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The patter of a soft rain on the roof made her aware of… a haze. A buzz in her… somewhere. Everywhere.

Blinking awake, she stared at the ceiling for a moment before peering around their home, noticing Jasper's hunched back, sitting on the edge of the bed while looking out the open door. Attempting to sit up, she immediately regretted it, groaning as her head throbbed.

Jasper startled and glanced over his shoulder at her in concern but made sure to avoid even the chance of eye contact. When he was sure she was alright, he turned back to stare out the open flap at the rain. Shaking her head, she crawled over to him, looking out into the dreary world.

“What... Where did the others go?" she questioned, immediately noticing that the spaces where the others had once set up their own tents were empty. “What happened?"

Jasper let out a solemn breath. “I sent them away. I convinced them it was a better idea to split up, less chance of finding us all. Told them I'd take you to a doctor and we'd all meet up later. Black really hated going. He carried you with that egg back to Randel when you passed out the first time."

“Oh," she acknowledged softly. Her mind had calmed enough from the strange buzzing, but she was still unsure of exactly how she was feeling. She really just wanted to close her eyes, but that didn't stop the strange sensations she felt throughout her whole body.

“Jasper," she whispered. “I don't know what's happening to me."

“I do," he responded gently. “My dad once told me a story. When he was a young man, he had the chance to see the last Tamer of Mardarow. He told me that when he met the man's eyes, it... it felt like everything he was had been laid bare. His will was exposed; completely out of his control. He would have done anything that man asked him to do, even if it was to take his own life. It was only for a split second, but he never forgot." Sucking in a pensive breath, he let it out in a rush. “And neither will I."

“What?" She looked at him but he kept his eyes down. “I... How can I possibly be a... a..."

“It all makes sense, now," he continued softly. “I never could figure out why Randel just veered off like that when he found you buried in the snow. I kept justifying that maybe he…liked how you smelled. And, thinking about it, hasn't it ever been strange to you that every dragon stops what it's doing to look at you? And all the things you've said about how your uncle raised you. About how he said your parents had died. Probably happened in some… political power struggle. Your 'uncle' was probably his Guardian."

“Uncle Mire…" she whispered wistfully, trailing off so they sat in silence for a few moments while she tried to process it all. Jasper was right. She had never thought much of it when dragons would find her interesting. Even when people made mention that their dragon was unusually friendly with her, she just shrugged it off as an effect of being part elf. She had not been around dragons often enough to really make her suspicious but it now was just another piece of the puzzle. Thinking back on her life, all that she had been taught, many of the lessons her uncle had tried to teach her while she day dreamed suddenly made sense.

“Uncle Mire used to… mutter about... things. Seeing the dead. He always said it was his dragon waiting for him, but he… sometimes, he would say my father's name… like they were talking."

“That would make sense," he responded quietly. “I always heard a Guardian's supposed to be bonded to their Tamer like they're bonded to their dragon." That brought his brows together thoughtfully.

“Jasper," she breathed his name, interrupting his thought. “I... I never knew... I never even would have dared imagine...."

Still not looking at her, he let out a sigh and nodded. “I know, S're."

She touched his hand and he almost flinched away. “Are you afraid of me?"

He perked up, looking toward her but avoiding her eyes. “What? No! I mean, if you were any other Tamer I probably would be. It's just... well." He turned away, shaking his head. “ You're a Tamer, and… everything is going to change. You… could control me."

“What?" she breathed, not wanting to believe what he said. “Why? Why would I do that? I don't want to control you. I… I don't want to control anyone." Squirming closer, she leaned her head against his shoulder. “I don't want anything to change. I'm already so overwhelmed by all this. I… I feel so weird now. I could really use my best friend."

Sucking in a deep breath, he laid his head against hers. “I must be the luckiest guy on this planet."

A beeping sound behind them caused them to turn. A bright blue light slowly flashed at the top of the egg basket. Glancing at each other, they drew a little closer to peer at it before a mechanism whirred and a shimmering hiss caused them to back away again.

“What's it doing?" S're asked.

“Uhh, I think it's purging its supply. The reactor isn't very big. We've had it a few days. I think… I mean, I haven't seen anything this advanced before, but I think the reactor was damaged. It can't finish the replenish cycle."

As they watched, the lights slowly lost their glow until the whole thing went dark. Looking at each other again, they jumped when the lock clicked open. Reaching out, S're opened the top to reveal a storm gray egg perfectly cushioned within. Her breath caught, absolutely mesmerized, and she placed her hand against the warm, bumpy shell. She could feel movement inside, but more than that, she could feel the hatchling. It knew- he knew- she was there, and he was tired of waiting.

A sharp rap under her hand caused her to snatch it back in surprise. Squealing, the hatchling clawed and tapped all along its shell until a long crack appeared before more cracks radiated out and the shell shattered. Poking its slender head out into the world, egg slime dripped all over. Opening large, metallic copper eyes, they had to figure out how to track together before peering up at S're's face.

She couldn't breathe for a moment that felt suspended in time. How would she describe what she saw? Nothing. A pool of darkness. Somehow, she knew something was supposed to be there. Something was missing in the dragon's soul and it felt more unsettling to know that than the visions she had had thus far.

The hatchling stared back at her, transfixed, until the rest of the egg gave way, sending him tumbling to the ground with a squeak. Gasping, S're reached down to help, recoiling from the slime covering him with a grimace. Grabbing a blanket off their bed, she began to rub him off.

“Well, there goes our chances of selling it." She almost startled, having forgotten about everything and everyone else, but Jasper was too busy staring at the dragon to notice. “What kind of dragon is that, anyways? I've never seen such a thing."

Looking back, now that he mentioned it, she had never seen anything like it either. About the size of a small Rattle Drawg, he had the same bony crest along the back of his skull as any War dragon, small black knobs where his horns would grow. His neck and body were long and slender, more like a Spindle. Starting from the mid spine were 11 bony knobs that would one day grow into spikes. His legs were long, paws grasping, more akin to a Drakhund. The wings were far too small to fly, but that was normal for the first year even for the Scouters. His scales were mostly black with flecks of dark gray dabbled throughout.

“I don't know," S're admitted softly. “Maybe… maybe he's some kind of hybrid?"

“Of course you'd be the one a weird new species would want to Bond with," Jasper teased with a smirk.

It caused her to gasp deeply in realization. “That's what! That's what's missing!"

“What? What are you…?"

“Jasper, he… can't bond. It feels so… weird. I-I don't know how I know any of this."

Unsteadily rising to his paws, the hatchling peered between them curiously.

Sucking in his breath grimly, Jasper looked down and forced a smile for the adorable, big eyed newborn. “Well, welcome to the world, little guy. I'll bet you're gonna be hungry soon."

Tilting his head, the little dragon opened his mouth to squeal when he sucked in his breath, made an odd face, and sneezed. It might have been cute... if their things weren't suddenly on fire! Startled, they were quick to put it out, now staring in horrified shock at the little black dragon.

“Oh, Serpents," Jasper whispered with dread. “I knew it was going to be trouble, but not quite like this. He-He must be an experiment, which means...." He groaned and rubbed his temples, dropping onto the edge of the bed. “Damn it. Those documents. Those must have been genetic codes, instructions on how to make more. Shit, are we going to have these things everywhere?"

“Jasper," S're breathed, putting her hand against her forehead. “I don't feel well, Jasper."

Glancing between her and the baby dragon, he turned and started digging through their packs until he found a can of fruit, popping the top. “It has been a couple of days you've been out. I haven't stopped to hunt or buy anything. Eat this, and we'll get a proper meal at the first place we come to. Have to get something for him, too. He'll be ravenous soon."

As she ate, her mind raced with everything she could remember. Other than her vision, she couldn't recall much.

About to ask a question, a vibration under their bodies was Randel telling them there was something on the path ahead. The flap rustled before S're even felt the first hints and Jasper was gone, nimbly dodging through the vegetation, hanging onto the hefty fruit tree, its roots clinging securely to the many crags of the shell.

Ahead of them, the packed dirt of the Tunk'ta trail gave way to paved road. Many scattered houses were ringed by farmland while more industrious buildings protected the town and fields from curious Tunk'ta on the outside. Anywhere there were enough people to gather and lay down more modern conveniences, there tended to be supplies.

Jasper stomped his booted foot against Randel's shell, looking out to the side of the trail where the yellow drake grass grew tall enough to tickle the Tunk'ta's belly. Without further instruction, the dragon began to trek through the grass. Most of it bounced back as though he had not just trampled through.

Finding a spot that smelled right, Randel settled down, burying his lower body into the ground so that he could begin feeding. Jasper convinced S're it was best for her to stay with the dragons. It was too risky for her should she lock eyes with anyone.

He went into the small town on his own, making his way through the tall grass. He made sure he remembered how to get back before continuing. Finding the supply store was not hard. The world was full of travelers of all sorts, so most towns built their stores and entertainment along the outer borders so the travelers could easily get what they needed and move on without disturbing residents.

His friendly smile and roguish charm made him particularly good at haggling and gained him far more than any form of force ever had. It helped that he was tall among the other commoners. The woman behind the counter was not easily won over, but his genial nature and good looks eventually had him restocked with some bonuses.

As he slung the bags over his shoulders and headed toward the door, a board along the wall caught his attention. His heart skipped a beat. Among the many local ads and requests pinned up, a near perfect sketch of S're stared back at him, down to the shine of her eyes.

“_ Required alive. _ For the theft of Zaparain government property." It even called her a traitor. The bounty in bold numbers was greater than what they had been offered.

Thoughts raced through his mind as he hurriedly returned. Finding the marker where he had come through the grass, he retraced his steps, his attention focused within.

His heart nearly stopped when he heard a deep hiss directly next to him. Freezing, he hardly dared to breathe. The thick blades parted, a long powerful muzzle coming into his sight. He slowly turned his head, his eyes focused on its many serrated tooth-like jaw spikes while its yellow eyes focused on him. The emerald feathers that ringed its head rustled before they stood on end, the creature hissing again as it rose over him, tall enough to see over the grass.

At the creature's screech, Jasper took off. The Feathered Drawg growled and used its grasping, clawed hands to push the thick blades out of its way, running on sinuous hind legs made for jumping onto the backs of larger prey rather than chasing small and agile humans.

In his panic, he forgot the direction he had come from, knowing only that he wanted as much distance between himself and that predator as he could make. The grass all looked the same and having to make sharp turns to confuse the animal was just as confusing to him.

A wet spot from the earlier rain caused a slick mud that took his feet out from under him. Tumbling to the ground with a cry, Jasper barely had time to regain himself before he heard the Drawg approach behind him. It hissed again, opening its mouth wide enough to swallow him whole.

A shadowy form lunged up to the Drawg's side, using the feathers of the beast to hang on. The animal screeched in pain when a sword was sunk deeply into its side between its otherwise impenetrable scales. It turned to look at the protruding weapon, the person already gone, screaming loudly as it limped around in a circle.

“Jasper!" S're appeared beside him, helping him back to his feet.

“Glad to see you! Let's go!"

They grabbed their bags and turned to flee when another long face appeared in their path. The first Drawg's mate warbled at them, opening wide its grand jaws. Both humans managed to jump out of the way of the crushing snap. With a frustrated hiss, it gave chase as they fled.

Sensing Jasper's fear for his life, Randel startled awake, groaning as he rose out of the ground. Stretching his head high over the plants, he peered about for the small humans. Unable to see anything, he stepped forward and roared, calling to his Bonded.

It also gave away his presence, and he was preferred prey.

Massive jaws lunged out of the ocean of grass, attaching to his outstretched throat. Roaring in surprise and pain, he shook his head, trying to withdraw his long neck, but the Drawg did not release. Planting its powerful feet against Randel's knee, it tugged at his throat while putting pressure on his joint so that his leg buckled. His sound of panic as he dropped to his knees brought the injured Drawg running, instinctively drawn to the weakened prey. Shaking himself violently, dislodging chunks of tightly packed earth and plants, Randel made a sweep with his head, his tusks sending the injured Drawg flying over the field and out of sight with a fading screech.

Screaming in rage, Jasper ran towards the Drawg latched to his dragon, a wild leap getting him on the beast's haunch. Gripping the Drawg's feathers, he climbed to the head and removed a fire stick from his belt, stabbing it deeply between the scales through which the feathers grew. Twisting it, he dropped down off the animal. There was a mechanical hiss, and then the Drawg's head was on fire. Screaming, the creature released Randel and took off through the grass.

“Get off my dragon!" Jasper roared after the beast before turning his attention to his Bonded. “Randel! Oh buddy, you don't look good!"

Slowly, wobbling, the Tunk'ta rose back to his feet. Brilliant crimson streaks flowed down the deep grooves of the dragon's wrinkled neck. He made a high pitched sound, distressed and hurt.

S're returned to Randel's back to calm her hatchling while Jasper took off back into town. He found that people had heard the commotion and gathered near the border of the town to try and see what was happening. They quickly directed him to the nearest Stitcher, a small military post just a couple more hours walk up the trail. A town member ran off to send a Sprinter Drawg to the post with a note to expect the injured Tunk'ta.

Randel was still disoriented when Jasper returned. The great dragon wheezed, unsure if he should move. Climbing up a limp tendril, he crouched at the edge of the back plate, attempting to coax his dragon with sweet words, struggling to keep his voice steady. After what seemed an eternity, Randel decided he could go forward, returning to the trail and beginning his trek to the outpost.

After calming her hatchling, who had hung on to the shuddering ground beneath its paws for dear life, S're had begun gathering the things scattered about. Deciding it really wasn't that important, she instead went to check on Jasper. Many of the plants that had been so sturdy now sat at strange angles or could barely hold on.

Attempting to comfort Jasper, she took his hand. Though he was grateful, he returned to sit at the edge near his dragon's head, but did not protest her company. He could tell Randel was growing tired. It had been many weeks since they had found truly fertile land. His immense head was growing heavier by the moment.

They were still a long way from the outpost when they felt a vibration rumble through their bodies and saw a massive form appear at the tree line. A full sized male Tunk'ta strode towards them, his forest lush and well tended. He came with what haste he could muster, obviously focused on Randel. Calling to him again, Randel answered with a shrill squeal, his head sinking further towards the ground. They could see that a flag flew on a pole planted on top of the beast's head, a human form standing tall beside it.

“S're!" Jasper suddenly exclaimed, startling her. “S're, I saw a wanted sign! When I was in town! I was running back to tell you. It had your face and a bounty! A big bounty. That's a military Tender. He's going to have that wanted sign. I'm sure they all have your picture."

Her eyes were wide. “Jasper...."

He shook his head. “Look, we'll talk later. We haven't had the chance to discuss anything and now's not the time. Get your dragon and hop off. Go hide. Stay out of sight. I'll come back this way as soon as I can."

S're stared at him, knowing the worry in him without needing to see into his eyes. With a shuddering breath, she threw herself against him, kissing him like it would be the last, and he did not hesitate to reciprocate, his arms around her, holding her close.

She did not have much time to gather anything before indicating to her hatchling to follow. He was much heavier than he seemed, or maybe she was just tired, but she could still toss him over her shoulders and climb down a tendril. Once on the ground, they hurried off into the tall grass, heading for the nearest tree. Her hatchling squealed in frustration when it could not climb the tree as nimbly as she could. Ignoring him, she instead watched in concern as the two Tunk'ta drew closer together.

Randel stopped altogether, his breathing labored and swayed on his feet. The immense male walked alongside him, and the soldier Tender called Jasper over to his dragon. Continuing past Randel before turning and returning to his side, the other Tunk'ta reached out and cradled Randel's head and neck with its immense tusks. The thick tendrils all along the bodies of the two dragons intertwined. The other male made a deep, reassuring purring sound, a vibration S're could feel in her chest even at her distance. The two dragons stood that way for some time before Randel had the strength to continue, the other Tunk'ta in step so that he could keep resting his neck.

Once the two dragons had vanished into the trees, S're sat on the branch, her mind racing.

The sound of wing beats drew her out of her thoughts, looking up to the sky. A War dragon flew towards the outpost, a national banner along its side.

No sooner had the dragon passed than S're noticed a shimmering iridescent band appear across the sky far away. She had less than a heartbeat to squeeze her eyes shut before the band exploded into radiant brilliance, shooting through the atmosphere. She could hear it even at this distance, fizzling as it undulated along the band, the tiny reflective particles rapidly spinning away, glittering back out of existence.

S're rubbed her eyes, sparkles behind her lids. “Damn Glimmer," she muttered, blinking as she tried to peer through the spots in her vision. It didn't last long. Generations long before her had been living with the same phenomena, adapting to survive as well as any creature native to the world.

Her hatchling, however, had no idea what had just happened. Blinded, he squealed and shook his head, blinking rapidly. Rubbing at his eye with a paw, he gurgled and whimpered.

Dropping to the ground, S're patted him on the head. “I guess… you can't sense those, huh? 'They will not be blessed.' That's what he said. Feels kind of unfair, doesn't it? Not like you chose this. Not like I chose this, for that matter. All we ever did wrong was just… be born."

Peering up at her, the hatchling brushed against her, squealing and sniffing the air. She patted his head again. “You must be hungry. You've had a big day."

Digging through the pack she had brought, not sure how long she would have to be alone, she found something and pulled the wrapper off, offering it to him. Sniffing the dehydrated rations, he made a disgusted gurgle and wandered off, nose in the air. After looking around, she shrugged and followed him, soon hearing the rush of water.

They came to a river, clear and wide. The hatchling drank, peering around the bank. S're stood and stared at the rippling reflections for a time, not realizing her dragon had wandered away, his long nose leading him to the deeper woods along the shore.

A squeal and the sounds of a struggle startled her out of her thoughts. Before she had time to panic, her dragon was trotting back with some small, agile animal limp in his jaws. She sighed in relief, turning away as the hatchling swallowed his prey.

“At least you found yourself something," she mumbled, nibbling the bar still in her hand. “Definitely not like any normal baby dragon."

Once he was finished and had cleaned himself, the hatchling came to sit beside her on a fallen log. Maybe he did not possess the Bond of the soul, but he didn't need such to know S're felt distressed and concerned, staring blankly across the river. Laying his head across her lap, he gurgled happily as she scratched around his horn knobs.

The hours ticked by. Another Glimmer slithered across the sky far enough away that it was not blinding but still painful to watch. When the sky glittered with the sunset, S're realized she would need to find a place out of sight. Any number of predators would start to become active at this time.

Trekking towards the trees, she peered around to figure the best place to settle in. She could not build a fire. Any soldier would come to check this close to a military outpost. If she were not wanted, there would be no issue, only curiosity, but she couldn't risk it right now.

An explosion of glowing insects caused her to shriek when they were flushed from the low grass. Her hatchling growled and lunged at the bugs, snapping his jaws. The shrill little bugs left a bioluminescent goo smeared inside his mouth. Hissing in disgust, he shook his head violently.

Clutching at her chest, S're had to laugh at him. “Oh, you're my little hero!" she teased.

With the last of the light, she was able to find a hollow space in the roots of a large tree. There were sounds out in the darkness, sounds that made her ancient prey instincts tremble. She immediately began missing the safety of Randel's back. Even while he fed, most animals stayed away. Only the mightiest of predators would dare to accidentally wake a sleeping Tunk'ta.

Her hatchling leaned up against her, the heat of his body more than enough to keep her warm. Perhaps she had started to doze off, she wasn't sure until her dragon's growling made her head snap up with a few skips of her hearts. She had definitely dozed off.

In the light of the crescent moon, she realized they had been surrounded. Around them hissed several Rattle Drawgs. Spiked jaw bones clicked together, their thick manes of quills rattling as they stalked around, eyeing the dragon cautiously. They were agile and quick, hopping and darting, shoulders more pronounced than haunches. Many panted with excitement, their long tongues glistening. Large eyes reflected the limited light of the moon, some looking at her but most focused on her dragon. A scrabbling sound made her look above her and find that the Drawgs had climbed up the lower branches of the tree, their frightful talons biting the wood.

Again her dragon growled, baring his sharp little teeth. There were many rebuttals, the Rattlers daring to draw closer. S're leapt to her feet, causing the scaly animals to spook and scatter but only for a moment. She glanced around for a weapon of any kind but there was not even a rock within reach.

Before she could think of what to do, the air became oppressively hot, rippling around her hatchling. Sucking in his breath, the darkness of the night gave way to a brilliant chemical inferno. The Drawgs yelped and yowled in terror. They rushed around in a panic, instigating another plume of flame before they fled entirely, the sound of them fading away.

Clutching her chest, S're sank to the ground with relief. Her dragon came to her, his body warmth back to normal. He squealed, turning to sit against her.

“Thank the Serpents I have you!" she muttered gratefully. “My little hero."

The dragon peered back at her. Tilting his head, he opened his mouth. “He-ooo!"

Gasping at the shrill mimicry, she smiled. “Like that word, do you?"

An eerie sensation came over her all of a sudden. A cold shiver ran up her spine. Smoke danced from the smoldering leaf litter around them. Her gaze followed the haze as it slowly took shape over her. A dragon's shape. A ghostly female War dragon, as ivory as the moon light with clear azure eyes, peered through the veil. It felt… familiar. However, it wasn't the dragon that made her question her sanity in the moment. Instead, it was the even vaguer image that appeared beside the apparition. She did not need to see his face any more clearly to know, somehow, that it was her father, and while he could not be aware of her, he was aware of his dragon and she was aware of his daughter.

Every fiber felt like it was tingling. Overwhelmed by the sensations, she found that the vision of spirits were not enough to hold her to the waking realm.