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DHW

Part 10.4

The path of war

Allen

"Oh man one more minute like this and I think I'm gonna fall asleep." I yowled; covering my mouth with a hand. "Agreed; this is definitely leading nowhere." Grumbled Kyle in reply. "At this pace we'll be here tomorrow." I added; trying to find a better position on my chair. "Too bad I didn't bring my sleeping bag with me." Snickered Kyle. "You're sure? Cause I see one big green thing that would gladly shelter you for the night." "Maybe… even though I didn't plan on spending the whole day here." "Me neither." I sighed; observing the assembly. Around the oval table sat all the important people of the empire. I quickly identify the emperor's generals; the trader guild's chief Joff, Arkahym VonDrakanov and Astuna representing the

Mage Circle; the master assassin and a bunch of other people. But to all those I already knew added a dozen of new faces among which there were three dragons; several humans and other people representing allied countries. Among them I recognized an elven, a woman dressed in a long robe holding a tall golden scepter on top of which a large yellow gem radiates a warm glow. To what Kyle told me she is someone important from one of the southern realms. There was also something more awkward; a tall man but… he was… different. His whole body was dressed in black fur. At first I thought they were only clothes made from animal pelts but I had quickly realized my mistake; the man was no human; he looked like an intriguing mix between a human body and feline features. To what I knew he came from a faraway country beyond the western seas but his kind didn't take part in most conflicts concerning us. I turned my gaze away; noticing the emperor sitting on throne; his face impassible, showing no emotion and to his right Ulrick who for once looked more interested by something out of the room than by the heated debates.

I plunged back in the contemplation of the table; going over the large maps scattered around the slick plate. On one there was a map of the empire with all it's allies and; indicated in a different color the Dragon's realm; the target. A second map showed the border; the tall mountain forming a natural wall between our countries; a wall that would soon fall I thought. I spotted my village; tiny black point nestled in a green valley, the place I once called home. My heart sank; the words from the Watcher; words I tried to silence coming back to haunt me. He said he killed my father… was it true or was he trying to destabilize me to get the advantage in our duel? It was something I had to dig deeper into. My gaze went up; following the only road leading to the frontier; to an outpost on the black line marking the end of the imperial lands. Only one access point for those not foolish or suicidal enough to attempt the crossing by the cold dead lands between the mountain peaks; the old path we traversed on our first trip. Then my attention shifted to another map; a more detailed one where the dragon's realm was displayed in all its glory; much larger than I thought; rivaling our kingdom in size and population; stuck between the mountain chain on its south border and the frozen lands of the northern barbarian countries. However it had two access to the sea on its west and east sides. As my eyes wandered on the map I discovered mountains; plains; forests; rivers; cities, villages, important nods, and famous places. All in all their country was just like ours with its way of life, its customs; it's rules but instead of humans there were dragons living there and as a result everything was at their size. My gaze finally stopped on the fourth and final map; a detailed plan of their capital whose name was absolutely unreadable, written in foreign glyphs only dragons could understand. It was divided in three concentric areas separated by tall walls just like I had seen; everything revolving around the center area; the highest rank district in which the palace we had "visited" a long time ago had the central place. Well not exactly; to be more precise the building was slightly off center; sharing its sweet spot at the peak of the city with another important looking edifice; an official from what Kyle told me. I let my eyes roam over each section of the city; the large streets and huge mansion of the royal district; the smaller but still rich houses of the high class district; the more crowded but still nice looking buildings of the middle class district; this part of the city surprisingly greener than the rest; filled with huge parks and gardens and finally; forming the outer portion of the circle the low class district; the tiny houses piled up and stacked in narrow streets; a maze of streets entangled together forming one twisted scheme drawn by a mad hand. I felt anger rise in me; not mine but Kyo's anger as he laid eyes on his city; wishing only to free it from the grasp of the corruption;, to help his kind break free of their chains and shatter all the walls separating them. On the map small metal pieces had been put to symbolize important thing; black bars for the walls separating each area of the city; a golden dragon head for the palace and its twin demonized kings; a silver column crowned with a tiny white piece representing the shield-generating tower we had taken down so many months ago.

On the edges of the map; on small hills tiny knight figurines had been placed aloing with scaled model of a catapult that looked like they had been taken from a child's toys. On a river crossing the capital a handful of miniature boats was aligned while other were scattered near the coasts around strategic points. "We plan to send a first group by the sea escorted by the fleae; the fleet will then create a diversion while the group will reach the city by the river and take position on the eastern side; meanwhile a second group will enter by the south border, progressing through the countryside until they reach their position on the southern and western side of the city. Then a second group will attack by the sea; penetrating by the west; preventing the arrival of reinforcements and cutting supply lines before joining forces with the two other groups to take the city down. We will need a perfect coordination for this plan to work; if one of the groups doesn't succeed in their task then our offensive might result in a failure. We will need siege engines to break through the enemy's walls and enough armament to take down an army of dragon. Dragon riders and their mounts will be accompanying the three army groups; protecting and supporting the assaulting troops." When the general had finished a long silence had followed; everyone exchanging wondering looks. Some nodded approvingly; others refused; other remained quiet; preferring silence. I was among those who weren't behind that plan; it was risky; putting too many lives in the balance for uncertain results. Kyo was even more doubtful than me; begging to differ; snarling in disapproval, holding back his desire to rip that general's head from his body. "I am sorry general but I won't approve your strategy." Hissed Tarken; daring to speak first. A bunch of people agreed; all the dragons getting behind Tarken. "I joined to help free my kind; not to massacre them." Growled Kyo… or was it Kaos who spoke? It was hard to tell; in their current form their voices were so deeply intertwined it was hard to tell who was who. Knowing that Kyo and Kaos were agreeing on something was bugging me out; why would Kaos even agree with Kyo… or did he desire to protect his kind… but which? The dragons like he was once or the corrupted demons they became? "These dragons are sick; infected by a devilish curse that cripples their mind and deprives them of their free will but they are not the enemy; our real enemy is the one pulling the strings." Stated Kaos. "The two filthy liars hiding in their golden cocoon." Spat Kyo in contempt and disgust. "But you have to consider the possibility that their leaders will throw their subjects in the battle as cannon fodder." Protested the general. "It's a possibility indeed." Sighed Kyo; shaking his head in sorrow "our kind is manipulated; reduced to mindless attack drones in disguise. It may be hopeful but I'm certain there is a way to reverse this curse." Added Kyo; hope glinting in his eyes. All the dragons around the table nodded approvingly but I had a feeling they weren't being completely honest; perhaps influenced by Kyo's dominance. I wouldn't have been surprised if he had been using his powers to guide their judgment. "Alright… what do you suggest then." Grumbled the general in irritation. "I think we should act with more finesse." Explained Tarken; pausing until everyone was suspended to his lips. "Please proceed Tarken; you have our attention." Let out the emperor. "Kyle; would you be my hands?" "Certainly." He accepted. "I think of a much quieter and stealthy approach" started Tarken without preamble "Cut the head and the body will fall. Simple." "And how are you gonna do that?" grumbled the general. "I propose to send a smaller group composed of humans and dragon in the city." "And how will you breach through the walls?" "Who said we had to break through? There are other ways to enter the city; forgotten passages known by a handful of people that will gladly land us a hand am I right Joff?" "There is no way they could miss such an opportunity to take actions." Approved the chubby man with a knowing smirk. "This small group will make its way through each district until they reach the Kings; committing act of sabotage along the way to prevent any reaction or to draw attention away. When they will have reached their objective they will take down the threats then they will open the gates and raise the empire's flag; at this moment your army will enter the city and take over it quietly; smoothly. So how do you like this plan Emperor Ballus?" "Interesting indeed but who would risk infiltrating our enemy's fortress at the peril of their life." "I'm in." had replied Kyo. "Me too." "I will to; I know who to talk to to get past the walls without being detected." Added Tarken. "And he isn't going without me." Grunted Kyle; defying anyone to deny him this right. Yet even this plan wasn't making unanimity among the assembly and quickly the tone rose; two sides forming; those who wished for one massive attack with overwhelming number of soldiers to finally take down those that threatened their country for so many years; against those who wished to protect the dragons and expose in broad daylight those who had led them to war. In the span of a few minutes the two camps were barking at each other; the debate turned into a disorganized mayhem where everyone was trying to yell louder than their neighbor; everyone screaming their opinion out loud; not listening to the others, stuck in a loop of their own beliefs and opinions. "We're going nowhere." Let out Kyo; pissed off after one hour of unsuccessful attempts at calming everyone down. "It was to be expected." Grunted Tarken; as tired and frustrated as his mate "they have been entangled in that conflict for so long just like us Kyo; they want revenge for all they lost." "Kaos… why are you agreeing with Kyo on the course of action?" I question; asking the question that burned my throat for so long. "I'm not a fool Allen and I have no interest in saving those who used me to do their bidding for too long. I know who the real responsible are… in fact I'm one of them; I was one of the first to be drawn by the corruption; to be forced into submission; who became only an obedient pet at the service of their wicked draws. Dragons only went to war because they were commanded by the demons lurking in the shadow like me; because they had been fooled; blinded by lies; their mind weakened so much they couldn't think on their own. They are not responsible for all the deaths, for the war that took so many brave souls away; the demons like me are the culprits. I don't want to see my kind perish; if blood must be spilled It will be their vile; putrid blood for all the evil they're responsible for." "I understand." I mumbled; gratefully touching mind with him in some sort of hug.

Minutes went by without a solution; the great assembly reduced to what looked like complete chaos." "Politicians are just fucking overgrown children arguing over nothing." Mentally pat Kyle. "I couldn't agree more." I chuckled; observing them all one by one until my eyes fell on the only one not taking part in the conversation. "What is he doing?" I wondered. Alckor was sitting next to his brother; barely visible behind Kyo's larger frame; his snout peaking over the large table. He was here with us but seemed out of the conversation; his attention focused on something between his forepaws; careless about the important conversation taking place around him. Since he had sat close to Kyo he hadn't spoke a single work; enclosing himself in a death silence; only throwing furtive glances around every now and then. He looked out of place in that meeting room; an innocent child playing while the grown ups were deciding the fate of the world as we knew it. I wasn't the only one puzzled by his presence. When he had entered the room a wind of panic blew over the guests; his appearance overshadowing his shy expression. In the blind of an eye he had had all kinds of weapons pointed at his chest; weapons that only lowered when Kyo introduced him; increasing the surprise; challenging anyone to scratch one of his brother's scales. Yet his face showed one unmistakable expression; the desire to be somewhere else; out of sight; away to more welcoming places and peoples. Twisting my neck I tried to eat a better view of him; staring in shock when I discovered what he was doing. Under the table an orange-sized ball was glowing; sending a rather unusual energy radiation; an energy only a dragon possessed but… the colors didn't match; that so bright blue color didn't belong to him. "Oh no…" I gasped; eyes widening in awe "he… he didn't…" was it why Skye seemed in main because that so strange dragon stole something; something important looking to him. I kept an eye on him; wondering what he could possibly be doing with this thing he ripped fro the young dragonet. At first he seemed unsure; only holding it in his paw, as if it was bothering him more than anything but; as the conversation diluted in that mess of shouting voices I saw him pull that pulsating ball from under the table; observing it under the light, his lips twitching nervously as he held the thing before him; everyone oblivious to what he was doing. Before my amazed eyes he reached the glowing ball; poking at its surface; the thing sparkling and pounding harder in reply; tiny bluish particles escaping from the orb. He did it again, and again; his shy expression turning to pure childish amusement. It was like he was playing with the energy ball as if it was his toy; poking and teasing it to get it to shine brighter and spurt more glimmering sparkles. "So cute…" I let out; still twisted in an uncomfortable position.

"Enough!" roared a deep voice. A loud roar filled the room; deafening my ears, covering all sound; shaking the walls; cracking the windows. Instincts were telling me to run, to get away, my body warning me of a nearby threat but; as much as I wanted to mimic the other who panicked, tried to hide under the table like scared animals but I held still; clutching my chair's armrests, trying to look as calm as possible even though inside I wasn't feeling so confident. My heart pounded into my chest; adrenaline blooming in my veins; instincts urging me to get away; far from that menacing mouth that just roared. I threw a quick look to my right; Kyle was sitting on his chairs; his face a smooth calm and unafraid mask but it wasn't enough to hide the tension underneath. Tarken on his side was holding perfectly still; eyes bulging wide; maw agape on a word that wouldn't come out; every inch of his body paralyzed by the mighty command. Even he wasn't immune to Kyo's dominance over other dragons. A quick look over the assembly confirmed my first thoughts; everyone, humans and dragons alike were frozen, horrified; all the humans; from politicians to generals who had seen much worse than this were petrified; frightened like little kids. The dragons on their side were staring at Kyo; head bowed down in submission; awaiting the next order; deprived of their willpower; stripped of their might and minds; reduced to mere weak whelps kneeling before their alpha. Alckor however seemed to have remained unaffected by the dominant dragon's call; staring at his brother, his lower jaw nearly falling. He wasn't scared; just like all of us but he didn't seem to be in any way under Kyo's control; only observing his older sibling with a look of surprise and amazement, unprepared but impressed by what had just happened. I looked the other way, toward the emperor, discovering him sitting on his throne; watching the scene with a mix of surprise and curiosity; his dragon just like the others bowing down, eyes slightly hazy, reduced to an obedient underling. It always astonished me how that mighty; powerful, old and wise dragon could be so easily dominated. I had heard that he was among the most powerful dragons that ever lived, that all dragons; friends of foes bowed before him; listening to him and obeying without a second thought. Yet even that legend couldn't make it up to his reputation; turned to a weakling by a younger, more reckless drake; my dragon. My heart swelled with pride for a brief instant; a smile curling my lips. Kyo was strong… suited for an emperor; made to rule over other dragons but preferring to use his powers with cautions; or rather not daring to use them. Kyo shook his head; regrets filling his eyes as a lone tear rolled down his cheek. "It's alright Kyo…" I whispered; patting his flank with a hand; sensing the shivers coursing through him beneath his scales. "I am sorry… terribly sorry but you didn't leave me much of a choice." He shouted; looking at every person around the table in turn "but I won't lose myself in apologies because we don't have time for this." Everyone around ad their eyes focused on him as he spoke; getting up, dominating everyone from his height. "I understand what you all feel; I know your desire for vengeance because… I felt the same some time ago. But vengeance won't solve this conflict if it blinds us enough to misunderstand who the true enemy is. I know this war between dragons and human has been going on for far too long and how many… countless lives it took away in its wake; I know how you feel; how badly you desire to see them pay for what they did; for all the brave men and innocents who died. But let me tell you the feeling is similar behind those mountains." He let out; pointing a claw at the northern border. "But the dragons who lived there didn't cause this war… neither did the humans… no… it was all part of a bigger scheme; of a deceitful plan imagined by those who pull the strings; that lead two kinds to war by manipulating them; that made it so no peace could ever be found." I knew at that instant it was Kaos who spoke. "I know what I am saying because… because I used to be a part of this; I was one of those who triggered conflicts; who murdered; who assassinated; who would make up the truth so the war would never end." He stopped; looking at something in a corner of ceiling before continuing "But throughout the ages we used to blame the enemy side for causing this bloody mess but… we were all wrong; dragons like humans are innocent; fooled and misguided. So I cannot allow you to launch this offensive on innocent people. If someone must die; if blood must be spilled; if some deserve our wrath it's those who pretended to rule over my kind for so many years but only drowned us in their vile corruption; who turned my kind to obedient puppets." A long; dead silence followed; only disturbed by short ragged breathings and rustles of clothes. "So my emperor I ask you to trust me and let us take down those evil twin kings and free our kind of their chains." The emperor said nothing; rubbing his beard thoughtfully. "Emperor Ballus let me ask you a question." Growled Kyo; baring his fangs, out of patience. "What do you want to be in the eyes of your devoted subjects? The emperor that sent thousand and thousands of brave soldiers to their demise in the vain hope of a shining victory or the emperor that brought back peace and exposed the true culprits into broad daylight?"

Kyo sat back; trembling from both nervousness and frustration. Yet, even after an endless minute of thought no word came out of the emperor's mouth. "You spoke wisely Kyo." Approved a voice; the hooded figure of master assassin Kin'Fu raising, exposing a satisfied smile "but let me add something else." Kyo snorted; observing the man as he reached out with a hand, punching one of the small objects lined on the map; the one that represented the tower. It tipped over; falling onto its side before rolling away; bumping in another object. "We know that their main means of defense is destroyed; leaving their city more exposed and vulnerable than ever. But what you all seem to have overlooked is the fact that they have doubled the number of guards on the walls and patrols in the streets. Whatever we decide to do we will be met with strong resistance." "Yes and let's not forget their influence spreads further than this city's walls; to every part of the country; to even the smallest village; if we send troops there they will have to take every house and neutralize everyone in their way. Sadly we would lose the effect of surprise if we agree for a frontal attack where a small group would be harder to detect and could head straight for our main objective." Approved someone else. "Beside even with their main defence system down dragons are still very powerful creatures that won't go down without a fight and their fire alone is still more than capable to wreak havoc in our ranks." Approved another one. "And they are still in overwhelming numbers compared to us; everyone in the city no matter if they are male or female; young or old will fight to protect their home." Added Tarken "it's in our nature." "And let's not forget that, if what Kyo said is right and I'm certain it is; it will mean dragons will be at the peak of their power. We already sensed a similar energy being released at proximity of our capital and every time it caused a lot of destruction. I leave you to imagine what an entire army could do with that energy." Said Astuna; keeping her eyes glued to Kyo as if to tell him I know it was you." Kyo looked away; adopting an ignorant expression, Kaos separating from him; turning back to his smoky, shapeless state. "Indeed this is problematic…" mumbled a general, taking these new factors in consideration. "Beside we have no proof they aren't rebuilding their tower as we speak." Grumbled another. "They can't!" shouted a high pitched voice. I froze, my breathe stuck in my throat; unexpecting to hear that voice. In the blink of an eye all gazes had moved to the small black dragon trying to remain hidden in the shadow of his older brother. It was the first time he spoke since the meeting started. "Oh really… how can you be so sure of that?" enquired Arkaym VonDrakanov; leaning over the table to get a better view of the drake "I… I used to work there…" he squeaked. "Interesting… could you remind us who you are young one?"

………

Alckor

"A... Alckor…" I let out; so scared I could barely speak. What an idiot! Why did I have to open my mouth at the worst moment possible? I should have kept that thing closed but… in a way I… I feel like I can't keep it for myself anymore. Too many things happened to me because of that cursed tower of another forgotten age to be kept under silence. Furthermore… if it could help them then it's only better; maybe people here would trust me more if I helped them in their quest.

I took a deep breathe; trying to appease myself; my heart pounding so hard I fell like it's gonna burst out of me. "I'm Kyo's… little brother." I mumbled; cold sweat covering my face. Something warm fell over me; draping around my shivering frame; bringing a reassuring heat. I didn't need to see it to know Kyo was doing it; trying to comfort me and encourage me to keep going. His attempt wasn't in vain. "Why do you think they can't rebuild the tower Alckor?" interrogated the old man with his long white beard; his staff pulsating with magic; an energy to which I felt inexplicably attracted to. "Well… I've been close enough to know this place in deep and understand how it works." "Very well then; would you agree to share your knowledge with us and enlighten us to take the right decision?" "Certainly." I replied with more insurance; feeling already better seeing them suspended to my lips; waiting for a truth I was the only one to know. "First I'll have to tell you how it works…" I stated; reaching for the fallen piece that was supposed to be the tower but it was way too far. "Can someone give me this thing please?" I asked; my claws unable to reach the thing. To my dismay the thing rose; floating a few inches away from the table before rushing straight for my hand. "Thanks…" I stammered "So… where to start… oh yes under the tower there is a large pool of energy they used to fuel the spell. Some people thought this lake to be infinite but in reality the energy used to make this spell work is reused thanks to a network of underground pipes." "Interesting." Mumbled the old man; waving at the woman next to him to take note of what I was saying. "This lake is filled to the brim with pure energy and when I say pure I mean it. They pump that energy in the tower until it reaches the spell catalyst." I explained; poking at the crystal on top of the object I was holding. To my own dismay it was a real crystal shard. "Then the spell is casted, sent to smaller beacons on the city walls in order to generate the shield. However when the tower was destroyed; non only the building was blown appart but it's energy source was infected; corrupted by another energy making the spell theu used absolutely useless." "But they could recreate a spell using the corrupted energy." Argued the old man who, I only realized it now was a mage. "They could… with a lot of time and effort rebuild a tower and regenerate a spell but there is also something they miss; something without which they can't even think about rebuilding a tower and the thing is; the only one that was ever built is unique and there was no blueprint left so… without it they're stuck." I sniggered; my claws still caressing the tiny crystal fragment crowning the black reproduction of the tower. "And what is it Alckor?" questioned Kyo; observing me from above. "The catalyst." "And what is it?" "The crystal… it was shattered to smithereens when the tower fell." "So according to you it is impossible to regenerate the shield protecting their capital." "Correct." I approved; a broad smile on my face. "Well… this is one problem solved." Confirmed someone. I nodded; looking down at the small black object I held between sharp claws. "Hmmm I wonder…." I whisper, rubbing the tiny whitish fragment. I close my eyes, focusing on that so small crystal. In an instant I felt it; that accidentally harvested energy inside me; rushing toward my claws. A bit more… just a bit more and…

"By all the demons of hell what was that!" yells someone. My eyes snap open, my instincts flaring; the acrid stench of something burned reaching my twitching nostrils. Before me; where the map stood there is only a pile of ashes, a grayish smoke rising from the scorched paper. "Alckor did you do that?" gasped Kyo. "No… I… I don't think… oh my…" my sentence ended in a pathetic gasp; the thing I'm holding in my hand glowing, the silvery material crossed by large cracks, each filled with a blue light; the crystal at its top radiating the same blue light, rhythmically pounding. My claws underwent the same fate; the ivory appendages turned a light blue color, emitting that same strange glow. Is it me or do they look shorter? No… it can't be….

But it isn't an illusion; my claws on this side are definitely smaller; infused with that alien power. I close my eyes again, clenching my eyelids as tight as I can. A wild shiver goes through me, something slithering inside me; tickling and tingling wherever it goes. I can't hold a giggle, enjoying that awkward sensation. When I open my eyes the blue glow has vanished; my claws have gone back to their original size; every traces of blue erased. "Are you alright Alckor?" asked Kyo, holding me close to his chest; worries filling his voice. "Yes I'm fine…" I reply; nuzzling his muscular chest. "You scared the hell out of me Alckor. But… how did you just do that?" "I… I'm not exactly sure but…"

I pulled away, observing him with widening eyes; an idea, like a sparkle of light making its way into my mind. "But?" "But I think I just got an idea!" I chirp happily, grinning as I turn back to face the wondering assembly.

………

A long explanation later

………

Kyo

My body shivers, my tail nervously swishing from side to side, my claws noisily screeching the floor. I try to look calm, grooming one of my wings but I can't focus on just that, my eyes constantly drifting away, going back to Alckor. For the last half hour or so he has been leading the conversation, exposing his plan, debating with the generals who seem to be drinking every word he said, taking notes of all the information he gave them while his tiny claws went on the maps, pointing important places; wiggling around to try and explain his idea to them. He looks happy, proud, delighted to be listened with such respect, to have the highly ranked men discussing with him; commenting, questioning him.

My body feels cold; my heat squeezed in a steel-grip, apprehension creeping over me, sneaking in my flesh. On one hand his plan sounds just perfect, safer for both us and our kind, much more promising than all the previous strategies; a plan who would guarantee freedom to our kind if we succeeded. Yet something was holding me back; it was the best course of action but… for a reason I couldn't agree with that strategy. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself and bring back order in my head. Everything was so messed up, so blurry, so entangled it was hard to think clearly, on one hand I was so proud of my little brother, so happy he was taking part in the conversation, offering unknown knowledge to the generals, it brought warmth to my heart to see them treat him with respect, to not make fun of him or ignore him however… on the other hand I felt weird; his proposal bringing an awkward sensation to me: fear. One part of his plan in particular was terrifying me beyond reason; my guts kept telling me it was the best thing to do, it would weaken the demonic army, cripple them, disorganize them, while also neutralizing more of the defenses and possibly free our kind of their evil grasp, offering us the perfect opportunity to strike and take the two kings down for good. But for it to work he had to take big risks and put his life on the line, a decision I couldn't tolerate; the mere idea of him being injured in battle or worse killed was revolting me. How could he even suggest to possibly sacrificing himself? What was he trying to prove? What was the big idea behind that?

"Don't worry Kyo." Whispered Kaos, trying to appease the turmoil ravaging my mind "he wouldn't make that kind of offer if he wasn't sure to make it out alive." "And that's supposed to sound reassuring?" I hissed, shaking his pesky presence off. "Kyo; don't underestimate your brothers, he might not know everything about his powers but he isn't a weakling either. Beside he knows better than us how the silver tower works, he's been closer to that millennia old piece of technology than any of us; he knows it's functioning in deep. If someone is capable of using its power it's him." Retorted Kaos, persisting in his task. "You're right but… I can't accept it; I can't let him risk his life like this!" I shouted; rage boiling in my mind "if only there was another way…" I sighed, desperate, "Kyo; we both know it's the best option we have; if you don't have faith in him then he'll never succeed!" "How can I have faith when I risk loosing him?" I growled, keeping an eye on him as he finished talking, all the generals, politicians and important people staring at him in interest, awe and respect. "It can't be so simple…" mumbled one, analyzing the maps, taking into account all the new possibilities exposed by Alckor. In a second, under Tarken's guidance a general drew a line going under the first wall leading right in the city's core. Then another put the tower back in its original position, adding a miniature dragon figurine while a third man placed a bunch of others near the castle. "With a precise timing we could gain victory without even spilling blood!" victoriously shouted one, tipping the castle over until it fell on its side.

I observed the map with an expert eye, analyzing the new strategy in deep and… undeniably it was the greatest one. "See Kyo, you're brother is smart, if he decided to do it it only means he will be able to do what he promised." Shushed Kaos with a honeyed tone; his words eradicating my doubts, my fears and apprehension, melting all these bad emotions away like snow under the sun; only leaving me with pure happiness flooding my being.

Alckor turned around, curiously glancing at me, scaly eyebrows raised, a broad satisfied grin illuminating his face. Although the sight of his sharp fangs had something absolutely terrifying he didn't look menacing at all, on the contrary he looked satisfied, proud of himself, staring at me expectantly, waiting for something. "Come on Kyo he is waiting for your approval." Whispered Kaos, his ghostly presence caressing my face, trying to force a smile on my lips. "How can I approve this?" "Trust him, from the look on his face he knows what he is doing." "Do you trust him?" "Yes, I do… on that matter at least." He replied, unsure. "What's that supposed to mean?" I hissed, darting suspicious eyes at the demon floating next to me. "Nevermind…" he quickly replied, avoiding the subject.

I looked down, my eyes crossing Alcko's wondering gaze. A shiver ran down my spine, my muscles stiffening in apprehension, my lips twitching nervously. "Is there something wrong?" enquired Alckor, intrigued. "No… nothing I was just… thinking." I replied, draping a wing over him, pulling him closer, nuzzling his forehead, licking the base of his horns. Finally a smile curled my lips, our eyes meeting again as I stared deeply into those eyes. "You've done great Alckor, I'm proud of you." I whispered; cuddling with him, earning a few comments from the other people around the table.

"Excuse me young dragon." Called a foreign voice coming from the other side of the table. I followed, the direction, discovering an old man sitting in a large chair. He looked pretty old, grayish hairs surrounding a wrinkled face, a short well-cut white beard covering the lower half of his face. His pale blue eyes were scrutinizing both of us with obvious suspicion, his pinched lips showing his doubt. I had never seen him before so I examined him in details. Confirming my first impression the man seemed old, about sixty, maybe seventy years old. He was dressed in a rather ancient armor which seemed to have gone through more battles than the man wearing it, dented, covered of reinforcement plates, the once marvelous decoration eroded by time. The lower half of his body was hidden by the table but one of his hands immediately attracted my gaze. Aside from all the scars left b his long life of fighting I quickly noticed the large ring crowning his forefinger, a large amethyst standing atop of a gold circle, surrounded by four tiny diamonds. A sign of his rank. I look down, discovering a broad two-handed sword leaning against the chair, simple but deadly. "I really appreciated your little presentation and I have to admit you made a really interesting suggestion that I think we will all take into account." He let out with a calm voice, waving a hand toward the other generals who quickly nodded in agreement. "However I am not completely convinced." "W-why?" stammered Alckor, staring at the man in shock and disbelief "it's absolutely perfect, no one will have to suffer if everything goes according to plan. We could take down an entire kingdom and end the war in one night! What can you have to say?!" he yelled, bursting out of my grasp like a furry, eyes filled with rage, lips trembling, pulled back over his glistening fangs, glaring at the general who didn't seem the slightest afraid by the aggressive behaviour. "It is not against your strategy young one. All the people around this table can agree it's a good strategy, not a flawless one but a really good proposal. My concern however isn't about the tactic itself but about the one who offered it." He stated. "What!? I… I don't understand…" gasped Alckor, puzzled by the sudden turnabout. "I am not doubting your sincerity young one, you seem very eager to help us in our mission but, as grateful as some of us might have sounded I'm afraid we will have to ignore your offer." Replied then man, as stoic as a roc, planting his ice-blue irises into Alckor's eyes, forcing him to back away under the cover of my wings. On one hand I was thankful to this man to be wiser than the rest of them but… on the other hand I couldn't tolerate to see my brother treated like this; I couldn't bear the sight of the disappointment on his face. "How dare you?" I hissed "do you prefer to send thousands of your men into a senseless blood bath?" "No, certainly not. I am not a strong supporter of an all out attack who in my opinion will bring nothing but ruin and sorrow to our respective kingdoms. If it was only for this strategy I would gladly accept it… although…" "Although what?" I snarled, hatred rising in my veins, darkness like a vile poison coursing through my veins, enhancing my very flesh. "My fears are that… this young dragon; your brother if I understood correctly; cannot be trusted." He let out; the words having the effect of a bomb among the assembly, low whispers filling the silence. "He is on our side!" I roared, slamming a paw on the table, making all the pieces and map jump. "I don't doubt that you have faith in your younger brother dragon; after all family is important even in your eyes but… you have to understand our point of view; no one here can pretend to having seen him before. Am I correct?" to my own dismay all heads nodded approvingly. "We have no proof of his loyalty, no information on his past. For all that I know he comes out of nowhere. You may trust him with all your heart but it isn't sufficient for this assembly. To what we know he could be a spy."

Everyone flinched on their chairs, reaching for their sword; keeping their eyes focused on Alckor and me, expecting something to happen, hoping Alckor would bgive himself away or try to lash at someone.

Thankfully nothing happened, Alckor only stared at them, maw gaping open on a blank cry, his eyes helplessly going from the suspicious crowd ready to take him down to me, begging me to come at his rescue. "Nonsense!" I roared, claws digging in the wooden table, leavinh long lines in the oak-made furniture "why would he do that?" "Yes… that's right! Why would I offer to help you?" squeaked Alckor, adding his barely audible voice to my protest. "To lure us into a trap." retorted the general "think about it, it just too… perfect, too providential; right when we are debating about the best course of action to take to end this war this young dragon appears out of nowhere suggest an almost incredible way to end this bloody conflict for good. Admit it, it's too many coincidences at the same time to not be suspicious." he let out, his gaze strolling from one face to another, appreciating the effect his words had on the assembly. The partisans of Alckor's plan quickly faltered, changing side in the blink of an eye, adopting an embarrassed attitude, squirming on their chairs. "That's why I hate politicians, they change opinion in the blink of an eye, they just go with the flow no matter their beliefs." mentally hissed Tarken in disgust "politic is just a matter of having everyone on your side." commented Kaos, hatred peaking in his voice. "Then let's flip the table in our favour." I growled, not breaking eye contact with the general. "Why? I thought you were disagreeing?" snorted Tarken. "I am… but I'm not behind the idea of a bloody war… and I won't sit there while my brother is accused of spying and betrayal." I rumbled, baring my fangs in defiance "if he wants to play this game then we'll play." "Kyo you might want to reconsider…" gasped Kaos. I silenced him, confining him in a dark sector of my brain.

"How dare you insult my family in such ways?! We made mistakes but we've fought in the name of the empire!" "Really? To what I know you come from the other side of the border; you are one of them." "I was!" I harshly replicated, reprimanding my desire to cut this guy's head clean. "I changed side when I realized I had been manipulated all along, used to do their dirty work then thrown away when they didn't need me anymore." I let out, a ball of guilt and regrets swelling in my throat. "Indeed…" confirmed the general, nodding pensively "I've read the records…" "And since our arrival here we already took care of several major threats to the empire, a bunch of corrupted creature who could have easily overthrown the emperor have been either killed, imprisoned or on the run thanks to us." "In that case can you explain to me why a group of these filthy creatures have already been freed under your command?" he retorted, smiling satisfied, throwing Alckor a meaningful gaze. "Keep this mouth of yours shut general…" I growled, anger blowing inside me, spreading in every inch of flesh like a dull burn "If I hear you pronouncing any kind of accusation toward my brother I promise you there will be retaliations." I hissed, a few dark blue flames spurting from my mouth. "Be reassured dragon, my goal isn't to throw accusations without knowing, I only wish to clarify an obscure situation so everyone can take their decision knowing what they are doing." "Then stop it already! There is nothing to clarify!" "Oh trust me there is. Here for instance I received information that contradict what you say." he replied with the same imperturbable calm, no emotion transpiring neither in his word nor on his face. "It is undeniable you fought for the empire and devoted yourself to hunting the corrupted beings who wished to destabilize the empire but the same cannot be said for your brother." "What? I told you to stop this!" I roared, fire bursting in the open air, an acrid smoke filling the room. "I am only speaking the truth; several reports show your brother hanging with those… demons."

A shocked "oh!" exploded in the room, all weapons unsheathing again, homed on Alckor's chest "at that instant he could just be one of them." "Nonsense!," I spat, protecting Alckor under a wing, daring anyone to come closer. Yet, among all the angry faces I noticed a hooded figure looking down in a guilty attitude. "You†" I hissed, glaring at Master Kin'Fu. "One of my subordinates spotted him several time in company of some highly ranked corrupted beings among which the one known as the Watcher."

The name sent a shiver down my spine, the air seemingly becoming colder "But he is dead now!" roared Alckor, leaving the protective embrace of my wing, standing before all the blades darted at his very scales, showing no sign of fear "like most of his acolytes.".

"Just like you say young one… most." commented the general, the weapons closing in on Alckor "not all of them have been apprehended, some are still al large." "Are you implying my brother could be one of them? What a silly idea! He helped us from the first occasion he got" I growled, jumping on my paws. "He could just be. Think about it, it would make perfect sense, a young dragon, your brother on top of that, coming out of nowhere willing to help us. For me he could be a spy, a traitor serving their cause." "Stop speaking these nonsenses if you wish to stay alive!" I warned him. "I respect your desire to defend your family but let me explain; as painful as it is for you to accept this it is a possibility you have to consider. He is technically the most perfect way to sneak in forbidden places and gather information for them; a young and innocent drake no one would suspect. It would be safe to assume they bet on his innocence, eagerness and desire to help us to deceive us and lure us into a trap."

"Enough! I'm tired of hearing you spreading doubt and unfounded foolish theories!" I roared, shoving some of the men away, tripping them over "my brother is not a spy! He is not plotting some evil plan against the empire! He is only trying to help us do you understand?" I barked, bending my neck over the table, darting menacing eyes at him "and if you dare… or only think about spitting your venom at my brother again I will pain this room red with your blood!" I roared, the old man vanishing in a puff of thick smoke. This I saw him tremble, a furtive hint of fear crossing his face that instantly became slightly paler. A hand spurted from the swirling fumes, reaching for the heavy sword lying next to him, fingers clenching on nothing but empty air, probing blindly in their desperate search. "Kyo!" called a familiar voice, full of panic. Pain burst in my paw, rippling through my flesh, a warm liquid oozing out, trickling down my scales I blink my eyes, panting, feeling numb, like emerging from a too long slumber. My right foreleg is throbbing with pain, blood spewing out from deep lacerations in my scales, exposing the convulsing red flesh beneath. I tense, not from the pain as is has already diminished to barely a dull ache, healing itself on its own. No, what made me tense was something completely different… and far more worrying. The darkness, that same unstoppable torrent from before coursing through my veins, filling my flesh, inducing my line of thoughts with its evil obscurity, swallowing my very soul. Another shiver flew through me, a cold chill spreading from mu skull to the tip of my tail as I try to hold back, my engorged flesh on the brink of transforming, exposing a side of me I'd prefer to keep hidden.

"Please Kyo… calm down… before it's too late." begged an alarmed Kaos, grimacing under the tremendous effort of holding the ravenous darkness from completely taking over me. "Please brother… don't ado this" begged another. I looked down, snarling in pain, something sinking deeper in my exposed flesh, drawing out more blood, preventing the wound from completely heal. "Al… Alckor…" I mumbled, horrified by the sight I was met with. My brother had his wiggling claws dipping in the stream of blood, planted deep inside me, their sharp edges making the wound even worse. "Don't make me do this." he pleaded, staring back at me with a disarming look. I knew what he meant; I could already feel it, his ravenous power craving for my energy, drawing it out for harvest. He could just have sucked the excess darkness out of me like he did before but I knew from the look on his face that it was the last thing he wanted to do. I remembered he had to find a use for this energy otherwise he would overload. Beside it wouldn't help if he drained my very strength in front of everyone; it would only comfort them in their beliefs.

Gritting my teeth I slowly sat back to my original place, trying to breathe slowly, the dark boiling inside of me slowly settling. "Thanks…" I mumbled gratefully "without you I would have lost my temper." "It's nothing… after all it's normal to help each other out." purred Alckor, removing his claws, nuzzling my chest affectionately.

"Enough talking for nothing!" roared a short man, slamming a heavy war hammer in the table, cracking the ancient wood under the sheer force of the impact "Even though I'd love to see you two et down and dirty we have more important things to do! Like maybe… I don't know… put an evd to the war that ravaged this entire continent for far too long!"

Everyone silently agreed, walking back to their place, recovering their serious look in a split second. "Look at all of you! A bunch of immature kids! And you're supposed to be the elite of several nations united for the sole purpose of bringing back peace to the lands! And to achieve that goal you can't agree without having to spill blood!" he yelled, scolding us like a father would have done to his troublesome kid. I looked down, this small man speaking wiser words than most of those around the table, words that sting more than a blade, claws or bullet could. "You are right" approved Arkahym who had remained silent "allow me to apologize in the name of…" "I don't care about your empty excuses VonDrakanov, we are here to prepare our next attack so let's get back to it and hurry up a bit! We need a plan and we need it fast… without all of you arguing like puerile children." "I hate to say this but we don't have much of a real choice, the solution this young dragon offered is the most realistic." sighed another general. "He cannot be trusted!" grumbled the general from before. "Do you have another idea?" retorted another. This time the guy didn't answer, grumbling under his beard "There may be a way to tell if he is lying or not." intervened Astuna, dozens pair of eyes turning toward her. "No! We don't have time to submit him to the questioning, neither to interrogate him!" grunted the short man, probably a dwarf.

"I wasn't thinking about submitting to the torture of an executioner." she retorted with a disgusted grimace plastered across her face. "What then?" "Magic my dear, magic can solve our current issue?" "How? I'd be curious to hear that." "Well there is a spell… or rather an ability that some people possess." "What does it do? How can it even be useful to us?" "Simply put this ability allows some people to see things as they truly are, beyond appearances, beyond the lies and trickeries." "A lot of big empty words again." grunted the dwarf, doubtful. "That's where you are wrong" she chuckled "this ability is a great tool to help someone differentiate a friend from a foe." "How then?" huffed the dwarf, pissed off by the mage's talk. "To put it bluntly the possessor of this power sees the world in it's simplest form, all beings deprived of their flesh disguise; exposed in their true form, their true nature revealed…" "That sounds interesting and all but what's the point of 'seeing the world in its simplest form'?" "I was going to it; a person who has; this power could easily see through the disguise of a demon." "No way! Can't be so simple? Someone would have already done it." "I'm not so sure, this is a rare gift and it is even harder to understand and master. To keep it simple someone who has this kind of vision sees the energy coursing through everything, filling every living being, defining us, giving us strength, allowing us to cast spells through this same channeled energy. Go you understand now?" "No I don't get it and I'm getting tired so if you could hurry please." "Whatever… someone with this ability could identify and tell us if this young dragon is friendly or an enemy in disguise. All being affected by the corruption has a special signature, something that makes them easy to identify from even an untrained eye."

Silence followed her words, everyone observing their neighbors hoping that one would reveal to have this gift. "So… can you do it?" enquired the dwarf, rubbing his curly beard. "I'm afraid I don't possess this blessing." she let out, sorry and disappointed. "And you Arkahym?" "I used to be able to do it but with time and age my sight became blurry." "So you're useless I get it." grunted the man. "So… does anyone here know how to do this… thing?".

I looked away, crossing Kaos mischievously gleaning red orbs. "What's making you happy?" I huffed, hating that arrogant look of his, that feeling that he knew something that I ignored and was taunting me wit h that unknown knowledge. "Well… I know just the person who possesses this ability?" he chirped happily. "Really! Who?" "You silly?" "Oh… yes… that's true." I mumbled, remembering my vision shifting, allowing me to see the world differently, the demons and corruption-driven creatures exposed in broad daylight. "You're the best." I giggled, giving him a short mind nuzzle. "I know." he replied, proud of himself, flattered.

"Well… I might be the answer to your problem." I let out, attracting the attention like a living magnet. "You have the vision! I wasn't expecting that!" gasped Astuna, staring at me in amazement. "Well… I've used it several times in the past." I admitted, blushing lightly under the constant attention.

"No!" shouted another voice. "What! But… why?" I gasped, searching for the opposing one. I finally found it, one of the emperor's generals and military advisor; even though I couldn't remember his name I knew I had already seen him before. "I have to apologize to you Night Scale but we can't give any weight to your opinion even though you seem eager to help us sort this matter out. I don't want to offend you in any way but your point of view on the situation might be altered by your desire to protect your family, a noble wish I respect but in our case it may false the results. Since you share the deep bond siblings share you may see the good side of him and… amplify this vision while being blind to other aspects."

My mouth opened and closes, no sound coming out. That's why I recalled seeing him before, that silly nickname he gave me but… it wasn't important. On one hand I wanted to protest with all my heart, but on the other hand I knew deep inside that he was right. "We need someone impartial, preferably someone who has no affinity with your brother. I hope you understand." "I do…" I let out, not hiding my disappointment

"Someone that has no link with Alckor you say" thoughtfully whispered Kaos. My eyes burst wide open, light making itself in my mind, so bright I wonder how I missed it; it was so obvious, the answer was right there, displayed before my eyes but I didn't see it. "You think about what I think?" questioned Kaos, toothily grinning, his smoke-made form puffing out unusually. "I think so" I chuckled, grinning back, acknowledging with ease.

Our focus shifted back to the wondering assembly trying to understand the silent conversation between the two of us.

"I may just know the right person." we let out in a scaring sync, both of us wearing abroad smile.

………

Meanwhile

………

Ace

Empty; why is it so empty all of a sudden?

Awakened a few minutes earlier by what I can only describe as the call of a fierce beast. I was sleeping, Skye comfortably nestled next to me; taking some much needed rest when it had happened. Whatever it was abruptly dragged me out of my slumber; it's bone-chilling sound echoing in every brick of the wall. Skye jumped on his paws, rushing for cover on top of a shelf; beating his wings with all his might to get there quicker. I have to admit I wasn't doing much better; trembling under my blanket; throwing quick; scared glances everywhere; looking for the source of that sound; every cell of my body begging to disappear. That call… it was… unlike anything I had heard before; mighty; powerful; imposing respect; giving one simple command that should have been followed by all those who heard it. I sprang to my feet; putting some order into my clothes; Skye gliding from his perch to land softly on my shoulder; as curious and afraid as I was. We had left our room quietly; walking on tiptoes, throwing anxious glances at everything we saw. Skye let out deep growls; on edge. I felt odd; hollow; empty; as if my body was working on autopilot, leaving my mind to watch; a passenger, a stranger in my own body; watching with apprehension as led by an invisible force I walked back to the corridor. To my dismay it was entirely empty, just like all the rooms I had come across on my way, not a presence in sight, not even a fly. "Weird…" I murmured; intrigued, taking a gander at each room, each passage, each corridor to find them all empty. Where were they all gone? I entered the main corridor just to find it as empty as the rest; even the squad of guards that stood before the gate had vanished. Had all life been sucked away from this place while I was sleeping? I didn't know but the more I walked the more I felt fear creep over me. Skye leaped into the sky, flying around me in large circles, as puzzled as I was. Through our bond I could sense his rising worry; dread blooming in our veins in perfect union. I turned left; taking another corridor I knew led to a backdoor entrance in the throne room. After crossing a desperately desert dining room I found the said door; a mere wooden panel hidden behind a curtain. I pushed the door; taking a quick look inside. Empty as well; the emperor must still be busy. I ran back to the main entrance, Skye on my tracks flapping his wings to stay behind me. Pressing my ear against the thick door. It was said to be sound proof among other things but not enough to hide the loud shouting coming from the other side. Relief washed over me as I let out a long drawn out breathe, the fear that invaded me fading instantly.

Suddenly a deep rumble filled my ears. I tensed, cold sweat running down my back. What was that? It sounded like… like a dragon… close… so close.

I spun around; expecting to be met with the fierce sight of an angry dragon; bracing myself to be punished for daring to spy on the emperor but… to my surprise I found nothing, only the same emptiness. "What the hell?" I gasped; shaken by uncontrolled shivers. The deep growls still echoed in my ears; my brain going nuts trying to identify the source of the noise. I looked up; not expecting much at that point. "You little scaly rat." I chuckled; rubbing a patch of blue scales when I noticed the small presence sitting on top of my head. But why was he growling like this? I closed my eyes; entering in that invisible tunnel linking us. In a split second I was inside his head; astonished when I discovered, a completely different universe opening its doors before me. It was… different to say the least; an endless blackness in which long blue lines extended from one side to the other; tiny bluish things rushing through this twisted grid; images, sounds, scents, tastes, sensations, feelings, emotions, desires and dreams coursing through this canals, analyzed; stored; acknowledged and added to that ever shifting universe. Amazed I stood there, observing with a respectful silence that young mind build itself; absorbing knowledge like a sponge, storing everything that happened around him. It was indescribable, a universe expending before my very eyes; creating and destroying, every new information filling the blank parts from most basic instinct-fuelled needs to more complex thoughts on the world around him; his curiosity urging him to explore, to learn more. My eyes snapped open; my breathe cut short; the corridor in my line of sight banking steeply as I staggered on my feet; trying to find balance. "Hehe now you know what it feels like to have someone spying your very thoughts." I giggled; fondling his flanks; acknowledging I had been kicked out of his head. But, right before I was ejected I saw something; a simple thing he had identified; samples of voices his sharp ears had caught paired with images his brain had memorized. On which I recognized Kyo, on another there was Allen… and a last one that made my blood boil with anger. "Alckor…" I hissed through gritted teeth, recognizing that dragon that somehow harmed Skye. Even though Skye seemed fine by now I couldn't get over the fact this nice but also scary looking drake had dared to lay his vile hands on my dragon and injured him. How had he done that was still a mystery but I couldn't bring myself to forgive him. Now at least I know why Skye is growling. I turned around, taking a step back, not wishing to stick around for too long and be spotted listening to doors. I quickly left the main hall, pushing the door to a small library, a place I found myself spending more time now that I could see. I grabbed a thick book from the shelf, not listening to the loud annoyed huff Skye let out, slowly walking toward a comfy armchair, flipping through the pages. I froze, ears perked, a loud metallic squeaking reverberating in the hall. With time I had come to memorize each tiniest sound, the slightest creaking sounded like a familiar melody to my ears. There was only one place that sound could come from. I dropped the book on a table, coughing in the resulting dust cloud, Skye sneezing loudly, his whole frame quaking, wings fluttering uncontrollably, tail repeatedly slapping my back. "Sorry…" I let out, waving a hand before me. Peaking out of the room I threw a quick glance around still surprised to find my surroundings so silent and deserted. "Did I mishear?" I mumbled, scratching my head, analyzing every part of the hall, looking in each dark corner but finding nothing beside dust and a few cobwebs and the usual paintings, armors and other pieces of decoration. I focused on the large doors leading to the meeting room, noticing the door slightly open, a humanoid form standing in the opening, nodding it's head approvingly, listening to someone else; From the clothes he was wearing he could only be a servant called by the emperor for some reason. And me who thought they had finished; they had been in there for so long, so many hours with Ulrck behind a door I couldn't open without trespassing. It hurts to know we were so close yet so far away, living in two different world, mine a world of eternal servitude, his a golden prison. I tried to listen more carefully, catching snippets of conversation, several voices shouting, some deep draconic growls intertwined with different human tones. I shivered, a voice rising from the rest, an authoritarian voice I only knew too well, giving orders to the one standing in the entrance. The emperor… however something in his tone seemed odd, hints of worry, urging the man to hurry. What could it be? What could make this old man so worried he seemed in panic. Perhaps it was such an important affair it had something to do with the empire.

Before I could wonder even more or piece together the few words I heard the door slammed shut, the servant standing outside, staring at the wooden panel, still holding the knob in a trembling hand, the other one nervously brushing his hairs, clear droplets of sweat rolling down his forehead. He looks nervous, afraid even, like what the emperor asked from him was utterly terrifying him; embarrassing him beyond reason. He spun around, nervously tugging at his tight collar, like he was struggling to breath; his mouth opened like a fish out of water, eyes going nuts, looking everywhere with a haggard look. What could the Emperor have asked him to do to put him in such a state of complete panic? His gaze keeps roaming in the hall, looking for something, his mind probably racing with thoughts. I took a step back, hiding from view, still observing the man from a respectable distance. He threw a quick glance over his shoulder, making sure the door was properly closed before walking away from it. "Damn… he really looks preoccupied…" I mumbled as he went past me, so focused he didn't notice the widely opened door. I took another step back, an unusual sound reaching my ears, like a loud sniffing. "Oh no… not now…" I gasped, watching Skye's snout twitch, his nostrils flaring, blue sparkles puffing out of his mouth, his tail swishing from side to side behind him. "Please Skye… don't…" I squeaked, clamping his maw shut with a hand. He struggled, huffing in discomfort, more tiny bright blue fire oozing between his lips but I held on under the scorching heat of his flames. A bright blue light bursts between us, blinding me for a second, Skye's frame quaking, his slick scales escaping my grasp. Fire ignited in the room, tall blue flames spurting from his gaping maw, a large fireball rushing for the entrance, a miniature sun illuminating the room for a short second. "Fucking dust…" I grumble, rubbing Skye's snout, cringing under the burning heat radiating from him, my palm aching each time I make contact with his scales. "Sorry Skye, should have known." I let out, petting him between his horns. He huffed loudly, nuzzling my palm back, strange cool warmth invading my skin, spreading around until my entire hand is enveloped in this blissful warmth. I shuddered, observing him with a kind eye, amazed by the bright glow coming from the point his snout and my hand made contact, sending tickles in my whole arm. "Thanks Skye" I gratefully whispered, observing my hand, all traces of injuries gone. "Damn… magic's so cool…" I sighed with envy.

"WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING HERE?" yelled a panicked voice, someone rushing in the room, making their way in the smoke left by Skye's attack, a few objects burning, devoured by ravenous unnaturally blue flames. I cringed, holding Skye tightly against my chest, observing the mess he had made. A tall figure emerged from the smoke and ashes, coughing and suffocating in the ash-filled air. "Sorry…" I winced, expecting the punishment that would soon come. "Ace!" gasped the man, clearing his throat, wiping off all the ashes staining his dark colored clothes "Am I glad to see you!" he suddenly shouted pulling me back on my feet, a broad smile on his face, eyes glinting with relief, holding me tight like he was honestly glad to have me "I thought I'd have to look for you through the whole palace! But what… what are you doing here?" he mumbled, looking at the ravaged room, the ash-turned furniture, the long burned stains covering the walls and doors, the last flames dying. "Well, I was trying to do some cleaning; I mean it's quite dusty here." I replied calmly, trying to sound as convincing as possible; luckily it came naturally to me after so much time spent here. "That's an… efficient way to clean I suppose." He retorted dumbfounded, scratching his head, wondering how he would take care of that mess. "But I don't recommend you use your dragon's fire next time… I mean we don't want the castle to catch fire do we?" "Nope we don't." I chuckled, playfully poking Skye's snout "actually it wasn't my intention; I just forgot this little troublemaker has a sensitive nose." "Guess he doesn't like dusty old things." He chuckled, smiling amusingly, trying to sound friendly but it felt empty to me and his grin looked fake. "Anyway what do you want?" I interrogated him with a more serious look, scrutinizing him, feeling him crumble under my gaze, embarrassed to be observed by dragon eyes. "Well… the Emperor requests you immediately…" "Me? Why? I'm not gonna complain but he could have asked you." "Yes I know… I don't understand either; he specifically ordered you to come." He admitted, keeping his voice low, as clueless as I was. "Damn but why me? I mean all servants could bring them whatever they want." "No offense but that's what I told myself." He exclaimed, his honesty stabbing me right in the guts. "Well…" he added, throwing a glance over his shoulder, waving at me pressingly, urging me to come closer "that's what I thought until he said no one else but you could do it." "What can I do that other can't?" I mumbled, puzzled. "I don't know but he said it regarded the future of the empire." "Wow serious business." I let out, rubbing my chin "I mean it makes sense; if the Emperor starves to death in this room." "That would make sense seeing that they've been sitting there for so long" he giggled, truly smiling, feeling more at ease. "More seriously though, I think it's more than that, I mean the fate of the empire… man it must be something important that a simple servant can't do."

I tensed, trying to not look too affected by the scathing comment. "You're lucky I don't have time for this." I grunted, Skye growling next to my ear, ready to take him down with a well-placed fireball "I have more pressing businesses to attend to." I got around him, not throwing him a single glance, "Don't worry for the mess; I'll take care of it, after all I'm here for that." He grumbled, grabbing a broom in a hidden cupboard. "Oh and Ace!" he called. I turned around, throwing him a suspicious look "your lover will be there, don't mess it up…" he sniggered, sweeping the ashes with a wry smile. I reached forward; grabbing him by his shirt, lifting him in the air like he weighted nothing, slamming him against the library, books cascading around us. "Say this once again and I'll make sure you won't be able to ever speak again!" I growled, my voice barely human, eyes blazing with rage, my grip tightening around him the wood creaking and wincing behind him, bending under an unimaginable pressure. "You can menace me as much as you want it wont change a thing; you're just a pawn to him, a little distraction and a way to rebel against his father but I can guarantee you he'll forget you as soon as he finds a pretty girl who will fulfill his every desires." "Shut your mouth you don't know a thing!" "I know more than you do; there is a big feast tonight and all the aristocrats of the empire and beyond will be here, and I can tell you they have girls a thousand times more attractive than you; you don't even stand a chance. Beside for these brats beauty is nothing, marrying doesn't mean they like the girl, it's all about what you can get out of it; money; influence; fame, a higher ranking, or just for diplomacy's sake. Trust me you'll soon just be forgotten, like all his previous conquests." "Shut up!" I roared, ramming him harder against the shelf that broke under the impact, collapsing noisily. He stood there, still wickedly grinning "Face it you're nothing, even your new rank as a dragon rider won't allow you to stay with him so you'd better forget him before he abandons you." He sniggered. I let go of him; he fell on his butt without getting rid of his smile. My fists balled, anger like raw energy coursing through me, giving me strength; my only wish at that instant was to erase this silly smile from his face. The blow came before he could see it, his head going sideway as his body limply fell to the floor "You can taunt me all you want it won't work; I don't give a fuck about what you say; he isn't gonna let me down; what's between us… it's more than just an adventure…" "Whatever… do as you want… I warned you." He grumbled, massaging his cheek, spitting out a tooth. I turned around, a deep growl humming in my throat, a sound no human could make. I left the room, heading straight for the large room at the end of the hall. "Don't come crying when he'll dump you." He yelled, leaning against the doorframe. "I told you to shut up!" I roared, facing him. Hatred burned, a fire consuming my other emotions, growing, growing until nothing else was left, filling my being with waves of raw rage. The next thing I knew was that he was on the ground, covering himself, the whole castle trembling, dust falling from the roof, painting falling down the wall, armors breaking to pieces as a true inferno surged from the room he just left, long twisting flames spurting out through the doorway like from the mouth of a nightmarish tentacles; long magic-enhanced tentacles reaching for their next victim. "FIRE!!!" he yelled, scrambling to his feet and running away, fire clinging to his shirt that he quickly threw by an open window. "What an asshole…" I spat; fondling Skye's back; relieved from all the hatred; satisfied to see him flea for his life. I put a hand on the knob, twisted it and entered.

Instantly I regret my decision, gulping down heavily, backing against the door, my heartbeats increasing in speed, eyes going wide. "Crap…" I hiss through gritted teeth, throwing a long look over the assembly, discovering humans, dragons and other creatures I had never seen before, all of them staring at me, as surprised as me if not more, exchanging quick intrigued looks. I looked away, crossing eyes with Skye who for once remained quiet, making himself as small as possible, keener than me on leaving now. "Ah Ace you came!" exclaimed the Emperor as his greeting, that same sense of relief peaking in his voice, as if a big weight had been removed from his shoulders. What was happening here? I didn't know but I was certain I would find out soon.

My eyes fell on Ulrick; my cheeks instantly flushing a crimson red, my skin burning hotter than a fire. I squirmed, embarrassed, shy before the numerous pair of eyes detailing me, not daring to speak or just simply move a finger. Ulrick however remained calm, only throwing me a distant look, stoic in public, no reaction transpiring in his traits. Wish I could be like him I thought to myself, blushing so hard my face felt on the verge of melting. "Y-y-you… you c-c-call-called f-for m-me my E-emperor…?" I stammered; nervously throwing quick glances everywhere. "Yes indeed… I'm glad you came." Replied the emperor with an astonishing kindness and honesty. Did he really say that? "Come closer please.".

I froze, heart thumping in my chest, almost ready to burst out of my ribcage. Taking a deep breath I did as I was ordered, slowly walking toward him with my head slightly lowered, more to hide my face from all these curious sights than in respect. "You asked me to come, what can I do for you?" I enquired, sticking to my obedient servant role. As a reply he extended a hand, grabbing mine, pulling me closer until I was standing right next to him. I shivered, on one hand it was an immense honor to be allowed so close to the emperor, but on the other hand I wished I could be somewhere else, out of sight. "Ladies and gentlemen allow me to introduce you to Ace, the latest addition to the dragon riders order and his dragon Skye." He proclaimed solemnly. I bowed down, surprised to see Skye do the same with a cute warble. "A pleasure to meet you Ace." Replied a woman. "The pleasure is all mine." I mumbled, bowing respectfully before her. "So he is the guy?" grumbled another one skeptically. "Looks like so." Sighed another, as disappointed as the first one. "So… that's supposed to be the guy that has the power to tell us if this youngling is a spy." Grunted a third one in a similar skeptical fashion. The power of what? What are they talking about? What am I supposed to do?

I throw them a puzzled look, trying to understand what's going on here. "Don't be fooled by his appearance, he is full of surprise." Chuckled a deep rumbling draconic voice, sounding amused by the skepticism of others. "Kyo…" I mumbled, the tension inside me loosening slightly as I looked for him. Was I glad to see that pervy lizard for once, to know someone friendly was nearby. I quickly found him, sitting between his mate and Allen, smiling toothily, eyes glinting with malice. However my happiness quickly faded as I spotted him, his smaller devilish black form hidden in the shadow of his brother, purple eyes staring at me in awe mixed with despair… and a hint of something else I couldn't identify. He looked nervous, as if he was facing some sort of judgment, anxiously waiting for a verdict, throwing apprehending glances around, his face a heart-breaking plea for someone unaware of his wickedness, his tongue shyly lapping blood from his claws, fresh red blood; but unlike what I expected he doesn't seem elated by the taste of freshly spilled blood, rather grossed out by it, grimacing and gurgling every time he swallowed what his agile tongue collected.

"I'll have to admit I am curious to see." Let out the woman from before "he seems… pretty interesting, and… he has some intriguing eyes." I peeled my eyes away from the Alckor, blushing profusely under the compliment. "Miss you're honoring me." I whispered politely "but may I ask you what you desire from me?". "It is fairly simple; may I explain to you?" suggested Ulrick, acting distant and formal, sticking to his own role. "It would be my dearest pleasures my prince." "Then come closer, I will tell you in detail."

I did as I was instructed, benevolently bowing my body until I was at his level, ears perked, waiting patiently. Despite myself I shuddered, his voice sounding so sweet, so soft to my ear it was hard focusing on what he said, my inhibitions crumbling, leaving me staring back at him lovingly, longing to silence him, to feel this mouth pressed against mine, to remove his armor and just…

A sharp pain burst from my ear, rippling through my head, shattering the haze slowly taking over, bringing me back to reality. Fortunately for me Skye was there to keep me from doing stupid things. I discreetly petted his head, grimacing in pain, my ear aching where he bit me but no one seemed to have noticed. Ulrick stopped talking; observing me curiously, wondering what I would do next. I didn't hear everything, as lost as I was in my hidden desires but the bits and pieces I caught, along with what sharp dragon ears had heard but couldn't quite understand offered me a quite clear picture of the situation.

I tensed, staggering back, looking at the prince with a puzzled look, astonished by what they requested from me. He only shrugged, meaning he couldn't do anything to help me. I focused my attention back on my target, that filthy little rat of a dragon. You dared to harm Skye… you're gonna pay I mentally giggled, utterly impatient like a kid on Christmas day. I couldn't help the wide sadistic grin that quickly spread on my face, Alckor on his side gulping down noisily, trying to hide under the table, only his purple eyes peaking from under the wooden surface. "So now that you've been briefed and all can we get to it before we start to have grey hairs." Grumbled the small man, playing with hammer. Some other seemed to think likewise, getting obviously impatient on their seat. "Certainly…" I mumbled, still a bit unsure on how to do it. See Alckor's true nature… these words had a strange familiar sounding, triggering something deep inside of me; as if my body remembered doing it before but my brain didn't know how it did it. How was it even possible anyway? It probably required advanced magic knowledge to achieve something like this… so why ask me to do it?

"Don't be afraid Ace; this is simpler than you imagine." Said a deep rumbling voice echoing inside my head. I wavered, throwing panicked looks everywhere, but no one seemed to have spoken, all of them staring at me, some impatient, other annoyed, and a part of them fearful. "Relax it's only me." Added that same dark masculine voice in a more reassuring tone. "Who?" I replied, trying my hardest to locate him. "Look at Kyo and you'll see me, although I advise you to keep calm when you'll find me." I followed his command, observing Kyo with a closer attention to detail before flinching, caught by surprise by the keen eye looking back at me, sparkling with malice. He knew what was happening. As if to confirm it he imperceptibly lifted his snout up, pointing at something. I followed his gaze, holding back a surprised gasp when I saw; a large elusive, constantly shifting form hovering in the air, wearing the vague shape of a dragon made of thick black smoke swirling and curling upon itself; the black extent of unnatural fumes only disturbed by two glowing red eyes homed onto me. "Kaos…" I gasped, finally recognizing the presence. My body froze, realizing in pure awe that, without me noticing it, before I could even react he had entered my mind, breaking through my defenses with terrifying ease without me noticing it, all my mental barriers blasted to smithereens in the blink of an eye under an unstoppable wave of raw power. In less than a second he had completely overpowered me, my mental struggles vain, my spirit already overwhelmed by his simple presence. I could only watch in shock as he took his eases inside, sprawling himself inside me, seeing everything, even my most embarrassing memories. "Sorry for the intrusion." He apologized with a surprising sincerity, trying to make up for the rude entrance by not touching a thing "I would have gladly… knocked before entering your mind but we don't have time for gentleness. Although I have to congratulate you for the strength of your mental protections; it's not half bad for a newbie like you; you even gave me troubles. I'm surprised you didn't even notice me sooner but that's understandable. Even though you still have a long way to go before you can hold me back it's already a great job." He shouted, greeting me with a mental nuzzle, blabbering more and more. "Anyway! What do you want?" I yelled, cutting short the continuous flow of words and emotions that was giving me a headache. "Oh sorry; guess I got a bit carried away. I'm here to help you in your task." "Sounds great! But how do we do that?" "Like I just said it's of an astonishing simplicity, a kid could do it." "That's not helping." I grumbled, shoving him away. "MY intention wasn't to offend you; when I said it was simple it is only true." He replied in an apologetic tone. "If it's as simple as you say why can't someone else do it?" "Because it's simple, not common." "I don't get you." I sighed, trying to piece together what he was saying. "Ok I'm lost!" I yelled, giving up "I don't understand a single thing that you say!" "Let me make it clearer, this gift, this ability is rare but rather simple to use, however so rare in fact only a few possess it and even less are able to understand what they see." "And… what do they see?" I enquired, curious. "Why are you asking me you already saw it with your own eyes?" "Hold on are you trying to say that I have this… power?" I mumbled, dumbfounded. "It's more than just trying, I know you possess this gift; I saw you use it with my very eyes a few hours ago!" he shouted, his smoke-made body jiggling uncontrollably.

My legs gave way under me, forcing me to hold onto something to not fall. Clutching the armrest of one of the chairs I stared at Kaos yet I wasn't completely there, my brain racing with thoughts. He was right; I may have seen this power in action… but how to be sure? Was it what my eyes showed me when, half dazed by whatever Alckor had done to me I was looking for Skye. I recalled the weird look of the world, the overall grayness, and the colorful shapes. Is that it? Is that this so cold power? To see the world deprived of life, emptied of all colors. "Are you trying to understand?" "I suppose…" "You man not understand it yet but this power is a great tool for a dragon rider like yourself because it allows you to see through all the veils an enemy could deploy to trick you and let you make the difference between a friend or an enemy." "That sounds great but… what is it useful here? How do I use it?" "That's what I'm here for." He replied with a knowing voice, calm and relaxed "What do you want me to do then?" "Trust me it's fairly easy; we want you to solve our current issue. I bet the prince already informed you." He chuckled, discreetly winking at me. I nod approvingly, still astonished by the request. They want me to tell if Alckor's little brother is a spy. I couldn't stop grinning wickedly, realizing that his fate, his life depended on what I would say. "Is it a hint of malevolence I sense?" enquired Kaos, a demonic laughter rising in my head, twisted and sadistic "I knew you would react like this. It's only fair that you want him dead after what he did." He chuckled evilly. "I never said that." I growled, shaking off the thought. "Don't try to deny it; I'm in the heart of your mind, I see everything that you think but I'm not about to stop you, after all the choice is yours." He whispered tantalizingly. "Stop fooling around with my head." I hissed, preventing these bad emotions from invading me with all my might. "Don't try to ignore it, you know how easy it would be; most of these fools don't even know how magic works, it would be easy to just pretend and just accuse him but let me tell you how foolish of you it would be, some of them are powerful mages and sorcerers, they won't be tricked as easily as the others; they will spot your lies before you're even done. Beside I know you're not stupid, you won't risk exposing yourself to Kyo's wrath." "No… definitely not." I mumbled anxiously, uncomfortable under the heavy meaningful glare Kyo was throwing me. "A wise decision, now would you mind letting me explain you how to use your power." He suggested in a honeyed tone. "Alright I'm listening…" I sighed.

"Good, firstly you need to focus, take a deep breath and close your eyes" he started calmly, I obeyed, screwing my eyes shut, trying to keep a slow and steady breathing "you're doing great, now you must empty your mind, stop thinking, focus yourself entirely on a precise thing. Earlier your mind was entirely concentrated on finding Skye, his cries for help guided you, called you." Skye warbled cutely, cheering me up in his own way, nudging and licking my cheek, leaving slimy trails behind but it didn't matter much; in fact I felt even better knowing that he was with me, chilling, a heart-warming sensation of comfort and safety rushing to my chest. "That's the spirit" chuckled the old demon encouragingly "now, like earlier find something to put your mind onto, focus; you need to have a clear picture of what you want to see then focalize onto it, forget all the rest." I felt strange, empty, floating in an ocean of nothingness, drifting away in the void, the world around me vanishing, reducing to just me, that reassuring weight on my shoulder and that deep voice shushing in my ear. "That's it, stay focused, don't let any parasite thought disturb you. Remember you need to stay concentrated." I only grunted, acknowledging his advices, keeping my mind from drifting away; even Skye had stopped licking me, only letting out soft purrs. "Perfect, now open your eyes" whispered the kind demon, leaving me some room to breathe. My eyelids slowly cracked open, wild shivers coursing through me in excitement. But my happiness was short-lived, my happiness turning to utter disappointment, disbelief flooding my system. I threw a quick look around, the room was just like it was before, the same table, the same maps, the same people sitting around it, nevertheless some of them seemed more pissed off than before, one coughing impatiently. "What the hell! It didn't work at all!" I gasped, glaring at the smoke column floating in midair, his crimson eyes glinting with amusingly. It was hard to tell but I swear I saw him smile. "Why didn't it work? Were you trying to fool me?" I growled, upset. "Don't be mad Ace; it didn't work because you lack practice, just like Kyo used to." "You mean… he has it to?!" "Yes but like I said it's not as simple to control it." "Could have said it sooner." I huffed angrily, so mad at the demon. They definitely lived up to their names of twisted manipulators and tricksters. "Relax; you did most of the work already; you just lake the spark to ignite it; like I did to help Kyo in the past allow me to land you a hand." He whispered softly, sweet warmth wrapping around me, cradling me until I gave up control.

The next second my body tensed like a rope, my muscles stiffening, electricity surging from within me, spreading through my flesh, tingling and tickling like crazy. "That's not what I call landing a hand; it just hurt more than anything." I grumbled, staggering back, panting, recovering from the brutal energy surge. I sensed it, his dark energy rushing through me, coursing within me before disappearing as quickly as it had come. "I wouldn't complain so much if I were you." Chuckled the old demon with pride. "Whatever; just open your eyes and see by yourself." He let out, his voice echoing, bouncing in my head as he dissipated. Unaware to me I had closed my eyes. "Here goes nothing." I whispered anxiously, eyes slowly opening. I almost fell to my knees from the shock. The room was… different, everything colder in grey, the table, the floor the walls, everything was anthracite grey with slight shade differences. "It worked." I exclaimed, my gaze strolling around the room, amazed that it actually worked.

"Unbelievable…" I whispered, stopping on each thing that caught my attention. This time however the sudden bursts of color made more sense to me; all of them were living beings, humans, dragons and even more. The clear mental picture I had of the room allowed me to locate and identify everyone in the blink of an eye. "Told you it would work." Shouted a muffed voice barely audible in my now emotion-filled brain too busy to just listen, joy and amazement overflowing. A loud high pitched chirp tore the silence apart; deafening me for a second. I looked around, met with the sight of a brightly glowing blue form standing on top of me. "Oh my you're even brighter than I thought" I chuckled, rubbing Skye's head… or what looked like a head; only half-surprised to see my own hand glowing white. "Yes; it's almost blinding." Confirmed Kaos, making himself even smaller, hiding in the darkest corner of my mind like he was fearing the light. I weakly nodded; too busy savoring the view, my gaze wandering around the room, instinctively finding Ulrick. A wave of relief submerged me upon witnessing what he truly' looked like, a blazing white light emanating from him, radiating a warm reassuring glow, it was a light I would gladly follow to the end of the world. My gaze drifted away, freezing on the emperor, an even brighter light pouring out of him, showing the strength inside him, pounding with relentless vigor. I looked up, stunned by what I discovered. Towering over the old man, dominating the assembly, standing proud was what I assumed to be his dragon. The sight was absolutely magnificent, a vaguely draconic shape made of pure gold, a golden yellow light overflowing from him, as if molten gold was flowing through his veins. "Incredible…" I whispered, memorizing this picture. "It's beautiful isn't it?" chuckled Kaos "trust me it had the same effect on me the first time I saw this." He added. "It's far beyond beautiful… I've never seen something like this." I mumbled, mesmerized by the glowing gold. "You'll get used to it trust me." Sighed Kaos, his pesky presence tugging at the back of my head, pulling me out of my trance. "Give me a sec to appreciate the moment." I growled annoyingly, shoving him away. My body shook, my breathe cut short, pain exploding in my chest, air fleeing from my lungs. I staggered back, clutching my belly; breathless, grimacing in pain; I felt like I had just received a powerful blow to the stomach. "What was that for?" I gasped, throwing a hateful glare at the smirking demon, his twisted grin growing wider. "To help you focus." "That's not helping!" I yelled, my face still twisting in pain, my ribcage aching badly. "Trust me it did. Now if you'd excuse me I know you want to discover everything but we're not here to do some tourism so could you please focus on the mission before these guys get bored and kick you out of the room." He rumbled, making his point more than clear. "Alright… I'm getting on it." I huffed, upset to have been disturbed. I only threw a quick circular glance at the assembly members, taking notes of the difference in their aura, some white, other grayish, other wearing bright colors. Some even had a strange bluish sphere around them; probably a magic barrier. Thanks to the good mental picture I had of the room it was fairly easy to pinpoint who was who and where they were sitting.

Finally my sight fell onto what I was looking for… or rather… more or less. I couldn't clearly see Alckor, his presence masked by something bigger, much larger draped over him, blanketing him in obscurity. "Damn… I can't see…" I grumbled, looking up, tracing the outline of a much larger, bulkier dragon. It didn't took me long to recognize Kyo, his tall stature, his long neck crammed down, his energy exposed beneath his scales, that same strange mix of a deep blue and darkness thick as night so deeply intertwined they seemed to merge together, swirling and turning together within him, making for a beautiful spectacle. Eyes squinted I observed him, my attention caught by a strange detail. Where the two different energies collided and mixed together there was a slight difference, barely visible but still present, a subtle grayish hue forming a line where the two opposite sides met, like a border of some sort. "Ace…" called an angry voice, urging me to get going. I only shifted my attention to something else, oblivious to the warning, observing curiously a strange snake of raw energy coiling around Kyo in a strange protective manner. However what caught my eye wasn't that snake-like form glued to Kyo, in fact I had already seen it before, what triggered my curiosity was something else; a singular similarity between the two life forms, the darkness from which Kaos emerged were identical to those of Kyo. What was the meaning of this? Was the darkness living inside Kyo a part of Kaos, his roots if they could be called so or was it something else?

"Ace!" roared his deep voice, impatience flooding my brain, another violent shock coursing through me, causing my very bones to quake "quit fooling around and focus!" My sight became blurry, my mind hazy, all strength abandoning me, fleeing under the avalanche of pure anger, wobbly legs barely holding me up. "Sorry…" I stuttered, massaging my head. "No… don't apologize… it's only my fault… sorry for loosing my temper like this…" he whispered gently, nuzzling me from inside my head, which felt a bit weird. "Just, stop spying on us and focus on your task please." He kindly suggested "and please… don't mention what you just saw, don't even think about it; and if you dare to speak of it with someone I can promise you an endless flow of suffering. Perhaps I should erase your memory…" he let out thoughtfully. "No need to; I'm on it… it's just… I can't see Alckor in that mess." "Let me take care of that."

A loud huff filled my ears quickly followed by a deep provoking growl. I knew more than I saw that Kyo was glaring at me, suspicion and apprehension blending in his expression. Yet finally, after a long minute Kyo stepped back, revealing his brother. I shivered, a cold chill running down my spine, as I was met with the same nightmarish sight from before, that same boulder of pure darkness, so much of it in fact it poured out of him, shrouding him in an impenetrable blackness. "Worrying isn't it?" let out Kaos. "Terrifying you mean?" I hissed in reply, staring at him intently, not flinching, not doubting, determined like never before. I didn't stop looking at him, probing the darkness, hoping to see through but it seemed to act as a thick wall I couldn't breach. Nevertheless I felt his gaze upon me, staring back at me, I sensed his shaking frame, the pleading look on his face; his teary eyes begging for mercy; true fear creeping over him. "Look at him, such an innocent looking dragon, it's hard to believe he could be a threat." Sniggered Kaos. "Not from my point of view." I harshly replied, eyes squinted in extreme concentration. I had seen Alckor before, I had seen him undressed of his scale, his raw energy displayed before me nevertheless there was… something different… I had a gut feeling I was missing something.

"What the hell is this?" I gasped in surprise, noticing strange tiny bubbles hovering around him, orbiting like planets around a dark sun. Yet it wasn't the peaceful and well-organized show, no instead these tiny sparkles seemed to follow completely random paths, flying at light speed, colliding with each other, crashing in the bottomless dark depths, causing mayhem wherever they went. It was quite fun to watch but intriguing all the same; these tiny little things had a radiant blue color attached to them… a color that resembled much to… oh no. "That's it I'm gonna kill him!" I roared; stepping forward. Fists clenched tight "he is going down, by my hand or he gets in jail!"

"Hold on a second!" screeched Kaos in panic "don't take a reckless decision; think first." "I've thought more than enough!" "Oh no you didn't!" he growled, his deep growling rumbling in my head giving me the creeps. "First consider the outcomes of your decision, either you doom him and Kyo will make you pay a thousand time for it. Or you let him live, you get rewarded and we win the war thanks to his actually quite bright idea." "Wow… I didn't know it had such implications." I whispered, pondering my solutions.

"Don't torture yourself too much with just silly consideration, use your eyes and let your heart guide you." "I used them and I only see what's in front of me." "Look better then! Watch with a closer attention to details… and then you might see…" "See what?" I grumbled in irritation. "You who had no eyes before you know that things look very different when seen from another angle, that what you see is only a matter of perception. Just follow my advice and observe him once again, then and only then give your final verdict." He offered.

I nodded, it was wiser to think before acting. "Here we go again I suppose." I sighed, planting my eyes in the shadowy form. I observed, analyzed, detailed, dissected every inch of smoke without finding much of a difference in that uniform blackness, only more drowning obscurity. "Sorry but I see nothing different." "Try again." He only chirped. I stared closer, delving deeper in the shadows, almost holding my breath while I explored deeper and deeper, venturing me deep within this endless dark.

And then I saw it, elusive, barely visible, barely more than a mirage, hiding in the ever-changing night, a flickering burst of light in complete darkness. "What the…" I whispered, scrutinizing the endless obscurity, chasing after that fleeing brightness. And again here it was, hiding, concealed in the dark; protected, sheltered in that impenetrable fortress of pure dark energy masking it's presence. With one last effort I focused my whole being on that small, almost invisible burst of whiteness in the dark. The next instant I was basked in a warm light, all darkness gone, revealed in a pure, untouched area of cherished purity and innocence under the form of a blinding whiteness. "So… what do you see?" I didn't answer; stunned by the view, shocked by the fact I almost missed that. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breathe, clearing my mind of all the things I just witnessed, trying to bring back peace in the chaos of my emotions."I hope you're not messing with me…" I grunted. "I'm not." Purred Kaos, accompanying his words by a short but affectionate mind hug.

My eyes suddenly peeled open, light flooding them, burning like a torch had been placed inside them. I grimaced; staggering back, feeling suddenly weak and disoriented. A hand grabbed my arm, preventing me from miserably falling flat on the ground. "So is this done already? We've been waiting for an eternity now! I hope this young man has something to tell us. You hear me emperor Ballus I expect results; if we get nothing I'm gonna solve this matter myself." Ranted a man. The world around me was foggy, banking from side to side. Without me noticing it I had stopped breathing, now panting for air. "Ace, are you alright?" asked someone, worry peaking in their voice. I tried to look around just to feel my body tensing before I sprang back to my feet, attempting to keep some composure. "So tell us young dragon rider, what did you see?" asked another voice pressing em to answer. They were all suspended to my lips, awaiting my words. My eyes went right for Alckor, attracted to him like magnets. Our gazes crossed his expression a mix of fear, sorrow and despair; like he was already trying to prepare himself for the worst scenario.

"He is a friend…" I let out, my voice a shaky, barely audible whisper. Yet it seemed more than enough to be heard throughout the dead silent room. Clapping hands broke the silence, soon joined by others. I blushed, my cheeks heating up as I bowed down respectfully, pride swelling my heart. A loud chirr ripped the applauses apart, immediately attracting all attention. A smile grew on my lips when I witnessed the two brothers cuddling together, Kyo holding his brother close to him, cradling him like an overgrown baby, keeping him concealed in a tight embrace of paws and wings while Alckor; buried his snout in his brother's soft scales, tears streaming down his cheeks. They are cute I told myself, incapable of looking somewhere else.

"Ace." Called a familiar bossy voice. I turned around, finally able to peel myself away from the scene. "Now that you've accomplished what I asked you to do would you mind leaving us to our affairs." "Of course my emperor; if you need any assistance again I would gladly oblige." "I know; now leave us please." He let out, pointing at the door.

Adressing a last bow at the now chatting assembly I left, silently padding away; throwing a last glance to the far less solemn faces. One of them in particular caught my eye, an old man, a general from his look or any kind of military from another country judging by the foreign blazon on his armor was staring at me, mouth gaping wide open on a blank cry, eyes almost bursting out of his skull, hands clutching his armrests with all their might; his face paler than snow. The expression on his face was disturbing, a mix of awe, shock and disbelief but the guy looked like he was about to have a heart attack; like he had just seen something that scared him to the bones. I didn't stick around too long, storing that last info in my head before opening the door, an acrid stench rushing to my nose byt I let nothing transpire.

As the door closed behind me I felt a par on eye homed on my back, eyes gleamering with gratitude.

………

Later

………

I walked away; taking another corridor that led me to a large room. I threw a quick look around; just like I had been told the room was forming a large broken circle opening on four different halls leading to doors similar to those I had passed. The walls were perfectly white; large chiseled pillars rising at regular intervals, holding the massive structure that was the roof. I looked up; my eyes widening in amazement and shock as I discovered for myself what had been so often depicted to me. The reality was a thousand time more beautiful than what I thought; the ceiling at the intersection was a massive cupola of pure gold held in place by the army of pillar and supports. I stepped further into the room; standing in its center; twisting my neck up to get a good look. The roof itself was magnificent, a treasure of architecture but it was without counting the immense painting sprawling over its surface. It could be divided in six different scenes; the first one represented a tall man kneeling on a rocky ground; illuminated by a blinding white light in the darkness; he had his arms opened wide, inviting the viewer to look at what was around him; tall mountain peaks forming an impenetrable barrier to what lied beyond. Before him were standing rows of people represented by grey figures with relieved faces. The second one showed the same man sitting on a golden throne, throwing a kind look to his people bowing before him. The third however was much darker; a scene of terror, chaos and destruction; panicked people running for their life, trying to reach the safety of the golden palace nestled between the mountain peaks, looking like a golden beacon in the dark of the night. All around the fleeing citizen fire could be seen pouring out of destroyed houses; long orange flames lashing out in all directions as more fire rained from the moonless night sky, A chill of terror ran down my spine as my eyes fell on one of the many twisted silhouettes lurking in the clouds, observing the chaos they were causing with obvious sadistic satisfaction. Dragons; twisted, all in claws and fangs, drawn as evil, nightmarish fire-breathing monsters but dragons all the same. In the bottom left corner of the painting I noticed a group of men trying valiantly but vainly to hold the beasts back. My focus shifted to the fourth painting, a more peaceful picture of a gorgeous lady holding two babies into her arms; showing them with pride on her face. "The lineage of the first emperor." I thought. I quickly went to the fifth one, a strange one to be honest; two different images in one as if the artist had tried to show the two faces of the same coin. On the right side a man could be seen, dressed in pretty robes, guiding the population; achieving peace as he shook hand with another man. On the other side however the tone was much darker; the background shrouded in grey; like everything was enveloped in thick ashes. One man could be seen; standing on top of a pile of entangled dead bodies in which hands, faces and swords were mixed with paws, snout, wings and claws. The man had a victorious grin on his face; holding a strange oval shaped object in between his hands; showing it to the world. "Is that… an egg?" I asked myself; eyes squinted to try and discern the thing more precisely. But I was unsure of what I was seeing; it could have been an egg or something completely different; it was impossible to take.

The sixth and last one put a smile on my lips: this last painting showed the same man as before kneeling before the same emperor, face down; arms extending; offering him a sword sheathed in a richly decorated sheath. Next to the man a tall black dragon was standing, crouching low to be at the emperor's level; showing the same respect and obedience, encouraging the emperor with a reassuring smile as the human had his hand pressed against a light green creature's snout barely coming out of a basket; light surging from the contact point. "He is bonding…" I shushed; unable to move my eyes away from the scene. "Impressive isn't it?" asked a familiar voice. I let out a surprised gasp; finally managing to break away from the painting. "Ulrick!" I gasped; discovering him standing right next to me. Skye squealed, jumping from my shoulder in surprise; snarling at the prince in annoyance. "I had a feeling I would find you here." Chuckled Ulrick; giving a gentle rub to Skye's chin; extending his other hand to wrap it around my shoulder; bringing me clothier. Our lips found each other on their own; my eyes closing, wild shudders coursing through me as I savored the taste of his mouth again. Even the loud ear-splitting chirrs from the jealous dragon weren't enough to make us break apart. Our hands slithered along each other's back; pulling the other closer; the kiss becoming deeper, more passionate; our head tilted to the side as we opened our mouths, wildly French kissing in the middle of the empty room. I felt the heat rising up; desire pushing me to clutch him tighter under the puzzled gaze of my warbling dragon; intrigued by what was happening. All of a sudden I don't know why but I felt the desire, the need; the urge to rip his clothes apart and finally see him as he truly was, without silly clothes hiding his body from me. Pulling away I try to shake off that strange idea. It's not like me to think so lewdly. I stopped; a horrifying thought popping in my head; imposing itself before the rest. Was Kyo right? Was there more dragon inside me than just my eyes? "Hey are you alright?" wondered the prince; worried, caressing my cheek with his so soft hand. "Yes… I'm fine…" I mumbled; warmth rushing to my cheeks. "You look strange; are you sure you are alright?" "Yes I'm fine… I just thought about something?" "Oh… may I know what it is?" "It's nothing really… it's just that… I was thinking I had never seen that room." "True… like most of the palace I suppose." He giggled behind a hand. "Would you like me to be your tour guide?" "I'd love to." I blushed; looking away; my eyes finding purchase in the painting covering the walls; portraits, dozen, hundreds, thousands of them. "Well… I'd gladly do but if I remember correctly we had something planned." "Oh yes… you're right." I mumbled; recalling his promise to train me to sword fighting. "You know what its perfect!" he suddenly exclaimed. "Why?" "Well because to go to the training ground we'll have to cross a large part of the palace to get to the basements. So I will be able to offer you a visit." "That sounds… nice I suppose." I let out; scratching my head. "Then if you would follow me." Said the prince; stepping aside; bowing slightly; inviting me toward the door. Surprised I obey; heading for the exit; throwing curious looks around, observing each portrait with interest. The first one seemed more recent, representing a young man looking at the horizon; his traits were thin; his eyes wearing a dreamy look, his expression serious and solemn. I froze; staring with closer attention to details. The man had something attracting; an inexplicable beauty that made my heart capsize, a face that would fill my dreams for nights to come. He was dressed in a shiny white armor; a blood-red cape falling on his shoulder; ornamented with gold and precious gems. Thanks to the wind swelling the thick fabric I noticed the imperial blazon, embroidered in thing golden threads. Beside his armor as shiny as the sun itself the man was holding a spear made of pure gold; a blue sapphire lodged in the blade; seemingly glowing. Or perhaps it was an effect the artist had given to empathize the beauty and power of the man. Behind him I noticed a city; marvelous treasure nestled in a valley, protected by high white walls. The city breathed peace, a heaven lost in an impenetrable fortress of jagged rocks. "No way…" I mumbled; my eyes going from the painting to the prince standing right next to me; an indescribable smile floating on his face. There was something familiar between him and the man on the picture; something in their face; in their stance they shared. "Astonishing isn't it?" he chuckled; enjoying my puzzled face. "Is that… you?" "I know we look very similar but no. This is my father in his youth, after his crowning." He explained, designating a richly decorated gold and silver made crown the man was wearing; something I should have noticed sooner. "And this next to him is his dragon." My eyes widened, my jaws dropping in shock. How could I miss this? The large form standing right next to him; towering over him. I took a step back; trying to get a broader picture of the painting and there I saw him. "He was young back then." I barely heard him; too busy detailing the impressive looking dragon. Sure he was young and definitely smaller than what he looked now but he already had that look on his face; that look that imposed respect; that intensity in his staring eyes that forced the observer to look away in fear of retaliations if he dared to observe either him or the newly crowned emperor he was protecting. His imposing stature took half of the picture, casting a large shadow over the rest. "You… you look a lot like him." "Yes I get that often." He sighed; a wry smile curling his lips. I looked away; keeping what I wanted to say for myself; my eyes falling on a small copper plate under the painting's frame. Emperor Ballus the first said the peace bringer, light of the human kind. "He looks pretty young on that picture…" I commented. "Yes; when he became emperor he was just twenty-two years old." "There is… there is something weird…" I let out; closing the gap between me and the painting. "What is it?" enquired Ulrick; joining me. "The buildings… they don't look right… most of them don't exist anymore." "Correct." He confirmed "you have a sharp eye. In fact this picture is quite old." "But… the city can't have changed that much so quickly!" I shouted; trying to piece together the pieces of that puzzle. "You think? After al… you may not know…" "Know what?" "How old do you think my father is?" he asked; turning his gaze toward me; taking me by surprise. "What?" "You heard me right Ace, how old is he?" "Is this so important?" "Yes; come on go ahead it's simple." "Hmmm… let me think… I'd say… about fifty." "Wrong answer." He giggled; malice glinting in his eyes "and by far." "What!? He can't be much older than that!" "You'll be surprised…" he chuckled "in fact he is more than a hundred years old; approaching his hundred and twentieth birthday in fact." "I-i-impossible…" "Impossible isn't in our family's vocabulary." He whispered; putting both hands on my shoulders; looking formal all of a sudden. "It is something you should be aware of; as a dragon rider you will suffer the same fate." "The same fate… but what are you talking about?" "Ace… dragons when they bond to humans don't only link their soul for life with the one they chose; the also grant him a special ability... among other gifts like the one Skyo offered you." He shushed in my ear; his fingers rubbing around my closed eyes, eliciting excited shivers from me. "Long life…" he finally let out after a long minute of silence. "I… I don't get it…" I mumbled; not understanding the meaning of his words. "Dragons live longer than any human; where we live for eighty years at best; dragons can pass away after centuries, even millenniums of existence." "By all the saints…" I gasped; staring intensely at Skye. Was it true? Could he live for that long? Could he survive when I would pass away? "So what the dragon did is that they gifted their riders with a longer life; meaning that they grow slower than any human. However time still has its grasp on them, just like on every living thing and even them will end under six feet of dirt;" "That's… really dark…" "I know but it's only reality; as crude and cold as it is. But don't be afraid; perhaps you'll live as long as some of them!" he said; taking the whole room in one gesture. "However you must be aware that this gift only slows down the work of time and nature; it doesn't prevent sickness or make you invincible; it will allow you to stay as long as possible with your dragon if you stay healthy of course. Lucky bastard." He added with a sting of envy in his voice; pouncing me in the shoulder. "Why do you say that?" "Well because I have no dragon silly." "Oh… yes… I forgot… but… you know… it's not as wonderful as it sounds… it's also a lot to handle…" "I know but… I have to get one." He grumbled; frustration twisting his face. "Why?" "Look around you and tell me the common point between all the people represented on these paintings." He sighed; his gaze wandering on the painting. In an instant reality struck me like a blow in the stomach. All these people; men; women; throughout the history these paintings were counting all had a dragon by their side. "They all have a dragon." "Exact." He confirmed "it's some sort of tradition; the one that sits on the throne must be bonded to a dragon. It represents the unity; the shared land and existence and the peace between our two kinds. I may be the latest of a longue lineage of emperors and empresses; be the descendant of countless warriors and wise magicians; be the one to take my father's place when he will pass away but if I don't have a dragon the place that is mine will be denied and the power will go to a regent who will take care of the empire until the true heir of the throne finds his dragon. It could be a matter of weeks or take decades but until then everyone could pretend to the throne except its true owner." He explained; anger boiling in his veins, his fists clenching in held back rage. "To that day no egg hatched for me; no dragon; weak whelps or mighty warriors showed interest in me." He finally spat; throwing a hateful glare at the dragon on the nearest painting. "I guess… I guess it happens when you least expect it." I murmured; wrapping my arms around him. "You think?" he grumbled doubtfully. "I'm not a professional but… I think it's just a matter of finding the right dragon… or rather having the dragon finding the one that most suits him. I'm almost certain it's all a matter of patience." "Are you sure of what you say Ace? I've been waiting for countless years and no dragon sought me to be his rider." "I think it will come in due time; you just have to be patient." "Easier said than done." He huffed; trying to pull away. "I'm certain one dragon will see that thing that makes you special in his opinion." "I hope it'll happen before I have grey hairs." "Oh you'd still look handsome as fuck even with grey hairs." I stated; kissing him before he could reply. "You may be right…" he admitted after a deep loving kiss. "To be frank I never expected to have a dragon; and one day I woke up with a dragonet sleeping in my bed and brand new eyes." "And you didn't ask for it." He responded. "Nope… I think you should stop searching; it will come to you eventually." "I hope you're right." He let out; not bothering to hide his disappointment. We walked away; heading for the other exit; my eyes stopping on each painting that crossed my sight; each new face; discovering each emperor that had preceded Ulrick's father on the throne; who had led the people of the realm throughout the ages; through troubled times of war; disease and hunger; through brighter periods of peace to that day. Abruptly I stop; my eyes glued to one last ancient looking image placed right next to the door. This last one; even though it's badly damages shows a rather young looking man standing on the wall of a fortress; observing with dreamy eyes what lies ahead of him: his cities; tiny houses packed together in narrow streets. He isn't wearing an armor; only a long blue ceremonial robe; simple in appearance but made of the most expensive tissues and marvelously decorated with more jewelry than any man could dream of. His crown was a simple golden ring with a large diamond at the front, sitting comfortably on his forehead. However even his ample clothes weren't enough to hide the bulge of his sword. I stopped focusing on the man but on what he was doing instead. One of his hands was resting on the barren wall before him; the other was covering something; a light green object barely visible under his large palm. No… it wasn't an object… it was… a dragon… a youngling who just left the shell of his egg by the look of it. Something on his hand caught my attention; a ring made of silver and gold, crowned with a large gem surrounded by four smaller ones. "Fancy" I thought; unable to move my eyes away; like mesmerized by the old; crackled and yellowed painting remnant of another time. Without understanding why I found myself following his gaze. He wasn't looking at the city like I first thought; in reality he was looking at the sky; an endless sea of blue on which a black point stood like a sore thumb. Was it something or was it just a damaged portion? It was hard to tell but the more I looked the more precise the image became. "A dragon…." I shushed; observing the barely visible black form apparently flying away from the fortress. "Oh you saw it." Let out Ulrick in a distant tone. "Who… who is it?" "This man you see here is none other than King… sorry Emperor Orus." "The name tells me nothing. Should I… know who he is?" I enquired; noticing Ulrick's shocked look upon revealing my ignorance. "Dude if there is one great man to remember it's him! He is the first ever emperor who was bonded for life and beyond with a dragon and from him came the tradition for an emperor of having the same companion by their side." "Impressive…" "You think? Wait until you hear the rest. He is said to be the one who unified the scattered and exposed villages under the banner of his kingdom; a kingdom his father had built from scratches." "Is this dragon his?" "Yes. The legends say it's a present from his brother." Explained Ulrick; surprisingly quick on that part of the tale. "He had a brother?" "Indeed." "Where is he?" "Don't you see him?" "No…" "Surprising, knowing he is right under your eyes." "Really! But where?" "Disappointing… your eyes are less sharp than I thought." "Shut up!" I huffed; pissed off; smirking when bleu flames missed his hairs. "Let me give you a tip then." He gasped; keeping Skye's mouth close and away from him "Look at …" "You mean… he is mounting it?" "Exactly! Well done." "But it's not fair we can barely see him." "True, but at least he is here." "Is there no painting at his effigy here?" I look around; trying to find him on another painting; submerging Ulrick with questions. "Calm down Ace!" he shouted; laughing loudly "there is a picture of him." "Where?" "Look up." He chuckled. "Of course." I grumbled; memories flashing before my eyes; the two kids held in the woman's arms; one was the future emperor and the other his brother. Immediately my neck twisted up, my eyes finding the face I was looking for. "What the…" I mumbled; eyes wide open, jaws agape, noticing a detail that had escaped me before. There was indeed another man; the man with the black dragon who shared some resemblances with the emperor but… his face looked all… blurry; as if lost in a thick mist; hiding the traits of his face, only leaving a pale face shadowed by long raven black hairs. "What's wrong with his face? It's all weird." "You seriously don't know why it's like this?" "No I don't… should I?" "Ace it's one of the oldest legend of our country; the one legend every children knows; the tale of the two princes." "No sorry… guess no one read me that one." I sighed; pain squeezing my heart; reminding me of the lack of a true family, of a mother counting me a story before sleep. "Oh… sorry… I… didn't want to…" "It's alright." I sighed; swallowing my tears; shaking off the painful shadows of the past. "I just thought… if this guy is so famous why erase his face?" "The story behind that isn't… a happy story… and the event that led to its end led to the destruction of this man's image. Nowadays there are almost no books mentioning him; no painting where his true face can be seen; no statue in his honor; people even avoid mentioning him… only referring to him as the fallen prince." "Why? What did he do to be forgotten like this?" "Guess I should tell you… I suppose as a dragon rider you should know this story." I didn't have to ask any question to understand why I had to know; whatever this forgotten prince had done it had something to do with dragons. "Would you follow me? I have something to show you before we get to the training room." "Sure thing; lead the way." I replied; waiting for Skye to land on my shoulder; which he did without protesting. Ulrick opened the door; the heavy panels wincing as they unveiled another corridor. I took a step forward; observing with the same curiosity parts of the palace I didn't know yet. Something clicked behind me; repeatedly hitting the floor in a perfect sync. Skye tensed; his claws digging through my clothes; his wings extending in a defensive attitude; trying to make himself more impressive than he was; growling and barking at something behind us. The clicking sound closed in slowly but steadily; soon joined by the characteristic noise of something racking against the stone floor; like a blade… or several blades. "E…e…excuse… excuse me… I'm… sorry to… to interrupt… b…bu…but I… I… I… I need to… to talk to you." Called a high pitched voice in a pleading squeak. "To me… but who are you?" stammered the prince Ulrick; puzzled by the brisk interruption. "No… not to you my prince... I'm here to… speak with… Ace." That voice… I knew it; it sounded familiar, although fear was peaking in his tone I knew him. "Alckor…" I hissed, turning around; eyes blazing with rage "you dare to show up after what you've done…" "You know each other?" asked Ulrick; his gaze going from me to the black dragon standing ten feet away from me; avoiding direct eye contact; snout hanging low in a look of guilt. "Sadly I know him." I growled; standing my ground, throwing suspicious glares at him "What do you want? How did you even get here?" "I… I… just want to… talk…" "Excuse me but I don't trust you…" I let out; Skye approving with a menacing growl. "I know… but I… I… I really want… to talk to you." "Get lost I don't want to see you!" I yelled; pointing at the opposite exit. He didn't flinch; holding still. "Ace… I know I… I did something wrong… terribly wrong but… it's… it's important that I speak to you now… please." He begged pleadingly, plunging his devilish purple eyes in mine. "Are you deaf or what? Go away before I call the guards!" roared Ulrick; forcing Alckor to look away. "No… please… please don't… I'll leave right away…" he mumbled, not even trying to protest. "No wait." I exclaimed; earning surprised gaze from the two males. "You have one minute; after that delay you'd better be running." "Thanks…" he let out; eyes glazed with gratitude. Without further ado he sat there; his long sinuous tail wrapping around his forelimbs; the bladed tip resting on his forepaw. "Why don't you come closer? It would be better if you desire to talk so badly." Noted the prince. "I… I prefer to keep a… safe distance… between us… in order to prevent the same thing from happening…" whispered Alckor. "Bright idea." I approved with a knowing look on my face "So what did you want to tell me? Why is it so important you dare to approach me after what you've done to Skye?" "What did he do exactly?" "He wounded him!" I roared; exploding. The next instant a blue ball flew across the room at light speed; exploding right on Alckor's face. "Holy shit! Isn't that a bit exaggerated?" gasped Ulrick; stepping out of the line of fire; putting out the few flames that ignited on his clothes. "He deserves it." I spat; fondling Skye's snout. The fire and smoke dissipated; revealing Alckor's black scales. Astonishingly he seemed to have suffered no damage at all from the attack. Not only he seemed to have withstood it but he hadn't even tried to move away; standing perfectly still; eyes closed; as if he had been expecting it. "I guess it's only fair." He let out; jiggling his snout "may I speak now… or should I expect another blow?" "Go ahead…" I sighed; making sure Skye wasn't tempted to do it again.

Alckor took a deep breathe; planting his purple eyes into mine. A cold shiver ran through me; it felt odd to look into these eyes, those of the one who had dared to inflict pain to my dragon but I didn't look away; holding the stare until one of us would break it. "I… I wanted to apologize for… for what happened… I didn't mean to… I didn't mean to hurt him." He let out; his voice a barely audible low whisper. "You can apologize all you want; you still did it." I growled; not softened the slightest by his words. "Ace… I… I understand that you are mad at me… but please believe me my words are sincere… I wasn't planning on harming Skye… I wouldn't harm anyone under normal circumstances." He whispered; his gaze wandering on the paintings around him. "So if you're as harmless as you pretend why did you attack Skye?" "I didn't attack him!" he squealed; offended by the accusation. "It was an accident… I swear on my life I my intention was good… I only wanted to touch him, not to hurt him." "So why did you make him suffer then?" I roared; throwing my anger at his face. "I… I lost control…" he sobbed; tears gathering at the corner of his eyes. "Lost control… but control of what?" "Of… *sigh* of my powers." He sputtered; a first tear slipping from his eyes "just a second of inattention and… well… you saw what happened." "Well… I didn't exactly see it but…" I admitted, embarrassed. "Can someone explain to me what happened? Because you keep saying that Skye has been wounded by Kyo's brother but I can't see the slightest trace of any injury. There is no scar, no bruises, not even a broken scale; all in all not a single scratch to his hide." Exclaimed Ulrick; probing Skye everywhere he could. "Oh but believe me he is injured... by my fault… yet it's a kind of wound that leaves no marks." Sighed Alckor; his voice full of held back regrets. "What is that supposed to mean? Explain yourself!" ordered Ulrick. Alckor nodded; standing up, taking a step forward, then deciding otherwise taking a step back. "Do you… do you allow me to come closer?" "Fine." I grumbled; keeping an eye on him as; one paw after the other he closed the invisible gap separating us; all his scales shivering in apprehension. He stopped; closer than I expected, close enough that I could smell his putrid breath; noticing the thin filaments of smoke puffing out of his mouth.

"I possess certain powers… dangerous powers that… if badly use can cost someone his life." He started; adopting a darker, more serious tone. "But to explain it correctly I'll have to…" his sentence ended in a pathetic whimper; a green substance gushing out from his snout where his claws just dug several long jagged lines. "What the hell! Arey ou insane or what? Why did you just hurt yourself?" "To better… show you…" he hissed; grimacing in pain; the thick green liquid dripping down his scales; pooling on the floor "gosh I had forgotten how it stings." He winced; every motion causing more of that green substance to gush out. Was it his blood? Probably… but why did it have this weird color to it?

The answer came under the form of a disgusting stench that made my stomach twist. Small snakes of clear white fumes were rising from the ground. "Sorry for the mess…" he winced, following the fall of every green droplet until they hit the ground. Where they fell the ground melted, the slick marble dissolving like paper under the restless assaults of a powerful acid, leaving small holes in the thick stone. "By all the sains…" mumbled Ulrick, taking a step back, covering his nose. The air stink of the thick green substance acrid smell as it ate through the rock with scaring ease. "You should start showing me before you melt in your own blood." "Don't worry… I'm a tough nut to crack" he giggled, grabbing a drop on the tip of his claws "my scales are too tough for it to break through so I won't suffer any harm from it… unless … maybe internal bleeding… but I'm not that eager to try…" "Interesting but is that what you wanted to show me?" "No… I'm coming to it, don't worry." he whispered, looking away, apparently searching something. After a long minute his gaze stopped on… a wall. I followed his gaze, noticing a small grey form keeping a low profile, running for cover on its four tiny paws. "Rats…" I hissed, cursing these annoying little pests that, even in this absolutely clean place managed to make their nest "these things are just gross." "Don't worry… it won't pester anyone…" whispered Alckor. I tensed, these words, slithering out of his mouth like sinister snakes of pure evil sounding like death sentences to my ears. I looked around,, my mind going wild in pure panic, imagining all kinds of terrifying scenarios each worse than the previous one. When I finished my spin, I discovered Alckor, his eyes glowing, purple light radiating from his irises, his now brightly gleaning gaze homed on… on the rat. A loud chirr tore the silence apart.

In a split second my attention was entirely focused on that tiny little thing, the small creature on its back, all paws in the air, squirming, mouth gaping on an endless high pitched squeal of pure pain, his body convulsing rapidly, his paws hieratically kicking, his small blackish eyes faintly glowing. A wound that left no mark… was that what he did to Skye, did he torture him like this. But it was far from over, for long minutes the disgusting thing arched, twisted and cried out it's suffering to the ceiling. The worst minutes of my life. Finally the small furred body stopped moving, the desperate cries turning to silence as that disgusting thing died without having been touched. Yet, as I thought I had seen the last of it the little mouth parted open, dark-red liquid pouring out around thin black thread. The thin strings rose in the air, twisting and coiling together, becoming thicker as more of these strange things slithered out of the dead corps until several large black ropes were floating in the air, glowing and pounding, full of energy… or made of it to be more precise. In a flash they rushed forward, cutting through the air at light speed, forming one thick rope linking the freshly murdered animal and Alckor's hand where it separated again, disintegrating as it… as it… how was it even possible? How was it all possible? I kept staring, speechless as whatever was that thing hovering between them seeped past Alckor's scales, giving his scaly hide a strange glitter. "Watch closely." he whispered, pointing a claw at his wound. Under my bugging wide eyes I witnessed the jagged edges of the deep laceration he inflicted himself start to faintly glint as they got closer to each other until not even a scratch remained.

"How is that… possible?" "This… is my power… I can drain energy from… well… almost everything…" he explained, wearing a look of embarrassment in which I noticed hints of surprise, as if he wasn't expecting to work. "And… what do you do with it?" "Like you saw… I can use it to heal my wounds… or… I cam also transform parts of my body at will; as long as I have enough energy to achieve the transformation." "Oh… interesting." I mumbled, afraid to understand what he was implying. Yes… you understand now?" "I'm afraid I do." I sighed, not daring to look at him directly. "But I swear I didn't want to…I just… lost my focus for… a fragment of second and… my powers went wild." "And you think that you telling me this will earn you my forgiveness?" I huffed. "No… of course not… I don't seek your forgiveness… and I'd understand if you'd want me far from you after that but…" "Quit talking would you. What do you want?" growled Ulrick, glaring at him. Alckor lowered his head "I… I came here… to give it back…" "you… you can do that?" I gasped hopefully. "I suppose yes. I've… I've never done that before but I guess it works the other way around." he mumbled, unsure. And with that said he extended a paw, palm opened, millions of tiny glittering sparkles slipping out of his scale, gathering to form an orange-sized blue ball. "Is that all you took from him?" "Every oonce of it." He replied, handing us the ball. Kneeling down I put Skye to the same level, facing the ignescent sphere. Within an instant Skye's very scales ignited, shining bright, radiating a blinding blue light, a light blue aura enveloping him. My eyes widened, mesmerized by the pulsating ball of raw energy displayed before us, my own flesh pounding in time with it, my eyes itching like crazy. Before I knew it the three of us were pounding in perfect sync, me, Skye, and the ball Alckor was preciously holding in the palm of his hand glowinh in union. "It… it recognizes it's owner…" mumbled Alckor, amazed by that new discovery "and that must mean that… a part of him is inside you. What am I saying it's fucking obvious!" he growled, cursing himself.

"That's… kinda impressive." I whispered, stunned "so… you want to give it back to Skye?" "Correct… but… I… I don't know how it works." "By the look of it I'd say just hand it to him." proposed Ulrick. "That could work." approved Alckor, doing as told. The pounding quickened, the ball sparkling and blazing brighter, illuminating the entire room, basking every painting in that cold blue light. The glow became so intense I had to look away. "Here we go…" whispered Alckor, anticipation mixed with relief peaking in his nervous tone. Trembling uncontrollably I observe Skye as the small dragon curiously closes in on the glowing orb, sniffing loudly, intrigued by the strange object offered to him. "Come on… take it… it's yours." let out Alckor, his voice trembling, paw shaking while holding the energy ball up. Skye let out a cute warble, observing for a long tme the thing with interest before poking at it. The ball burned brighter, sparks spurted in every direction, electricity like beams striking everywhere. "So adorable…" cooed Alckor, his purple eyes lighting up with amusement.

"What is he doing?" he let out however after a few minutes; discovering that Skye found more entertaining to play with his new toy rather than recovering what had been taken from him. "What is he waiting for?" huffed Alckor, showing the first signs of irritation, his grin progressively vanishing. "Perhaps he doesn't know how to do it." suggested Ulrick. "Probably…" I approved, unsure of what to do, divided between letting Skye have his fun and trying to get this done quicker.

"Come on, go ahead, give it a try." encouraged Alckor, broadly smiling after absorbing then rejecting a small portion of the stolen energy, the ball shrinking then growing back to it's original size in an instant. Skye seemed interested although he kept chirping, begging Alckor to do it again. The black dragon obeyed willingly, repeating the same chain of actions several time, even putting on a little show, all to Skye's amusement, happiness flooding my mind, plastering my face with a silly smile. "You like that… come on than, give it a try." shouted Alckor in a childish, playful manner, trying his best to bring Skye to mimic his gestures. Intelligence glinted in Skye's eyes. Had he truly understood? Was he making fools of us? Or was he pretending?

"Come on Skye, don't be shy. I promise it doesn't hurt.". Yet Skye didn't move, gleefully smiling, eyes filled with tears, satisfied by what he had seen. "Come on… take it…" pressed Alckor, more insistently pressing the orb against Skye's snout; causing both of us to shudder under the unexpected surge of heat radiating from it's surface. "Take it… it's all yours." growled Alckor, clearly loosing patience. "Come on stop fooling around and grab that thing!" he roared, his tail slamming in the floor. Skye backed away, squawking in fear, wings fluttering in sheer panic. Yet, even with the pulsating ball squashed against his scales nothing seemed to happen. Dread burst in my mind, preceded by a loud cry for help. "Stop this Alckor you're scaring him!" I yelled, roughly shoving the dragon away. "Why doesn't he want to take it?" he gasped, puzzled, stepping forward to find himself with the tip of a sword poking at his throat. "Stay where you are." growled Ulrick who had unsheathed so quickly I didn't register it. "Why does he refuse it?" whispered Alckor in response, gulping down but not backing away the slightest "it belongs to him… he recognizes it but still… he refuses it. Why?" "Can I make a supposition?" asked Ulrick, rubbing his chin pensively "I'm not a dragon expert but I suspect he just doesn't need it." "What is that supposed to mean?" snarled Alckor, frustrated by his lack of understanding "I left a hole inside him when I stole his energy; a hole that needs to be filled back… Now!" he yelled, panicked. "Let me finish" sighed Ulrick in annoyance "Skye is a very young drake… and quite the energetic type on top of that so maybe… but it's only a supposition that… perhaps what you've taken has already been… regenerated. What do you think Ace?" "Well he… he looked in pain and weakened when it happened but now… I'd say he looks as good as new." I admitted, examining Skye with close attention. "So as I was previously supposing he doesn't need it!" proudly shouted Ulrick, a broad satisfied grin on his lips, an expression that had me melting in pure adoration. So damn clever… so cute when he is smiling… how I can resist the urge to hug him right now.

"But… what do I do of it? I don't want it!" squeaked Alckor. "I don't know…" "I don't want to keep something I stole; I already feel so bad for taking it." he sobbed, sniffing as he contemplated the glowing sphere, desperate to find some use for the thing. Skye let out a quizzical warble, tilting his head to the side, looking worried. He lept into the sky, landing just a few feet away from Alckor. "What do you want?" he huffed through gritted teeth. Skye didn't answer, only intently poking the energy bubble. "What? You want it? That would be… late but very kind of you…" he mumbled, willingly offering it to Skye. However after some prodding and poking Skye pushed it away with a satisfied chirp, giving it back to the taller dragon. "Stop… *sigh* stop fooling around… take it, whatever you do with it take it, it belongs to you." Yet Skye only pushed Alckor's paw farther away every time he attempted to give it to him. "I think he is trying to tell you something." I chuckled, observing the scene with a goofy smile. "Really… but… what exactly?" "I don't know… let him tell you." at my words Skye rammed his snout right into Alckor's forepaw, shoving it back with all his might, Alckor hardly giving any resistance, staring with wide eyes while the little dragon was irresistibly pushing him away. "See; I think he wants you to keep it." "Keep it… but… it's… it's not mine… I didn't earn it rightfully… I'd rather give it back." "You know that's rude to refuse a gift." I grunted. "A… a present… for… for me." he gasped, shocked, watching all the gathered energy with a mix of horror and gratitude. "But… but why?" he let out, breaking in tears "I don't disserve any gift from you… after what I did." "Don't beat yourself too hard over it Alckor everyone is alright… just make sure it doesn't happen or next time I'll smash that pretty face of yours into a wall. Is it clear?" rumbled Ulrick, hand clenched around his sword's hilt. "I will…" whispered Alckor, nodding slightly, still observing the energy pulsating in his hand with a look of doubt. "Hey Alckor I just thought of something; you said you could use the energy you take from others to transform your body at will." "Yes… I can…" "So why not do just that!" I exclaimed, caressing Alckor's forehead, finding his scales surprisingly cool and smooth to the touch. "Well… I could… but… it's… not that simple… it's… it's a completely different kind of energy… and I'm not… used to it…" "What do you mean?" "Well… you saw it with your own eyes… it's a different energy type from the one flowing in my veins… and… so far I've been unable to use it…" "Interesting…" "So… having it inside me pesters me more than anything and… I'm afraid it will still cripple me in the future." "Don't say that; I'm sure you'll find something." "You think?" "Yes; I don't know how your powers work but… I'm almost certain you will find something."

"I'm not sure… since I've… harvested it… it's been feeling weird… like it was tickling me all over." "Guess Skye is naturally playful." I giggled "every part of him." "Maybe… but that doesn't help…" he squeaked, staring at the pounding orb. "I'm certain that if you look deeply enough you will be able to find something you can do with it."

He nodded, lost in his thoughts, his gaze wandering on the painting, his lips twitching, forming silent words, his tail swishing from side ;¤o side, his claws nervously scraping the ground. "I… I think… I… I had an idea…" he whispered, his fleeing gaze stopping it's roaming to focus on me. A chill of terror ran down my spine as I stare in those deep purple eyes, diving straight into deep shadowy waters. Drowning in these two pools of glowing obscurity I notice a strange, something so odd it immediately catches my attention: a lone blue pigment floating there. Yet, as fast as it appeared it has already vanished, disappeared in the darkness. A mere second later another tiny particle crossed his eye, an almost invisible shooting star. A smile curled his lips, widening with each passing second as, with one last grateful look he closed his eyes. Times seemed to freeze around us, everything halting, not even a breathing to break the suffocating silence. When his eyes opened again I realized I had stopped breathing. "My goodness…" I gasp, falling on my butt in sheer shock. "So… what do I look like?" he asked, eyelids fluttering several time. "That's… different." mumbled Ulrick, staring in awe at the dragon. "It's… better… you… you look better… more… welcoming like that…" I let out, standing up on wobbly legs; a cute warble adding weight to my words. Before me Alckor had changed, not in a drastic manor, but something was different, something that caught the eye. His eyes as a matter of fact; both of them had changed, not by much, not in shape but in color, a major difference that couldn't be overlooked. From that deep purple his irises had turned a bright ice blue shade; enlightening his traits with a new light, giving his still scary as hell looking face a somewhat friendlier look. He looked proud of the result, smiling toothily, blinking several times to adjust. "Told you…" I chuckled, trying to sound confident when in reality I was crumbling in shock. I had seen Alckor heal himself… but seeing him mutate even in such a minor way scared me to death. What could he have done to himself if he had absorbed more of Skye's energy… something far more impressive I suppose.

"You were right… thanks a lot." "It's nothing." "I hope we can… see each other again… and this time I swear I will keep my draining ability at bay." "You'd better hold that promise." I replied, rubbing him between his nostrils as he nuzzled me affectionately, purring deeply under my touch. "Well… I think I should go now; the others must be looking for me everywhere by now." he let out, giving the door behind him a disappointed look. "See you around Alckor…" I whispered, fondling him between his horns, coaxing low coos. He broke away, throwing us a last smile before turning away, his claws clicking on the floor as he walked away, his tail happily flagged high, unveiling parts of him I didn't dare to look at.

"Alckor!" I called, a question popping in my mind. He turned around, paw hovering over the handle. "Yes…" "Can I ask you a question?" "Sure… what is it?" "You said that you lost your focus earlier… may I know what caused it?" "I… I thought of something bad… or rather of someone…" he sighed after a few seconds of hesitation. "Could you be more precise?" "Why do you want to know?" he snarled defensively. "I'm just curious. I mean… it must have been important…" "You have no idea…" he let out, shaking his head negatively. "Who was this person?" "Not someone I want to talk about…" he hissed «you see, he is not the respectable kind of person… he is rather… he is more of a wicked… despicable… gifted with a twisted mind and a disgusting taste for manipulation and murder." he spat hatefully. "A really nice person indeed." Sarcastically sighed Ulrick. "But who is he to you?" "Someone I owe a lot'… I have a debt toward him." "A debt?" "He saved my life… and more or less took me under his wing if you catch my drift." he sniggered with a sting of humor. "But… who is that man to you exactly? I mean I understand y*u have a debt to repay and that this guy isn't the greatest company in the world but what I don't understand is what he is for you." "Note all dragons are lucky as you two were." he mysteriously whispered "not all dragons find themselves bonded to great warriors or with people with a righteous heart. Some find themselves entangled for life with heartless, cruel men." "Hold on… are you trying to say he is…" "My rider…" he finished, looking down in shame. "When I saw how all the other riders seemed to be happy with their dragon and vice-versa, how they all seemed in harmony with each other, when I saw how you and Skye were deeply bounded… I let envy and want get under my scales and…" he didn't need to finish his sentence. "It's alright…" I whispered, walking to him, letting my hand fondle his neck, scratching his scales until he let out a soft purr… eyes closing in bliss under, tongue dropping from his maw, lolling on the side under my touch. "It… it pissed me off…" he continued between elated purrs "You two seemed to get along so nicely… so… perfectly… like you are meant for each others… just like Kyo and his boyfriend have a deep connection with their riders… where my relationship with mine is chaotic… tense and… complicated… being with him is a pain… we argue all the time over everything and we can't come to agree on anything. The more time I spend with him the more I feel like I am a dead weight for him." he stuttered, salty droplets falling down his cheeks, wetting my shirt as he nuzzled my chest, silently crying. Without hesitation Skye jumped from his perch on my shoulder, swiftly landing on Alckor's back where he licked and nuzzled at everything that came into view, earning low coos of satisfaction when the agile slippery tongue found one of his sweet spots.

"Stop that… it tickles!" he weakly whimpered, not even trying to shake Skye off. "You know… contrarily to what you believe it's not all perfect between Kyo and his rider. I know they argued quite a lot… and that Kyo used to be quite a pain to live with, and he caused quite a bit of troubles to." "Really?" mumbled Alckor, drinking my words with obvious interest, his eyes glinting slightly, hope shining bright in those newly turned blue eyes. "Yes, to give you an idea Allen and his boyfriend broke up, Kyo and Tarken broke up to, all because Kyo cheated on his mate and it caused a chain reaction. I'm not gonna give you all the details because I'd need the whole day to explain it to you but simply put it was one hell of a mess, and it was just a few weeks ago." "Damn… Kyo didn't tell me that… I'll have to ask him. I bet it's an interesting story." he sniggered deviously, eyes squinting in malice. "Yes it is; but look at them now; they've overcome it. I'm certain it's just the same with you and your rider, whoever the guy is; you're just going through a bad time and it will pass away." "You think?" he sniffed, wiping the last tears of his eyes with the tip of his tail, proving a surprising dexterity with that blade-like thing standing at the tip of the long, sinuous scaly appendage. "Yes. I'm sure when you'll have gotten over it you will feel better about him." "I hope you are right." he let out, still doubtful. "I… I hope you're right…" he whispered, a ghostly smile still floating on his lips "I suppose every man can change." "True and you can help him do that. But… can I ask you how you ended up with that kind of man?" "He saved my life… helped me master my powers… relatively took care of me… I owed him so much and still do; so I thought it was a good way to repay my debt… but it only seemed to make him angrier." he let out, his voice full of regrets "Don't give me wrong I don't actually regret it but… I feel I should have done it differently."

"Maybe…" I let out, shrugging. "Well… guess I should really go now." he said, dancing nervously on his paws "thanks for listening to me." "It's nothing. I hope it will go better for you." "Thanks… I wish it too." he replied, bowing down so Skye could descend from his back without risks. Skye jumped down, not without a huff of protestation, giving Alckor's snout one last lick as he tried to pounce him. "He is so damn cute…" purred Alckor, completely subdued. "I know, everyone keeps telling me that." I replied, grabbing Skye under his belly, cradling him in my arms, scratching his sensitive belly scales, delighting myself of his low purrs, his paws kicking in the air, claws curling playfully as he tried to grab my hand, his tail widely wagging from side to side. "Look at him… how can someone resist him?" cooed Alckor, melting completely, nuzzling Skye's chest, taking a deep whiff of his scent, his tongue swiftly dashing out of his maw, leaving slimy trails on Skye's chest, earning him a few chirps and small claws trying to scrap at his face. "Alright… I should really be heading home now; the others are gonna start to wonder where I went." "Yes, don't make them wait." I replied, giving his snout a last gentle rub. "See you around… both of you." he purred, throwing an enamored glance at Skye. "Dude he really got a hit on you." "I can't deny… and… now… I feel… connected to him… in a way." he stammered, a ghostly smirk floating on his lips before he turned around, padding toward the door. "Oh and… Ace…" he called once he had reached the door. "I'd appreciate your discursion on the matter we just talked about. You see… it's still unofficial, no one beside me… and you know about it… not even Kyo is aware that I found myself a rider now; and for now I'd really be grateful to you if you kept this for yourself… until I find a way to announce it to Kyo." his voice was harsher, his tone more serious, his face gone completely cold, showing no emotion but his aeyes were telling a different story, pleading me to promise; to keep his little secret. "Alright, you have my word." "And mine to." added Ulrick. "Thank you for your `understanding… I'll repay you for that." "No need to." we replied in union, Skye blabbering incomprehensible noises.

Alckor walked away, slipping in the narrow opening between ;the two doors b,efore they closed. "Curious dragon don't you think?" asked Ulrick, turning around to face me. "Absolutely… he has a lot of secrets." "I've never seen a dragon like him… not even saw one mentioned in books." mumbled Ulrick; still puzzled by the weird encounter. "That absorbing power is scary; Imagine what he could have done to Skye if he had wanted!" "I don't even want to imagine that." I gasped, taking a step back, holding Skye tighter, closer to my chest, feeling the reassuring cool warmth of his body pressed against mine. "Let's get going, we can still talk while we get there." "True; lead the way then." "With pleasure." he replied, inviting me to follow him. We quickly crossed the room to the opposite door that he opened before me, revealing another long corridor.

Without wasting much time admiring the rich decoration or the nice view of the city offered by large windows we walked all the way to a sharp left turn leaden to an impressive staircase, the ceiling forming a large arch over our heads. "I'm still surprised he is Kyo's brother." let out Ulrick as we descended the long stairs. "Yes yourre right, that's bugging me to." I admitted, cautious to not miss a step. "They don't really look like brothers" I continued pensively. "Correct, they don't look to have any common similarities." "Half brothers maybe?" I suggested as we reached the floor, finding ourselves in a large empty hall guarded by shiny armors posted on each side of the hallway, all holding a deadly looking sword in their metal hands. "That would be more probable." responded Ulrick, rushing in the corridor, forcing me to almost run after him to keep up the pace. "Still… that doesn't make sense; if Kyo had a brother he would have talked about him before. That guy seems to have popped from nowhere." I let out, my breathe coming in short paintings. "That's true I suppose. What's your opinion on this entire story Ace?" "I don't trust that guy… not quite yet… but Kyo seems to have faith in him so I suppose we don't have much of a choice other than to go with the flow." sighed Ulrick "although I'm glad to have him on our side." he added "he is quite clever and he actually suggested one bright idea during the meeting but you know… it's confidential." he whispered with a purposely mysterious look on his face.

"Yes… you're probably right… but still I'm not confident in this guy; I men he comes from nowhere and appears one day out of the blue with crazy powers that could take down anyone and offers his aid. Excuse me for being suspicious but that smells fishy to me." "Don't worry I'm thinking the same." grumbled Ulrick, pushing a small door "Come on it'll be quicker by there." "What doesn't tell us he used his powers to transform himself into something that would look like Kyo's brother?" "That's exactly what I am thinking since I saw his powers in action. We can't know if he is being honest with us or if he is just playing a role." muttered Ulrick under his breath, descending the first steps of a downward spiraling stair. "Isn't this supposed to be for the servants?" I enquired, recognizing the place. "Yep but it's faster to go down to the basement by here, otherwise you have to cross all the palace again to get to the main stair." "Wow… you know a lot." I whistled, impressed. "I've been living here since I was born; I've explored a lot and now I know most if not all the secrets passages disseminated throughout my humble home." he retorted, not slowing down a bit "Anyway back to our main subject would you." "Sure…" "I bet we won't be able to fully believe him until all the light is made on what he is." "Probably but… I think what he told us was true. Plus, he had no reason to show us his powers." "Or perhaps it was a hidden warning for us to not ask too many questions." answered Ulrick, cringing nervously. "Whatever… what he said on his hypothetical rider isn't a lie… it really seemed to torment him." "Maybe…" sighed Ulrick, shrugging "but there are too many dark zones to my taste." "Me too… so what do we do?" "We can't do much but observe how events unfold… and make sure necessary precautions are taken with him." he stated, "And while we're still on the subject what did you see earlier?" It took me a long second to realize what he meant. "Oh well… it's hard to describe." "Give it a try." He encouraged me. "Well… I don't know how to describe it to you; at first I only saw darkness, I mean he was made of pure darkness, so much it was pouring out of him, hiding him… then I saw tiny blue tings floating around him." "The energy he harvested from Skye?" enquired Ulrick "Now I know it was." I sighed. "And then? You said he was not an enemy? What made you change your mind if you only saw darkness; I mean it was pure corruption you saw right?" "I suppose yes but… after observing him I saw something else… hidden in the dark, I saw light but it wasn't imprisoned, it looked like the darkness was protecting it. I can't explain but it looked like the dark aura was only a façade hiding his true nature, as if he was preserving his true nature from the outside world." "That's weird why would he do that?" "I don't know, I don't understand everything yet, I can only suppose it was to sneak in the enemy's ranks unnoticed. "Maybe… but I'd prefer to stay prudent with him." Whispered Ulrick, pushing another door at the bottom of the stairs. We entered a large room deprived of any decorations, unlike the rest of the palace the walls were only bare rocks, the floor was made of irregular stones, the only light coming from torches attached to the wall and a few glowing crystals crimped in the stone, tracing a long walk line in the pitch black room. The air was colder, carrying scents of dust, rock and old things, cobwebs covering the walls.

I shivered, we were in the lowest, darkest level of the palace, the remnants of the first residence of the very first kings; a cruder and simpler architecture deprived of fancy decoration, a tough fortress meant to withstands assaults from both humans and dragons. I had only been there twice, once because I lost myself and didn't dare to stay for long in that creepy, dead and silent part of the castle, fearing I might have trespassed in a forbidden area. The second time it was to bring some stuff to workers repairing the ceiling of one corridor who had collapsed. This time I had found the place far less spooky than before, revealed to it's true nature, stripped of it's aura of mystery. But now that I could see it I felt my most primal fears take a hold of me as we stepped in the darkened room, the dancing flames of the torches casting large twisted shadows over the walls, offering us only their flickering orange light to setae what was around us. "Creepy as ever" chuckled Ulrick, trying to look confident but his face, basked in the trembling orange light was sending back a completely different expression, one of fright. Skye curled tighter on himself, pressing harder against my chest, squeaking in terror, making sure I was still there with him. We entered the room, the darkness swallowing us instantly, the torches and crystals barely enough to help us see our feet. Yet… I felt weird, not nervous but… utterly calm as, one s!ep after another I followed the line formed by the luminescent gems, my senses sending me more information than I imagined, my eyes, of any use in that environment, sidelined, leaving more room to the other sense. My nose caught faint scents of old stone, wood, dust… and other fragrance I couldn't identify, my ears registering light creaking sounds, all around us. "There is something…" I let out, curiously looking around. "Yes… usually this room is where they store old things before they are either refurbished or destroyed. I suppose they dropped some more furniture here."

I nodded, unsure now, trying to imagine what could be around us. I froze, tensing, my senses sharpening abruptly, offering me different vision of reality, a new world opening before my eyes; a side of the world I had almost forgotten since Skye gifted me with new eyes.

"Stop!" I yelled, taking Ulrick by surprise, grabbing his shoulder and squeezing it until he winced. "What was that for!" he squealed, staggering back. "There is something, right before you." "Really… I can't see a damn thing here." "Trust me there is something right in front of you." I repeated. "Alright… let's see." he sighed, reaching out with a hand. "Hey you're right there is something!" he shouted, his hands bumping in something that made a loud noise as it bounced "let's see what it is."

He went silent, probing around with his hands to try and discern the object. Meanwhile my vision of the room was getting increasingly better, allowing me to see everything. I discovered tall piles of various objects filling most of the room in an indescribable entanglement. "Who left a fucking chair in the way?" grumbled Ulrick, grabbing the object and throwing it aside, causing a loud crashing noise to fill the room. "Oops… come on let's go."

We quickly left the room, entering another skinned corridor, the sound of our shoes against the stone echoing in the immense space. "Hey Ace… thanks for earlier." "It's nothing." "How… how did you even see that? Is that some kind of… dragon sight or something?" "I didn't see it, I felt it." "You… felt it?" he repeated, scratching his head. "Yes… I… it's hard to explain but I sensed it's presence. I could do that before but… it's… a thousand time more precise now" I explained, still astonished as well. "Well… whatever it is it's really handy… and… thank for avoiding me a stupid accident." "You're welcome." I replied, planting a kiss on his cheek. "Not here" he giggled, gently pushing me away. "Come on we're almost there."

We walked for a few minutes in almost complete darkness; using a torch we had taken in the room to give us some light. We arrived at a cross-section, one corridor going left, ending on a massive metal door. Another corridor turned right, disappearing in the dark and, in front of us there was a small door barely visible on the opposite wall, shrouded in darkness and mystery. "On our left is the arena; we'll be heading there later. The right corridor leads to the more official entrance… and to a maze of old corridors." "And the door?" "I'm coming to it. In fact it's what I wanted to show you."

With that said he closed the gap, putting the torch in an empty support and, with a key he pulled out of his pocket he unlocked the door. "Come on, don't be shy." he said, inviting me to join him.

I gulped down, taking a deep breathe before complying, unsure of what to expect. "Ready?" "I suppose." "Then…"

The know was twisted, the old lock wincing as the heavy panel rotated on it's supports, letting an ear-splitting shriek. "Sorry for the noise; no one takes care of these old parts of the palace. I bet no one came to check if everything was there in ages."

He entered, disappearing in the shadows. "So what's inside?" "You'll see…" he replied from inside "god damn it where is the switch?" "What switch?" "The light switch… should be around here… ouch! Damn it who left a… a… what's that thing by the way here?" "Are you alright?" "Yes I'm fine; I just hit something… don't know what it is."

I stepped in, a hand following the wall on my left, prodding at the cold slick rock. I took another step, my fingers encountering a cold surface. "I think I found it." "Pull it down then; I think I lost myself in that mess." grumbled Ulrick, his voice coming from… further inside. "You forgot the magic word…" "Shut up and turn on the lght." "I'm waiting." "Fine… please."

Grinning satisfied I pulled down what looked like a miniature lever; a loud buzzing noise rising from the wall. "I don't like this…" I gasped, pulling away, a loud buzzing filling the room, sparkles bursting from the ancient lever. "Don't worry; it does that all the time." replied Ulrick, sounding used to it. Skye sniffed, taking deep whiffs of the air, his body twitching strangely. "Oh oh… watch out!" gasped Ulrick, something falling to the ground, not enough to hide the loud rustle of his clothes. Blue flames burst from Skye's mouth, spreading out in a large cone before dissipating. "Bless you!" shouted Ulrick. I stood there, paralyzed by fear, mouth gaping open like a fish out of water. In the abrupt but short surge of bright blue light I discovered the strangest scene of my life and, in the center of the appear ant chaos Ulrick's face peaking from behind a statue, bracing himself for the incoming fire.

Thee seconds later a bright alight flashed my eyes, blinding me for several seconds. "Finally some light…" sighed Ulrick, getting out of his hiding spot. Blinking my eyes several times I tried to take a look at the room. Under the dim light of dozens of small yellow crystals, the room revealed itself to be a rather large square filled to the brim with a variety of different objects. "What the hell is this place?" "It's where they put all the old stuff like… antiquities… broken statues, forbidden objects or pieces of art. There are even some weapons around here." "Shouldn't all these things be put in a safer place if they are forbidden; they could be dangerous." "Trust me they aren't." "How can you be so sure?" I exclaimed, shocked, throwing suspicious glances at all the objects in sight, tall statues, some of them damaged; sculptures of different ages in various states, from perfectly preserved to a pile of rubles. There were tones of dented objects, going from old pieces of armor to a large bell covered in strange runes. There were also some swords and other blades protruding like a thousand of deadly spikes from a pile of old things, half of them devoured by rust, the other so used they wouldn't even be able to cut grass. There were also a handful of mirrors, symbols and objects from various cults, a shelf crumbling under the weight of books thicker than my harms. And, covering the back wall there is an immense tissue hiding something, leaving for the eye only a large rectangle to see.

"Is that what you wanted to show me?" I enquired, pointing at the dusty veil. "Yep, more precisely what's behind it." "I see…" "Follow me then… and please don't touch a thing." "It wasn't in my intentions."

Making our way through the mess, slithering between piles of stacked objects we reach the far end of the room. "Ready?" asks Ulrick, holding a corner of tissue. "I'm more than ready."

Tugging at the thick fabric he removes it completely, wiping all the accumulated dust away, forming a grayish cloud before our noses. But what laid behind the veil was worth it. "Wow…" I let out, amazed, speechless before what I discovered. Behind the veil stood a large painting… or rather two. The left one showed a tall man about twenty five; maybe thirty years old, his face had something inexplicably attractive, mesmerizing me from the instant I saw it. He had a pale skin, perfect looking traits, a smile that would make everyone melt in adoration. His eyes had that same dreamy expression I had seen before on another painting; his strangely red colored eyes contrasting with the rest of his face but wearing that same look but… with a slight difference: there was… a hint of suspicion, as if he was on edge, happy but always on his guards. I looked up, noticing his short black hairs and… right behind him, something confounding itself perfectly with his hairs. I took a step back, over viewing the painting. My jaws dropped, my eyes glued to the painting, my brain going slack for a few seconds as my muscles went limp, wobbly legs barely holding me. A dragon… there was a dragon, a large black dragon sitting right behind him, observing the man with deep red eyes, observing me with a defiant glare, lips pulled back over his glistening sharp fangs, daring me to come closer. I looked down, avoiding the terrifying dragon's face, noticing as I went lower that the man was wearing a light black armor, a sword and a few knifes tied to his waist. Even lower the dragon's tail was blockish the view, curled around his legs in a protective manner, the thick scaly appendage hiding the lower half of his body.

The man had a strange posture, leaning against the dragon's side, one hand idly fondling his scales, the other pointing at something. I followed it, staring in pure amazement as I discovered what he was trying to show. "Whoa!" I gasped, out of words to describe what I was seeing. Down low, where the man was pointing lied a city, a small village composed of a few buildings disposed in circle around a massive verdant parks and a large fountain at the center of the circle. But what was astounding were the proportions of the buildings, so huge humans looked like tiny ants there. Obviously these buildings were designed for dragons, dimensioned to accommodate their sheer size while leaving enough room for humans. My eyes rushed back to the man, finally identifying the pride in his smile; the pride of someone who looked at his accomplished masterpiece. "Yes that's always the effect it does." chuckled Ulrick, elated by the spectacle of my puzzled expression. "Is that?" I gasped, pointing a trembling finger at the city. "Yes it is; the city where all dragon riders and their mounts live. One day you'll have your home there too." "That's… beautiful." I let out, observing each detail of the magnificent place. "So this guy must be…" I whispered, my whole body trembling. "Yep, you have before you the creator of the dragon rider order." Proclaimed Ulrick solemnly.

I looked down, spotting the same coppery plate in the bottom right corner of the frame. I wiped off the dust coating it after countless years in that room. "Prince… O… Or-Or- Ordan…" I whispered, killing my eyes to decipher a single word. "Also known as the dragon tamer." finished Ulrick, savoring the little effect the sentence had on me; my whole body crumbling under bucket loads of shock and respect. "Hold on… you mean this… this guy is…" "Yes; he is the one who built this from scratch." replied Ulrick with due respect "the legend says he was the first to raise a dragon, the first ever known to achieve a bonding with one; he formed the order of dragon riders, edited their rules, wrote their creed, taught the next ones, created most of their fighting techniques." "Incredible." I let out, falling on my knees, struck by the majesty of the prince. "He gave up the throne to his brother to give himself entirely to his secret dream and as you can see it was a bright success." "You bet it was!" I screamed, overwhelmed by joy and pride; with a few hints of respectful honor. "You remember the small dragon on his brother painting?" "Yes… I do…" remembering the small scale ball. "It was a gift from his brother. It's him that instituted that tradition of having all kings then emperor bounded to a dragon, to symbolize the unity, collaboration and cohabitation of our two kinds." "And that guy did all of that on his own?" "Mostly yes." confirmed Ulrick. "Damn that guy deserves all the honors! Maybe even more than the emperor himself… and he is handsome on top of that! Why isn't he with all the others? After all without him all of this wouldn't have been possible!"

"Hey it's very impolite to think of someone else next to your lover." he grumbled, looking upset. "Well… you can't deny he is cute." "I guess being a charming prince runs in the family. But tell me do you really have a crush on my ancestor?" "Well… he looks nice… but he is definitely not as sexy as you." I replied, pulling him into a tight hug. Our lips joined for yet another kiss, Skye squirming, climbing on my chest over to my shoulder to not be squashed between the two of us, huffing in annoyance. "Oh Skye? Are you jealous?" I laughed, patting his snout "but you know there is only you I love." I cooed teasingly, kissing the tip of his snout, finding surprisingly pleasant the contact of his soft scales. He pulled away, squeaking in shock, staring at me in awe. "You're gross man!" shouted Ulrick amusingly, fainting shock. "Anyway, to answer your first question he isn't with the rest of our family… because of the dark turn his life took." he sighed, disappointment peaking in his deep tone as he stepped aside, showing me the second painting. It was different from the first one, like three fragments of different painting glued together to create this peace of art. The three parts were forming strange polygons interleaved together, separated by a thin wooden frame. The upper part depicted the same man mounting his dragon, sword in hand as his beast roared, spewing crimson red flames on their foes, a mere black seething mass of mere insects darting their blades at the majestic creature's tough hide protected by thick armored plates wrapped around his bulky frame, the weapons bouncing harmlessly onto them. Both seemed enthralled by the glorious battle in which they were taking part, both bearing a similar combative expression; sword and claws !ore through the ranks of the enemy, blood gushing out of dead corps piling up before them, tainting the ground red. The dirt, scales, skins, weapons and armors drenched in blood-red. What wasn't drowning in its own blood was turned to grayish ashes by the deadly fire of the dragon.

The sky above them was a ragging storm, dark clouds spiraling; pouring out rain as lightning tore apart the black sky. In that maelstrom large silhouettes were flying, raining fire and destruction on their enemies. "The newly born dragon order…" I let out, amazed by the sight of them fighting side by side, combining their strengths and intelligence to overthrow their enemies. I shivered, imagining myself at his place, riding a magnificent blue dragon.

Sadly… my eyes had to look down. I tensed, horrified by the sight. The second part of the painting represented the same man kneeling before a strange monument: a giant statue of a black dragon all made of black onyx. Compared to the other picture he looked sad, an extreme, heart-breaking sadness, tears like ragging torrents cascading down his cheeks. He had lost all his superb, his traits twisted by an indescribable pain, the sufferance of a loss. "Is that…" "A tomb yes; more exactly a crypt." "Is he… dead?" I whimpered, my heart tightening in sorrow. "Yes; his dragon died in battle, he sacrificed himself so the prince could live. Sadly no one at that time knew that… breaking that kind of bond had consequences for the one remaining alive; no one could understand his pain or why he was suffering because no one had ever experienced that kind of loss." "I can only imagine." I whispered, eyes glued to the crying man, understanding how much he was suffering. "The pain from the loss of his dragon seeped inside him like a venom, spreading until it had consumed him, driving him to the edge of madness." continued Ulrick, wrapping an arm around my shoulder, guiding me to look at the last part of the painting. My legs almost gave way under me, my heart sinking, despair flooding me, not mine, but the one from the broken man I discovered. It was the same prince but all his natural beauty was gone, replaced by a cold grim face, eyes sore after crying his lost friend, traits twisted with an inexpressible rage confining to insanity, even his eyes had that mist of madness inside them. He had abandoned his pretty armor for only a hood and a long coat, his sword hanging to his belt as he walked on a crappy road under the ragging hurricane, the flash of lightning illuminating a tall castle behind him. "He abandoned his title, becoming nothing more than a wanderer. He vowed vengeance to his fallen friend and swore to not find rest until he'd succeed. And he left the country to never be seen again." whispered Ulrick, adopting a darker, grimmer tone.

"That's… a tragic story." I whispered, a sudden coldness taking hold of me, causing me to shiver uncontrollably, tremors of fear and sorrow shaking my entire being. "And… what happened to him after that?" "No one knows exactly. The tale says he fo`une the culprits and heartlessly murdered them." replied Ulrick, admiring the paintings. "And… after?" "No one knows. Like all legends this one has it's part of mystery but some people believe that his sacred vow of vengeance still persists even nowadays; that he is like a phantom killer traveling the lands, a ruthless killer hunting all those who committed murder." he added, facing me with wide open eyes. "Stop this! I know that's bullshit! He can't still be alive… even while having been granted a longer life by his dragon; he can't have survived that long!" "Yes you're right, this part of the tale is total bullshit." he agreed, cuddling with me "but you've got to admit it's not a fairy tale like you could count to a kid." "Of course not… unless you want to traumatize them." I replied, my mind going to town on imagining the scene. "That's why they hid that painting away and erased the embarrassing part of his story from the history book so he would only be remembered as a prince, a great fighter and the instrument of peace between humans and dragon." "That… makes sense I suppose… but why hide the other one?" "Don't know" he let out, shrugging "from as far as I remember it has always been there. There must be a reason for that but I don't know it."

"Too bad… he was such a great man…" I replied, bowing slightly before the painted figure, patting Skye's head in gratitude for both him and the man that made everything possible.

"Come on now we've got to go; I offered to train you and it's about time we get to it… unless you have other ideas in mind." "No… beside that place is giving me the creeps." "Then let's get out of here." he shushed, caressing my cheek with a hand.

Following the same tricky path we reach the door and, after turning off the light we leave, silently promising to each other to keep the secret. Without a word shared between us we go to the arena, the doors opening on yet another corridor at the end of which a large iron-made screen door opening wide on a large staircase. We quickly climbed all the way to the top, what lay beyond the stair basked in a warm light. We emerge in a rather large room emptied of all the furniture that were one disposed there, a large opening in the far wall let me see what was beyond. "Wow… you weren't joking when you called it an arena?" I let out, a hand wrapping around the millennia old railing. "Quite impressive isn't it?" "You bet it is!" "Come on follow me; it's better from the stage." he let out, pushing a creaking door.

I follow him through another series of stairs all the way down to the sand floor of the arena. We walk all the way to the center where a few dummies, had been placed, next to a rack full of weapons; training version of actual weapons, wooden swords axes, spears, halberds, shields; or actual weapons but not sharpened along with a few leather protections.

"You've been planning this all along." I giggle, punching him in the shoulder. "Yes… a bit… actually I had this prepared while we were talking. There are all kinds of weapons here; the important is the one that fits you." "There's quite a large choice." I commented, a hand caressing all the weapons one by one, observing them in detail. "We'll start with swords since it's the most common weapon for a dragon rider." "Fine." I replied, getting my hand on one, finding it much likely unbalanced even though I didn't have much experience holding one. "I'm not a weapon master but I can at least teach you the basics before you get the proper training of a dragon rider." "Good… but… on what will I be practicing?" "On me…" he replied, putting on the thick leather protection and a helmet. "But don't expect me to stand still and do nothing so you should put these on." he added, inviting me to take the second armor set. "Ok…" I whisper, letting him put the heavy leather on my back. "And the dummies… what are there here for?" "Them? Kr they're for Skye if he wants to practice his aim or just… spit a bit of fire somewhere else than on us." "That's a nice attention." "Good, now that we're ready on guard!"

………

Hours and hours later

………

Allen

We left the room exhausted, brain dead after that boring meeting, these constant arguments having absolutely murdered my mind. "You know what I'm dreaming about right now?" I sighed, leaning against Kyo's spiked back, yawning loudly. "A good hot bath and a good night of sleep?" suggested Kyle, sprawled in a similar fashion. "That's an idea I can get behind." chuckled Kyo "even more if we do all of that… together…" "Kyo you know what I think about it." I growled, too tired to scold him properly. "I swear there is nothing sexual; I just find nice to spend some time together." he purred innocently. "And it's even better when we're all naked is that what you're implying?" "No… not at all! Well… it's a nice bonus but it's not my primary goal." "Kyo you're never gonna change." "Nope never." he chuckled, throwing me a meaningful wink. "Lusty drake." I grumbled, my gaze wandering away, observing the flow of men and women of different species and origins pouring out of the room, chatting together, most of them looking happier, relieved than everything was settled and done. However one seemed troubled worried, that same old general from before. I observed him as he left the room, surrounded by two soldiers from his country, one hand rubbing his beard, the other tightly gripping his sword's handle, as if he was expecting to be attacked. His lips were twitching, forming silent words. From the look on his face he seemed preoccupied by something, a matter of an extreme importance. Was he still upset about the outcome of the meeting? I couldn't be sure. I had noticed the look on his face when he first saw Ace, that expression of fear, but it wasn't the primal fear his appearance provoked in people, no it was completely different; it felt to me like he knew Ace, like he had recognized him but couldn't believe his eyes. What was the meaning of all of this I couldn't tell?

The clicking of claws on the floor caught my attention. I looked down, immediately spotting the smaller black dragon walking by our side. How did he even arrive? I didn't notice him before. When the meeting was finally over be had disappeared, pretending he had something important to do without telling us what it was. I can still remember the worry in Kyo's mind when he saw his brother run away. And here he was now, trotting next to us, a wide goofy grin plastered across his face, his eyes glinting, overflowing with happiness, his tail waggling widely behind him. "Here you are finally." I let out impatiently, Kyo surprisingly unresponsive, like he didn't give much interest to what I was saying. "Sorry for being late; it took longer than expected." he replied, chirping happily, throwing me a joyful smile. "You look happy, what did you do again?" "Chill out I did nothing… well nothing that could cause any harm." "I don't like the sound of it." I growled, scrutinizing him, searching for sign of a wicked trickery. "Don't look at me like this I swear I did nothing! Frankly I just… had a talk with… what's his name again… Ace and… and his little dragon… to try and soften things up." "Oh… surprising. How did it go?" "Really well actually! We- we talked quite a lot together and he… he even forgave me!" he let out, overflowing with sheer happiness. "That's great but don't abuse of it." "I know… and I won't. I… I just feel so relieved that he isn't mad at me anymore!" "Sounds great!" I exclaimed, patting his head, bending myself at a weird angle to reach him "And what did you do about what you took from Skye? Don't try to deny I saw it."

He looked down, guilt painting on his face; erasing the smile "it was an accident… and I… I wanted to give it back." "And did you do it?" "No…" he murmured, a strange smirk curling his lips. "Alckor… you're even worse than your brother." "What! I tried to give it back to him but… Skye… he refused it… he offered it to me." "No way! That's unbelievable! You're one damn lucky drake." I shouted, gently pouncing him. "I know… I… I can hardly believe it as well but it truly happened." "So… what did you do of it?" I enquired his happiness contagious. He pointed at his eye. I gasped, realizing they had changed color. "Not a word about this to Kyo… I wanna make him the surprise." "Sure, you can count of me… if that horny lizard notices it." I chuckled, patting Kyo's hide, earning a low purr from his mouth.

"Is it true he had you and your crush breaking up?" asked Alckor after a minute of silence. "Yes…" I sighed “but if you don't mind I don't want to talk about it." "I understand… and I'm hardly surprised." he giggled, squirming as he tried to visualize the scene.

We arrived on the balcony, freezing when we discovered it swarming; a dense crowd trying to make their way in and out, flying beasts filling the sky, hiding the sun, large griffons and other creatures landing on a narrow airstrip guarded by two lines of guards, dropping their passengers before quickly leaping back into the sky. Pore guards were placed near the entrances as rows and rows of soldiers were disposed around the edges of the large platform, some pointing bows and guns toward the sky, other yelling orders while another bunch was trying to organize the take offs and landings. "Oh my, that's quite the mess here:" gasped Kyle. "It's gonna be a pain to take off from here." grumbled Kyo, cautious to not squash down people under his claws or whip them with his tail. "You mean it's impossible!" yelled Tarken, stepping back in the corridor. "You're right, let's find another place." I approved; searching around for another possible exit. "Excuse me dear dragon riders!" called a voice. "Who spoke?" I questioned, attempting to locate the origin of the barely audible voice. I finally found him, a servant tossed around in the always moving sea of people, trying to stay close to us. "Hi!" I yelled to cover the noise "what do you want?" "Where are you going?" he replied, but we couldn't hear him. “What?" I yelled, his words muffed by the blabbers of the crowd. “He wants to know where we are going!" shouted Alckor, standing closer to the man, just at ear reach. "Back home! Why are you asking?" "Because you are invited to the great feast organized tonight!" "A feast? I wasn't aware of that." "Well it always happen after an important event like today's meeting, the emperor prefers to keep his guests for the night and celebrate with them, and on his express request you have been invited as well." "That's very kind of him but we had other plans for the night." "Beside we're in no shape for a banquet." "I'm sorry sir but it's not the type of invitation you can afford to refuse" screamed the man, loosing his voice after crying so much “And about your clothes it is not a problem, the emperor in his extreme benevolence has ordered rooms to be prepared for you with a large choice of suits and outfits at your disposal along with a bathroom for you and your dragons." "What a pleasant surprise." purred Kyo, shaking in anticipation, his perverted mind going wild with the lewdest scenarios he could come up with. "Wonderful, now if you would follow me please." he exclaimed, deeply bowing before us.

We followed him inside the palace, leaving the main hall and its unbearable brouhaha for quieter corridors. We climbed a first raw of stairs, crossed several rooms, loosing ourselves in the maze of corridors, climbing higher and higher in the palace to the point where I was wondering where it would end, a feeling we all shared.

Fortunately for us the servant stopped before a series of three doors disposed in a half circle at the end of the corridor. "Here we are, each of these three rooms has been prepared especially for you; you will fine everything you need for this evening. The emperor ordered your departure for tomorrow and prefers to have you spending the night here. If you need anything just call and we will do our best to make any of your wishes come true. "Any…" repeated a giggling Kyo, his eyes glinting with lust. The man didn't seem to register the hidden meaning, only nodding affirmatively “On its majesty's request we are at your service for the duration of your stay here; we will provide you with everything you order; food, clothes, entertainment…" he continued, keeping his seriousness.

I threw a quick look around, analyzing our surroundings, noting the presence of six guards guarding the left door. "In two hours we will come to bring you to the banquet room, please be ready by that time, the emperor doesn't appreciate when his guests are late. "We will;" replied Kyle "thanks a lot." "I'm only doing my duty sir but I'm pleased to see you satisfied." He bowed down again, hiding a small smile "you may decide however you want how you wish to be paired, moreover each room is meant to accommodate even the mightiest dragons such as yourselves." he continued. "I guess we will stay together." proposed Kyo, taking all of us by surprise "dragon and riders in the same room." "As you see fit." answered the servant.

His attention turned to Alckor who was glaring menacingly at the left door, growling at the guards gauging him from afar. He looked angry, more than that pissed off, as if the presence of these guards was triggering his wrath. "As you might have guessed young one this room is for you." "Thanks for the observation." he snarled hatefully. "Please allow me to apologize, I find the presence of all these guards exaggerated, I mean I'm certain you wouldn't harm a fly but it is a direct order from the emperor himself." "A really nice attention." he snorted, grumbling insults under his breathe, oblivious to all the indiscreet ears.

"I can understand your anger and I'm terribly sorry for it but…" he stopped, throwing a quick look behind his shoulder. "but let me tell you I heard some rumors saying that the emperor sent special orders for you. To what I know there is some sort of… surprise waiting for you inside." he shushed discreetly. "A surprise? What is it?" "I'm afraid I can't tell you more; I suppose you will have to find out by yourself." "Alright then…" sighed Alckor, his curiosity tickled by the information. "Well… guess we'll see you later." shouted Kyo, forcing his brother to stop. "Yes… later." he replied distractedly, yes homed on the door. Peeling his eyes away from the wooden frame he spun around and rushed straight for his brother. Kyo trembled behind me, taking a step back, letting out a muffed huff when his brother rammed himself in his chest. My own chest ached painfully, our feelings, our emotions, our sensations shared through our link. I could even sense like I was the one being hugged Alckor's scales grinding against Kyo's chest, his humid breath washing over his hide, low purrs escaping his vibrating throat, sending pleasurable tingles in Kyo's scales. I leaned back, eyes closed, enjoying the sweet affectionate contact like Alckor was actually pressing his snout against my own chest. I felt Kyo lowering himself to his brother's lever, crouching low before him, a small wet tongue dashing over his neck scales, humming deeply. My eyes cracked open just in time to see Kyo cram his neck down, nuzzling his younger brother's snout affectionately, his brother tongue slathering his entire face in slimy saliva but Alckor didn't seem to mind the slightest, chirping happily, squirming under his brother's touch, answering with licks and caresses of his own. "Quit it Allen it's my moment. I respect your privacy so respect mine please." growled Kyo, shutting down our link. "It would be easier if you weren't constantly sending me all your naughtiest ideas." I retorted, breaching through his defenses just for fun. "It's part of sharing that bond; I can't hold everything back; beside we promised each other to not hide anything." he retorted, shoving me out of his head.

"You say that but weirdly enough you only share your lewdest moments." I growled, breaking through again. "Because they are stronger feelings than others, they are harder to control… and almost impossible to hold back." he sniggered, making sure to send me a lewd picture to give weight to his words. "You feel everything that I feel and vice-versa, even if some parts might piss you off or make you feel weird. Furthermore I love to make you embarrassed." he added evilly, lewd pictures and sensations raining in my mind. "I hate you…" I growled, trying to keep my mind clear. "I know you like it, deep inside you, you can't get enough of it." he chuckled, his voice a tantalizing low whisper. "But before we have this discussion I'd appreciate to enjoy some privacy with my brother do you understand." he barked defensively, improving his defenses, preventing me from bypassing them again. "Alright…" I sighed defeated, watching powerlessly as the link closed before my very eyes. I felt bad, like half of me had been ripped away, reducing me to just an observer, sidelined. I kept an eye on them as they nudged each other, purring and cooing deeply, their love for each other so obvious it was adorable. "Alright, I guess it's time for me to go." let out Alckor, pulling away with disappointment on his face, throwing quick glances at the door "but I have a surprise waiting for me behind that door." he added, eyes sparkling deviously "and I bet they're getting very impatient." he whispered before turning away, trotting toward the door with a last smile addressed to his brother.

"They?" repeated Kyo, gasping in horror, eyes bulging wide in shock. "Yep; I bet it's the emperor's way of thanking him." chuckled Tarken.

Kyo grimaced, a deep throaty growl filling the silence. "Don't be too upset everyone has the right to be with those they love, even if these so called loved ones are people we don't trust." he added, anticipating Kyo's reply. "But…" stammered Kyo, staring helplessly at his brother while he walked toward the guards without fear, the men stepping aside, allowing him entrance without a sliver of doubt. He kept watching his brother, worried, ready to leap at him at any instant until he vanished behind the closed door, swallowed by a deep obscurity. "Don't worry Kyo, he'll be alright, these two demons love him too much to hurt him." "I hope you're right." he sighed desperately clinging on that hope. "He is." grumbled Kyle "I don't like these two either but I can tell you they won't even scratch one of his scales. I saw how they acted around each other and let me tell you these three are forming a great couple, they care for each other." he stated with assurance. "Indeed, their love for each others is built to last." confirmed Tark´an "just like ours." he teasingly purred in Kyo's ear, making him shudder in delight before planting a quick kiss on his cheek. "Come on, let's go get cleaned before we drift onto something more exciting." cooed Kyo, resting his head on Tarken's neck, humming deeply, half-lidded eyes gleefully observing his mate from above. "I know you'd love that." chuckled Tarken, swiftly evading Kyo's embrace, not without a last affectionate nuzzle. "You know me too well." giggled Kyo, a toothy smile illuminating his face. "Too bad for you you'll have to wait until I want it… and until we have time for that." "I know… it's hard but I'll wait…" whispered Kyo, nibbling at Tarken's chin "I know the wait is worth it." he continued, pressing himself against Tarken, a broad wing draping over his green frame "and I know I'll get my chance to fill you with my cum." he let out, lightly thrusting against his mate, gently pouncing him. "I saw you coming from miles away Kyo." sniggered Tarken, a devious glimmer in his eyes "you're getting cocky way too quickly; keep this up and you might end up being the one filled up." A loud moan escaped Kyo's mouth, reverberating in the tall room, Kyo's back arching under me, his muscles stiffening underneath my hands.

Intense pleasure broke through the seal he had forged, flooding my head in a matter of second; my body being limp under the unstoppable surge. Panting for breath I tried to look around, piecing together what caused that sudden outburst of draconic delight.

Kyo's neck was crammed up, maw parted wide on a long drawn out moan, eyes glazed with lust, tongue lolling out on the side of his maw. Whatever Tarken was doing it had a stunning effect on Kyo.

I looked down, following the curves of Kyo's body, taking notes of his claws shredding the carpet. Finally I reached his hindquarter, his tail swaying widely behind him while Tarken's tail had snuck beneath his blue belly, wiggling up and down at a steady rhythm. "Oh no don't tell me…" I sighed tiredly, looking up in disbelief. "And you keep telling Kyo is a horny craving bitch but Tarken is far worse." grumbled Kyle, avoiding direct eye contact "he 's much more lustful than Kyo when he wants… and he is one hell of a tease on top of that." "And he knows how to turn Kyo on." I agreed, shaking my head in disbelief. "Naughty lizards" ranted Kyle.

I threw a quick glance down just to see Tarken's tail tip slither out from under Kyo's nether, the end of the agile appendage coated in clear slime dripping from the very tip. Tarken smiled, licking his lips in anticipation "I hope you enjoyed that little foretaste of what awaits you tonight„?" he purred, waving his wet tail tip before Kyo's nose, his nostrils flaring, taking deep whiffs of his own scent. "Tarken… you're such a tease…" moaned Kyo, wildly bucking his hips, throwing me forward in the process. "Wow easy!" I yelled, holding to dear life onto the thorn ahead of me. "You should listen to your rider Kyo. Beside, we don't have time for this; we're already getting late." he let out, his tail caressing Kyo's chin, transferring the sticky fluids onto him. "Tarken…" he groaned, wanting "you're… you're such a tease… you make me hard just… just to leave me on edge… sometime… I hate you…" he let out between panting, drooling heavily, eyes hazy with held back desire to spill his seed. "I know but I love the look on your face when you so desperately want to cum… should do this more often." he sighed, padding away, tail raised high, exposing his wrinkling puckered hole, his two half-hard members bobbing under his belly. "What a… slut…" hissed Kyo, containing with all his might his urge to just pin his mate down and fuck him until he'd cry no more. "Keep yourself together Kyo." I whispered, scratching the base of his neck. "You're right Allen… so… sorry for that…" he mumbled, shaking his head, trying his best to clear his mind.

"You know, you had a really good idea Kyo!" shouted Tarken, pushing the door leading to his room. "Why that?" huffed Kyo, fighting against his own ragging lust, his hips still rocking back and forth, pleasure spurting from his hard cock, his potent aroma blossoming in the open air, assaulting my own nose with a thick musk. "Because like this you won't be tempted." he snickered, slipping inside. Kyle remained outside, shrugging, staring at his dragon with a look that promised a long suffering. "You mean there won't be any retaliation on your ass!" roared Kyo, his voice breaking on the last word, ending on a pathetic moan, his cock noisily slapping his underbelly. Kyle addressed us a sorry smile, following Tarken in the room before the door closed behind him. "Come on Kyo let's go." I sighed. "I'm already missing them…" he murmured, his gaze alternating between the two occupied room "not for the same reasons!" he quickly added, a crimson blush spreading on his face "not that I don't wanna mate with my brother… and I don't want it but… oh god what am I saying?" he squeaked, embarrassing himself. "Stop it I get the idea." I retorted, cutting short to the flow of embarrassing words and ideas.

In a deep silence we walled to our door, Kyo placing his paw on a mark cut in the rock next to it, a light blue glow radiating from the wall before the door unlocked with only a discreet click. "Damn magic's so handy sometime." I thought, jumping from Kyo's back, ready to enter the room. However Kyo remained on the threshold looking at the next room. "Hey what's wrong?" I enquired, reaching out for his hanging low snout. "I can't help but agree that he is right… if we don't want to go at it all day it's better to keep our distances." he sighed, looking kind depressed. "Don't worry Kyo it's not definitive, it's only for a few hours; beside I know what he promised you isn't an empty lie." "I know but… damn he didn't have to tease me like this!" growled Kyo, stepping inside the still dark room, pushing the door with one swift motion of his tail.

………

During this time

………

Ace

We emerged from the basement by the same door, Ulrick leading the way, slowly opening the door leaving to the secret access, throwing a quick look around. "Ok it's empty." he whispered, opening wider, slipping in the still narrow gap, holding the door for me. "Thanks…" I replied, observing him the door with extreme caution, making sure to stay discreet.

Nervous, hands shaking around the sleeping blue form I was holding in my arms I followed him in the silent corridor, throwing glances at each door, behind each armor or curtain, as if expecting someone to jump from behind one of them. My gaze went down, observing the limp form slumbering in my grasp, his chest slowly rising and falling at a steady rhythm, a happy smile floating on his lips. A smile of my own warmed my face; he had fallen asleep half an hour ago, plunging in a deep peaceful slumber after countless hours of training. Just like me he was exhausted, drained of all energy after that intense and long training.

We turned at the corner, rushing in the same stair as before, traversing the corridor at the top of the staircase, stopping in the same room we had met a few hours ago.

My eyes strolled along the painting, barely stopping on the solemn faces, almost ignoring them. Ulrick was a few step ahead, peaking through a crack between the two doors. "Crap…" he ranted, quickly closing them. "What's wrong?" I enquired, keeping my distances. He spun around, lost in his thoughts, walking back and forth before the door. "Hey Ulrick! Are you gonna tell me what's going on?" "How could I forget this…" he grumbled, cursing himself. "Forget what?" I mumbled, eyebrows risen in curiosity. "Well… the main hall is full." "Oh… because of wha?" "I completely forgot my father had organized a big banquet tonight with all the top brass of the empire and its allies." "A banquet? What's that for?" "Well to celebrate of course." "But what?" I questioned. "Firstly to celebrate the end of the war, secondly because my father likes to party… yes I know that's surprising, thirdly to thank everyone for coming…" he abruptly stopped in mid sentence, hesitant, lips witching, eyes roaming around except near me. "That makes sense… for the most part." I mumbled, too tired to think, but awake enough to notice his discomfort "but there is something else isn't there?" "Yes… but… I'd rather keep that one for myself… for now at least. I… I hope you understand." "Hey it's alright; we all have our little secrets." I whispered, caressing his cheek. He nodded, not convinced. I had to admit I had troubles believing my own words. "So… what do we do now?" "We'll have to take the long way around…" he sighed regretfully, throwing a reluctant glance at the doorway from which we came. "Or?" I asked, feeling there was something more. "Or we can use another secret passage to gain some time." he offered. "Sounds… sounds like a good idea; I'm too exhausted to make a freaking marathon through the castle." "Me too." he approved "follow me then." he replied, running away in the other direction. With a deep sigh I followed suit, descending the same stairs once again.

However, instead of using the same passage as before we went further in a corridor, entering a small lounge then proceeded to a tiny dark room leading in some sort of art gallery. We went from room to room, allowing me to discover parts of the palace I didn't even know about.

We climbed another spiraling stairs until we arrived several floors later in the upper part of the castle, a place I wasn't really keen on being right now. "Where are we going?" I enquired as we entered a familiar looking corridor. "Up…" he replied, evading the subject, teeth gritted while he threw quick nervous looks around, like he was searching something. "I'm sure it's there…" he grumbled, palpating the nearest wall. "I'm tired of following you everywhere without knowing where I'm going to you'd better start speaking now or I'm leaving." I growled, grabbing his hand in a tight grip, pulling him closer until our eyes met. I saw the pain twisting his face as I forcefully squeezed his hand but I didn't loosen my grip the slightest. "*gasp* Easy Ace you're killing my hand." he squalled. "I don't care, start explaining. I'm fed up of just chasing after you the whole time; I'm exhausted and all that I want now is to get out of these clothes, take a bath and fucking sleep and I'm not in the mood to explore the whole castle." "Dude I already told you we can't go by the main entrance it's way too crowded and we're in no shape to present ourselves in public." he winced, fighting the pain pulsing from his hand. "That I understood but where are you bringing me?" I growled, the guttural noise closer to an actual draconic growl. "Wow… that's creepy…" mumbled Ulrick, eyes widening in awe. "Answer me!" "Well… to my room." he casually replied. "What!" I yelled, letting go of his hand, astonished by the revelation "are y*u kidding?" "Nope? Why would I?" he retorted, massaging his aching hand.

I stuttered, speechless, my cheeks turning red in embarrassment. "Why… why would you do that?" "Why wouldn't I?" he replied with a proud grin. "But… I mean… don't you fear to be seen by someone with me?" "No, and if someone has something to say about it they can go fuck themselves." I stared at him, all my protests crumbling. I admired his behavior, it could have looked a bit reckless at first but I loved the fact that he didn't let anyone tell him what he should be doing. "Furthermore no one has to see us; the secret passage I'm looking for leads directly inside my room." "That's helpful." I mumbled, analyzing the wall, searching for clues of the presence of this so called passage. "But… you don't have to… I mean… I could go back to my room… no one would give a damn about me… and on top of that this celebration doesn't concern me at all."

This time he was the shocked one, observing me as if I had just said the biggest insanity he had ever heard. "Dude stop acting like you're nothing!" he reared, grabbing me by the shoulders, shaking me hard as if to shake off that stupid idea of my head. "Quit thinking you're nothing more than garbage! You are you; probably one of the luckiest men I know and you are the one I love." "Thanks…" I blushed, too embarrassed to look straight at him. "Beside this banquet concerns you as much as it concerns me." he added. "Why that?" "Well for starters half of the guys present here tonight saw you earlier during the meeting and they will be surprised if they don't see you there." "That's true." I mumbled "Secondly Dude you're a freaking dragon rider! You're not just a servant so you are invited! And you're not the only one, Allen, Kyo and all the other should be here to." "Sounds great… I suppose." I let out, still unsure, not feeling ready for this. "So are you in?" "Yes…" I whispered, terrified. "Don't be scared, it will be alright; I'll be here with you all the time ok." "If you say so…" I mumbled wiping the sweat of my forehead. "Relax, take a deep breathe and everything will be fine, it might even be enjoyable." he said, tenderly caressing my face; his suggestion sounded nice but I couldn't stop apprehending. "But… what are you bringing me to your room? Not that I don't like the idea but… I should get back to mine if I want to get dressed." "No need for that handsome; there is everything you need in my room. Think about it, for that kind of official event you'll need better clothes than those you currently possess; moreover you'll look pretty in them I can guarantee you that." he whispered, his hands tracing down my neck, chest and belly, stopping around my waist, making me shiver under his sensual touch. "Don't you want to do that with me?" "I do…" I replied, stupefied.

I shivered, blood rushing to my groin, my blush deepening, a lewd, unexpected thought crossing my mind; a more than appealing picture of both of us naked in the same room, oblivious to the outside world, just the two of us and our hands exploring the other's body. "So are you interested? Otherwise I know another passage that'll bring you closer to your room if you wish to be alone." "No!" I quickly screamed, only realizing later what I had just said. He didn't leave me any second to think about the consequences of my words; pressing a brick on the wall that sank in with only muffed noise, an entire portion of the tall wall rotating, revealing a narrow dark corridor conveniently placed between two rooms. "Then let's go." he whispered, inviting me in with a wavering eyebrow. Shivering in a mix of impatience and excitement I entered the hidden room, slightly panting, heart pounding harder in my chest while behind me the wall took back it's rightful place, hiding our presence to the outside world.

To be continued

Author's note: Sorry to leave you with just that tiny bit of sexual content at the end but due to the last minute changes I had to completely rewrite the next chapter which sadly is the one with all the fun into it (aka all the sex scenes).

I'll try to post it asap but don't expect much at that moment I only wrote three lines of it.