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Guardian


Chapter 1: Fisa
The sun stretched low on the horizon, casting the lake before me a deep crimson color. Sunlight flashed off the surface of the lake, momentarily blinding me. I blinked and gazed into the water. I saw myself, with my heavy tail curled around my feet in a relaxed fashion. My horns curled delicately about my face, and my eyes seemed to reflect the water instead of the other way around. I peered out towards the center of the lake and watched a large blue head rise to the surface. The water dragon turned itself left and right, then, seeming pleased with its observations, descended once more into the murky abyss.
“Hey, Guardian!” a voice called out behind me. I sighed. I hated my name. I reassured myself it would be changed once I grew my wings. Wings, the word was like birdsong to my ears. It wouldn’t be long till they grew. I turned around to face the dragon requiring my attention. It was Vine, waving her plants violently in my direction. She always seemed excited about one thing or another. I plodded towards her.
“What is it?” I asked sleepily, a yawn breaking through the middle of my sentence.
“Dazzlie wants you inside.” Vine explained. “Besides, you look tired. What are you doing out here?”
“I wanted to see Fisa resurface.” I explained. Nobody really knew who Fisa was, and nobody had ever spoken to her. It was a mystery few dragons cared about, but it intrigued me greatly. Vine responded by looking at me oddly.
“Fisa? You mean the weirdo water dragon?” She asked.
“Are there any other Fisas?” I said sarcastically.
“Oh, just head over to the nursery.” She muttered.
Chapter 2: Dazzlie
When I awoke, there was a heavy, brown body on top of me. I instinctually threw the thing off me, until I realized it was just Autumn, and he did not appreciate being woken up.
“Why’d you do that?” He complained.
“You were lying on top of me!” I snapped.
“I was?” He said, confused. Uh-oh. I had forgotten me and the other hatchlings were planning on keeping his rolling habit a secret. It would have been a marvelous trick to dig a hole and watch him roll into it. It seems he must have moved on top of me last night. It was too late to continue to keep it from him.
“You roll around in your sleep.” I explained.
“No I don’t!” Autumn laughed. I snickered quietly to myself. However, our argument must have awoken the old striped dragon Dazzlie, for I could see her white form coming our way from the other side of the chamber.
“Up so early, Guardian?” She asked me.
“Yes, she threw me across the room then accused me of rolling about in my sleep, can you believe it?” Autumn answered for me.
“That wasn’t very nice.” Dazzlie scolded me. I puffed indignantly. I suddenly remembered Fisa.
“Hey Dazzlie, can I ask you something?”
“Of course, little one.” Dazzlie replied.
“Why does that dragon in the lake never talk to other dragons? And who is she?” I questioned. Dazzlie was silent for a moment. Autumn, noticing the change in conversation, flicked his tail in farewell and prepared to fall asleep once more.
“Fisa is very old,” she began. “Even older than me!” she laughed. Then she was serious again. “It was told that as a hatchling she spent her days in the lake and was actually very sociable. She had many land dwelling friends, and was a very happy dragon to be around.” I was confused.
“Then why does she live in isolation now? What happened?” I asked.
“It’s a mystery. Once she reached adulthood, nobody saw her again. The only times when she is spotted is when she surfaces.”
“Hasn’t anybody tried to visit her?” I queried, intrigued.
“No. People think she stopped visiting those on land because she went feral. Others believe she has some disease and doesn’t want others to catch it.” Noticing the adventurous spark in my eyes, she added, “Either way, I don’t think she wants to be disturbed.” But that didn’t stop me from plotting.
Chapter 3: Huntoray
When the other hatchlings were let out to roam after meal time, I bolted towards the lake. I wanted to go down into the water and visit Fisa, to find out who she really was and what happened all those years ago. However, I could not swim, or breathe underwater. I paced up and down the shoreline for quite some time before I came up with a good idea. What if somebody were to cast a spell on me, which allowed me to not need oxygen for a time? Perhaps Huntoray the magi dragon had a spell. But the question was, could she be trusted?
Huntoray is a hoarder, always collecting pretty items. It is quite easy for her to take things from other dragons, for she can simply use magic and take whatever it is from under their snout. She is a thief, but there is no evidence to prove it. She claims she simply ‘finds’ these things lying around. Over time, Huntoray built her own den out of the shiny objects she takes. Perhaps she could cast the spell, but at what price? It was unlikely Huntoray would do it for free, so what could I give her that would be of value? I, who was just a hatchling?
I decided to visit her anyway. I walked to her den easily, its vibrant colors stood out a mile away. As I entered Huntoray’s hut, an explosion of sights greeted me. There were piles of treasure heaped about in orderly disarray. The walls were lined with objects of all shapes from hatchling toys, to formal looking documents on bright paper. Many scales and feathers were mounted on display in one corner of the room. Ropes painted a variety of festive colors hung form the ceiling. I spotted quite a few items that used to belong to me, but that was a confrontation for another time. Amidst all the burst of complimentary colors sat a brilliant orange dragon who was none other than Huntoray.
“Hello Guardian! Are you interested in any of my wares? I have many fine playthings you might be interested in...”
“I’m in need of a spell.” I explained.
“Ah, a spell you say? Well, what kind? Growth, invisibility, intelligence, love…?” She offered.
“I need a spell that will allow me to breathe underwater.” I instructed.
“I have just the thing.” Huntorary said and heaved out a massive scroll. She gently unwound the paper with his claw, muttering to herself. “Ah, here it is!” She announced, and pointed a line of text. “You do know, hatchling, that my services aren’t free.” She reminded me. I gulped. What could this cost me, a lifetime of servitude, my wings, once they grow?
“What can I give you?” I asked shakily.
“You intend to go swimming, correct?” The orange dragon asked. I nodded. “Which one: the lake, pond, or ocean?” She asked. I wondered if she would object to me entering the lake. Even so, I told her where I was going, but left out why.
“Sometimes I…gather…things with my magic, but my gathering spell will not work underwater. So I want you to get me the gem of the lake for my collection.” She said carefully.
“What’s that?” I asked.
“The gem of the lake is supposedly an ancient crystal with mystic properties. It is said that with it, you can control any dragon and force it to do your bidding.” I shivered. It sounded pretty scary. Perhaps I could ask Fisa where to find it. I nodded warily.
“Good. Meet me by the lake when you are allowed to get out of the nursery. Not stopping and chatting to your friends, you must come straight there. Also, if you fail to bring me my item…” She never finished the sentence.
Chapter 4: Thinking
That night, I could not sleep. First, it was the excitement. I would finally get to solve the mystery of the dragon in the lake! I would do something no hatchling in the nursery had ever done; swim. The information I would collect would make me famous. Perhaps Fisa will come on land and see her old friends. I could be a hero!
But after thinking some more I realized that Fisa might not be friendly at all. She could be wild, as Dazzlie thought. Or maybe she would be so angry for entering her domain that she would eat me! Or what if the spell fails and I drown? Or what if I could not obtain the gem of the lake that Huntoray wanted? I shivered. Her silent threat echoed in my head. If you fail to bring me the item… The things she could do to me brought me to near hysteria. I could back out and tell Huntoray not to come, but this could be my only chance. I had to do it. These thoughts unsettled me but I finally managed to rest.
Chapter 5: Burrea
When I awoke, Vine was shaking me awake.
“Guardian! Guess what? I’ve reached my naming age!” She shouted happily. “Hawk is going to name me this morning! Like, now! So move!” I was too tired to move but it registered she was trying to tell me something important. Then I looked at Vine again. She looked different. Vine had long trailing plants coving her from head to tail, even more so than usual, and there were beautiful blossoming roses on her sides. Her yellow eyes glinted happily. Naming ceremony. Oh! She was to be named. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t comprehended that, sleepy as I was. I beamed. Lucky her. She would no longer have a dull descriptive name like Vine.
Hawk was the human that oversaw everything that happened in the cave. She was tall, with medium length dirty blonde hair and green eyes. She was in charge of naming, punishing, and appointing jobs for the residents of the cave. She spoke fluid Dragontounge, and was both feared and respected by all the dragons living there. She was also the one and only human being in the area.
Seconds later, Vine was dragging me into the meeting cave, occasionally ordering me to get a move on. Then she ordered me to sit and she dashed up towards Hawk. I sighed.
“Quite energetic isn’t she?” said the dragon beside me. I turned my head and was surprised to see it was Huntoray who had spoken. I was about to say something before she guessed what I was thinking. “It’s alright if you want to postpone your diving expedition, she’ll probably want you on land.” I nodded. The human girl cleared her thought and began speaking.
“We are gathered here today to witness a young dragon’s final stage until adulthood.” She began. Vine was grinning broadly. “This hatchling shall henceforth be known as Burrea.” The crowd of dragons let out such a happy roar of pleasure that any ignorant human would have easily mistaken it for anger and would have screamed. This human grinned. “Good luck, Burrea, in digging your adult den.” Then the girl patted Burrea on the head and walked away to get on with whatever humans do.
A wave of dragons swarmed over Burrea, shouting congratulations and good fortune. I ran to join them. However, Hawk stopped me.
“Guardian.” She said. Suddenly nervous, I approached her. “I hear rumors you are going to look for Fisa.” I gulped.
“Yes, I do plan on doing that.” I said. My tail flicked in guilt.
“Well, I want you to be careful. I too, am morbidly curious to see what she has been up to but it might be unpredictable and dangerous. I do not permit you to enter the lake.” She commanded. I felt a pang of disappointment. Looking at my sullen expression, she added, “I’m not trying to be mean, Guardian. I just don’t want my hatchlings getting killed. Besides, I was thinking about appointing you to be the official guard of the cave.” This would have made me happy under normal circumstances, but I instead felt depressed. I honestly didn’t seem to understand the point of another guard. We already had Shieluk, but she never said a word and made it look like a horribly boring job. Feeling deflated, I ran to join Burrea.
I decided I had to see Fisa, no matter what the cost. I mentally added Hawk to the list of things I needed to worry about. I was in for a rough night.
Chapter 6: The gem
When the hatchlings were let out the next afternoon, I solemnly walked to the lake. Huntorary was already there. The sky was overcast and dismal feeling.
“Now, Guardian, my spell will only last for a short time. You must be swift in retrieving the gem of the lake.” She told me. “Are you ready?”
“Yes.” With that, Huntorary began to read off of the scroll.
“Ivahsi yuduin! Enimor taym inspelz! Boyar ugoner gedit!” she recited. A fast expanding bubble or magic formed around my snout. I had to more need to breathe. I waded into the water. In that moment, Hawk came sprinting down the shoreline. She looked furious. Panicking, I ran further into the lake and dove into the frigid water.
I did not know how to swim, though I could not drown. I experimented using my paws to paddle through the water, but I did not make much progress. My heavy, shield-like tail weighed me down considerably. I tried using it to my advantage, beating it up and down. I was rapidly gaining speed, soon rocketing through the water. If my vision was a bit clearer, and if there was no sense of urgency, it would have been great fun.
Once I got the hang of swimming I surveyed my surroundings. Long, trailing plants encased the muddy floor. My tail sent sand flying up from the bottom, sometimes revealing fish skeletons or shells. I could see no sign of Fisa or the gem of the lake Huntoray sent me to find. I was about to stop swimming to rest when I found a stone cave nestled into the bottom of the lake. I had to be Fisa’s den. I paddled to the mouth of the opening. Inside, I saw no sign of Fisa, but I did see what appeared to be a beautiful crystal. It had to be it, the gem of the lake. I cautiously entered the tunnel. The crystal sat on a stone platform. It was a serene blue color, and at that time sunlight was coming through a hole in the roof. It bounced off the crystal, throwing strange patterns of light across the walls of the room. Though the water made the sunbeams twist in a strange fashion, it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I gently lifted it up off its stand.
The crystals color changed from blue to red as soon as I made contact with it. A voice splintered through my mind.
“WHY HAVE YOU COME HERE? THEIF!” the voice bellowed. I dropped the crystal in fright. Had the gem spoken to me? I turned around. It was not the crystal using telepathy. It was Fisa.
Chapter 7: Wings
Fisa was huge, even bigger than I thought she was when I first observed her. Her head was looking into the mouth of the cave. Her teeth were bared, and they looked extremely sharp. But her most astonishing feature was her eyes. They were a flaming red, the same color as the gem.
“Let me explain! I mean you no harm!” I shouted mentally.
“I DO NOT SHOW MERCY FOR THEIVES LIKE YOU!” She screeched. Fisa was clearly beyond reason. I had the thought that perhaps she was being controlled by the stone. It explained why she disappeared without explanation and why her eyes had the same qualities as the gem. I needed to get out. Fast. I grabbed the rock and rocketed up through the hole in the roof. I could see Fisa trying to squeeze through the gap, but she was too big. She began to reverse back out of the cave. I swam towards shore as fast as I could allow my tail to propel me. Just when I thought I could make it, Fisa began closing in. Her jaws stretched out, ready to bite my rear clean off. Fisa whipped her long fanlike tail in front of me blocking my path. I was forced to turn to the right.
To make matters worse, I felt Huntoray’s spell become weaker, and I found it harder to breathe. Fisa snapped at my tail, managing to scratch the end. I screamed, and dropped the crystal. I could face Huntoray’s wrath. Anything was better than this.
Suddenly I had a very queer feeling. I felt a tingling sensation in my shoulder blades. Yes! At the perfect time, I had grown my wings. I leaped out of the water, beating my new limbs quickly, attempting to catch a gust of wind. I felt the spell completely die. If I failed to fly, I would fall back into the water. Is Fisa didn’t finish me off, I would simply drown. Things looked grim. However, luck was on my side. I soared into the air, away from the water dragon and her pointy teeth. Fisa made a final effort to jump out of the water and catch me out of the air. If I had been a few inches lower I would have been fish food. She landed back in the water with a mighty splash.
Badly shaken, I flew to the shore, and plummeted to the sand below. I lay there panting, until I fainted from exhaustion.
Chapter 8: Punishment
“You have directly disobeyed an order by cave lord Hawk, to you deny this fact?” The waterhorse dragon asked. I looked at my feet.
“No.” I said weakly.
“For this crime you shall be punished by the act of freezing, or a halt in all forms of aging.” The judge continued. I cringed and looked at the dragon making the announcement. Judge Glooa was very odd looking. She reminded me of a puddle of blue slime I’d once found underneath one of my claws. I did not want to be frozen. “Nitaya, you may proceed.” The elegant looking black dragon snickered and dragged me off to one of the lesser caves. She clearly loved the thought of ruining my life.
Grinning smugly she muttered a long incantation. As I felt the magic coursing through my body, penetrating into my soul, I cried miserably. I would not get a proper name. I would never become a true guardian. I could not grow up. When it was complete, the dark dragon laughed cruelly. After I was pushed back into the main meeting room, in front of all my fellow hatchlings and fully grown dragons, Nitaya went and whispered something into the ear of Evilbunny. She pressed her lips together in a thin line, and nodded. She began another announcement.
“Nitaya has just suggested a new name for this iceling.” Iceling. Is that what I was now? “She will now be called…Iced Teardrop.” All of the other dragons, including Burrea, booed and hissed.
Chapter 9: Memories
Eventually, life continued normally. Or, at least as close to normal as it could get. I watched as my former nest mates grew up, and they eventually started talking to me again. I never again went swimming in the lake. Thinking back, I realize I don’t blame Fisa for what happened. I have concluded that she is under control of the gem, and will probably never change. I suppose somebody really should do something about it, but that’s a story for another time. Flying saved my life, and I do it every day. Huntoray’s threats proved meaningless as he totally forgot he had even sent me after the gem of the lake in the first place. Hawk forgave me, and the boring old guard named Shieluk even offered to let me stand guard with him. I politely declined.
Chapter 10: Afterword
All of the dragons mentioned in the story are real. Burrea, Iced Tears, and Autumn (he’s frozen now) were all wingless hatchlings during the making of this book. I also had a sunrise hatchling, but it would have been difficult to include it in the story as it would have been hard for some people to remember all their names. Freezing Guardian was a very hard decision. It made me sad just thinking about it, but a story can’t be great without a little tragedy. I was inspired to write this after somebody commented on my water dragons’ description. They said “meh.. normal.” This made me sort of huffy and I decided to make her story NOT “meh.. normal”. I hope you think I did a good job at being not-meh.

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Regenesis


A black miasma had been growing in the north for a week when it first shifted. The Storms had informed all of the oldest and most prominent dragons of the region that a powerful storm brewed behind it, and would push it upon them soon. No Skywing would approach it now, and panic fluttered about the area. Those few in charge, those who had lived longest or proven themselves leaders, or had the most experience, eased the worry somewhat. Mutters of trembling and impending chaos sped throughout the Earth and Water dragons, so close to the planet as they were.

Tendrils of it reached out like a dark, foreboding hand for two days before the rest of its bulk began to surge forward to catch up. Many suggested evacuating, but the idea was a short comfort. If they left they would have to outrun (impossible) or route around (more work than was worth) the dark clouds, but if they stayed, here, where was their home, their fortifications, their everything, it was likely they could hide and wait it out. There were deep caves and tunnels in their mountains dug by many dragons in fits of boredom, or maybe preparation.

Bnuit was one of, if not the, most respected elder dragons. A Magi, a special deliverance from a neighbor dragon group, he was old and wise and powerful and proud, but not arrogant. He held the Syke clan together well with natural gravitation and authority. In his age and rumored infirmity he had stepped down from any main command, but he still held much regard among all the dragons. His son was the real face of the clan, a charismatic and intense Magi that was, even if a little hasty, well-meaning and talented. Bcolrel fought and loved with all his being, and was gifted in both areas.

Cemahd was the primary feminine persona of the clan, being Bcolrel’s mate, and one of the few to initially advocate moving. She was a bit shy and didn’t like public attention much, but was fiercely loyal to her mate and family. Much of her grace and attitude was learned from Vaynat, her predecessor. Vaynat was Bnuit’s partner, a strict Magi that was older than her mate and a bit bossy to him. She worked behind the scenes, advising him away from judgmental hearts. Some called her stoic, some called her crabby, none dared dispute with her or let her hear the gossip.

It was Vaynat that first proposed leaving, even temporarily, and this was one of the only times anyone had objected her. Of course, it was not so much her they objected, but her mate and son they supported. Bnuit and Bcolrel were the most active of the group that advocated bunkering down and waiting out the impending storm. Being the leaders that they were, and having such the loyal following they did, nobody dissented.

Supplies were hastily gathered and accommodations made to ensure all would be under some form of protection when the not-exactly-a-storm came. The Deep Seas invited all the water-dwellers to their tucked away chambers, safe from any roaring currents and tossing swells. The Earths deepened and strengthened their solid, winding tunnels and caves to make room for the many that would be huddled in shelter. When not busy preparing, most went to their special places of privacy and temporarily relaxed, soaking in whatever peace they could find among the anxiety of all unavoidable doom.

Fewer dragons flew as the omnipresent mass grew larger and closer, most taking to walking under forest canopies or near the established safety areas, just in case.

Everyone grew edgier and more tense as a week went by, the dark miasma creeping, ever closer, ever patient, almost as if it delighted in the panic it caused.

Panic nearly broke loose one afternoon as normal rain clouds materialized and suddenly let out a downpour. Bcolrel had been with a small group of gatherers when it started, and as some entered into hysterics, a few knew it to be normal weather. Trying to convince those spooked soon proved futile and he had growled fiercely and barked at a young Skywing girl to alert a Storm or two to dissipate it. She flew off affronted (though she did obey) and Bcolrel turned to soothing the panicked, something he could sadly not do. Eventually he left the task to the guard of Pinks, who managed to quiet them and move them into one of the shelters.

It was only the next day, a couple still in recovery of the incident, that the Silvers came down from the mountaintops and soberly informed Bnuit and Bcolrel and their mates that the dreaded cloud would be upon them in just a handful of hours. They all nodded and exchanged worried glances before separating to spread the word and hurry everyone together into the safe havens. Everywhere they went, every dragon reacted the same. A flash of panic, a glance upward, shiver of fear, and oddly enough, a quiet and calm acquiescence to retreat from their task and settle in the shelter.

Bcolrel had just seen a few of the blacks marshaled into one of the many hidden passages of the area when his father landed beside him. Bnuit stood just a bit shorter and stouter than his son, and both quietly watched the group settle down. The dark clouds were almost directly overhead, and they both stood, absorbing what they could of the last bit of sunlight that had yet to be snuffed out.

We should head in, Bcolrel. Everyone is sheltered now, and your mother and Cemahd worry about us. The storm is almost come.

Bcolrel nodded and silently took to the sky, Bnuit close behind.

They were the last to arrive at their cave, Vaynat and Cemahd rising to meet them. Bcolrel shot his mate a thought and tight look, both going unnoticed by all around them. Vaynat and Bnuit stood gravely by the cave entrance, watching the dark mass surge forward and shadow the land, finally. Further inside, Bayla, Veanla, and Nuiym huddled against the onset of darkness. Bnuit had gathered this core group here, a collection of those most prominent in the area and those whose advice he trusted most.

Bayla, a healer, modest and timid, watched everyone’s reaction and feared the darkness beyond their cover. He had never before been so privileged to be asked for by such company, being only a moderately talented healer. Veanla sat in austere silence, glaring at the outside threat. He was a fighter above all else, and damn this strange cover for being exactly what he couldn’t confront. Nuiym was the only one with a pretence of calm. The silver lay curled up in the far back of the cave, giving off a slight glow, as always. Despite her act of rest, her muscles clenched, and her face was drawn. She was the oldest silver and of great influence and peace, but the recent happenings had even unsettled her. Bnuit finally turned from watching the still, dark sky to assess the room around him.

Bcolrel and Cemahd had retreated to one side of the cave, scrunched together, the former’s being focused on worry and the latter’s shrunk in confusion. Vaynat had left his side to wander over and sit a bit inside the entrance, the most serene of the cave. Bayla, Veanla, and Nuiym were all grouped near the back, equidistance from each other. Bnuit stood at the mouth of the opening, inside just far enough. He regarded them all silently, and again that unusually strong sense of loneliness and resignation pervaded the room.

Now we wait for the storm to pass. It will be a harsh one, know this. But all will persevere. You must.

There was such finality in his words that none argued, but Bcolrel gave an infinitely sad look his father’s way and shifted a bit. Cemahd looked up at his worried expression and pushed herself closer to him, trying to alleviate even a bit of his worry. He bent his head down, looking away from Bnuit to nuzzle her head in comfort. Bnuit saw the assent in all present and walked farther into the cave. And, as if on cue, a terrible downpour started as soon as he was safely inside.

Nuiym tensed again. Bnuit seemed as usual, an old and wise dragon that didn’t flaunt the energy of youth, but carried the respect of ages. But that final statement, that exact timing of storm, the horrendous clap of thunder that echoed immediately after, all had unsettled her more. She watched him instead of what went on outside as he strode over to Vaynat and lay next to her, very close to her, silently. They rest against each other, a rare sight, sharing their emotion.

Bcolrel brought Cemahd closer still to him and wrapped them in a powerful mental cloak. It was their favorite thing to do, to be completely alone in their minds, to be able to shirk their titles and cares for just each other. They were totally honest and unburdened in this state. She knew his worry even before he had landed, and he had promised an explanation now. Otherwise in the cave, all sat still and quiet.

Cemahd waited, her patience stretched thin with the recent days of worry and the depth of Bcolrel’s anxiety, but she waited for him to be ready to share. It wasn’t long, for Bcolrel only held her in his power for a few seconds in their magical world before he shared.

Two visions have come to them. Both the same. My father will not survive this cursed storm.

She staggered, with shock and disbelief and sadness and everything else Bcolrel had felt himself when the dragons had told them both of the visions. They were not sure of how, but both resulted in Bnuit’s death. Bcolrel had raged against that fate at first, Bnuit only quietly contemplating. It was impossible, he’d argued, their plans for safety were not going to be wrecked, and Bnuit would not be alone when it hit. There was no reason for it. None at all. Why should it happen, why?

But his father had interrupted him, and handled it much better, and accepted the knowledge, and thanked the dragons for telling him. All three had been greatly shocked. He would not fight this, would not deny it, would simply succumb to a surely dreadful doom? They protested, but not strongly, for he had made his decision. Indeed he would. Visions were rare and powerful, and he would accept them.

Bcolrel had never wanted to argue with him more. None of the cave knew, save for the four magi. Vaynat had known as soon as Bnuit could fly to her after being told himself. She had despaired, but he had comforted her and eased the knowledge, and now they only concerned themselves with enjoying each other in, quite probably, their last stretch of time together.

Cemahd shuddered against him as a violent clap of thunder rang outside in the raging storm, and by now Bcolrel held only worry. Mourning before the dead had passed, a strange concept though it was, was what he felt. Bcolrel had barely spoken with Bnuit since the revelation, and now thought of the how. How would the storm take him? In an early and strong burst of power into their hideaway, making them all suffer this storm without him as a beacon? Would it deceive them by offering a hint of relenting, then when Bnuit went to check (because surely he would), take him violently away in a surprise attack? Would it be the end, when all were worn down and would not be able to fight for him? Any way Bcolrel twisted it in their strange mind-stage, it would be a cruel hand of fate indeed, and Cemahd began to despair.

The dragons sat silent in the cave, only able to witness the pitch black roiling outside. It was oddly calming, that fact not a little helped by Bnuit’s strange, calm, almost resignated demeanor and Bcolrel’s spiritual absence. A few feeble attempts were made at conversation, but they quickly died as either the storm drowned them out or the somber mood deflated their will.

It was impossibly dark outside, but not a massive blanket of nothingness like they had expected. Sometimes they could see the profiles of trees, thrashing about the chaos; sometimes they barely saw the cliff outside their shelter. Always they saw the black shapes, seeming to dance in their superiority, the wind their siren song and the incessant thunder and lightning their direction. They screamed and shrieked and laughed and twirled like madness incarnate around the mountain range as the overbearing mass continued to hang over. Nobody could tell if it had moved or stopped, though many feared the latter.

Nuiym had not moved throughout. She forced herself to be still. Eventually the cave would seem claustrophobic, and no amount of pacing or worrying would make the strange oppression leave any faster. Instead she stilled and focused on her telepathic links with the other silvers. One had gone to each of the largest shelters, and all shared a heightened connectivity from their bond of friendship. Living fairly far away from the majority of the area’s dragons and much closer to each other than normal for many years had led to stronger intimacy and resulted in easier communication. Their depth was not exactly as strong as a couple that had been together for centuries, but it was greater than average.

So far there seemed to be no change. The horrible whirl of darkness outside of the safe areas had not ceased, nor had they reached in and taken any of their number. The other female silver, mostly called Mekrd, did admit herself enamored with the storm’s mystical harmonies. They twisted and entwined so alluringly, so complex, so dangerously attractive. Nuiym saw it as she paid attention to the details of their performance.

How many souls have fallen victim to that wondrously evil scheme?

And for that they had no answer.

Veanla likewise kept in contact, though less frequently, with his elite kin. He was a sturdy older warrior and trained his recruits well. Their magic was developed and telepathy was pushed to be as quick and efficient as possible. The black dragons numbered many, and were the standard guard for the area. Their mental links did not stretch as far, but were very brief and orderly. They did not waste time with checkups and scheduled alerts; their guard was large enough to send only one short alert through a chain when necessary. If the army was not so well trained and molded to this system, it would be a mess, but they were and it was a favorable system.

Bayla knew all this and finally recognized why Bnuit had asked those two here. It wasn’t just that they were in high standing, but with Nuiym and Veanla there were two extensive and detailed networks that covered probably all of the shelters. If anything were to happen they’d know almost immediately and Bnuit would be able to act. That still left the question of why he was there. Stuck in this puzzlement, Bayla largely ignored the ominous outside world.

Bcolrel and Cemahd stayed a little longer in their private space, but the former soon began speculating. The miasma, that dreaded darkness that danced around them, that had terrified them to their very souls for what seemed like so long, actually had a consciousness. He could feel it. It was more than the vicious joy every other dragon witnessing it felt, it had a deeper level of being than just tormentor. Bcolrel had not noticed this at first, but as the storm went on it became stronger and stronger. He felt from it not parasitic happiness, but true contentment.

It confounded everything he’d thought so far. This was supposed to be just a horrible passing darkness, an evil that might take his father and then leave. Bcolrel hated it for even being, but now something had shifted. The knowledge that there was something more, something that wasn’t so evil about it, that knowledge threw everything out. The worst part was nobody else knew about it. Bcolrel was by far the most powerful telepath in accommodating new or foreign minds, and even he in this heightened and focused awareness was only barely able to scry it.

Outside, a strange new elatedness overcame the dancers and they shrieked and blurred more intensely than ever.

In one instant immediately after both Nuiym and Veanla jumped up and roared.

Bnuit moved from Vaynat and hurriedly approached them. Veanla was first to calm and shared the news with all as Nuiym let out a horrible cry.

One of the young and an egg have disappeared.

Everyone staggered back in shock, several growling. Nobody needed further explanation as to where they had disappeared to. Bnuit turned and began to walk toward the mouth of the cave, and Bcolrel moved to stop him.

No, let me go-

Nuiym’s final wail died out and she broadcast a strong map of which shelter they had disappeared from were shoved into everyone’s minds, her despair needing no words. A blur of colors was all she could manage, but a bright glow and flash of black were distinct.

My grandchild…

Bcolrel growled low and damned the storm that did this.

Bnuit, let me go, I can fight this storm and fly faster-

No.

Bnuit walked over to his son and stared heavily at him. He then wrapped them in a tight and private mental bubble and sighed.

You’re needed. Be strong. I love you.

*nulls vote and stalks*

ETA: Chess, can you set a date for voting to be over instead of "clear winner"? This could go on for a while otherwise.

This post has been edited by NixAyum on Nov 7 2009, 06:48 PM

I figure I'll end this in 2-3 days, if the stories aren't tied by then.

Note: I'd like to have 10+ votes and I'd like one story to be in the lead by three, though I know this second may be hard to manage. On Monday evening I'll end this, unless the winning story is in the lead by just one vote, or they're tied. If they are, once a story can get in the lead by two votes, I'll probably end the contest.

This post has been edited by Chess Tyrant on Nov 7 2009, 08:52 PM

I'll end the vote tomorrow afternoon, in about 22 hours.

Something tells me I lost, lol. Oh well, maybe next time.

The voting has come to a close. Congratulations to NixAyum and her story Regenesis, the official winner of the second round of the Dragon Cave Writing Contest. She will be able to post the victory banner in his signature, and will be the host of our next contest.

I would like to extend my thanks to all you who have participated in this contest, by entering a story, by voting, and by posting in these threads. I hope you will all continue to strengthen this contest, making each successive round better than the last.

Finally, good luck to everyone who participates in the third round of the Dragon Cave Writing Contest!

This post has been edited by Chess Tyrant on Nov 9 2009, 11:37 PM

...*looks down* wat. o,o *cough*

Thanks Chess!

New thread will be up in the morning, it's 11 PM here.

This post has been edited by NixAyum on Nov 9 2009, 10:55 PM

Whoops. Sorry.

We'll all eagerly await the new contest. I'm touching up the list of characters for my new trilogy tonight.