Chapter 21
I combined part 1 and 2 into a single chapter to make it more organized I did delete the 2 old submissions
Sora sat in her throne room her tail thumping in agitation. The skull hunter raid killed many innocent people but worse she couldn't trust her own guard. She wasn't going to let this stand either. The attack was devastating and made her realize she cant stop the skull hunters on her own. She needed back up and allies. She growls her claws digging into the arm of her throne. The people blamed her for this attack many were trying to file lawsuits. She sighed as she didn't have a choice. She will have to reach out to the other dragon nations on the planet. She decided she would send Chase and Athena to the water dragon tribes to start. During her mother's reign they were their closet allies so she was hopefully that friendship didn't die with her. The other countries would be harder to convince. She already sent the order with Chase. Sending a human there may peek their curiosity she hoped.
Chase got ready he was excited to meet more dragons particularity the water class. He had never seen another water dragon before besides Athena. He walks in and saw Athena seeming to be in a bad mood. She clearly didn't want to go and didn't want him going. He walked over seeing her tense he rubs her shoulders. As she sits down.
“Why don't you want me going?" He asked
“I just don't alright." She snapped.
She stood up storming out of the room and saw Venus glaring daggers at her her arms crossed in the hall.
“You can't hide it forever. You need to tell him." Venus said.
“Tell him what!? The female whom he sees is perfect in his eyes is actually a deformed freak!?" Athena hissed
“He wont think any less of you… you know that just because you don't have wings doesn't mean anything. Thankfully humans don't care about wings" Venus said firmly
“It matters to me." Athena said.
Unlike most dragons Athena didn't have wings. Long ago when shew as still an egg in the hatchery an earth quake hit. Athena's egg was stored in a special shelf on the higher part and the shake jostled it before causing her egg to fall out the shelf smashing open causing Athena to be born premature.
For many weeks she was kept on life support and made it but her wings were servery under developed. The medic told Sora that aside from how the deformed limbs looked on her it would ruin Athena socially if left as they were they would just be two massive slabs of flesh that would cause Athena endless discomfort she would never fly it the weigh could cause her back and spinal issues. The decision was made once Athena was strong enough her wings would be removed.
It took 3 years for Athena to be strong enough for the operation however it was still too risky for anesthesia. The bones in her wings never developed so it would be a quick operation but the pain would be on unbearable. They did their best numb the area but it only could do so much. There many times Sora left the room because she couldn't stand to hear her youngest child's wails of pain. The operation was a success and Athena has two small scars where her wings used to be but she was also self conscious about it. She had been teased for it before in past when she was small but nothing major but she was always judged by others because of it back then. She was seen as the handicapped child or less of a dragon because she couldn't fly. No one judged her for it now but it still bothered her.
Chase packed happily. Packing summer clothing because the water dragon tribes were nomadic. During the warmer seasons they lived in a tropical archipelago. During the colder seasons they returned to their home lands on the polar ice caps. Currently they were in the archipelago. He finished packing Athena was already out the door waiting in her car which looked like a black z51 sting ray.
“I expected a limo." Chase said.
Athena snorted.
“I prefer my OWN wheels. Get in." Athena huffed.
Chase did as she said siting in putting on the seat belt. The interior was amazing. Leather upholstery a computer AI built in. Athena touched the screen. The typed in the destination on the GPS. A voice sounded from the system though the car's speakers saying “Now departing to The Red wing Archipelago". The car engine started on its own with a loud purr started on its own and began to move.
“Self driving car." Athena said answering Chase's question before he could ask.
The car takes off down the road. Obeying the speed limit. There was no traffic at all much to Athena's relief Soon they came to a very long bridge and the car picked up speed going over 200mph. Chase looked out and soon the island coming into view.
“This is a land bridge made during my grand mother's time. Earth, fire and water dragons built it. It a symbol of their alliance, and alliance long passed. The alliance died when my grand mother was killed. The other nations aren't allies but they aren't enemies either we just...coexist. So don't be surprised if people give you a hard time because they can smell a wind or light dragon on you."Athena warned.
Chase enjoyed the sea breeze on his face as they cruised across the long bridge. He soon looked at Athena but his wonder was replaced with concern. He didn't know why she was so upset but he wanted to help her. Soon they arrive at a massive beach. The sea was blue and so clear he could see to the bottom. There water dragons all over males females even hatch lings playing in the water eating sleeping.
The car slowed down before turning into a parking lot. After selecting a space they got out. Chase looked around in awe and wonder Athena instructed him to follow her. She was visibly tense. She had hoped most of the tribes wouldn't be around or off fishing but as luck would have 90% of them were there. She felt waves of relief that Chase hadn't caught onto why she was bothered being there yet. They made their way to a changing room Chase was wearing his trunks and saw Athena waling out with a bright blue bikini. They walked onto the beach making their way past a few tents and makeshift huts..Athena wasn't kidding about looks most of the tribe was staring at them as they walked by.
Chase paid them no mind but he was curious hatch lings seemed to be the most out spoken asking out loud if what Chase was only to be scolded by their parents. Athena lead him to a large tent where a massive blue dragon sat. He was well muscled sporting an eight pack abs scar ran across his left shoulder and arm. He like Athena ha had 3 horns two on his head one on his snout. Her tail thumped idly. Two females sat with him. One an older one with indigo scales and another younger female his daughter possibly with indigo scales and Grey underbelly and blue stripes. This male was clearly the leader.
“Lord Galetorus." Athena said giving a curtsy Chase did the same with a bow.
“What do you want girl?" The drake bellowed.
“We wish to reform the alliance with water tribes"
“So the all powerful Sora decides to seek us out. Its interesting that she ONLY seeks our help Now that's she's in real trouble. We are not her clean up crews. Why should MY people get involved in her domestic issues." he asked.
“The skull hunters are not a domestic threat. They launched a massive military level attack on the planet earth and a devastating attack on the palace. They incite violence and inspire many to follow suit. It is only a matter of time till they come after your nation too."Athena said hoping the drake would see reason.
“I will think about it." he said waving them off.
Chase and Athena left the hut Chase making a B line for the beach heading to a spot away from the crowds. Athena looked around and sat with him her eyes down. Her tail tip tapped the sand.
“I…..I didn't want to come here because there is something about me I didn't want you to find out." Athena said.
“You mean how they all have wings and you don't?" Chase said.
Athena looked surprised then closed her eyes ashamed.
"I thought you would leave...you always saw me as perfect…..I was afraid I would lose you if you learned I wasn't like other dragons….that I was….disabled. How did you know?" she said.
“It wasn't hard to figure out. Thousands of water dragons all with wings. As well as all the other dragons I saw had them. Athena take it from me being wingless doesn't make you handicapped in the slighest. Just makes you unique and that is what I like about ya." Chase said before standing up.
He turned and gave Athena a sharp glare.
“Oh and don't ever do that again." he said.
“Do what again?"She asked.
“Assume that I'm shallow and wouldn't want anything to do with you just because you are wingless or otherwise." Chase said with an edge to his voice.
Athena smiles wiping a small tear from her eye. Chase knew better than anyone what it was like to be disabled. Chase was always good. She kicked herself for even thinking Chase would leave her for something shallow.
“How could I have assumed the worst of man in you when you are truly the best…..I am sorry. Can you forgive a stupid dragon?" She asked
“No, But I can forgive you." he said sitting next to her stroking her tail.
Athena's tail snakes around his waist pulling him onto her she nuzzled him. The moment didn't last as they were interrupted by the sound of foot steps. Galetorus behind them.
“We will join your little pact if you can prove yourself worthy by show of sport." he said.
Chase stood up facing the chief.
“What sort of battle will I be facing?" He asked.
“You must prove your worth by participating in a sport wave riding."the chief answered
“You know it as surfing."Athena elaborated.
Chase followed them back to where the tribe was gathered he saw the chief himself pulling out a board.
“I will decide for myself if you are worthy of our time human. If succeed we will join your cause if you fail you will go home empty handed and we will NEVER aid your people again. This includes all trade with the nations as well. HOWEVER if you want to back out you better do it now. No one will think any less of you if you do." Galetorus said firmly.
Chase let his words sink in. the water dragon tribe made up 90% medical staff on the enter planet if they all quit it would be a global crisis. He never expected the stakes to be too high but he knew they couldn't stop the skull hunters without them. He was carrying the fate of many nations on his shoulders now. He looked at the large drake and shoot his head.
“I cant back down and I won't." Chase said.
“I will go with Chase its only fair since he doesn't have hydrokinsis."
“Very well." The drake agreed.
Chase walked out into the surf with Athena behind him. The board they had was large meant to hold a dragon so a human could easily fit on it as well they began to paddle as Galtorus was ahead of them. He stood up on his board and began waving her glowing paws in long wide motion that made Chase think of tai chi. As he did the wave began to swell and rise getting large with each wave until they grew to 20 feet. The chief then begin to paddle into the waves riding them chase and Athena soon follows. Athena kept close eye on Chase to make sure he wouldn't fall off. The ride was a bit rough for him Chase used to only boogie board on earth.
Chase rode the waves keeping up with chief. The large drake smirked a bit he could tell Chase never f surfed before but he was impressed he was able to keep up. As they rode out the swell he decided to give them a real test
“Not bad human. But that was just a warm up. Now the REAL test." he said.
He waves his paws once more before thrusting them forward and back repeating this motion several times. And the water in the distance. Chase eyes widened It was a tsunami.
“That wave is over 100 meters!" Chase said.
“Exactly. You see standing against the skull hunter requires me to put my people at risk. Are YOU willing to die for yours??" Galetorus said in a slightly arrogant tone.
“A wave that size co will kill your people!" Chase shouted.
“Wrong human, Water dragons can withstands waves of this size with ease MY people are not at risk. I can not say the same for you." the drake shot back.
He paddled out and rose the huge wave chase followed the ride was rough he felt himself stumbles the board shook violently Athena warped her tail around his waste to keep him anchored but even she was having a very hard time. The chief rode the wave with very little difficulty it was obvious he was used to riding waves this size.
“We are almost at land Chase just hang on!" Athena said.
Water sprayed in Chase's face with such force it stung. All he could hear was crashing water Athena voice was drowned out.
“I need to remain calm and control my breathing. If I get overwhelmed if I fall off its all over." He thought to himself.
Athena did her best to hold him with her tail. If Chase fell off he would die. Images of Kira holding Chase hostage went through her mind.
“Not again"
She remembered the look of fear in his eyes of terror.
“Not again"
She remembered Kira evil grin back then all she could do was watch.
“Not again"
Thorn attacking him and the scar on Chase's chest Shinryu telling her how he was struck down tossing the blood covered medallion at her feet
“I will not fail to protect him again!" She thought to herself.
Chase felt his feed start to leave the board using her tail holding him down her paws cl glowed shielding them from the worst of the wave. Athena looked at the shore a the beach was lined with water dragons of all ages a paws glowing put heir paws in the water and soon the began to freeze and the wave started to slow. And shrink down as they neared the wall. More dragons flew on top of the ice wall. The wall rose The wave started to collapse as more of the water froze.
Athena held Chase tightly as the wave crashed down on them She held up her paw glowing gritting her teethes she deflected the sheer force of the water creating an air pocket. They slammed hard against the ice wall but Athena held fast it was all she could do to stop Chase from drowning. Chase was badly bruised up from hitting wall. Athena groaned and growled holding the water blood starting to leak from her nostrils the glow intensified as she let out a roar pushing the water back more. Her vision started to blur and fatigue set in but she didn't stop It was taking all of her strength to do just this Eventually the water froze around them Athena fell to knees before collapsing panting hard passing out. The water dragon rushed in grabbing her Galetorus. Walked over. Looking at Athena and the battered Chase.
“Most impressive. I did not think you would survive." The drake said amused
“Will Athena be alright!?" Chase asked frantically.
A few of the dragon growled at him b for his tone but the chief held a paw up silencing them.
“She just need rest. It took all her strength to hold back that wave to protect you. You over exerted herself with rest she will be fine." Galetorus responded.
“Did we pass?" chase asked.
The drake walked away.
“You pass" He said waving a paw.
Chase was taken to them medical tend where Athena rested out cold. A male water hold up glowing paw as soothing warm water coated chase's body he could feel relief as his bruises disappeared. Chase decided to call Sora and tell her what was going on. She was glad the two were alright this was one more step closes to defeating the skull hunter. However Sora wasn't the only one being informed on the current affairs. A lone water dragon hatching snuck off during the end of the test to a cave on the far end of the beach away from sight there sat on a smooth rock a beautiful blind kitsune. She held a seashell in her power smiling her 6 tails swish idly. Her ears perked up when the hatching came in.
“Lady Nami I have news." he said.
“Go on then." She responded
The young drake told her everything that went on a small smile began to creep across the Nami's muzzle.
“You did well boy." she said
“Anything for the cause." He said before turning and flying out of the cave.
Nami smiled more revealing her razor sharp fangs.
“So Chase your trying to muster up an army. You must be very desperate." she said softly to herself.
She pressed a button on her bracelet and dragon lord Odin face appeared.
“Why have you called me girl?" the dragon bellowed.
“I thought you would like to know Sora is trying to reunite the 6 nations. After all w the skull hunters are working together with you yes?" She said.
“Indeed but why come to me instead of informing your leader." Odin asked.
“Well Shinryu think himself a cleaver fox and he is But when I joined the skull hunters I was promised vengeance. But all I got was PROMISES. I have a feeling YOU will give me results. You have seen what I can do. I think I can be of use" she said.
“That is true Your skills are very admirable….Very well, perhaps we can help each other." Odin said
“You scratch my back and I will scratch yours."