FSE

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The sun shone bright on the glorious kingdom of Drakunia. Home of not only the dragons, but all who wish to live a life of equality and happiness thrived within the mighty walls. The Dragons have for Hundreds of thousands of years flourished here in the northern reaches of Ageistashia, making a kingdom worthy of the ancestors themselves. Many believe that they accomplished this task.

The Capital is situated on Mount Eldner where it elevated on multiple levels, connected by many networks of stairs and workable elevators throughout the city. The first level of course consisting of many workshops and factories where the kingdoms daily wares were constructed and distributed to the public. Many markets and stores sat on this level, making transport of goods simple for all involved. The second level is a vast network of caves which served as the dragons laying grounds and obsidian stone constructed buildings for the common creature's residency, many of which were built for the treaty drafters, creatures of all shapes and sizes who came to live in the capital after the war of the kingdoms: Lions, Lizards, Birds even residents of various wolf clans grew tired of the war and decided that Drakunia was a better option. These creatures either worked for gold in various jobs and professions in the aid of the kingdom or simply served to help the dragons vast military. The Third level is far more glorious and eye pleasing though all of Drakunia has its charm. Ever flowing fountains, lush gardens and many high retail stores for the richer residents are entwined throughout this level. Since many dragons believed themselves above many of the other creatures of the land every Draconic resident was housed on this level, buildings of the finest architecture reserved for no one but the dragons themselves. Only creatures of the highest honour could live among the dragons on this level. It also holds many historical buildings of distinction and importance, including the Royal War Court, the Grand Hall and the Temple. Finally, the final two levels consisted of the Royal Gardens on the fourth level and the Castle itself on the fifth.

Th castle itself was a construction of legend and was the very essence of Draconic pride and mastery. Built during the reign of the Ancients it has held against time for as long as Dragons history itself.

A massive towering Square built building made of various complex minerals and stones including: Obsidian, Marble and various types of reinforced stone that rivals' Diamonds in strength and beauty. The castle contains hundreds of chambers on multiple floors going all the way to its towering square towers of which there are several. The Main stair case from the royal garden leads to a reinforced gateway which is controlled by 8 mechanisms that will only work if all 8 elements are used in each selected device. Once the machine is activated the gate will open to a series of Obsidian built bridges across a wide chasm which is a part of the mountain the castle uses for defence and support. The bridges sit on different levels of the castle and gives access to many of the lower floors. The Bridges if an invading army reaches them are designed to turn sideways on their support pillars to deny access for any creature that can't fly. The largest of these bridges leads to the Castles main gate which is open during the day to allow servants access to the castles main floor. This floor holds various rooms for day to day life as a Royal including the Royal Medical Wing and the Barracks for the Royal Guard. Many staircases lead upstairs to each level for the creatures without wings. But for Dragons there is a balcony at each floor large enough allow entry to multiple adult Dragons at once. Every floor above the main entrance holds various dining rooms grand rooms and guest rooms. The top floor before the towers of course. Is reserved for the royal family itself. The below floors are reserved for the servant quarters, Food and wine keeps and the Royal Vault which contains the Royal Treasury as well as the entrance to a secret passage to outside the Kingdom itself. Each tower contains cells where prisoners would be interrogated and held if the city's main prison was full or a castle arrest was commenced.

Though the Kingdom is a land of peace and prosperity, the capitals defence is a true force of draconic might. Great walls surround the capital made of an ancient stone so strong even the Dragons themselves couldn't break through it even if they tried. Many sight towers and defence engines are strategically placed so no area is vulnerable, each level of the kingdom holds another wall of equal strength but smaller size. Making the capital impenetrable to all ground forces.

But what of the air.

Dragons are usually an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. But that did not stop them constructing machines of war so deadly, it would make a warrior cringe to see them assembled in battle. Ballista's so powerful they can pick of an invading force from a half league away, Catapults that fire explosive balls of disorientating gas and large golden cannons that has the ability to fire the dragon who operates its elemental power giving the dragons the most unbreakable defence in the known kingdoms.

Despite the tranquillity of the capital. Not every dragon has made it their home. Many dragons and creatures have made the forests and countryside their home, building many towns and villages outside of the capital. Though far more dangerous, they raise their young in their own values and tradition. Making some of the villagers quite strange to their city dwelling counterparts.

But the capital is where the true vibrance and glory of the Dragons comes to fruition, and is a sight to behold for all who travel to its walls.

Aloura saw all of the cities glorious visage as she leapt from the royal libraries marble balcony taking in the sights, the smells, the air and the sensations all in one thrilling breath. She has always loved to fly, ever since she was just a hatchling she would leap as high as she can practicing for the day that she could finally spread her wings and take to the sky, and when that day came, she never stopped. Every day she would soar for hours on end and never look back, even her father could never keep up with her. He always wondered at her flying abilities and believed that she was truly a worthy dragon to rule as queen one day.

Aloura frowned as this thought crossed her mind. She didn't want to rule, she could never carry the bourdon of the entire dragon race on her shoulders. The mere thought made her shiver. "What if `the public hated me. What if I fail as a ruler of my people?" Aloura shook her head and looked into the Gardens below where many flowers grew among the ponds and streams. I could never live up to these expectations that I am to be assigned with. My father will have to rule for ever. She thought with a slight smile on her face. I could imagine it now. My father a king for eternity.

Aloura was so preoccupied with these thoughts, she didn't notice a shadow pass over her body or the ever-increasing sounds of muffled giggling and slight change of wind around her body.

Until it was too late.

Just as she realised what was happening. With a feminine squeal of excitement, Zenr wrapped all four of her limbs around Alouras waist and pinned her wings with her own. Usually Aloura is way too swift for the likes of Zenr to catch her despite being of the same family Zenr could never fully grasp Alouras love of the skies and much preferred to play on the ground or much more preferably in the water. Making Aloura almost impossible to catch in the air.

Not this time.

Before Aloura knew it, she was plummeting to the ground below. Reaching speeds way too quick to pull up from even if she tried.

"Zenr are you crazy let go!" Aloura cried fearfully as they approached the ground. The crazy teenager didn't respond merely giggled and held on tighter wrapping herself tighter around her sister's white scales. Expecting the worst Aloura closed her eyes and waited for the scale splitting, bone shattering ground that she knew was coming, barely making out her sisters' words as they plummeted ever closer the ground. "What did you say!" Aloura screeched as she tried in vain to get loose of her crazy deranged sibling. "I said hold your breath." She answered between giggles. Aloura opened her eyes briefly and looked down. They were swiftly approaching one of the Royal Gardens many ponds. Though small they were quite deep and would easily slow a plummeting dragon to a stop before she splatters herself on the bottom. Aloura took a deep breath and held it as they met the water.

"SSSPLASH!!" They met the water at high speed and instantly found the bottom. The pond was just deep enough to prevent injury it didn't mean it was a pleasant experience, Aloura grunted as they hit the bottom. Jarring her tail bones ever so slightly where her tail met her backside. It immediately yelled at her for doing such a stupid thing to herself by sending pain along her spine and tail.

"You really need to calm yourself sometimes you exaggerate way too much." Zenr giggled as she pulled her sister off the bottom. One of the Water dragon lines vast abilities is the ability to speak and breath underwater, which gives them the ability to live entirely underwater for years without the need to surface. Aloura could only grunt angrily at her sister's remark as she started her swim to the top. It didn't take long to find the surface.

With a gasp of pure exasperated relief, she burst from the surface of the water and swam to the edge. She then turned around to see her sister still giggling and drying herself immediately with her powers, while she was still wet and now cold. Another thing they were capable of. "What the hell is wrong with you!" "We could have died." Aloura growled in near burning rage as her sister still giggling sat calmly in front of her with a smug grin upon her snout. "What! You said catch me and I caught you what's the big idea? I thought we were playing." She commented smugly and looked her trembling in rage sister up and down. "Besides you needed a bath. Really Aloura you need to wash those scales they were nearly brown." Aloura was mad. Absolutely and without doubt ready to give her sister the fight she wanted and make sure she didn't get up. But a slight movement on her sisters left back leg caught her attention as she sat in front of her. It was small and brown and long.

Aloura smiled.

A Leech was making its way up her sisters' leg and was now trying to latch to her scales. Aloura couldn't help but smile broadly as it found its mark. Zenr was absolutely terrified of leeches and Aloura was going to get the payback she was looking for all morning.

"What's so funny?" Zenr asked as her just moments ago raging sister now took on the smug and triumphant look herself held moments before.

"Oh, nothing I'm just glad you found that friend you've been wanting all this time." Aloura smiled innocently as her sister frowned and looked at her sister with more interest. "What do you mean."

"Back left thigh."

Zenr froze as Aloura said those words. It was like a magic switch turned her off at that exact moment. She knew that Zenr figured it out and with one fearful groan Zenr looked over to her left side and examined her back left thigh.

Just as the leech started to suck her blood from her scales.

What followed was the loudest scream anyone had ever heard within the capital's walls. A screech of utter terror and mind melting fear. Zenr jumped so high that she put any Olympian to shame and screamed so loud the water rippled from the assault of her voice. "Get it of me! Get it of me! Get it of me! Get it of me! Get it of meeeeeeeeeee!" Zenr screeched as she ran around and around trying to shake off the hungry blood sucker.

Aloura at this point was in no condition to help and had collapsed on the ground as she flailed about shaking with a joyful laughter so intense, she could barely breath. She finally got her payback after a whole morning of taking her little sisters taunts and jokes she finally got revenge.

And revenge was sweet.

But it was short lived as a shadow fell over Alouras tear streaked face. "Aloura what happened to Zenr?" Tamatsu asked worriedly as he watched the princess run around screeching in terror. Tamatsu had just left the castle to run some chores and meet Hydia at the training grounds when he heard the splash followed shortly by the scream and ran over to find Aloura seemingly unable to breath and a Dragoness Princess in a fit of terror. Aloura looked up past her tears to see a rather troubled looking Tamatsu his faced creased with concern. Aloura rolled her eyes and sat up finally able to catch her breath after about a solid minute of non-stop laughing. "Oooh nothing. Zenr met a friend is all." Aloura said in her most innocent sounding voice as she sniffled back her giggle. Tamatsu sighed and stood up, instantly knowing what troubled the Dragoness. After all its not the first time Zenr saw a leech. Zenr was now sliding on the grass trying to get the slimy mollusc off of her leg though not very successfully, the creature was holding fast and was not letting go. "Zenr just take it off with your claws!" Tamatsu shouted at the still screeching Dragoness. Zenr knew she could take it off with her paws, of course she did she wasn't stupid!

Just touching it though.

Zenr gagged at the thought as she finally settled down enough to turn and face Tamatsu who looked like a mother treating a Childs sore knee, his face was strewn with concern as he calmly walked over and knelt next too Zenr's Back left thigh. "Just stay calm ok. It won't hurt." He explained gently as he reached for the still squirming creature. "Ok." Zenr breathed as she tightly closed her eyes and waited it out.

"Ok done."

Zenr one again opened her eyes and was greeted by Tamatsu and Aloura who was still smiling hard on the brink of laughing. The Leech was nowhere to be seen as she quickly looked herself over and then shivered in revulsion.

"Ancestors I hate leeches." She shivered one final time and took on a more dignified posture.

"Wow really? Couldn't tell from the screeching." Aloura said in a satisfied tone smirking as Zenr checked herself one last time.

"You could have helped." Zenr shot her a poisonous look.

"And let you miss out on making new friends. Whatever for?"

Tamatsu smiled as they continued this game of sibling jibes and taunts that he has grown to know so well from the two over the years. Though they always argue in this matter followed by harmless pranks and tricks they never overstep the boundary of sibling bond they hold together, never go over the edge and act upon their threats and always treat it like it never happened moments later. This kind of bond always made him wonder how his own siblings are doing.

Wherever they are.

"Besides you have been up all morning it was fun to see you crumble so early." Aloura smiled at her glowering young sister. "and it wasn't my fault leeches love you."

"Whatever. Let's go." Zenr Huffed in a frustrated tone. She was beaten for now.

She smiled slightly.

For now.

"Yes, you two must hurry Hydia is waiting for you and you shouldn't disappoint her." Tamatsu exclaimed as he ran to the gate of the royal gardens and headed down the first flight of steps.

"But aren't you joining us?" Zenr Yelled as the Lizard jogged away

"I'll be by later!" He exclaimed as he ran around the main gates and out of sight

Aloura and Zenr both smiled Knowingly at each other as they watched him run. Their argument already forgotten they once again took to the sky.

With both of them having enough of the games for now. They flew side by side this time, keeping within talk distance of each other as they made their way to the grand hall. Zenr turned her head to look at Aloura who was once again focused on something else. Zenr frowned, it's not like her to be so unfocused during flight and Zenr was as surprised as Aloura was when she caught her.

She usually never catches her.

She narrowed her eyes further at her sister. Years of being as bonded as they do tends to give them a sense of when either one of them is troubled or in trouble. It's like a feeling or an idea that pops into your head randomly.

A Sixth sense.

"Alright Aloura, speak up. I'm sick of your distracted distant looks for today, what's on your mind."

Aloura blinked and looked back at Zenr quizzically. "What do you mean?" she said rather uneasily.

Zenr shifted closer in the air and gave her sister a stern but concerned look. "You have been distracted all morning and I want to know why?"

Aloura looked away and into the city below, all those people, people who will one day look up to herself and her sister. People who will one day need their guidance and council, for their will to be strong and lead the entirety of Drakunia to a greater future. How can I be responsible for so many lives, so many people who have lived countless more experiences than me and contain much more knowledge of how the world truly works. To even think of becoming Queen I would have to gain knowledge and experience myself. But how?

"Aloura! Don't just ignore me I asked you if you are alright!"

"Yes! Sorry." Aloura looked back at her sisters angry but concerned eyes. So bright and full of life. She was always the way to relieve the stresses of the world, always so carefree and uncaring of the little things, never leaving my side until she knew whatever was hurting me was gone. She would be a perfect Queen, and with her joyous nature at her side she would never be truly alone. But even she surely has her limits. Aloura decided then and there she wouldn't tell her sister what was truly going on. She couldn't bear to see her fall into the pit of pressure and decisions she herself has always wallowed in.

Ever since their mother died.

"I was just worried that he wasn't really my friend like you said, and it was just my imagination after all." She smiled meekly.

At first Zenr cocked her head confused but after a short while a glimmer of understanding crossed her eyes. "Really? That's why your so distracted today?"

Aloura nodded.

Zenr zipped forward and stopped her sister mid-air, leaving both girls hovering in front of one another. She then came closer and pulled Aloura into a tight hug. "Sis I was joking! I'm sure he would love to be your friend. I mean I love being your friend and I'm your sister so you know that you have got what it takes to convince someone else."

Aloura was so choked up she could barely breath. From both the nice compliment and the fact that her sister was nearly choking her with how hard she had her in her grasp. She was glad though that Zenr couldn't see her face as it was slowly turning pink with the blush that crept across her cheeks.

"Besides." Zenr said as she pulled out of the hug letting her sister breath once more and bumping her with her clenched claws. "If he says no you can always make him. You are royalty after all." She said with a wink.

Aloura rolled her eyes at the stupid joke, receiving a slight giggle from her sister. "Thanks. I'll remember that, it can go into my how to be a tyrant royal hand book, I can write it and you can be my inspiration.

Zenr crossed her arms and tried to look gruff and imposing, which made her look more like she is trying to hold in a fart. "Do not speak to me in such flagrant disregard for tact and civility slave!" she brought her arm down swiftly in one motion like an executioner's axe. "Off with your head!" She yelled in the deepest female voice she could muster which sounded rather good considering her acting skills.

Aloura sighed with a smile across her snout. "Come on her majesty we must reach training before we are late."

"Do not tell me how to live my life. I am coming in your direction only because I want to!" and with that last remark her 'Majesty' followed her sister towards the hall.

The rest of the trip was uneventful filled only with the noises of each other's flapping wings. What was supposed to be a 5-minute flight ascended to 30minutes after the morning's events. So, by the time they finally sat claws on the main steps of the great hall they were met by a highly agitated Hydia who was not pleased that they made her wait so long.

"Where were you two! I said meet me in ten minutes and that was half an hour ago!" Hydia stomped her paw into the stone step so hard that people could have sworn it shook. Hydia at some point during their departure had removed her armour to train with the princesses more interactively. Her bare paws now stood Angrily upon the steps of the Grand hall.

Aloura hung her head in shame. She was right they shouldn't have been so late. Usually Zenr would fight back if someone other than family spoke to her in such a manner but as Aloura glanced across at her usually defensive sister she too was quiet. Hydia in their eyes was family. They had known her since they hatched and she was always there to help if they needed it.

Especially after mother died.

"We are sorry Hydia." Aloura spoke softly not wanting to aggravate the fire Dragoness further. "We merely were playing and lost track of time.

Hydia's eyes softened immediately at the young girl's soft voice. She could never stay mad at Aloura or Zenr for long. How could she, they were the closest thing to family she had left after the initial war with the dark forces. She lost everything she held dear in that war and for that she joined the royal guard where she was assigned to guard the queen during her laying cycle. The moment her two eggs hatched she knew she had to become their teacher and guide so they would be able to defend themselves like she never could that fateful day. Hydia shoed the memories away with a soft shake of her head.

She will never let these girls experience her pain.

Never.

The girls had already lost their mother to the dark forces when they were mere hatchlings. After that the girls saw her more and more as a mother for them as they tried to remember what she was like. Hydia looked at the two depressed snouts of the girls she loves like they were her own, and knew then and there she would always protect them as long as fire still ran in her veins and her soul resided in this world.

She brought her head down to meet the two girls and licked them both. Receiving a surprised gasp from the young Dragons. "As long as you two didn't forget about me we're good.

"No, we never did!" Zenr said shaking her head quickly as if to add emphasis to her words "I never forget you. Ever, you are too pretty to forget." She said while nodding quickly obviously pleased with her way of handling he situation.

Both Hydia and Aloura chuckled at Zenr's demonstration which was soo over the top as usual. "As much as I love watching Zenr's acting skills thrive on these steps. Maybe we should train?"

"Hey I'm not acting; I was genuinely genuine." Zenr protested in a huff as she followed Hydia into the hall followed by Aloura.

As they walked up the grand stairs Aloura remembered Tamatsu. "Tamatsu said he'll be by later." she explained to Hydia.

Hydia snorted and rolled her eyes. "Of course," she said with a huff and preceded up the steps

The Grand Hall was a true triumph or Draconic architecture. Situated on the third level of the city, the building was the meeting place for the Royals and the public where they would bring their concerns in the face of the Royal Court. It is also the home of the high council of elemental elders which aids the Royal family in daily public manners and were the representatives of each of Dragon kinds elemental power type. The vast building also contains Drackunia's High Court, and is the heart of the cities justice system. Built hundreds of thousands of years ago during the reign of the Two Kings to uphold peace in the capital and all of Drakunia. Well, that's what the scholars will say. Zenr just calls it the Home of the Elderly because most of the High council of elders are thousands of years old.

The building is truly spectacular, built nearly entirely of pure Marble from its high sitting steps to its artistic front arches depicting battles of the past. The roof of the Hall is made of a dark red fire proof shale designed to bring strength and beauty to its frame the front arch is supported by strong Obsidian statues each depicting a different ancestor in an image of war. Climbing its steps to its main entrance. You are greeted by three different doors all made of Marble and carved showing Dimistus the Dragon of war. Each had a handle in the shape of a dragon's claw at the end of the great war Dragon's paw which depicted the mighty Dragon pointing towards you menacingly. To access the building, one must brave his wrath and push on his talon releasing the mechanism and opening the door. The middle door is huge and is built to allow any size dragon to enter without trouble. The left door is made for bipedal creatures such as the Lizards or the Felines to allow them entry without the need to push on such a heavy door. And the door on the right was the smallest of all and made specifically for the Birds of the kingdom. Each door was opened during public hours without the need to have any citizen open them. The building's layout was simple in its extravagant glory. The construct was split into a top floor and the bottom chambers, the top floor held the Elders bed chambers and their everyday living quarters as well as the meeting room where they conduct their meeting with any who are 'fortunate enough' to be called upon. The lower level is far more public, the lower level is split sideways into three different chambers each quite large in their own right. The first being the Royal greeting chamber, where the public would meet with Royals to let them speak their concern. The second was the Royal court where justice was served to all who disrupted the cities order further than the standard guard could carry out a punishment. And the third was the largest of the three. It held the Royal training grounds in which members of the Royal family and high ranking military personal would train themselves to become Generals or merely test their strength against one another. To access this room the first chamber contained side entrances on either side of the room to a large corridor which then led all the way to the back of the building allowing free flowing access to all rooms without the need to disrupt the happenings of each room. It was also designed so if a criminal managed to get free in the court room, he would have to reach these side corridors, run all the way down and get out through the main entrance. This was impossible of course as guards were stationed all along the buildings corridor and main entrance to ensure non escape.

Thankfully no guards were needed at this time of the morning. The building was almost empty.

They made their way to the corridors and to the training room without meeting a single soul, all was quiet and calm.

All except the training room.

The training room was a the largest of the chambers but a rather simple looking room that was a full hundred and ten yards from the door to the back of the room and 60 yards from side pillar to side pillar. It consisted of two large sand filled arenas that took up much of the chamber save for the large spectacle stand built into the left side of the room, the arenas were raised and lined by Obsidian stones that also left a small gap in the middle of the room separating the two arenas. The spectator stand was the same stone as the building itself. Many Braziers lined the rooms walls as well as the arena. They magically lit when the large glassless windows cut high into the chamber to bring maximum light no longer lit the room enough for use. Also lining the massive room was a series of tapestry each depicting various points of Draconic warriors' triumph.

The sounds of grunts and gasps were the first thing they were greeted by when they first opened the Training rooms reinforced door. They were met with the sight of four elderly Dragons battling it out on the sand covered training floor. These Dragons were four of the eight elemental elders of the city.

The first was a flame red Dragon by the name of Torrentor who was the representative of the fire element, quite short with a large fan like frill on his head. Though not normal among male Dragons he had no back spines which he was quite sensitive about. His tail ended in a cone shaped spear head which was as silver as his claws and wing blades. His Furious red eyes showed no tolerance of anything he finds Dismissive.

With a roar of aged defiance, he launched himself at his opponent. Swinging his claws forwards to slice his foe in half with his furious attack. Which was parried calmly by Weiryme the water elder, and with a simple flick of his tail flipped the angry fire elder onto his back. He chuckled.

"You are sometimes a little too cranky for your own good Tory." He said offering a helping paw to his fallen comrade.

The Fire dragon huffed as he took the paw and was heaved back on all four. "Best out of three." He said in a frustrated huff.

"But Tory. I won best out of three six times already. Are you sure?" Weiryme said with a soft smile.

"Just do it! And stop calling me Tory!" The fire elder roared and once again launched at the calmly awaiting Water dragon.

Elder Weiryme is probably the calmest and most easy going elder of the council. A dragon of many talents but few concerns. The dragon's scales were Teal green with matching eyes, quite tall but skinny from maw to rump. He is missing his tail end which he would rather not talk about it only says "It was for the best of the kingdom" his silvery claws and teal wings are said to be unstoppable in battle. Though Aloura never knew what anyone meant by that.

A large thump averted Alouras attention from the pair and onto the other half of the party training the same way at the other side of the training room. A rather talkative yellow Electric dragon was facing off against a rather round looking earth dragon. The Electric dragon had a solid grip on the earth dragons' tail which he was using as leverage as the earth dragon with great exertion tried to get it back.

"Did you know in battle. The dragon's tail can be easily exploited if used against your opponent." The electric dragon spoke so quickly that you could barely register the question before he continued. "It's a simple trick of dragon anatomy that even a simple bipedal feline warrior can use against us, though for some reason they don't. Strange, but who needs them knowing our weaknesses. Mistumas usually has a lot to say. And in rapid tones too. Though still quite old the elements have not slowed his speech one bit. In fact; some say he has broken speech records in all the kingdoms in the past 70 years! He is slim though a strong master of his elements and can easily match all his fellow Electrics in battle; though prefers to beat them in their minds. Is a solid electric yellow with gun metal grey adorning his undertail and chest. Same shade wraps his claws, his horns which sit straight outwards in an electric bolt like fashion, and back fins; intelligent and excited orange eyes scan his surroundings.

"Though you my friend need a delicate diet for your rather circular looking abdomen. I can recommend you to some of my friends in the dragon scientific circle that could help you in your struggles.

"Shut...up...you...annoying...fool. Said the rather tired looking earth dragon. Goufird. Fighter of who knows and slayer of thousands of enemies in one powerful blow! Or so he says. Actually, not much is known of the earth elders past although he is quite a good story teller and is always trying to Persuade Aloura to hear them (She is always politely declining). He is the largest of the elders though strength does not come to mind when you look at his 'Majestic' oval figure. He is an earthen brown with a green chest plate that runs to similar coloured mace on the end of his tail his brown shade drops to a dark hue on his wing's membrane and his back fins that runs from his bull shaped front facing horns to the beginning of his tail. He has a rather short tail which he insists is suitable of his age though Aloura has her doubts His eyes are caramel colour which Aloura finds quite fitting.

The four Ancient male dragons were battling it out not knowing that they had company. And as Aloura stepped closer to the first arena she had no troubles picking up the very un-elderly language being used to taunt and jibe each other as the old dragons wheezed their way around the arena completely nowhere of the three girl's presence.

"You call that fighting, you fucking slimy uneducated excuse for a dragon!" Growled Torrentor as he finally managed to sweep the water dragon of his feet with a whoop of triumph, he went for the pin which would signify the end of the brawl, such rules are customary in all dragon training if the dragons choose to fight without their elemental powers.

With a satisfied growl the fire dragon brought his two forearms of the ground with the intent to slam them both onto the water dragon's chest, giving him the victory.

But Weiryme had other plans.

With a surprisingly athletic twist for a dragon of his age. The thin Water elder flipped himself onto his back, then with a hard push of his back paws, slipped right between the fire dragons back legs. "What!" The fire dragon gasped in surprise as his front paws met nothing but sand. Then in the blink of an eye the water dragon once again wrapped his tail around his surprised opponents back paw and with a calculated twist of his tail. Flipped the fire elder onto his back.

Again.

"You're so quick to anger. But soo slow to react Tory." Weiryme chuckled. "Next time watch where your defence lies instead of taunting me. Maybe then you might beat me."

"I said stop calling me Tory! You fucking worthless piece of fish grime! If I wanted advice in how to win anything it wouldn't be from a watery bag of bones like you!" The fire dragon once again leaped at the water dragon.

Aloura smiled at the display of the elders. This wasn't the first time they came to the arena to fight, and they always argue. "Should we help them?" she chuckled as the fire Dragonesses eyes found hers. "I mean they seem upset should we break it up?"

"I have a bet that Elder Mistumas will cop it today." Zenr called out obviously not worried for the elder's safety.

"Oh really." Hydia challenged as she looked upon the Elder on the other side of the arena. "What are we betting?"

"No stand-ups at training today for me if its Mistumas. 20 more if it is Weiryme who gets it today." Stand ups were a Dragons hardest feat to achieve. It required a dragon to stand on his or her hind legs and walk 20 meters. Which was an extreme workout for the core and legs. Hydia made the girls start each day with 70 of these intense exercises to ready them for training.

Hydia pondered this for a second before deciding. "Make it 30 if you lose and we have a deal."

"Aright deal. Can't wait to watch you do your stand-ups Aloura." Zenr called out smugly "I'm sorry to say that I will not be joining you today."

"You want to get in on the action Aloura?" Hydia asked

"And miss out on all the stand-ups." She chuckled softly. "Unlikely." She looked upon Torrentor and Weiryme then at Goufird and Mistumas, and an idea flashed through her mind. "I bet 20 extra for myself that you will save Torrentor and Weiryme from Goufird."

Both Zenr and Hydia looked at her as if she was mad.

"20 extra for yourself?" Zenr squeaked

"Are you sure Aloura. That's a lot of Strain in one go." Hydia looked Aloura over wondering what could make her wish for more training.

"just be ready to shield the elders." Aloura said confidently as she looked upon the still infuriated fire elder.

Hydia only shrugged and readied herself to jump in and shield the elders if Aloura was right.

Meanwhile on the other arena the girthy earth dragon had troubles as he desperately tried to land a hit on the quite agile electric elder.

"You.... had...enough...yet." Gasped Goufird as he once again missed a strike and fell onto his side.

"No, have you? In fact, you seem well out of practice my friend. Seems all of the leisurely hours devouring everything has not boded well for your body's metabolism rate. Which is quite extraordinary for a dragon to even achieve weight gain let alone hold it. Could be a mutation? Or perhaps it was genetic from one of your parents?"

"Are...you...ugh...calling...my...mother fat." The Earth Dragon spoke as if death was upon him as he gasped for air and swung fruitlessly once again at his opponent who had now sat down to think upon his hypothesis. The Electric Dragon merely shrugged at the suggestion as he replied.

"Only if she was. But by the sound of your reaction I can make a safe assumption that I am correct?" He said quite oblivious to the earth dragons heavy breathing that was no longer entirely due to his condition.

The drake had puffed up to twice his size in pure rage, green smoke was now pouring out of the fat dragon's nostrils as he looked upon the elder with deadly intent.

"I'm going to rip that tongue, out of your fucking skull!" He roared as he advanced on the now quite nervous looking electric dragon.

"Now now." He squeaked realising he may have taken it too far. "There is no need for that. I was only kidding." He chuckled nervously as he backed up quickly to avoid the infuriated dragons now seemingly not so clumsy claws. The earth dragon was in a rage and no longer cared for the rules of the arena. The air grew thick with magic as he charged his element to strike Mistumas down.

"Ohhhh dear!" the electric dragon forced a role as the enraged dragon let loose his charge, a singular bolt of earth energy was released towards Mistumas. The bolt grazed his flank which left a rather painful mark across his side but thanks to his quick thinking he avoided the worst of the strike. Leaving the bolt to fly across the room.

Right at the other elders.

Or would have if Hydia had not jumped in last second and blocked the strike with her wings. Due to a dragon's wing being nearly impenetrable it was an easy task to deflect such a simple strike.

A small explosion of earth energy reverberated throughout the arena gaining the attention of the first two elders as they turned wide eyed at the Young Fire Dragoness who had seemingly appeared out of thin air. On the other side of the field. Goufird had just realised what he had done and was now running towards the explosion as fast as his body would carry him. Followed by the slightly sore Mistumas

"What the hell just happened!" Torrentor screeched as the green smoke cleared, revealing Hydia completely unharmed. Holding the shield block that stopped the bolt from the earth elder. She then pulled her wings away revealing her grinning snout.

"Oh nothing. Just thought I'd drop in on you boys and say hi." She said sarcastically. "You know just save your hide from being scratched by trigger happy Goufird over there."

"Goufird! What have I said about using your powers during these morning routines!" Weiryme scolded his companion as he made it from the other side of the room gasping for breath. "It's not my fault!" He mumbled weekly as the two elders glared upon him. "Mistumas called my family fat!"

"So, you decided to kill us?" Torrentor glared at Goufird harder smoke billowing as he slowly built up in rage.

"Oh, please like you haven't done the same thing!" Yelled Goufird, not wanting to be talked down to. "How many times have I been scorched because of your miss fire?"

Torrentor snorted "who said I miss fired those times." He growled "I'm just soo happy I get another excuse to burn your fucking fat hide!"

"That's it your dead, you walking match stick!" Goufird dived at Torrentor who accepted him with open claws. They proceeded to grapple across the floor, kicking sand and dust everywhere.

Weiryme glared at the two briefly before sighing and turning back to Hydia. "I'm sorry for those two they are usually more civil."

"Yeah, right." She scoffed "Those fools are always embarrassing themselves in one idiotic way or another, always wasting my time."

"Well were glad you managed to save us from that blast. Nothing more painful than an Earth dragon's concussion blast in the morning." He chuckled lightly.

"Save your breath." She growled in annoyance I was only there because Aloura predicted that you would need saving."

Weiryme and Mistumas looked at each other briefly before turning back to the dragoness, confusion in their eyes. "But how could Aloura..."

"Umm...Good morning elder."

The two elders gasped and whipped around at the same time to be met by Aloura and Zenr their most prestige royal majesties and air to Drackunia's throne. Zenr was trying hard not to burst out laughing while Aloura was looking rather uncomfortable with the whole scene and was looking politely at the two dragons. How could they be so blind and act so childish in front of divine royalty!

"My Majesties!" Weiryme blabbed out surprised as he dropped to the ground in a courteous bow followed by Mistumas.

"What brings you to elate us with your presence at such an early hour. Mistumas asked still bowing in respect.

"It's their training time, which you lot are ruining!" Hydia shot them both a venomous look "So I suggest you grab your freak show behind you and leave so we may begin." She growled menacingly.

"O-Of course my lady we will be out of your hair shortly." Weiryme managed to squeak out. "Mistumas grab those buffoons and get them out of here. We have to prepare for the meeting later."

Mistumas flapped frantically over to the still fighting elders and zapped them with an electric bolt causing both to jump up on their feet. After a lot of hushed words and pointing towards the three Dragonesses the four elders rushed out the front door without another word.

The door shut behind them with a heavy clunk.

Aloura stared concerned at Hydia who was staring at the main door in a defensive position. Tail up, back strained and claws ready as if the door was going to come alive and attack her. Hydia was always so offensive towards the elders even more than anyone else, the more she sees them the angrier towards them she becomes. 'I have to ask her why.' she thought

But before she could ask, Hydia turned around with a smile on her snout once more. "Well It looks like Aloura won." She said with a wink towards the dragoness. "Which means you both have extra for today."

"Hold up a minute." Zenr protested getting off the floor and walking over to Hydia. "I'm pretty sure Mistumas still got hit. He had a scorch on his left side as he walked past me!" Zenr pointed at the door to emphasize her point.

"Aloura? did you see the mark?"

Aloura gulped at her predicament. Both girls were looking her way. One expectantly and the other pleadingly, she was the tie breaker and she knew it was up to her whether or not Zenr got a break today.

'I could tell her I didn't see it and let Zenr do it all with me or tell the truth.'

She sighed. She was never a good liar.

"I did see that Mistumas had an energy burn on his side. Too fresh to be from anywhere but the fight."

Hydia smiled warmly knowing full well that Aloura spoke the truth. Unlike her sister Aloura was never good at lying and was honest almost all the time. She was also impressed by Alouras Ballistic analysis, seems like she took to her teachings well. "Very well Zenr, you may only do 20 stand-ups today."

"Oh yeah! I'm the best, who's the best, I'm the best!" Zenr paraded towards the middle of the first arena in a very show off like fashion, head held high and tail waving triumphantly.

"I am regretting my choice already." Aloura sighed.

"She is quite the show dragon isn't she." Hydia chuckled. "The best we can do to slow her ego is make sure you win in training today."

Aloura smiled "Well I better make sure I win then. In fear of making her head swell to the point of no return."

"Oh, it's too late for that, I think. We can only hope her head doesn't explode."

"Time to deflate it then." Aloura turned around and headed towards her still prancing around sister.

"Wait. Aloura?" Aloura turned back around to her teacher. "Yes?"

Hydia smiles softly as she asked. "Why did you bet for more stand-ups? You could have bet anything but why more?"

"Well..." Truth was Aloura had no idea why she asked for more. "I guess I just like doing them." She explained unsure of herself.

Hydia laughed as she turned around and started walking to the middle of the arena. "Ok then that's what well start with then. Zenr get over here you have to do some too you know."

"Yeah I know but nowhere near as much as Aloura."

Aloura frowned as she watched her teacher walk away. 'Why did I want more?" She pondered; she has always done them without much hassle but never wanted more. She merely shrugged off these thoughts and ran to join Zenr as they began todays training.

*

Pre training went pretty normal for the two dragonesses as they started with the dreaded stand-ups, which Zenr watched Aloura sweat through all 90 of hers plus the extra 10 she did to set a record for the two much to Hydia's delight and Zenr's dismay knowing full well she will have to beat that now. The stand-ups were followed by wing and chest stretches, then came close quarter Arial manoeuvres which required them to complete a series of turns, flips, twists and cartwheels while airborne. These exercises were vital to combat training and general life. "You never want to cramp in the middle of fighting. Trust me." Hydia explained "The best thing to do for yourself is have the ability to turn on the spot during flight." That and much more was Hydia's vast vocabulary of tricks and tips to keep you alive. But after a good two hours of training and of course the extra at the start had Aloura almost exhausted to the point of total body numbness.

Which wasn't good when the combat section arrived.

"Okay girls we are going to have a no powers brawl just like those elders this morning." Hydia explained the rules of the fight as they sat once again at the edge of the first arena. But Aloura was so sore and numb she barely understood what Hydia was saying. Her body at the point of exhaustion where it starts betraying its user. A leg started giving out first as the muscles no longer could keep the strain, then a paw, eyes started to get heavy and her head started to slip down. She yawned loudly as once again her shaking front paw gave out, the unfortunate double side effect of her condition making her fall face first for the second time today. Luckily the sand was soft and didn't jar her teeth like solid stone. "mmmmmmh soft." She murmured already wanting to drift off to sleep.

Hydia watched as the poor girl nodded off into the sand for the third time. 'Maybe we should cancel the fight today' she thought to herself walking over and lightly tapping Alouras obviously strained shoulder. "Aloura? Aloura wake up." She nudged her with her snout. Trying to get the dragoness to wake up but to no avail the girl was tired beyond waking. "Zenr has Aloura been sleeping well lately?" Obviously Aloura was tired from not just the training. Something else was going on. "Has she mentioned to you having problems sleeping as of late?" she asked her again turning to the Dragoness who looked at her sister with a look of surprise. "I don't know she didn't mention It to me." Zenr had never seen her sister so worn out after training she is usually so energised throughout the entire thing. Though she recalled Aloura had been tossing in bed a lot and moaning, which was why she called her out earlier believing she was having dreams of the pleasurable variety.

But what if she wasn't. What is she was having nightmares, dreams so bad it kept her awake at night and made her toss and turn?

Not moaning in pleasure but in fear.

And she let it happen, even teased her for it when all these past few weeks she should have asked her what was happening, Zenr had never felt so ashamed of her actions. It all made sense. She has been looking soo tired and out of focus lately, then her sleeping session at the library today. Then her distracted looks as we came here, she was tired and needed a good sleep. Zenr burst into tears as she thought about how she treated her sister. All this time she needed my help and I Laughed at her.

Hydia snapped back up from Alouras sleeping form as she heard Zenr's weeping sorrowful voice. Her eyes were met by the sad weeping form of the Dragoness as she was unable to hold back her tears. The Fire dragons' instincts kicked in and immediately went to comfort the girl, grabbing the sobbing mass and holding it tight in a mother like embrace. "Hey now shush, it's okay she's fine there is no need to cry, we'll get her to the royal medical ward and have her examined to make sure she is fine alright." She kissed Zenr softly as she sniffled back her tears. "no, it's not that." Zenr sobbed. She softly voiced her thoughts on her condition and how she treated her sister "she surely hates me now. After I teased her like that instead of helping her like I'm supposed to." She brought her head down into Hydia's chest and cried hard.

Hydia said nothing for a while only caressed the girls head as she held her tight. Soon the girl's cries softened to small cute sniffles followed by a healthy hiccup every now and then.

Hydia smiled warmly and brought her claw down beneath Zenr's dipped snout she then used it to bring her eyes back up to meet hers. She then licked her snout, Causing the girl to giggle slightly. "Zenr you didn't fail as a sister and trust me now when I say this that Aloura loves you more than anything in the world. You two share a bond so tight that not even death could pull you apart."

A smile twitched across her face as she watched her lightly snoring sister who apparently found sleeping heaven on the sandy floor. Her sleep not interrupted by Hydia's paw which was caressing her head ever so softly. "Do you believe so?" She asked

Hydia kissed her head softly as she held the girl even tighter "I know so."

Just at that moment the main door had burst open, gaining the attention of both Dragonesses as they pulled out of their embrace.

"Sorry I'm late. I had errands to do before I could get here." Tamatsu explained as he shut the door and turned to face the girls. Once his eyes met the arena, he gasped softly at the sight of Aloura out cold and Zenr's face full of tears. "What happened." He demanded as her rushed to aid the fallen princess, his progress was cut short by a rather painful slap by a wing which caused him to stumble slightly. Surprised he looked over towards Hydia seeking clarity on the situation.

He immediately wished he hadn't.

Hydia was glaring murderously upon him, her eyes blazing red and her nostrils smoking. She looked like a full-on demon which didn't help when Zenr was also glaring, though lacking the nostril smoke.

"What?" He asked as he looked upon the agitated duo seeking understanding. "What happened to the princess I jus.... His words were silenced by a strong tail wrapping around his jaw, effectively cutting off his air and ability to speak. He could only glance surprised at the two awake girls as they each pressed a claw to their lips and narrowed their eyes. Giving the oblivious male the universal sign to shut. The fuck. Up.

His eyes narrowed in understanding and he nodded softly as Hydia pulled her tail away.

"What's going on." He asked quietly as Aloura snored on oblivious to her surroundings.

"I'll tell you later just help me get her to healer Systasia." Hydia hissed softly as she crept towards the sleeping Dragoness and turned her on her side.

"What. Why."

"Just do. It." She growled.

"Ok ok I will." He may not know what was going on but it beats having Hydia madder at him than she already is. "I'll pick her up and put her on your back." He suggested as he bent down to retrieve her.

"Can you even lift her?" Zenr asked worried he would drop her if she was too heavy."

"Heh watch me." He boasted and without effort picked the dragoness up and placed her softly on Hydia's back. "I'm stronger than I look he winked at Hydia who snorted softly. "Shut up, make yourself useful and make sure the healer is ready to receive her she snapped.

Tamatsu saluted as he turned to run out the door. "On it." And with that he sprinted out of the chamber leaving Hydia in a quiet rage. 'He saluted me the nerve of him.' She thought angrily as she watched the door close in his wake. 'He knows I hate that and he did it anyway what the hell is his deal lately.' She growled softly.

Zenr stared at her still sleeping sister on Hydia's back. 'Don't worry sis. When you wake up ill make sure I know exactly what was going on.' She turned to the Softly growling Dragoness. As she seemingly froze in place. "Hydia should we be heading off?" She asked.

Hydia jolted as if she just came out of a trance. "Umm yes we should go we have a long walk." Whatever Tamatsu thinks he's doing she will get to the bottom of it, today.

They made their way through the door and down the long corridor. Walking side by side Hydia made sure Aloura was as comfortable as she possibly could be upon her back. She was small enough to lie length ways along Hydia's spine, and as they walked, she proceeded to bury her snout further into her folded wings, making the girls giggle at her procession to use Hydia as a mobile bed.

"Zenr I have to ask." She looked back at Zenr who was three steps behind her. "When you were mentioning teasing Aloura about a boy. Who was it you were referring too?"

Zenr coughed nervously as she answered the question. "Aloura has been talking a lot to a boy who lives in the castle with the royal guards."

Hydia's head shot backwards in surprise. "Really!" She Gasped. "Most of the Dragons in the Barracks are way too old for Aloura. surely she wouldn't..."

"No!" Zenr said quickly. "A boy our age. His name is Emron."

"Emron." Hydia's eyes darkened as if she was remembering something.

Her eyes were looking into the past. Many years ago, during the start of the dark forces rise of terror.

She saw flames and cinder.

She smelt the burning of innocent flesh and the acrid scent of despair.

But she only heard one thing. She was back in that field, that field all those years ago as she ran towards the burning remains of that village, chasing that one and only noise.

That name was what she was searching for.

"Emron!"