• Kaos... I know.

• What! How?

*- We're not idiots Kyo. We are aware of dragon legends... and also your shadow has been floating over my family for too long.

I can clearly hear Kaos gasp.

• What does he mean?

• Later.

• Ok.

**The emperor draws his sword and point it at my chest, the *tip pressed against my scales.

*- Listen carefully demon. It's because you're not under your *true form now that I won't pierce your heart with my sword. If you dare to do something against my people…

*- It won't happen... never. We promised at the same time.

• Fine... I see we can come to an agreement. No. Kyo tell me how you ended with this inside you.

• He... he found shelter in my body... a few years ago... at *first he just took control of my body for some short periods of time and messed up with my memories then... with years he became more... present.

• Now I help him. He adds.

• You help him... by imposing yourself on him, forcing him to *deal with your burden... what a bargain. You let a child; no offense Kyo; a child try to master your demonic wrath.

*- I don't want him to master it... he is just a shell protecting me.

• Thanks Kaos.

• Sorry Kyo... my words overcame my thought.

• So he is nothing to you.

• I don't seek a new master to submit to.

• But you must know as much as I that in this state you're very unstable... both of you.

*- I know... idiot! Insignificant human whelp!

• Careful with your words Kaos... a deadly stab can so quickly happened.

*Kaos appear next to me, a smoky black cloud. Listen... Ballus. I'm not here... like before... not here to sneak behind *your walls and claim a few lives in His name... today... it's different, things have changed and now... I'm searching for a shelter... a place to hide.

• You're not on His side anymore?

*- No... like I said... Things have changed.

• Well... welcome. Enemies of my enemies are my friend's right?

• Thanks for your benevolence and understanding emperor Ballus... you'll have nothing to fear from me.

• I hope Kaos... I hope... for your own sake.

Kaos smiles.

• Well... now that the "presentations" are done can we get to *the point?

• Of course my emperor. Approve Kyle.

He finally notice him.

• Can I ask who you are?

• The only thing you have to know is that we are friends.

*The emperor nods in acknowledgment then say.

• Follow me please.

*****We obey and let him take the lead. He leads us into in another room next to the throne room. We see a large table covered with maps and reports and other military stuff. There **beside it is the emperor's son Ulrick, who is observing the maps with interest.

• First things first what do you want exactly Kyo?

• A new beginning. I answer. A place to start a new life and leave all the shadows of my past behind.

• And you Kaos?

• As long as you can ensure my protection I have nothing to ask from you.

*- And you.... He looked at Tarken and Kyle.

• Oh sorry my name is Kyle and this big horny scalie sack here is Tarken.

• Nice to meet you.

*- We have no particular demands Emperor Ballus... we go *wherever they go, we protect them and help them in their journey. Someone by your side is never useless when you face darkness and its creatures.

• Fine.

The son of the emperor; Ulrick walks to us and observe me in silence before a smile curl his lips.

• I see you made the right choice dragon.

I keep silence.

*- Well... father... allow me to call the guards and bring those eggs back to who they truly belong to.

• Don't even dare to touch them. I hiss.

• I think my dragon wants to do it himself. Quickly say Allen, saving my ass.

• I see... I see. Well there is no problem with it... as long as you don't fly away with them once again.

• It won't happen...I'm here for good.

• It's good to know. I'd have some other things to talk about with you but it can wait. Take your time and have some rest. We will meet here tomorrow.

• I agree.

• I'll give you a document allowing you to fly above the city.

• Thanks emperor.

He write a short order on a paper, apply his Sigel on it, and *roll it and hands it to us.

• You shouldn't have any problem with the guards.

We bend with respect before him.

• You can take off from the balcony here.

We walk to the said place and take off one by one, leaving the city in minutes.

• So where do we go?

• Just follow us and don't ask questions.