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DHW

Part 1

An unusual way to meet.

Kyo

The night was dark, cold; black clouds filing the sky hiding the moon. No light to guide me in the darkness, no sound around me; not even a gust of wind, not a ruffle, nor a crack in the valley below. But I didn't need them. I saw like in broad daylight, I heard even the footsteps of the cowering animals in the woods as they sensed my presence hovering over them. Even in the blackest night nothing could escape my sharp senses as I kept a constant awareness of my surroundings.

I smelled the nocturnal animals hiding in their lair; the far scent of smoke; I felt the cold air on my wings, seeping under my scales; I felt the familiar weight on my back as I flew above the tall trees between two jagged mountains.

Two days; two long days of flight above these lands; no time for me to watch what unfolded under me; no time to delight my eyes of the beauties hidden in these so secretive and secluded mountains keeping their secrets hidden behind a veil of rocks, trees and waterfalls. Damn I didn't even had time to properly eat for the last two days; only feeding myself of my thin reserves; neither did I have an opportunity to sleep correctly. I'm exhausted, I'm starving; my throat is dry; harsh like the sands of a desert and the weight on my back feels heavier than before but I keep flying; flying straight to the north; to what laid behind those mountains, my goal, my mission; the reason why I carried these precious things; the reason why I had to push myself to my limits. "I must not fail, not now, not so close." I keep repeating to myself; gathering my remaining strength to fly the last miles away from safety. I flap my painfully stiff wings harder; grimacing in pain under the protests of my exhausted body as I struggle against the sudden vicious gusts of winds.

However… I knew I wasn't alone; I knew they were close, so close; too close. Everything looked calm around me but I knew they were chasing me, hunting me, waiting for me to make a single mistake to shoot me down.

I was dead tired; not in any proper condition for a fight but I had to continue. My eyes started closing against my will; I felt myself falling slowly; gliding rather than truly flying. I'm so drained… perhaps I distanced them… maybe I could even stop and take a short nap under the cover of the trees… or find myself a nice cave and just sleep… yes sleep; drift away in the appeasing kingdom of dreams and let my body recover from all the efforts and strains it was put under. I shake my head, clearing my vision and mind; I must stay focus… I cannot let my body betray me now. I check behind me, scanning the landscape but I see nothing, I ear only the sound of the wind whispering a foreign melody as it slither between mountains; like a murmuring voice. To my own relief I sense nothing; my senses detecting nothing out of the ordinary; not even a light breaching the impenetrable darkness.

A sound caught my attention, like a ruffle… like a wing flapping. A night predator? A bird? Yet I see nothing. Nervously I watch my back; I discern the outlines of the satchels strapped to me; full of these so precious merchandises desired by so many people. I fought for them, I flew miles and miles, I pushed my body beyond its limits just for one of them.

I should feel happy, proud of me to have accomplished my mission. But it's only the first of many, the first step for us. I can already see them, ear them screaming my name, cheering on me as I would fly above them. I imagine myself in the throne room, in front of the two kings, blessed by them, earning the most coveted reward they could give me: becoming one of them, being allowed in the imperial district, living in one of the marvelous mansions decorated with gold and other rich materials with dozens of dragons and dragonesses willing to satisfy all my needs even if it meant to be mounted and roughly fucked in the middle of a random room.

Just thinking of mating made my cock stir to life, my crotch moistening as the fleshy appendage spills from its slit in the cold air, itching painfully as the wind blows over the sensitive surface; sending shivers everywhere inside me. It had been so long since I last mated; since I felt the raw, unequaled pleasure of flesh; the intimate contact of another body; the bliss submerging me upon releasing my essence in a partner crying out in the same delight.

My mind starts to drift toward my mate, or my mates to be more precise. I recalled all our heated night in the small house we shared, nestled in the older part of the low cast district; the fire cracking in the fireplace, the musk filled air, the sound of our hips slapping wetly as we thrusted in whatever hole we could penetrate, our moans, grunts and roars intertwined as we came so hard in each other, as seed overflowed from clenching vents and covered our bodies in a white slimy coat. Gods I wanted to be with them so much, feeling her warm embrace, her smooth scales, all the curves of her beautiful sleek body, her moist pussy always ready to be spread wide by my glorious member. And even more; above all else I wanted him, his golden eyes, his amused smile, his muscular body, those plump and heavy balls resting on my snout, filling my nose with his musk, his long and thick meaty cock that would always make me moan like a female in heat, just the sight of it always made me needy and eager; ready to beg for a sample of his tasty, gooey warm cum. I let out a moan; my tongue slipping out of my maw.

My jaws snap shut; sharp jolts of pain rushing to my brain as my teeth squeeze my tongue; the coppery taste of blood filling my mouth. I must stop thinking about this; I have to; otherwise I'll have to land and get rid of this growing urge. I even should stop before my aching cock becomes too much of a problem. It's pestering to have that thing out in midflight; it always slowed me down and disturbed me.

A sudden noise makes me come back to reality; like a high pitched hiss. I see something fly past me, a metallic tip glinting in a faint ray of moon. I look behind and discover what I feared; the worst thing that could happen: they were there, on the narrow road below. I see the light of the torches they use to see in the dark, I hear the noises of their horses neighing and snorting as they run on the rocky ground; their hooves clacking on the hard dirt. A whistle; something passes right next to me. I catch a glance of an arrow close to my right wing.

I abruptly change direction and climb, trying to get out of their line of sight. But my tired, aching wings and weakening strength don't allow me much more, I struggle to climb above a cliff near a huge waterfall just to see, coming from the sea of high clouds, diving straight on me an immense red eyed dragon. Is he friend or foe? I don't know and don't have time to wait and find out. I cannot take any risk; what I carry is too precious, too important to let doubt sink in.

I plunge too, he misses me; the wind his powerful wings produce slapping my face. I don't have either time, strength or will to fight. I must flee and find shelter on the other side of the mountains; behind the borders of our territory. However; in my state they seem so far away, unreachable.

I hear the dragon behind me; his powerful wings beating much faster than mine, but still I have the advantage of speed in a dive with all the additional weight, meaning I could gain enough speed to outrun him but he is still on my back, determined to not let go of me. I roll on my left just in time to avoid a giant red fireball bright as a small sun; it's sheer heat warming my scales; blinding my eyes with its sudden light burst as the heavy globe smashes into a cliff; shattering the rocks as it explodes. Did he just fire at me! Is he crazy? Does he have any idea of what I'm carrying?

A new arrow misses my head. They are just under me, shooting rows of arrows, aiming for my wings.

Suddenly a loud bang echoes trough the valley as a violent pain burst in my side. I throw a quick gaze at my scales; noticing small red droplets flying away in the wind. They brought some heavier weapons than I expected. I glare down; spotting those disgusting humans carrying these fire and steel spitting guns; the acrid scent of black powder reaching my nostrils all the way from the ground. I must take care of them before they take me down.

I make a brutal dive toward the group, managing to slice two of them in pieces with my claws before rising up again while another falls and rolls on the dirt, his weapon ending in the ice cold water; his panicked mount fleeing for his life; I can almost hear him swear.

I smile happily and make another turn to surprise them when suddenly something sharp and pointy flies through my wing, making me roar in pain as blood gushes out in the night sky.

A second group of hunter has appeared from apparently nowhere; chasing me on another road I hadn't seen, hidden by the thick foliage. They are starting to get quite pestering, annoying me like a bunch of sticky bugs. I dive again on them, dodging a new volley of arrows and bullets as I close in. My claws reduce a bunch of them in bloody shreds scattered across the irregular road as their weapons fly away; the rest of the group scattering to not be decimated by the deadly sweep.

A sudden heat surge forces me to climb high again just in time to see another fireball light up the forest below as it crashes.

The dragon is back and he seems angrier, decided to take me down this time. I can see; on his back, in the light of the blazing fire the glowing black and red armor of the one mounting him, mastering him, bending the dragon's will and wits to his wishes.

I feel rage rise in me, desire for revenge pounding in my veins. They tamed us like animals, forced us to bow before them, using us as living and breathing weapons of death and destruction. I can't control myself anymore; I turn around and head straight at him with all claws and fangs out. It's foolish I know but I can't tolerate the sight of one of us controlled by these vile creatures that are humans. We collide with each other at full speed. His claws pierce through my scales; penetrating my flesh as my jaws close around his neck. The taste of blood floods my mouth as he squeals in pain; twisting his neck to escape my grasp while keeping a tight grip on me; drawing out more blood as his talons sink in deeper. I see the armored man who stared without flinching as we clashed grab a long and shiny sword in his hand, ready to strike.

I let the dragon go, dodging the sword blade before tearing through one of the dragon wing with my claws. He lets out a deafening cry of pain; banking steeply on the right, starting to loose altitude in a swirl of vermillion blood but I'm not finished with him. I follow him as he descends rapidly spinning toward the ground. Suddenly, I witness in amazement the badly injured wing heal itself; the torn membrane reassembling, the broken bones weld themselves to full health as the dragon climbs again in a flutter of his powerful wings, like no harm had been inflicted to him. "Is that this so called magic of them?" I ask myself; truly amazed by the efficiency of the healing. I wait; keeping a rather stable and constant flight, grimacing under the pain coursing through my flesh, throwing furtive glances toward him; waiting for him to come closer… Just a bit more. His maw opens wide; unveiling a forest of sharp looking teeth; a red light burning in the back of his mouth; he is preparing for another attack. I smirk; taunting him while he tries to aim. Fire springs from the space between his jaws; rushing upon me; a blazing sphere of pure unstoppable fire.

"Nice try, but still not enough" I chuckle; lazily turning, watching the red ball vanish in the night sky. I let myself fall; going under him as he keeps climbing; propelled by his furiously fluttering wings. I find myself in a perfect position right behind him, his outline filling my field of view but I know he isn't gonna let himself be shot down so easily. I don't have to wait before I see him take a sharp ascendant turn but he'll need more than that to get me of his tail. I aim precisely as we spiral upward, concentrating all my energy, the mighty power rises in me boiling like a volcano abut to erupt. And finally, after what feels like an eternity in slow motion I fire. A glowing blue spear of energy burst from my parted maw going straight at him. In a second it's on them. Nothing can save them anymore; the attack is already on them, no spell can block it, no maneuver can prevent my shot to hit its mark. At the last moment, I see the rider staring at me, watching with wide scared eyes is incoming death. Yet before the attack strikes him I can see… I'm not sure but I swear I saw a hint of respect in his eyes; as if he admired me and greeted me for the fight I offered him. An impressive blue glow ignites my surroundings, engulfing the dragon and rider couple in a purifying explosion of raw energy. As I witness the dragon falling down; crying out in pain I cannot stop shuddering in delight. Today I might have killed one of my fellow comrades but I also have freed him of the human chains. His rider has been obliterated, reduced to nothingness; tiny droplets of flesh, bones, blood and steel raining from his last known position, the world cleansed of his existence.

With a big satisfied grin spread over my face I resume my flight, hoping that the defeat of one of them will be enough of a warning for them to not follow me any further. Everyone has seen the fight, have seen how much of a weakling he was compared to me; a mere whelp trying to take down a seasoned fighter.

Was I stupide? In a blink of an eye I find myself surrounded; four dragons hidden in the clouds diving on me, firing at me as the hunter groups below close the gap between us. The skies are filled with arrows, bullets, trails of pure energy and fire as they attack me at once. I don't fight back, I don't need to waste my remaining energy on them; I'm so close to friendly skies.

Suddenly a mighty roar shakes the skies, the deep noise making every fiber of my body shiver as it bounces on the mountains surrounding me. A dragon is here, but not a whelp like the others, this one is among those that deserve to be called fighters, a very powerful on top of that. "They really want me" I think as I try to locate the new threat.

He takes me by surprise, attacking me from below, from the only place I wasn't constantly checking; thinking myself unreachable from there. He manage to strike me in the wings and flanks, his claws breaching my scales, tearing my flesh as they swipe, leaving deep red lines behind. I feel the pain blooming, spreading through my entire being as his claws dig deeper in my guts. The weight on my back seams heavier than it ever was as blood gushes out from my wounded side as I fall from the skies, staring helplessly at my attacker. The rude contact of hard stone makes me squeal in pain. I watch the dark night sky; they keep flying in large circles; like a bunch of buzzards drooling over an easy prey. However, they seem unlikely to attack me; it's as if they didn't know where I was. I get up and start to walk straight forward in the forest, hidden under the cover of those millennium old trees. As I flee on foot I can hear the neighing of horses and voices yelling orders in human language. My wounds throb painfully, hot vermillion liquid trickles down my scales, my strength vanishing with every step, flowing out with my blood. Finally I find what I was looking for: a cave; a mere dark hole in the rocky cliff, hidden by foliage and other plants crawling over the grey mountainside. I enter silently, checking my surroundings… nothing. Quickly I unstrap all the blood-drenched leather bands strapped around me, holding all the bags and drop all my precious stuff on the bare bumpy cave's floor and hide it behind a mix of rocks and other things before getting out fast. They must not see where I hid all these treasures otherwise this mission would be a failure. Maybe… perhaps… even if I fail someone could recover the goods and take them to where they truly belong.

I watch my flank; the cuts are deep and bleed badly. My flesh is exposed in the dim moonlight, throbbing and spewing blood from ripped veins. I feel weak… so weak… so exhausted… I could enjoy a small nap.

I hear human voices shouting out again. They are close, closer than I thought. They must not find them; I have to run far from this place before they find me.

I try to take off; leap into the sky and disappear while I still can but my bleeding wounds deny me and I fall flat back down on earth. I run… well… it's more like walking back in the forest, I try to walk as fast as I can but I know they will find me sooner or later if it's not my injuries that end me first. I try to avoid walking in a straight line, instead constantly changing direction, losing all my marks in the bushy woods; only guiding myself with the few moon reflection I manage to catch.

After what felt like ages I find myself in a quiet, rather large clearing devoid of any cover. Bad idea; a fireball crashes in front of me; blocking my way forward as the trees ahead catch fire; forming an ignescent wall a few feet away from me. Fireballs rain down from the skies, splattering in the woods all around me

In a second they have trapped me in a huge ring of blazing flames rapidly spreading through the forest. The dragon that harmed me lands in front of me in a burst of dirt. By the look of his face he is ready to fight to death, but I won't give him this pleasure.

"Surrender dragon you cannot escape!" Shouts the rider from his protected perch on top of his obedient puppet of a dragon. "I'll never surrender! Not to you pitiful creatures!" I roar; taking a fighting stance; hiding a grimace of pain under a defiant growl.

Suddenly, breaking in the hunters appears between the flames, pointing all their bows, guns and whatever weapons they have on me. They are too many for me to handle in my current state; I can't fight them all; I would only earn a bullet straight between the eyes. But I'm still not done yet; I know what I can do.

I try to calm my breath, focusing on my remaining energy, an energy I could use to heal my wounds and fly away but it would only delay the inevitable. No… I have greater purposes for these last strands of power. My body starts to glow as a tide of power grows inside me. I can feel them trembling, whispering, affirming their grip on their weapons as they start to fear what I could possibly do.

Finally I unleash an energy wave rapidly expending around me in a blue circle ripping trees of their branches and leaves; knocking the hunters of balance. The attack was powerful enough to even hurt the dragon and make him topple over on the ground; his rider rolling in the mud; where this maggot belongs. I smile, proud of the result. I realize the fire has stopped; blown away by the wind. Maybe I found a way out of here.

Too late I sense a violent shift in the wind; like a downward spiraling gust. Right after a big creature lands on me, crushing me into the ground. As I lie on my belly; my snout buried in the mud; my claws scrapping the ground something strange wrap itself around my wrist. It's surprisingly warm; like a soft embrace. I realize it's some kind of light green, slightly glowing, solid, energy bond.

In no time I'm attached to the ground, incapable of moving my paws, I can only watch in horror as the remaining hunter approach me. One of them, maybe their chief walk straight to me, observes me with a look of hatred and satisfaction.

"Finally we've got him down and crawling like a tiny lizard. Chain me this piece of shit and let's go back to the village." He shouts to his men. "We finally got you down dragon." He adds, talking to me directly. "Tell us where you hid them and we may grant you a merciful death" "You don't scare me. You're so pathetic I don't fear you. I'll say nothing." "Well, it's your choice dragon." He grumbled; deviously delighted by my answer. He walks away. Soon the cold metal of the chains replaces the warm contact of the bonds; à heavy collar snaps shut around my neck, my wings tied together by a solid metal cable.

I struggle against these chains, I try to fight, to claw, to bite at them but it's no use. Those probably enhanced chains prevent me from hurting them; even standing on all four is almost impossible. Finally, I find my jaws forced to shut by a strange metal device denying words and fire alike to get past my lips; leaving me to chew on a rubber covered metal bar.

The dragons who managed to defeat me seem amused by my behavior, mocking my struggles; laughing of me with his friends. At least I fight; not like these weak minded tamed pets. I feel hate and anger rise in me. How can they, dragons mighty as them accept to submit to those human?

Anyway I don't have time to ask myself other question as the entire group moved, heading toward the said village.

………

Allen

"For God sake can I have a good night of sleep in my life?!" I grumble as I open my eyes.

At first I only see the darkness of the small room, feel the warmth of my bed, my old yet still fluffy pillow. I grumble things as I light the candle. A small yellow flame light's up the room, showing my almost empty bedroom. The place is rather crude; black oak plank walls; a simple bed; a large chest where I store my few belongings; a bunch of shelfs creaking under the weight of things I gathered in the mountains along with a few dusty books; cupboards filled with cobwebs and clothes. There is nothing much to say about it; just a cold anonymous room. Speaking of cold… did someone forget to keep the fire up? Also… what did even woke me up when I was so deeply sleeping. I get up; only wearing my underwear. I wrap myself in my blanket and go to the main room. There I smell the alcohol of the asshole I have to call father; that disgusting mixture he guzzles down like water. Like always he has been drinking all the day and night and was now sleeping on his own bed, making strange noises between snoring and mumbling; leaving an empty bottle lying on its side next to a glass.

I ignore him and go to the first window I find. I see the village, all the small wooden houses packed together only separated by narrow streets made of irregular rocks. I've seen plenty of time this village at night, silent, dark and slumbering, basked in the moon light; tut tonight the whole village seams in effervescence, I see other people running in all directions carrying weapons, materials and lights.

I shiver; something is happening, something important. I run back to my room; dress myself quickly; head back in the main room; grab my jacket and rush to the door, not without taking my bow, arrows and this small but useful knife I found lying on the bottom of a muddy river. "Allen what the hell is happening?" Grumble my father in a drunken tone. I tense; my hand clutching the door's handle; grimacing in annoyance upon hearing his raspy voice. "I don't know, I'll go outside and have a look." I reply; trying to keep calm. He grumbles something but I don't hear him. I literally jump out of the house and run toward the central place; making my way through the dense crowd. There I see the old chief of the village, giving orders, coordinating something big.

I make him a sign, he respond me by pointing the highest place of the village; a guard tower. I nod and run to the ladder. I catch a word, a single one, a word that would make all of us run for our lives. Dragon. It's my chance; I've never fought against a dragon or even seen one with my own eyes of my entire life.

I climb fast and arrive in a second on top. There I take my bow, an arrow, pull the string; ready myself and make a sign to the ancient. He points in a simple direction; the south. I try to watch this part of the sky, searching for something but nothing shows up from the darkness. Suddenly a noise came to my ears; it's like the characteristic flapping of wings. I resume my searching, squinting my eyes to try and locate the source of the sound and finally I find it. I can't believe my eyes, he looks so big, his eyes glows in the dark night as he come straight at me. But I hesitate, feeling the arrow falling from my hand as I stare helplessly at the majestic beast. Too late he fly just above me, so low I could touch his belly; his large frame casting a shadow upon the entire village. In an instant everything has gone silent; everyone staring at the mighty creature flying right above our heads and continuing on his way; flying toward the north, like the village wasn't of any interest to him. I feel relieved in some ways. But something seems to be wrong: why a dragon that was signaled as a danger, an enemy didn't attack us? I try to search an explanation and remember an odd detail; he was flying very low, to low, like he couldn't fly anymore or any higher. Or maybe he was carrying something, something too heavy to allow him to fly normally. Something that would prevent him from soaring freely into the sky like the creatures of legends filling the books. But after all I had no knowledges of dragon; only the tales of my childhood and the stories of the wandering minstrels. Perhaps he was flying so low to avoid being spotted and to be fair it seemed to work; his dark colored scales prevented me from seeing him until he was right under my nose.

I descend the ladder and join the other, talking to a few friends when we see in surprise a group of men mounting horses, wearing shiny armors and some of the most impressive weaponry I ever saw rush into the village.

They asked questions: where did the dragon go? Did he try to attack us? Had he done any kind of damage to the village? They seemed in a hurry; always keeping an eye out, scrutinizing the starless black. After a few disturbing minutes they leave the village, following the dragon by the only accessible road; behind them come six other dragons fluttering their wings raggedly to keep up the ruthless pace, one significantly faster than the rest of them.

We wait patiently, listening to the slightest sound but we only hear the wind whistling in between peeks. I meet up with some friends; we sit on a fence away from the chattering crowd "So… you think they're gonna get him?" asked one. "No doubts; look at the army they brought just for one dragon!" exclaimed a second one. "Still… why didn't he attack us?" I mumbled, rubbing my chin. "Why do you bother with that Allen?" grumbled the first one "I'm glad he didn't." "Me too but… I still wonder why he just flew by; he could have burned the whole village down in one fiery breath." I let out. "Yeah… perhaps he was too busy saving his ass to bother melting some insignificant humans down." Laughed the first one. "Probably" I let out; loosing myself in the distant mountains. Suddenly loud noises of gunshots come to us; ripping the peaceful but tensed silence apart. Blue and red glimmers light up the skies as we suppose the dragons have caught up with the fugitive and are now fighting him. A roar fills the silence, a roar of immense pain; a sound that breaks my heart to hear; a sound of the purest form of agony. As everything seems to calm down we can only suppose the dragon was killed… until more gunfire echoes trough the valley.

This goes on for a few minutes; the pursuit still going on. So which dragon cried out? Did the fleeing one managed to take down one of the highly trained dragons of the emperor? The pride of the kingdom? "Damn he must be a strong one" I think; trying to imagine the battle taking place behind the peeks.

Finally; as the fight seems to reach its climax a huge flash of light ignites the valley as a wave of winds blows through the village; sending objects flying in all direction, extinguishing all lights and even toppling a few unprepared peoples. And then only silence. We wait again, staring nervously at the entrance of the village hoping to see the group coming back. What could come back anyway? A victorious army bringing back the trophy of a dead dragon? Or that very same dragon held captive? That would be so cool. Or would it be a decimated group of exhausted hunters unsuccessful in their task? Everything could have happened in the darkness of the night. But as the sounds of their horses grew near we get our answer. Their mission was a bright success. They look happy, satisfied; proud of themselves as they enter the village in a long procession. Still I couldn't miss the fact that some of them were missing; disappeared forever. Yet they seemed delighted all the same. I understood why when I saw what they had brought back. The dragon is with them, watching the ground in a look of defeat; surrounded by a handful of guards each holding a riffle in one hand and a glowing vibrant blue crystal in the other. I finally have a chance to see him in the light and from so close; only separated by the guards. He is tall; so much he dominates us all from his sheer height alone; at least twice bigger than a human adult. His body is covered in slick shiny black scales, except for his belly, wings and underside of his neck which are a deep midnight blue color. His eyes are the same deep almost drowning blue hue even though it's hard to get a good look at them since he keeps avoiding eye contact; like he could feel me stare. He is truly impressive to say the least; sharp ivory claws matching his long backward curved horns crowning his head; a long line of white spikes run down from the back of his skull to the tip of his thick sinuous tail. His wings; even tied together and folded against his flanks still look immense; soft and full of long flight promises. He looks quiet young and seems to have a lot of strength in him, judging by the thick muscles rolling underneath his thick; tough scales. However I quickly notice the red streaks staining his scales; his own blood spilled over him, clinging to his magnificent frame; the deep wounds in his flank, his shattered wing and all the other older looking cuts or gashes resulting of past fights. "Damn… they didn't go easy on him." I thought "poor thing." Sadly I feel like I'm the only one caring for him; around me the crowd is cheering, acclaiming the soldiers for their successful hunt; despising the taken down dragon as an enemy. Yet even wounded, even chained, even bleeding badly, even when forced to submission he keeps his dignity if it could be called so; as if he still that little something, that pride, that look that made him the majestic beast he was.

They bring him in the center of the village where another team had set up an enormous dragon sized cage where they force him inside without freeing him of his chains. I wanted to go and have a closer look at him but before I could move a hand harshly latched on my shoulder, holding me back with a firm grip.

"What are you doing here Allen?" Asked a calm voice yet I could feel the anger behind the words it spoke. The heady scent of alcohol reaches my nose. I flinched. My father has unexpectedly showed up, coming from apparently nowhere; as if he just teleported onto me. "What is he doing here? Can't he go drown himself in his damn wine and leave me alone?" I swore in my mind, gritting my teeth. But even with his reddened eyes and alcohol filled breath his mind seems clear and in a good state to understand what was going on, like he had seen what I wanted to do.

"They captured a dragon… I wanted to see." I pleaded; pointing at the caged beast around which a compact crowd has gathered.

Ma father observes me a long moment before turning his eyes to the cage, mumbling some words of hatred and anger toward the scale ball before suddenly forcing me to come with him pulling me away with an unimaginable force. I stare in disappointment and defeat as the incredible creature vanishes in the tightly packed crowd. I obey letting him drag me back home without a word.

………

Watcher

I am a shadow, an invisible thing lurking in darkness, human only by my look. But honestly who cares about an invisible? If you see me, you'll feel a bit strange without being able to explain yourself why. You'll only see a man, walking with his face hidden in the shadow of a hood, impossible to see. Try to speak with me, I'll answer… or not although I'd advise you to be careful with the kind of conversation you wish to engage. But don't try to see my face you'll only end up dead, stabbed by a phantom blade.

Where do I live? Nowhere. Where do I come from? From your worst nightmare. What do I seek? Well I don't know it myself; only He knows; I simply follow the path.

Tonight I'm sitting on a cliff, in my hand one of my blade, as dark as the sky, emitting a feeble black aura as I clean it of the last droplets of blood remaining from my last encounter. Below me lies a great green valley covered of immense forest and crossed by cold torrents of pure waters chiseling the old grey stone. But I don't care about the wilderness, about the beauty of this secluded place of the life teeming under the cover of the trees; I don't even see it the way it looks right now; for me it's already dead; a sterile wasteland deprived of its green canopy, the rivers dried, turned to ashes, the sky an anthracite grey, basking the lands in a faint dead light; the animals, mere dead carcasses peaking from the coat of ashes covering the lands, extending beyond the horizon. Soon this place will burn… so soon and my visions will become reality.

Why am I waiting here on top of that cliff? Isn't it an awkward spot to do some cleaning? Actually these are more interesting questions. I'm waiting for someone, someone very special. I have waited for days; expecting him to come sooner or later. Finally, after hours waiting in the cold billowing wind my patience is rewarded as I feel his presence. He is coming from the south but he is slow; so slow, too slow. I catch a glimpse of him, his big black form, flying over the trees; trying to go as fast as he possibly can with his heavy added weight. Behind him come several groups of hunters riding their mounts, urging them to go faster, hoping to keep up with the winged creature. And above all dragons, high in the sky, chasing the fugitive from a safe distance, large forms breaking the calm night sky, their scales glinting in the moonlight. All of them are determined, ready to kill the one they hunt in order to recover what he has been carrying. He thinks he does it all for his country, for his king, for his friends; for the fellow dragons living under the same banner. So stupid, so hopeful, so pathetic. In a way I feel kind of sad to ruin all his plans, destroy all his dreams, shatter his hopes and crush his poor innocent heart, but I have to; our entire plans depend on it.

I silently observe, as he battles; tearing through the ranks of the human hunters, clashing with both humans and dragons at the same time; proving great skills in combat even with the cumbersome cargo he carries. Speechless I observe his progression; the wounds inflicted by the constant rain of arrows and bullets; the fire falling from the sky while he still tries to keep going; now fighting his weakening body as well. I see the dragon diving on him, trying to take him out of the skies for good but I know he won't let himself be downed so easily. I am not disappointed, a sadistic grin stretching on my lips while, in one well-placed blow both dragon and human are wiped of existence. "Hmmm… interesting…" I whisper. Soon however an annoyed snarl twitches my face as he falls; struck by another dragon attacking him right in his blind spot; blood swirling in the night sky, trailing behind the falling dragon, forming a large hole in the green canopy where he crashes. Amusingly I smile as I see him attempt to hide the merchandises in a cave. I observe as they surround him; but from the look on his face I know he won't surrender. Sadly his last attempts to get away only weaken him more; leaving him breathless; exhausted. Although the attack was powerful it only bought him a few insignificant seconds; the energy wave rushes toward me but luckily I'm far enough to only feel a cold breeze. They lose no time capturing him with disarming ease. "So weak! So pathetic! He is barely fighting!" I spat in disgust. They tie him up and drag him away. Even his struggles are in vain; he is too weak; it's even almost hilarious to see him trash against his bonds yet he doesn't give up, as futile as it is he persist; resisting with all his fleeing might as the humans force him into submission.

When I'm sure no one is near anymore I get up and take a deep breath. I start walking until I feel no more ground under my feet… but I don't fall; taunting the laws of gravity, I just descend slowly until my feet touch the grass. I walk in the same calm way to the cavern and easily find what he tried to hide. I'm surprised no one noticed them; even a blind would have seen the unusual bulge under ripped pieces of foliaged and unnaturally piled rocks. Slowly, I open one of the bags; expecting a trap or a protection spell. Maybe I should have checked first but it's too late as I part the thick fabric open and discover with a hint of respect the content: eggs, lots of eggs, thousands of eggs of all colors and size tightly packed in the bags, their slick colorful surface glinting in the faint moonlight. I open another; just to make sure everything is here although I know deep inside everything is at its rightful place.

With slow but steady motions I search in my long black coat until I find a big flask filled with a dark purple liquid. I shake the bottle; observing the oily substance slosh inside, the magic infusing it glowing brighter. "I know what I have to do" I whisper as I brace myself to do it. But suddenly I hesitate, is it a good idea? For once; it doesn't happen often these days; I think instead of blindly following the line traced for me; I dive deep in my own head; my fingers still clutched around the flask; gathering my thoughts; trying to see the other possibilities before me until a new plan forms in my mind. I smile; throwing the bottle up; catching it with my other hand before putting it back in my coat "that will have to wait for later" I whispered to myself. I close the bags and take a step back; grabbing the foliage I had thrown to the ground before putting it back over the goods. "Hmmm… it won't be enough." I let out; extending both arms; my hands opened; my eyes focused on the leathery pouches. A series of foreign word slip out of my mouth; my hands glowing as magic fills every fiber of my body. In an instant a beam of energy strikes the bags; spreading out like a web covering the bags with glowing purplish strings of raw energy. Once everything is coated in my spell I see the bags slowly dissipate; becoming like ghostly objects. In a handful of seconds everything has vanished; swallowed in the spell. Proud of my work; a smile plastered on my face I leave the cave.

"Where are you going?" Rumbles a deep dark voice coming from behind me; from the cave I just left. I turn around to find, like painted on the cliff a huge face, so twisted by darkness it's hard to describe. The only thing I'm sure of is these three red eyes glowing like an infernal fire staring at me with an unsatisfied glare. "Master." I say with an immense respect bowing before the apparition. "I changed my mind."

"What do you mean my Watcher? Do you intent to betray us, to betray me?" "No, no, no master…. I… just… had a better idea." I reply; my voice a respectful whisper. He looks surprised but I can see, shinnying in his blazing red spheres a glimpse of interest. With furrowed eyebrows... or what looks like that he makes me a sign to proceed. "Master… I think that; instead of only recovering what I am here for I suggest to; if you allow me; kill two birds with one stone." I quickly explain. As I speak I see a big, toothy smile spread over this corrupted face before he start to laugh evilly.

"I like your new plan Watcher but you'd better not disappoint me." "I won't fail you master." I answer; kneeling before his mighty maleficence. "Good… I hope you remember the consequences you shall suffer if you dare to come back empty-handed" he growls; darting his mischievous eyes at me. "I know master and I will bring you back what you demand; for our victory!" I responded; bold enough to meet his stare. "Perfect; now go and accomplish your mission and for once I will be watching." He laughed evilly; his already twisted face blurring, collapsing on itself as he lost himself in his mad laughter. I rose to my feet; bowing one last time before the ghostly face before turning around.

He disappeared in the night the rocky cliff recovering its normal appearance. I observed the forest, darker than everything. I take a single step and, with this only step I travel, I travel across forests, rivers, walls until I reach my destination. I find myself in the middle of the forest, sitting on a tree trunk, waiting in my favorite position; sitting; legs crossed, my hands resting on my knees; face slightly lowered, hidden in the shadow of my hood, eyes closed; breath steady in a meditating stance.

Soon; or maybe it took one hour or two I don't really know since time doesn't affect me, I hear the noise of the long convoy of hunters and dragons passing by on a nearby road; cheering up and greeting themselves loudly; talking out loud about their prize. I don't even have to move from my position; only whispering a few words, an unnatural whistling wind crosses the valley; making the branches shiver; the leaves rustle. A soldier senses s something strange in the woods and decides to go check what it is unaware of the danger. When he reaches me, it takes him some time to notice my presence, my body barely more than a shadow nestled in the hollow of the night in its coat of darkness.

"Hey you! Who are you? What are you doing here?" he yells; pointing a lantern toward me; basking me in a warm yellow eye.

"You shouldn't have come…." I let out, my voice barely a whisper on the wind. "You sealed your fate." "Yeah yeah whatever! Now come down here and show me your face." "As you wish…"

Before he can even think of unsheathing the sword tied to his waist I'm in front of him. I see fear in his eyes; his face paling as my face is revealed to him. He can't stop staring at my unique eye. I raise a hand and whisper in a dark tone.

"Watch closely. You'll obey, you'll serve without hesitation, you'll be my slave, you'll be my eyes, and my hand." I say as my raised palm glows of a dark light. He nods submissively his mouth open on a blank cry as spit drools along his chin; his eyes wide open; pupils dilated. "Now go with the others and act normally until I give you my next orders slave." I whisper. As the spell end his eyes recover their normal color but he doesn't seem to notice me anymore.

Without a word he walks away.

Now I only have to wait, I close my eyes….

………

Allen

Damn I'm tired. I couldn't sleep of the night, I was too excited, and I'm still too excited; I can't stand more than one minute in place, like my friend Jake when he ate all the leaves of this weird plant he had found in the mountains. I still can't believe it; I saw a dragon, a real one. Not one of those draws or paintings; no a true living beast, made of scales, fangs and claws. A true dragon made of flesh and bones. I was so damn close to him. Why at maybe the best moment of my entire life he had to show up? I hate him even more now. But… in a way… I understand why he hates dragon that much. He had never liked them, only seeing them as giant dumb blood lusting flying lizards, but since my mother's death so many years ago he only had hatred toward the marvelous scaly fire spitting masters of the skies and only sought revenge for his dead wife. But instead of risking his life in the wildlands to try and find the damned beast and slaughter it he preferred drowning everything into alcohol.

I try to work like all the other days but I can't keep my thoughts focused on the wood I'm cutting with the old rusty axe; sweet dripping along my exposed back; my skin bathed by the warmth of sun; chilling in the cold breeze. I can't stop thinking of the dragon caged in the middle of the village; trapped; submitted; displayed for all to see. Why doing this? I understand that if he did something against the kingdom he must be punished but why keep him here in the middle of nowhere?

Hours pass, endless, exhausting under the scorching sun until I hear the noise of horses' hooves clacking on the rocky street. I watch the road from behind the fences and see a small group of soldiers arrive in the village. More soldiers? Why are they even here? Are they going to take the dragon away? That last thought makes me sad, I've only caught a glimpse of the mighty beast and already it has to disappear. However as they pass by I notice an odd detail. These men are no usual hunters; their armors are too shiny, too fancy, too well forged for crappy hunting in the mud. These guys look more like guards; guards usually seen in big cities so why are they here? I soon get my answer : with them comes a man wearing a blindingly shimmering light armor made of pure gold that shine in the sunlight. I know him; it's the emperor's son! What's his name…? Ul… Ulrick! Yes that's it the prince Ulrick

I feel like something is going to happen; my guts are screaming at me that something major is about to occur. I want to go and see by myself but I feel my father's eyes watching me from behind, glued to my back. Since dawn I know he has been keeping an eye on me; as if he feared I would run away. I just make a sign; pointing a wondering finger at the group of imperial bodyguards; throwing him a pleading look. He takes a long deep breath then weakly waves his hand in a gesture of approval, silently allowing me to go. I grab my shirt, dress up in less than a minute, jump over the fences and run to the place.

………

Kyo

What are all those noises? I'm trying to sleep… I need to recover. Can't humans be quiet for more than an hour?! I reluctantly open my eyes; the bright sunlight floods them in a second. I snarl; trying to adapt to the blinding light. After fluttering my eyes a few times I can finally see what's happening; and what a regrettable sight it is.

In disbelief I look around just to discover an immense crowd standing around my cage; forming a large circle at a safe distance. Well immense isn't the right word; too far above the truth; I'd rather say it was… well just a crowd… yes that sound more appropriate. They are maybe two or three hundred people watching me impatiently; staring at me like they would do to a circus animal. How I'd love to make them flea; to be rid of their pesky gazes all darted at me; to hear them scream and run away in panic. It would be so… delightful but sadly this thought is too far out of reach in my state.

I barely slept and regenerated almost nothing of my energy due to the human being so noisy; leaving me as exhausted as before with only one desire in mind: sleep. My wounds stopped bleeding but they still hurting quite badly and for the most part of the night I had been trying to find a comfortable position; coping with the many aches and itches jolting from my displayed inner flesh while all along being tangled in their chains in the cramped space of my tiny cage with my whole being throbbing with pain.

I see all the soldiers and farmers with their weapons and eyes alike darted at me. Behind them proudly stand the dragons I fought the night before; the mindless puppets that took me down now watching with a mix of interest and malice as if a big show was about to start.

But something was different in both the way they behaved and the way the atmosphere had shifted: it was tenser, more formal. There was something more… something unusual; something that imposed them respect to a point I had never witnessed before. Finally I discovered the cause of that sudden solemnness; I saw the man… well the youngling dressed in his gold armor wearing this arrogant and contempt look of those who have the power; the very same look that sent a cold chill down my spine; that stiffened my muscles; that made my claws rack the ground in raw desire; that urged me to pound him into the ground. He observes me like he would do with a dead piece of meat; like a hunting trophy soon dangling on his wall. I didn't like this guy.

He walked in my direction but stops three steps away, facing my cage; detailing me from that distance. Is he afraid? I snigger to myself, glaring at the coward standing before me; my voice probably sounding more like a feral growl to them. Like all humans under their arrogant looks they are only a bunch of coward crumbling with fear; little things ready to run away at the first sign of danger.

"Open it." He orders. The short order snaps in the silent place like a whiplash; leaving everyone surprised; even I can't deny I'm puzzled by his command. Hmmm… maybe he is less of a coward than I thought he was… or maybe he is just dumb enough to think these pathetic chains will hold me from tearing his face to shreds.

The cage's door opens itself wide as they roughly pull me outside, I'm still attached to a heavy metal thing planted in the ground but at least I can move a bit and stretch my legs; savoring the feeling of my body getting rid of the numbness in my muscles while I leave the discomfort of my prison. Sadly he is still out of my reach but that doesn't stop me from heading straight for him until the chains tugs me back holding me half a meter away from him. Surprisingly enough the young guy doesn't run away; instead he holds my glare with calm and determination, standing his ground without the slightest hint of fear transpiring on his face. Darn it… if only I had a bit of energy left I would melt his pretty face and make that fancy armor of his be his shroud.

"Well… well… well… we finally found you." He spat. "And this time you have no friend to help you, no way out of here." "What do you want from me? I growl angrily. "I have nothing." "You know exactly what I want. You took something that doesn't belong to you." "You think it belong to you!" I roared; eyes blazing with anger; rage like fire burning in my veins. "Yes. In fact they belong as much to my father as to the dragon who made them. You are the thief, not us." He replied with that imperturbable calm.

"Maybe I am…" I growled; admitting to myself I had stolen everything I was carrying; but it was for the greater good of my kind. "But answer me, who forced us to submission, to bind ourselves to your warriors; led us to fight against our own kind? Who forced us to stoop to that kind of actions?" "They had the choice." He retorted, his voice a cold whip lash "They all chose willingly to join forces with us and share that gift with worthy human they selected. We didn't drag anyone into war; in fact we offered peace but your kind; as stubborn as you dragons are refused and accused us of slavery. But like I said; against all rumors they all had a fair choice… and they chose." He stated; taking a step forward.

"What choice?! Die or submit?! What a fair choice!" "They decided to create those bonds, they could have just lived there with us, on our lands without sharing their lives with us; they took their own decisions and we are glad and thankful they did and we treat them all with due respect; like we would have with you if you hadn't stolen from us."

I let out a deep growl; running out of arguments. He is right... not in his words but in the way he turns them; idealizing the truth to fit his ideals of peace… and slavery of my kind. I look around; nodding my head slightly; grumbling words under my breath; delving deep into my own mind in the hope of finding something to spit at his face to flip the conversation around. Sadly my searches proved to be pointless; he had cornered me.

"Enough pointless talks!" He brutally shouts. "You are going to tell us where you hid them now!" he orders; showing the limit of his own self-control.

"I'll say nothing, I'd rather die." I rumbled, baring my fangs. "We have ways you can't imagine to make you talk without having to go to such barbaric extends." He chuckled in answer; a wicked smile spreading over his lips. "You can torture me, inflict me every treatment you want, I won't say a word." "Oh there are no needs to hurt you more to make you talk dragon."

Suddenly I tense; sensing something trying to sneak in my mind. I instinctively block the intruder; denying him the access; he tries to enter again attempting to breach through my defenses but only managing to breaks a portion of my mental barriers. Big mistake. In a split second I have located the attacker: one of the dragon has his eyes glowing slightly, his rider is like in a trance. I launch a brutal attack on him, taking him by surprise as my spirit rams into his head, ravaging his brain like a tsunami of sheer mental power. The assault is so powerful; so violent; so unexpected I hear the dragon whine and see his rider fall down on the ground, eyes wide open; his body convulsing as spit drools from his gaping mouth. "He is strong." Grunted the dragon in obvious pain. "Very strong." "Impressive. You could be useful to us." Commented the weakling in front of me. "Only in your dreams human. I will never betray my kind!" I spat back.

I see him smile evilly. I shiver in apprehension. What wicked trick up his sleeves has he?

He turns around and slowly walks across the place to a fire. I was wondering why they had started it in the first place but now I know. I see him pull an iron bar out of the dancing flames, red at one end. Each motion is slow, calculated, meant to let fear crawl over me. I cant' move my eyes away from that red-hot bar. The said end is a mark, a seal I know too well. Is that their way to make me talk?!

I move back in fear as he comes back to me.

"You see dragon we have one way to make sure you'll talk. It is very effective and very interesting to watch." He snickers deviously; playing with the heated bar.

"Don't touch me with this thing!" I yell in fear; taking another step back; hearing the tingling of my chains racking along the ground as I do so. "You are not in position to give me orders dragon. Hold him still!"

At his command energy tentacles surge from the ground: lashing out toward me; wrapping around my limbs before I have a chance to move away; holding me in a tight unbreakable grip. I try to move but I'm stuck; helpless. He approaches with his hot bar; that same sadistic grin plastered on his face.

"Please… don't…." I beg; still trashing against the magical bonds. "Oh look at that… how cute." He let out with a compassionate tone I knew was fake "where are all your big talks dragon? Where is that determination from before? Was it only a facade to hide the little scared whelp beneath all these layers of boldness? You're not so tough when faced with true terror." He laughed right in my face. "Please… I'll talk." I squeak in fear; staring in awe at the imperial sigil burning bright on the tip of that rod.

I'm scared; terrified like a hatchling; I know what is going to happen next. He will mark me with the imperial sigil; burning me with its vile emblem; mold my scale so they would keep the trace of that act; leaving me with a mark impossible to erase; a symbol of shame and dishonor, of obedience and slavery that would deny me access to my homeland for ever. I knew it was only the first step, after… I'd have to…. I don't want to think about it.

………

Allen

I can't believe my eyes! It's incredible! Is that truly happening? Is the mighty black dragon scared like a child trying desperately to escape? I can't believe they are doing that to him. I thought dragons accepted willingly to be with humans. I didn't expect them to force him to obey. For an emperor who pretends he wants everyone to be free of his thoughts and acts it's kind of contradictory.

I had watched the scene unfold from the first rank of the crowd; amazed by the raw beauty of the feral creature; his inky black scales gleaning with each ray of sun gliding over them. Even his behavior somehow inspired respect; the way he stood before the prince; the way he replied to him; their verbal clash; the way he stood tall and proud under the menaces. I was admiring him… but that shift in his behavior ruined it all as he walked away; whining pitifully in fear. Even his last desperate attempt to avoid the torture was somewhat disappointing; leaving me struck with the realization that underneath their tough protecting armor of scales; behind their sharp claws and fangs; without their all-consuming fire they were as scared as us human before the promise of suffering. But one question still lingered in my mind: why was he scared of that one bar; he had no second thought before battling with soldiers and dragon alike so why look so panicked before a piece of heated metal. Maybe it was what was on the tip that caused his reaction.

The emperor's son was just in front of the dragon now, ready to apply his mark on the exposed scales of the beast's neck. The dragon was still tied; paralyzed, held by the magic bonds; kicking and snapping his jaws without any effect on the prince, using all his forces to escape the grasp of the spell. But it was useless; the prince was next to him; looking for a place to stick the burning metal; ignoring the dragon's heart-breaking pleading stare. Finally he seemed to find the perfect spot as he raised the bar high; making sure everyone could witness what he was about to do when something unexpected happened: the dragon's eyes began to shift from this beautiful blue color to a bone-chilling crimson red that remained me of freshly-spilled blood, the two orbs glowing slightly; pulsating with waves of raw foreign power. Before the emperor's son could even react a violent energy wave bursts from the dragon's very scales; blazing with a blinding purple-black color. In the blink of an eye it expends; swiping everything around him; throwing the guards on the ground. A powerful wind blows over my face. I cover myself with an arm; trying to keep my eyes on the dragon and not being thrown away like a ragdoll. A dark light radiate from him as all the bindings are shattered, even the heavy metal collar on his neck just disappears in a millions of metal shards.

When the bright light dissipates he is still there; standing up on wobbly paws, watching in shock around him as if he discovered like us what just happened. Around him the ground is burned, the stone scorched; all the objects destroyed; everything turned a ash-grey color or still burning, consumed by ravenous dark flames while a strong bitter stench of fire and decimation lingers in the air.

I stand here shocked, shivering from head to toes; everything in a five meter radius around him has been melted down to dust; only leaving chaos and devastation behind; what wasn't devoured thrown away like leaves in a tempest. "My god…" I whisper; terrified.

However; even in the following confusion he isn't given time to react as all the dragons jump on him at once, slamming him into the ground.

"Make sure he can't attack this time." Growls Ulrick getting up with the help of a soldier; his face covered in a thin layer of ashes, a few bruises breaking the perfection of his skin.

Meanwhile the dragon was squirming; trying with all his might to free himself but the weight of the dragons on top of him was too much for him.

………

Kyo

I can't move, I can barely breathe. I'm… lying on my back… something heavy is crushing me. What just happened? I feel like someone is messing with my brain, my vision is only a blur, I hear a simple sound; a loud hiss filling my ears. Did he just awake? I don't understand what had just happened; I recall the human standing over me with that vile object; I remember the fear that coursed through me; the simple desire to escape… then… nothing; a long blank in my memories until I woke up in that field of grey ashes; exhausted once again; my senses aggressed by so many things I couldn't identify them all. Then there was that feeling of rolling over; followed by that weight.

Sadly I have no time to ask myself those questions or to investigate on what happened to me, I have to do something. But I feel something; something so heavy pressing me down in the dirt; cutting my breath under its sheer weight. As I grasp on reality again I discover a bulky form squashing me down. I shake my head; trying to clear my mind and regain my focus. I quickly analyze my situation; all has been blown to smithereens around me; the citizens of that pathetic village are staring at me in the purest form of fear; the guards are glaring suspiciously at me; expecting another nasty surprise now. A sly smile curls my lips as I witness the man standing up; his fancy armor coated in a sticky film of ashes; his lightly injured face twisted on a snarl of anger. I try to take another look around but my vision is blocked by an unusual burst of color. Intrigued I look up; something massive is blocking my view here as well; something which's color makes no sense. It takes ages to my fuzzy mind to understand a dragon is lying on top of me; applying all his weight on me while it appears the others are pinning my limbs down; all of them keeping a close eye on him; denying me all ways out.

But; while I was observing my surroundings something odd occurred; something that made my nostrils twitch in interest. It was a sweet musky fragrance; a potent scent thick and manly, something that stirred one part of my body to life. I shudder, recognizing the unmistakable smell of a male's arousal; the virile heady musk waffling at my nose; making old needs rise again. Suddenly something big, delightfully moist and warm pokes against my tailhole. I stiffen a surprised gasp; trying to guess who it belongs to in the pile of dragons. It could be the opportunity I was hoping for; my chance to escape… if I could bargain with the one whose alluring scent belongs to.

"Who is horny?" I ask, making sure to be as loud as possible; taking them all by surprise. They stare at each other in utter disbelief. I see with amusement wonders and curiosity draw on their faces as I know a lively mental talk is going wild between them. "Who can be horny now? Is this guy willing to be fucked here and now?" They probably ask themselves. The sight of their confused look is hilarious; so much I can't hold back a small giggle. It worked perfectly; creating a moment of distraction I was hoping for. I quickly determine who is responsible. It's a pretty young drake covered in shiny silver scales who tries his best to hide his growing blush. I smile; giggling lightly "Hey you… yes you the grey one." "What do you want?" he huffs defensively; trying to keep his composure. "Come closer." I purr invitingly. He obeys, curious. "Come on… a bit closer" I purr, waving a claw in an inviting gesture. On his guards he comes closer nevertheless until his ear is pressed against my lips. "You really want it?" "Yes…." He stammers in a mix of embarrassment and guilt. "If you want it you can have it." I shushed teasingly. "Really!?" he gasped; his hard cock throbbing eagerly, spewing a bead of his aqueous precum on my belly. "Yes feel free; indulge yourself… I won't mind." I whisper; gyrating my hips in an inviting way. "You're really gonna fuck him?" Asked another. "As hard as I can." Moaned the grey one; bucking his hips forward; rubbing his pre-slickened length against my scales, smearing his sweet-smelling fluids all over my sensitive hide; earning a shiver of excitement I couldn't contain. Such youth; such eagerness it was… very appealing to me.

"Seriously?" asked another dragon; the group still talking over me. "Man you're really gross sometimes! Taking a male in the ass… it's just nasty." "Shut up you never tried!" retorted the grey dragon. "Man if you have your fun with him I might do the same." Mumbled another. "Guys stop this; you're starting to turn me on…." Murmured another one; trying to hide his own growing cock poking at my snout. I smile; amused to see how quickly the situation went from one aroused drake to a whole bunch of them eager to relieve their pent up tension with me. Time to take advantage of that. "What do you want?" I whisper teasingly: letting my tongue slither out of my mouth, the tip making contact with the hot throbbing pole. A loud moans break the silence; the other drake thrusting his hips in surprise while I cringe; tasting the strong musky taste of his flesh. Damn this guy has been pent-up for weeks!

"I don't know…" gasped the drake; blushing profusely "maybe a good blowjob or… or maybe I'll take your cock." He added, panting slightly. "You're hornier than I expected." I admitted; surprised. "We don't have many occasions to relieve ourselves." Whispered the grey one; not bothering hiding his prominent erection anymore. "You see… it's always duty comes first and no time to scratch our itches". "Well then… don't be shy… indulge yourself, I'm sure I can help you with your… issues." "With pleasure…" he purred; panting; eyes glazed with lust.

I felt the grey's hard and dripping cock pressing against my rear; trying to force itself past my tight puckered entrance. The sex-starved dragon careless of what could happen; only seeking the warmth of my hole. I can't hold back a loud moan; my claws curling as his slickened tip pushes past my pucker, sinking in my quivering hole; prying me open. Although he is smaller than me he isn't small down there; sending jolts of pleasure throughout my body as, inch after inch he shoves his cock inside me. I arch my back; my jaws parting open on a loud moan. I can't deny it feels good… so good… I could just stay here and let him work that sweet magic inside me… yes… lean back and just enjoy myself. No; I must stay focus. I shake my head; holding back the haze of lust. I see, in the corner of my eyes the riders looking away in embarrassment, one of them seams ashamed; his cheeks red with his deep blush. I wait, feeling every little detail of that member rocking against my inner flesh; thickening as I take more of his shaft until I reach the base, his hips slapping against my rump, his member spurting a warm liquid inside of me. I stiffen another moan; feeling his cock pull back, stimulating every pleasurable nub of my passage. Yes… just like it… a bit more… I think, fighting the desire to let go and savor the moment. Finally only the head of his penis remains lodged inside of me; it's time to put my plan to work.

………

Allen

It's really becoming weird now. It looks like the dragons are chatting like old friends. What can they be talking about? Wait is that one of the dragon's cock I see?! No it… it can't be. Why is he getting excited now? Dann it's huge! It's just… massive! The grey pole of flesh is spilling from the beast's slit. It's a long and thick tapered rod; about ten inches long, ridged on the underside and gifted with an already engorging knot crowning the base. From the tip of the spear like head drips a clear liquid, forming a small puddle on the ground. I don't know what well-endowed is for a dragon but from my point of view he surely looks big. That's quite a sight to behold for me; how many men would dream of having such a big tool to play with. Damn I'm starting to envy them! Dragons are definitely impressive and magnificent but at the same time strange creatures. How can he be aroused now? What caused his sudden excitement? So many questions I don't have the answer to. I stare in shock, observing the scene unfold; the black one pinned under the pile of dragons seems to be talking, his facial expression a blend of tantalizing and inviting smiles and winks; his body sensually rocking, caressing the other males in way that seem to intrigue and arouse them. In no time all of them are sporting large erection; their thick cocks bobbing in the open air around the submitted male who however isn't stopping his teasing. At least I know all of them are males yet it's still so weird; they can't be eager to mate right now; in the middle of the village. Still they seem oblivious to the dozens of eyes staring at them, the dragons not bothering hiding their spilling flesh anymore. But… if they're all males… how can they do it? Why am I even asking myself this question; it's just disgusting. I try to stay focused; observing from afar as the show becomes increasingly lewder with each passing second; every dragon panting, their eyes glazed with lust; some even having their long tongue hanging out of their maw. As beautiful and terrifying dragon were they were still animal; feral beasts driven by instincts and urges; and here and now I was witnessing one of these primary desires: the need to breed; to spill their life-giving essence in a place where it would result in an offspring; or rather in that case any hole where their massive throbbing cock would fit nicely. I had seen the same kind of things with other animals during mating season and I could only suppose dragons were no different.

Hold on his the grey drake trying to penetrate the black one?! What the fuck is happening? I must be dreaming, a really dirty dream. It can be true; it can't be happening. I can't stop myself from watching the grey male mount the much bigger dragon; his glistening, oozing cock messily pressing under the black one's tail, his ridged cock disappearing inch by inch in the other male's backside, the grey dragon panting and growling as he thrust with all his might, forcing all he can inside.

I hear the black one moan like a female; claws curling, back arching; his body pushing back against the intruding organ. He looks like he loves it, as if it felt somewhat pleasurable to have something buried there. The look on his face is unmistakable; he is enamored with the feeling of that pulsing thing moving inside of him; eliciting another loud moan when the grey one pulls out.

But I feel something is of, it's too easy; why would the black dragon who was resisting a few minutes ago; who almost managed to break free was all of a sudden submitting to the raw pleasure of flesh; it didn't make sense… unless… unless he had something in mind. I observe with a closer attention to details, focusing on the submitted dragon's face. I quickly notice something odd; even though he seems to be delighted; to experience what looks like the best moment in his life his eyes aren't as hazy as the other dragon; as if he was still aware of what was happening and not driven by the desire to mate. When the grey one pulls almost completely out; exposing his slickened member to the crowd I see the other drake's expression shift, a wicked smile twisting his lips. I tense; something's coming. Suddenly the grey dragon let's out an ear-splitting yelps of pain; jumping back; away from the dragon he was mounting a second before, his cock hanging limply; drenched in a vermillion liquid; blood; more of it gushing from a large wound at the base of his endowment. I discover the black dragon's hind legs, his claws covered of blood. I smile; amused; it's a cunning one, using the group's pent-up lust to his advantage; what a brilliant idea… too bad it only worked on one of them. The grey one roars in anger; rage blazing in his eyes; saliva drooling from the corners of his maw. Under everyone's mocking gaze I see the enraged, blood thirsty creature lash out; craving to make the tricky black dragon pay; his claws digging in the now immobilized dragon's hide; tearing through scales and flesh until blood spews out from the wound. Yet the black one only cringes in pain; not leaving his mocking expression; taunting the other one even further.

The riders laugh loudly; just like everyone, except for one who looks very embarrassed; wearing a pained grimace on his face.

"Riders control your dragons!" Roars Ulrick angrily; the only one not enjoying the show.

"If you allow me you should allow them more time for mating." Shouted the black dragon with a huge malicious smile on his lips; accompanied by discreet nods of approval from the other dragons still holding him still; all signs of arousal gone from their faces and bodies.

"Silence!" yells Ulrick; his hands firmly gripping his sword's handle; ready to unsheathe it and punish the dragon himself.

In an instant the other dragons look more aggressive and tighten their grip on the black dragon. He is surprised as much as I; he looks around him, trying to find another way to escape but all dragons now have a tight grip around his limbs and keep a far from kind eye on him. The guards are forming a tight circle around him; preventing him from attempting anything. He is trapped; bound and helpless. Our eyes meet for nothing more than a second but it's enough for me to see the fear; the distress, the heart breaking plea for help in those eyes. He has run out of options; they're gonna torture him now if no one comes in and stop them. I could say he deserved it; steeling; murdering and making fools of the emperor's best; most powerful warriors yet… for reasons I can't explain I don't want this to happen. As if… as if I had some respect for him. Sadly… the only way to get him out of this situation would be either to know where he hid all the things he robbed or to…. I shiver; knowing the only option offering itself to me. I know what I have to do. I take a deep breath and take a first step forward; leaving the tightly packed crowd, then another, and another, my eyes glued to the dragon. In the back of my mind I hear the surprised mumbles of the terrified crowd; pairs of eyes turning to look at me instead as; one step after another I reach the center of the place; finding myself behind the curtain of soldiers. They turn to face me; apparently surprised to see me there. But when I take another step they don't stop me; even leaving me enough space to slip between them; allowing me closer than I could ever dream to be from a dragon. I stop; observing the magnificent creature from up-close. Their gazes fall onto me; piercing me. I feel exposed; displayed before them to judge me. I wait; shivering; heart thumping in my head; cold sweet running down my spine; trying to keep my breath slow and regular. A long minute passes by like this; under the heavy; solemn looks of the dragons until one nods approvingly; another waving at me to come closer. I feel relieved; bowing my head down before proceeding. I keep walking taking a rather large turn to avoid the prince and find myself face to face with the dragon.

Finally I reach him; I'm so close to him I can see every detail of his scales; their slickness; their blueish glitter in the sunlight; the quick rise and fall of his chest; the globes of sweat pearling on his forehead; his panicked deep blue eyes looking in all directions; the perfect curves of his sharp claws dangling uselessly at the tip of his toes; his ivory horns racking the stone with each twitch of his neck. From up close he looks even better; his scaled hide looks so inviting; so soft; so sensitive; I just want to extend a hand and touch them, feel them under my skin. I've been dreaming of this moment since I was a child with his head full of dreams and hopes and now… I had the opportunity to achieve that dream and my only wish is to indulge myself and rub that large snout a few inches away. I shiver in a mix of apprehension and excitement; I'm both so happy and impatient but in the meantime so afraid to do that one gesture; what if the dragon didn't want to be touched… he could just want to be left alone. Would he rip my arm of if I dared to caress him? I didn't know but… for some reasons I wasn't scared. I took a deep breath and slowly put a hand on his snout. The scales are warm; I feel the hot blasts of air from his nostrils. I shiver; happiness flowing in my veins; bringing warmth to my body. I can't believe I'm doing this; I'm touching a dragon. We observe each other without a word. I feel the tension in his muscles; the fear coursing through him; the evident rejection in his eyes mixed with an undeniable despair. I know if he could kick me away he would but I know as much as I'm sure he does that we have no other choice. I see a single tear form in the corner of is eyes before rolling on his scaled cheek. I extend my other hand; wiping it away; every fiber of my body trembling under the dragon's stare. Soon the reluctance turns to submission; to abandon. We close our eyes. I feel a sudden surge of warmth coming from my hand as if it had just caught fire while something powerful; a mighty alien thing press itself against my head. It was unlike everything I had felt before; it was as if someone was knocking at a door; a door in my head; asking for entrance. It was a strong thing; another being trying to enter my mind but not gently. I grimaced; trying to hold still and not break that unusual contact; afraid that if I pulled away there would be no second chance. If only I could open my mind to him and… make it easier. I tried to take deep breathes; thinking about relaxing things and; after what felt like ages the ghostly presence slipped behind the borders of my mind. I let out a low gasp; my eyes going wide as he penetrated my very soul; taking his ease inside; roaming around my head; learning all my memories; making them his. For a split second I felt violated; my entire life on display before him. I had no secrets left. I tried to contain the flood but he was way too powerful for me; his mere presence overpowering every attempt I had to stop him. Yet one detail was disturbing me; he could see everything inside my head but I hadn't gained access to his. Perhaps it's time to meet him in person. I try to concentrate; I focus my hardest; slowly discovering what I can only assume to be a bridge; a bridge leading to the unknown. I reach out for it. Brutally an invisible force wraps itself around me; pulling me straight in the darkness. At first I try to resist the attraction; pulling the other way with all my might… until I understand where the thing is trying to take me. I stop struggling; letting it drag me through the dark.

I shiver, finding myself in another place; in another reality; somewhere unknown; somewhere alien to me but a place that amazes me. I'm… I'm inside his head. I can't hold my emotions anymore; everything dumping in the newly forged bond. It's so… incredible; I feel him, I feel the beating of his heart; the strength in his muscles; the might hidden inside of him. I see every though; share in all his conflicting feelings as I'm certain he does to. It's like something is creating in my brain, a bond, a link to his mind as all the gates protecting our dearest secrets crumble. But something else is happening; jolts of pain bursting into my brain as the delight turns to fear. I feel like my hand is consuming; burning, devoured by flames. My head throbs with pain, my vision becomes a colorful blur; the heat in unbearable but I know I have to stand still and cope with the humongous suffering if I wish to complete that trial. When finally the scorching heat fades away I open my eyes to see the dragon crying silently, stream of light blue tears falling along his face. He seems in pain; defeated; dishonored. I feel his emotion pouring in my brain; hatred, rage, frustration, shame, despair, sorrow and regrets. He looks away hiding his face from me. I look down, staring at my own hand, more precisely at my palm. The skin there looks like it was badly burned but in an unusual way. Long deep black lines cross my pale skin; not looking like scabs but like actual skin, painted to the color of night. The twisted and at first glance meaningless curvy traces seem to form a symbol, I don't know what it is but it's meaning is obvious to me; it is the symbol of our bond. My heart swells with pride; I did it.

Sadly I sense something tugging at the back of my mind; bringing me back to the bitter reality. Before me, lying at my feet is the dragon; the other have let go of him and only observe the scene. Tears cascade from his eyes; low whimpers breaching his tightly shut maw. His sadness is more than I can take. Why is he crying like this? Is it my fault? Did I hurt him somehow?

I want to help him; to comfort him but freeze when I see is face shifting; his traits twisting to an expression of pure untamed anger and hate; his eyes blazing with the same deadly concoction.

"Don't you dare to touch me!" He hissed; baring his glistening fangs at me; his claws curling menacingly.

Scared, I run away, making my way through the puzzled crowd; leaving everything; the inhabitants, my friends, the guards, the prince and the dragons behind.

………

Watcher

Well… well… well… what do we have here? I ask myself as I observe the scene. From a rocky ridge overlooking the village I saw everything, every detail. A perfect position to spy on someone unnoticed. I had watched silently as the events unveiled before my eyes. From the ears of my minion I heard everything; his eyes became mine; offering me a first row seat of the show. I caught each word; saw each face in details. I heard the pointless questions of the human prince. "You will get nowhere with these." I chuckled to myself atop my perch. I witnessed the numerous questions turn to menaces. I delighted myself of the fear creeping over Kyo's face "Hmmm… I thought you were stronger than that Kyo… although it must be so painful." I whispered; noticing the symbol crowning the heated instrument; infused with magic; an ancient spell from another darer time. A sadistic smile twists my lips; I will finally get a chance to see one of these tortures with my own eyes. I heard it was a great show of pain and dishonor; not bloody but the cries of pain would make up for it.

Then I sensed it; an energy surge; foreign forces gathering in one point; in one being. "That's gonna be interesting." I let out; sitting in a better position. I am not disappointed; a wave of pure; untamed dark energy ravages the place; causing mayhem and chaos in the village; throwing everyone including my mindless drone away like pathetic plumes. "The darkness is strong within you Kyo… I knew I had made the right choice to not leave with the merchandises too early."

I savored each second; watching that cunning drake try to use the imperial dragon's lust "hmmm clever."

And in the end… I sigh… watching that young boy come closer; unstopped by anyone, left so close to the dragon there is no doubt in my mind about how it's gonna end. I wish; I hope with all my heart… if I had possessed one that Kyo would fight back; would make that silly human pay for his bold attempt but no; instead he prefers to give in; at the peak of despair and fear.

"Such stupidity… such weakness… binding yourself to one of those insignificant humans. You disappoint me Kyo… I expected a smarter move. I thought… I thought you would never submit to them. Oh well… I'm not about to complain; at least you made it easier for me. You doomed yourself my dear friend. You were already weak now you are as insignificant as the rest of them." I spit; leaning back on the rock; planning my next move.

………

Kyo

My body is on fire; a ragging inferno consuming my flesh; eating away my bones; devouring my mind in dark flames. My scales are heating up so much I'm afraid they could melt down on me; every inch of my flesh is feeling like it's been ripped apart, my bones seemingly breaking at the same time as if an invisible hand was trying to dismantle me. There is no part of my body that isn't aching but the worst is still my head. It's so… weird; my brains is blanking out; my thoughts dissolving in some sort of goo; my memories melting away; evading my grasp; vanishing; sucked away in some sort of vacuum; directly transferred to him. My body is convulsing; as if it to was rejecting that idea… not that idea… that reality. A first of many tears slipped from my eye, falling down my cheek as I noticed; in the back of my mind that they had let go of me. However it was stupid thinking I was free; freedom had been taken away from me forever; the word itself and its sacred meaning erased. I had become one of them but I couldn't stop asking myself as I watched the boy run away through the veil of tears a single question "Why did I do it?" I sobbed.

………

Allen

I stay outside the house; standing completely still on the irregular alley, hesitant to just open the old wooden door. How am I gonna explain him what I've just done? Hopefully he will already be drunk; so drunk he won't bother me for the rest of the day; more than enough to build a proper lie. My hand almost automatically finds the rusty handle and mechanically pulls it down. I open the door wide: listening to the complains of its hinges; only to find sitting in the living room, on the table before him a bottle of wine and a glass, of course. Surprisingly the glass his empty; the bottle closed and filled to the brim with the red liquid. He looks absorbed by what he is watching: a book, an old dusty; dog-eared book. What is it? I don't have the slightest clue but I don't care as long as he focuses on something other than me. I try to be as my usual self; calm and distant. I close the door and walk in.

"What happened to your hand?" He asks; throwing me a quick glance from over his book, his squinted eyes homed on my hand. I had covered it with a white bandage to hide the inerasable mark; hoping it would do the trick. "Nothing." I replied, throwing a quick glance at the thick fabric wrapped around my hand; cursing the skies that he wasn't drunk for once. "You harmed yourself?"

"Yes but don't worry it's only a scratch." I let out.

"Let me see that would you." He commanded, keeping his eyes on me, his brows furrowed. I tensed; was he suspecting something? Did he know? How could he?

"I tell you it's nothing." I stated, trying to not show my doubts.

He bit his lips; shook his head but said nothing more; diving back in his book. I headed for my room but to do so I had to pass near him. With each step I felt my heart pounding in my chest; sweat wetting my back while I tried to keep him in sight. When I walked next to him he didn't say a word. I threw a sneaky glance over his shoulder, reading a line of the book he was holding. It was an old book filled with legends and tales my mother used to count me when I was a child. I felt a nostalgic smile curl my lips; these were good times. Suddenly; without warning he gets up, the chair noisily falling on the ground. With a speed and agility I didn't think he possessed he forcefully grabbed my hand. I tried to pull away but he was holding me with a firm grip. The bandage fell to the ground in a long cottony snake. When he discovers the black mark I see his face loose composure; his large meaty fingers caressing the intertwined lines. Fear crawls over me as I try to find a way out even though I know it's useless at this point. I sense the coming blow and intercept his hand as he tries to slap me in the face. He doesn't punch me often, only when the punishment requires it but I always feared it. Yet… how did I just sense it? How could I be so quick to catch his hand and even more, hold it still? Does that come from the dragon, from the bond linking me to him?

"What have you done!?" He roars in anger, bringing me back to reality. "I told you to stay away from dragons and you… you just bonded yourself to one of these damn beasts!"

"I… did what I thought was right." I retorted. "Whatever!" "They were about to torture him!" "He deserved it… just like the rest of his wicked kind." "How can you say that? Beside it doesn't change a damn thing!" I yelled, as equally angry as he was. Why was he so vehement toward dragons? I mean I knew mother was murdered by one but his hatred toward the majestic beasts seemed older than just that.

"Silence! You have no idea of the gravity of what you've just done." He spat; his face twisted by a snarl of disgust and hatred; an expression I wished to erase from his face with my fists if I had to.

"What do you mean?" I still asked, trying to understand what he just said. "Do you even know what it means to do things… like what you just did?" he shouted; tightening his grip on my marked hand. "Dragons aren't toys, neither slaves that will bow and obey to your desires. They are animals with their own twisted minds guided by carnal lust. Do you have any ideas of the implications of bonding to one of these flying devils?"

"No…. And how can you know?" I gasped; feeling so close to the untold truth, to a secret my father had kept for years. My guts were screaming at me that something of primary importance was about to happen. I kept my eyes glued to his. With only a grunt he let go of my hand. I stay silent, waiting for an explanation that was taking too long to come.

Without a word he brutally lifts his right hand, showing me his palm. I stare blankly, my jaw dropping but no word managing to come out from my mouth. The sight I am met with is… incredible, impossible. It can't be… or are my eyes playing tricks to me? I have no experience but I rather easily recognize the mark of a dragon spreading over my father's wrinkled skin, a light blue colored symbol but almost completely erased.

"You…." I stammer; incapable to form coherent sentences. My legs feel wobbly and weak under me. I put a hand on the table to keep my balance; feeling on the verge of fainting… or just falling flat on the floor.

"I was… long ago." He sighed, sadness from past painful memories darkening his face. "Why you never told me…?" "I had my reasons." He eluded "beside it is not the kind of memories you would share with others; even more with an unconscious little child like you. They are far from happy memories Allen." He let out, tremors of sorrow filling his voice.

"When?" I enquired, my hands trembling uncontrollably.

"So long ago… before I met your mother; when I was a teenager just like you; back when I was young, bold and reckless; when I was dreaming of seeing the world and get out of that crappy village." "Tell me… please…!" I beg, tears filling my eyes. "Fine." He sighed, defeated.

After grabbing his chair he sits again; crossing his fingers before his face while his serious eyes scrutinize me.

"Like you I chose to be a dragon rider, I participated in a tournament; a bloody competition to try and find worthy fighters. I managed to climb my way to the top rank and proceeded to the next stage of combat. I ended up in the emperor's arena at the capital. I fought against countless men as enraged and willing to show they were the strongest as I was. Dragons and human warriors were observing each of our fights, analyzing us in deep to try and pick the right ones for bonding. I had to go through a long, harsh and painful training to just earn the right to approach the dragons. It took me so many years of battling and proving myself deserving that I lost count but finally I obtained the right to have my own dragon; that year only five of us succeeded in that bloody cursed test."

"How do you do this?" I mumbled, drinking every word like a holy beverage. "I mean… how do you choose a dragon?"

"It depends but it doesn't happen like it did for you; we didn't have our words to say in the selection; dragons did; they decided with whom they'd share their gift. Sometimes you could find yourself linked to a hatchling who decided to hatch for you, or more often you ended up with a more or less young drake." He explained.

"You said drake…. You mean…" I interrogated, surprised by the detail I had caught. "They only use male dragons for this. They prefer to keep females for breeding and ensuring the prosperity of the specie."

"It makes sense I guess." I whispered, taking a seat in front of him.

"However I had the great honor to be chosen by one of the few females allowed to battle." He let out; a wide dreamy smile stretching on his lips; but it only lasted an instant. "Really?!" I gasp.

"Yep… when I entered the room where the bonding ceremony took place I was enthusiastic but also so scared. I stood before many dragons of different ages; sizes; of various shapes and color but nothing happened. I put my hands on so many eggshells I grew used to the contact but each time nothing happened. I was starting to fear no dragon would want me; I prayed all the gods I knew for… well I don't know; a miracle of some sort. I was getting so pissed of at the dragons; I was about to leave the place and speak out loud what I had on my heart when I noticed her. She was… gorgeous; a beauty like no other. When my eyes fell on her I felt all my feelings become meaningless; subside, leaving me staring at her beautiful frame. Her eyes felt on me; our gazes met for a second but it was more than enough to send electric shock in my body. She lowered her snout to my level and I put my hand on her scales and we bonded together… for eternity and beyond." He counted; a lone tear slithering on his cheek "I was so proud at the time. Everyone kept telling me females were weak fighters; that she would never be able to battle like the strong and mighty males; that her heat would be a problem I wouldn't be able to handle; that she would rather raise her tail for a male rather than tear him apart. They were so wrong. You should have seen her…. She was so beautiful…. Blue scales like precious gems… so graceful… and her eyes; so deep I felt like drowning inside them each time I observed her. And it wasn't all… she was a deadly beauty; one to not underestimate; in the middle of a fight she was a real winged devil, fast, powerful, intelligent and deadly, a fury even ready to castrate another dragon if it could force him to surrender. She wasn't afraid to battle; neither to execute one fellow dragon if it was an enemy; even less to dive head first in the heart of battle. Other dragons; mostly males; learned to fear her; to treat her with respect and to acknowledge her skills in combat. To give you an idea she was even fiercer than most males and loved the thrill of combat more than anything. Although she was also a really nice company out of the battlefield; someone I would spend days with without a second thought even if it meant just lying somewhere and observe the sky or fly for endless hours on her back. With her I felt so close to the real feeling of happiness. Fighting with her at my side was a magic experience I never felt again afterward." As he talked I saw stars shine in his eyes, happiness from bygone days warming his face, mixed with sadness. "But sadly I lost her." "Oh… I'm sorry… how did it happen?" "She died in the greatest battle I was involved in. We fought against thousands of enemies. The ground was drenched in blood, fires were burning everywhere, thick black smoke filled the skies. We were battling against what was called at the time the north realms alliance. Entire legions of dragons, humans, dwarfs, ice giants and other creatures I had never seen before. They had strong warriors and powerful mages castings deadly spells on us. In the skies it was a real mess. They were superior in number but we were winning at one against ten dragons, Wyverns and Gryphons. We fought with honor, taking down any opponent without killing them. But… sadly… we were attacked by surprise by an unidentified creature… she was injured… badly injured and I couldn't heal her. We crashed into the ground. I was thrown away; knocked out. I remained unconscious for maybe a minute or two but when I woke up it was too late. What I saw I will never forget and I'll bring that horrible scene with me in my grave." He stopped; crying silently; holding the old book with all his might. "Dad; please tell me what you saw." I pleaded; not realizing I had just been affectionate with him for the first time in years. He kept silence for a long minute; looking at the cover of his book before he resumed talking; not looking at me anymore.

"I was sort of sitting against a rock and she… she was here; a few feet away from me but she wasn't alone. There was someone… or rather something else. It… I don't know how to describe it; it looked like a dragon; was walking on all fours; had scales, wings, claws, fangs it had all the attributes of a young male dragon but my guts… my guts were telling me otherwise. His eyes were of an unusual orange color; the color of lava and his face was twisted with a sadistic grimace. He had blood on his claws and splashes of fresh blood everywhere like every living person scattered on the battlefield but there was something odd with him, darkness was pouring out of him. He was on her, pinning her down, his maw around her neck. At first I thought he had already killed her but soon I saw what he was really doing. He was brutally and savagely raping her." "The bastard!" I roared; slamming my fist in the table; making the red wine shiver in its bottle.

"A good choice of word." He let out, fists balled, anger boiling inside him, revived by the old painful memories.

"And after?" "When he was satisfied he pulled his dirty, filthy cock out of her, a satisfied grin on his black face. His lava orange eyes glowing as he watched her. He approached his snout of hers. He licked her almost kindly. I hoped he would leave her, or maybe stay with her and… I don't know… help her. It was stupid I know but I really hoped he wouldn't hurt her any further. But this son of a bitch had other plans in mind. He killed her coldly, biting her in the throat, before letting her there, bleeding badly; dying in front of me. I felt everything, her pain, her fear, her sadness. I wanted to help her in all the ways I could, but at the same time I wanted to have my revenge, to kill this bastard. He wasn't even far from me. I tried to get up, to grab my sword and plunge it in his vile entrails; to spill his cursed blood on the ground and avenge my fallen dragoness but something slammed in my stomach and threw me back against the rock. I saw the heavy paw of a massive black dragon. He was completely black, even his eyes were made of the same darkness. Around him was a slightly glowing dark aura of energy. I trough he was going to slay me but instead he just said "Stay here human… there is nothing you can do." We watched in silence has she died, drowning in her own blood. Her pain was being transferred to me in full force; I couldn't stop crying, screaming, my body convulsing in suffering; my sight was becoming a blur, my brain going slack. "I'm sorry… really sorry…. It will be very painful." was the last thing he told me before knocking me out. When I woke up again everything was over. There was no sound to be heard. I was alone near the body of my dead dragoness covered in ashes. I stayed with her for hours. Finally I left this damned place, leaving her, my sword and armor behind. I didn't come back to the place where the dragon riders lived and I promised myself to never go back there anymore; it was bringing back too many bad and painful memories. So I walked back to where I came from and kept my stories for myself… until today." "Damn… that's a really sad story… I didn't know you went through all that." "How could you? Do you see now why I wanted you to keep your distances with dragons?" "I understand but…."

Someone knocked at the door; cutting me in mid-sentence. Surprised we share a wondering look. "You're waiting someone?" Enquired my father. "No…". We get up and; after a moment of hesitation open the door. We freeze in shock as we discover what awaits us behind. In front of us stands the prince Ulrick who looks kind of pissed off, frustrated as if his plans had been disturbed. Behind him are all the soldiers, dragon and their riders, and, in the middle of them the black dragon. He is chained and looks sad. When I try to look at him it's to find him avoiding eye contact.

"What do you want?" Asks my father on the defensive. "Well just give your son what he rightfully deserves. After all he earned the right to keep this dragon." Replied Ulrick, stepping aside; pointing at the black and blue dragon who's face is still wearing the stigmas of his captivity, his eyes looking empty and his scales seem to have lost their natural shininess.

At his words one of the soldier steps forward and hands my father the chain attached to the dragon. Without hesitation he grabbed the chain; pulling at it slightly until the dragon comes forward; head, wings and tail hanging low.

They talk for a brief moment; discussing of pointless matters: the prince asking countless questions to which my father replied with short and harsh sentences. It went on and on until Ulrick declared; shifting his attention to me "Young man if you wish to be properly trained with this untamed beast I would greatly advise you to join us and be taught everything you must know about dragons and how to handle them. Or you can ask your father; I'm certain he will gladly share his knowledges with you." As he spoke I felt the tension in the air rise up. "Yes I know who you are and what you have done for us." He let out; staring intently at my father "We never lost track of you; we know what you've been through and we respect your choice but I hope it won't come in the way of your son's training otherwise I fear you might have to face another… painful loss."

My father said nothing; his face as expressionless as a brick, a tough wall hiding his emotions although I could see his fingers were clenched around the chain. "I guess that means you won't come with us? Am I right?" he asked in a honeyed tone. I nodded my head negatively; too shy to speak.

"Very well then I think our paths separate from here. I wish you luck young man with your dragon and I hope to meet you again shortly." "We'll see about that" grunted my father; not leaving me time to open my mouth. "Farewell then." Sighed the prince; turning around, climbing on his horse waiting at the end of our alley. With a last glance in our direction they leave, the long convoy of horses and armored men leaving by the road while the dragons soar into the sky; offering us the magic sight of their flight.

"Well then… I guess we'll have to find a place for him." Tiredly let out my father; reaching out to gently rub the dragon's scales. Immediately the deep blue eyes light up; darted at him with a menacing glint; a deep growl humming in the dragon's throat.

"I think he dislikes." I gasp; taking a step back.

"Are you sure of that?" he replied; chuckling to himself maliciously; his fingers expertly going over the slick scales "The first thing you'll have to learn is to not be afraid by him." "I'm not!" "Allen there is no shame in admitting it; I was terrified the first time as well; but behind their impenetrable scales and aggressive behaviors dragons are kind-hearted, intelligent and ingenious creatures."

At this precise moment, as if to prove him wrong the dragon lowers his head down, fangs barred, glistening with saliva, the same thick substance dripping from his chin. But his expression abruptly changes when my father start to rub him near the tip of his snout. His angry growls become gentle purrs as his eyes widen in surprise; as if even him was impressed.

"You know how to proceed with dragon!" I shout with obvious respect; relieved to see the dragon calming down, sensing the same satisfaction traveling in our bond. "Dragons are identical in some points, they all like rubs; you just have to find the right place where to touch." Explained my father, keeping his ministration up, wiggling his fingers around; listening to the pitch and intensity of the dragon's purring.

To my own surprise he; my dragon nodded in approval; savoring the attention a bit longer before pulling his head away; remaining far out of reach.

"Well, let's see what you're made of." Let out my father, handing me the chain I grabbed with shaking hands; while he began circling around the dragon. "Hmmm… impressive muscles, sharp claws, good light reflection on the scales… powerful wings made for long flight at high altitude." He muttered under his breath, prodding at the dragon's hide, testing the toughness of his scales; the might of his muscles, letting his finger slide along the long claws; even extending a hand to touch at the wing folded against the dragon's side; causing the tall beast to shiver; his wings instinctively fluttering. Suddenly, without warning he punched the dragon, earning an annoyed growl. When for the second time the dragon's head came down close enough he grabbed it and yanked it closer, holding the resisting and squirming beast with unimaginable strength; his hands pressing at precise points until the dragon complied and opened his maw wide. "Teeth… ok in a good state." He commented; poking one of the sharp fangs without fear "although you could use a good teeth brushing here; you reek of rotten meat" he grumbled, letting go of the dragon's head. "Now the hard part." He added, cracking all his fingers. "Let's have a look at your gender." "Hold on what did you just say?" I gasp; letting go of the chain. I expect the dragon to use that opportunity to try to escape but he stays still. "I said it should be appropriate to know what gender is the dragon you've been bonded to." "Does it change anything?" I mumbled. "It does." "You said that only male dragons are used for bonding." "Yes but in a controlled environment; you however bonded with a wild one; and from what the prince told us earlier I'm even less sure of what my eyes show me." I nodded; recalling perfectly what the prince warned us about. "In all honesty you should be careful with that one; he is a really cunning and crafty type; don't let appearances fool you." I suppose that's what he meant. "Well… he had a pretty deep voice when he spoke so I'd say he's male." "He could be using magic to deceive us." "And not use it to heal him? Sounds quite incoherent to me." "I sensed the strength in the blast of energy he unleashed; he is no weak dragon. I suppose he preferred to save his energy for other purposes." We listened; I and the dragon; drinking his thoughtful words even though the more he spoke the more I noticed my dragon's lips pinch in a look of skepticism; as if he doubted. "For me there is only one way to find out so let's get it to it shall we. Also it will allow me to teach you some important things about dragons.". At his words he steps closer; letting his hand caress the dragon's scales; the two blue eyes following him. I watch as my father vanishes underneath the dragon's blue belly, the beast twisting its sinuous neck to keep a close eye on him; a hint of worry peaking in his gaze. I tensed; tightening my grip on the chain, fearing the worst. My father casually walked between the dragon's hind legs, looking up at a dark place almost invisible to the eye. The dragon seemed uncomfortable; embarrassed by the presence of someone else near that very place, his claws nervously racking the ground, his teeth gritting together noisily, his tail anxiously swishing from side to side. His mind was sending me so many confusing emotions I had trouble withstanding the flow; a mix of dread, fear, embarrassment and shyness leaking into my head. My father stopped his eyes glued to the dragon's underbelly. I step aside; trying to get a better angle; discovering in a light reflection a rift in the dragon's scales; a dark crevice breaking the blue of his belly. "What's that?" "That my son is a slit." Replied my father, pointing at the so called slit. I took a step forward; trying to get a better view. It was a long vertical crack where scales seemed to become suppler and squishier; almost looking like flesh; the whole thing coated in a thin layer of dampness. "And what does it tells us?" I enquired; coming even closer; catching a strong musky fragrance. "Nothing much right now…" he grumbled; pinching his nose "aside from the fact that it stinks quite badly here." "That much?" "Come closer and tell me." I didn't have to go much closer; a blast of thick musk-filled air struck me right in the face; my nose twitching as my guts twisted. I felt like I would throw up as I stuttered backward; the air intoxicating around the dragon; an overwhelmingly disgusting stench emanating from him. "What's that? It stinks?!" "That's a dragon's natural musk but I have to admit this one reeks quite heavily; not sure of what exactly but he really smells bad." The dragon let out a deep growl; baring his teeth; looking offended by our comments. "So… what do you see from there?" "Nothing." Answered my father "but tell me do you have any guesses?" "Hmmm… I'd say he is female." "Why?" "Well… the slit and all that… look female to me." The next thing I knew was that the dragon had shifted his focus to me; staring at me with an expression of utter shock and disbelief. He didn't have to talk to make me understand what he meant. "Hehe a beginner mistake" chuckled my father "Most dragons have everything hidden and protected under their thick scales; males and females look the same from an inexperienced eye." "So how do you make the difference?" "Firstly the smell; or you have to get your hands dirty." "What?" "Just watch and learn…"

Before my amazed eyes I see my father raise his hands, touching the scales around the wet area; patting and fondling them. The dragon tenses; stiffening a strange noise; his eyes looking somewhere else. Am I seeing things or is his face turning red? Between his hind legs my father is slowly closing in on the slit; the strange rift puffing up, heavy globes of a clear liquid slipping between the swollen lips; dripping on the grass below. "That's gross!" "It's nothing but a natural lubricant; the only downside is that it's sticky like hell" grumbled my father, massaging the puffy lips; drawing a sound that sounded like a moan from the dragon's parted maw. "Hehe I think he likes it." "Yes he does…" I mumbled; blushing; the beast's pleasure filling the stream of his thought; overshadowing the rest. If there was something I didn't want to share that was just it. "Here we go…" whispered my father; parting the slit, exposing the red pulsing flesh of the vent behind. A blast of virile dragon musk filled the air; causing me to cringe as I took another step back. "Do you see anything?" "Nope… guess I'll have to… help a bit." "Help?" This time he didn't answer; letting go of the dragon's slit; the beast looking relieved, panting slightly.

Yet the next instant he was squeaking in surprise; arching his back as his claws sank in the dirt while my father kneaded and rubbed the slit; causing the large beast to buck his hips forward in excitement; that same thick musky substance pouring from the depth of his vent; soaking his slit and my father's hands in a slimy warmth. He gritted his teeth and focused on the slit ahead of him; the dragon shuddering under the ministration; the skillful hands sending shudders of delight down his spine; his swollen slit visibly twitching eagerly; his tongue lolling out on the side of his lower jaw; his half-lidded eyes staring blankly at the sky. However I could feel he was trying to fight the lust threatening to take over him; his tail slamming in the ground as he let out a long moan. "It has begun…" warned my father; doubling his efforts. The dragon finally seemed to realize what we were trying to do; my father trying with all his might, using all the techniques he knew to coax something out of his slit. His eyes widened; his entire frame trembled as his maw opened and closed like the one of a fish out of water; low growls humming in his throat; weak protests that fell on deaf ears. "Almost there." grunted the old man; waving at the parting slit; that same musky secretion streaming out of the now displayed opening. The dragon above let out another moan; thrusting forward; almost throwing my father off-balance; his muscles tensing; his back arching, his claws tearing through the dirt and grass with ease; his neck craned upward. A mighty roar rose in the silent village; the ground shaking; every fiber of my being trembling in both fear and admiration. That was a sound that imposed respect. "Wow that was one hell of a roar…" I mumbled; staring at the beast right in the eyes.

All of a sudden however everything dropped down, his snout hanging low as his broad wings fell down to hide something from my view; something extremely embarrassing judging by all the shame coursing through the link; accompanied by something I assumed were pleas; pleas for me to not look at him… and also I noticed his scaled cheeks had turned a bright crimson red. "Oh look at that; he is kinda cute like this." I let out; risking a hand forward; getting as my only answer a menacing growl; a growl that quickly turned into small gasp. "It's a male! A quite well endowed one." Shouted my father; lifting a membranous wing.

"What do you mean by… well endowed?" I ask; becoming as red as the dragon still staring at me. Is it me or did I feel him mocking me?

"Como closer and look by yourself." Mysteriously replied my father; inviting me closer. Obeying I drop the chain and, after a long deep breath and under the heavy glare of the male dragon.

My father is waiting for me; holding the wing up. I freeze; apprehending what I will find beneath the scaly belly. "Come on don't be shy; if he is to be your dragon you will have to know him in deep." "I'm not sure that's a part of him I want to know." I spat; grimacing in disgust, the strong scent of his arousal waffling at my nose. "You don't have much of a choice Allen; dragons can be really needy and there are not many ways to deal with it when there is no other dragon around so the more you know on their genitals the better for you." "Fine…" I sighed.

I joined him under the dragon; enjoying the sweet warmth radiating from his scales. "Holy shit is that?" "Yes it is." I stood there speechless; incapable to make a single noise, a finger pointed at what laid before my shocked eyes; my mind blanking, unprepared to the sight. I took a step back, bumping against a hind leg; witnessing what could easily be the biggest cock I had seen in my entire life and by far; nothing came close to what my eyes showed me: it was a long and thick spire of inky black flesh which total length was still undetermined as it was still growing; spilling from its protective vent. The thing was throbbing; slapping against his belly as it hardened; more coming out from his slit as if his cock was endless. I gulped down; paralyzed by the mere sight of a dragon's maleness. It had no equivalent; a massive pole ridged on almost all its length except for the tapered tip which was crowned by fleshy barbs; the same clear liquid as before squirting from a tiny slit on the tip. The whole length seemed to glisten in the faint light; coated in a good amount of lubricant that produced that same intoxicating scent that was his musk. Soon however the entire shaft was exposed the base thicker than the rest, gifted with what looks like the outline of a knot; the bulbs on either side of his cock already engorging with fresh blood. I can only imagine but I'm sure that once this thing is fully grown is must be truly massive. How can all of that fit in his slit? I can't stop asking myself this question; from where I stand it looks to be about a foot long and thick enough to make any other animal blush.

"I've seen dragon cocks before but this one is freaking huge; even more for a dragon of his age." Let out my father with an impressed whistle; interrupting me in my thoughts. "What… what did you say? How old is he?" I stammered. "It's hard to tell… he is sexually mature but still pretty young. For me he may be as old as you." "Really?" "Yep… although…" "Although what?" I grunted; tired and frustrated to see the full extent of his knowledge on dragons. "Well for a dragon of this age he is very used to have some fun with… other males." He grumbled; stopping on each word. "What do you mean by having fun?" I gasped; incapable to detach my eyes from the dragon's throbbing tool; beads of that same aqueous liquid gathering on the tip before leaking down the pulsing shaft. "Don't be stupid Allen you know exactly what I'm talking about." I gulped down trying not to imagine it. I had heard and seen two animals of the same gender breed each other in order to relieve the pent-up seed building up inside them after days; maybe week of dealing with that burden; I had no ideas dragons were subjects to that same kind of urges; even less that they could find some pleasure doing it. Would it be something to worry about? I didn't know but I was apprehending it. "Are you serious?! I mean… how can you tell that?" I mumbled; scratching the back of my head; finally managing to turn my eyes away from the throbbing pole smothered in its potent secretions. "Well you saw how he reacted to my touch." "I bet you just know approximately where his sweet spots are?" "I do but he was especially receptive; guess that one has been holding back for days at least." He let it, nodding in the direction of the dragon's maleness still eager and standing at full mast. In the back of my mind I felt a shift in the stream of shared thoughts and emotion; as if he was agreeing; confirming my father's guess. "Also… I noticed something while I was over there." whispered the old man. "What was it?" "Something that confirms what I already told you." "And what is that thing?" "Follow me" was his only answer as he stepped closer to the dragon; avoiding the pulsing and squirting phallus to find himself behind the dragon. "It's right here." He explained; pointing at something hidden in the darkness. But even with my eyes squinted I cannot see it; not distinguishing a damn thing in that sea of dark blue scales. "Can't see anything." "Come closer and have a look; come on don't be afraid; it doesn't bite."

I join my father under the dragon's thick tail.

"Look up." He orders me. I obeyed; staring at the dragon's backside; lips twitching in skepticism and doubt. What am I supposed to see? There are only scales… and more scales… and something else; hidden amongst the scales; a small puckered entrance. Oh gosh don't tell me it's what I think it is. "You see that hole under his tail? Then watch it closely." "I see… but what am I supposed to see? Besides what am I even looking at?" "That is what dragons call a tailhole. I suppose I don't have to explain you what it is for?" "No thanks." I did as asked and observe the pink puckered entrance, the exposed flesh a rather clear pink shade looks a bit loosen and…squinting my eyes I focus harder. I can see, peaking like a sore thumb in the magnificent blue scales of his backside some small white traces; they are not scars no, more like stains on his scales.

"Is that?" I gasped, grossed, turning away. "Dragon semen" confirmed my father with a wry smile.

"Damn dragons are dirtier than I thought!" I yelled, stepping aside, keeping my gaze low, finding a much better sight in his long, sharp ivory claws.

"Don't judge them without knowing. Males produce a lot of semen but have really rare occasion to spill it inside a female." Retorted my father, patting the dragon's scales with an understanding… even compassionate look on his face. "Seriously?"

"Yep; you see females are very fertile and one mating at the right moment is enough to impregnate one and it takes a long time for them to lay their clutch of eggs and to raise their younglings. As you can imagine during this time they aren't interested in any kind of sexual intercourse however the males are still eager and ready to go at it." "I see." I mumbled, distractedly listening, my eyes going back to the twitching pole spurting large globes of that same musk-addled substance on the ground, forming a growing puddle between my dragon's hindlegs.

"In consequence males; when they find no female willing to mate with them become easily frustrated; full of pent up seed that they need to relieve; this burden making them hornier… and more aggressive, reckless even, craving for release" continued my father, his hand skillfully going over my dragon's scales, coaxing low purrs from the tall beast.

"That's why they…. I can't believe it…." I retched "When females deny them this right they have no choice, either to… well masturbate as humans do… well more than humans… quite a lot of it in fact;" admitted my father "or… they can do it with fellow males." "You know those things pretty well."

"I had plenty of opportunities to observe mating dragons and it helped me to better understand them."

He stopped; his gaze looking at an invisible point. He remains silent, his face a cold ice block but I know he wants to say something else but seams like he is searching the correct words. "There are also females' heat cycles to take into account and they are a real problem." He sighed, nodding to himself with a knowing smile floating on his lips. "Can you be a bit more precise?" "Sure; during heat periods every dragon becomes a real sex craving beast." "I imagine." I whispered, trying not to imagine the scene. "The best way to end it quickly it to… well I think you can guess what to do." He chuckled, throwing me a smile that meant you're in for a lot of troubles. "You mean I'll have to…" I gasped; horrified, eyes going wide, my jaw dropping in shock. "Help him release." He confirmed. "I think I'm gonna throw up." I mumbled, stuttering in shock from the prospect.

"Relax with a male you don't have to do much; he will be so aroused than only a few touches at the right place should do the trick just fine." Sighed my father; apparently amused by my disgust; his mocking eyes saying should have thought about that before bonding with this dragon. "Where exactly?" I questioned, blushing from my own curiosity. If there was one thing I didn't expect to ask to someone it was how to jerk off a dragon.

"Those ridges are very sensitive, but the best place to stimulate them is the head of their dick," explained my father in a knowing, professional tone before touching the said spots, careless that he was doing this to a creature at least twice bigger than him "however the very best, the think that is guaranteed to make him cum is to squeeze their knot" he added with a mischievous smile, pressing with both hands on the inflated bulb, making the dragon moan in pleasure as a heavy glob of clear liquid spurted from his spasming cock, splattering on the ground. "You see; just like that and he is already well on his way to orgasm." "Is that…?" I gasped, staring at the copious amount of clear fluid streaming from his bloated member, making a mess of the ground. "Semen? No only pre-ejaculate; it's some lube if you wish." "Oh… I think I'm starting to understand." I whispered, assimilating the new knowledge.

I observe what I could call now my dragon, proud yet scared; happy but also terrified; excited and in the meantime grossed out by the creature I was now linked to for the rest of my life. A strong manly scent waffled at my nose, forcing me to cover my face with a hand. I don't have to look far to find the source of that stench, the dragon's musk is filling the air. Only now realize he his still erect and dripping heavily, his knot looking fully inflated; his shaft throbbing, bloated with what I suppose can only be his seed.

"Shall we… help him?" I shyly enquired, gulping down my stomach clenching in disgust.

"No! Don't touch it." Ordered a deep voice.

At first I thought it was my father who spoke until I saw the two reptilian blue eyes glaring down at me.

………

Kyo:

I feel bad, dizzy, like I'm going to throw up, the world spinning before my blurry eyes; all strength abandoning me as I lie there, weakened and powerless. Everything looks so strange now, so different; it's like a new world opened itself before me. I feel him… his mind in the depth of mine, attached to mine for eternity. Tears build up in my eyes as the stench of something burned reached my nostrils. It's done… done…. No way back; my brain disconnecting, my thoughts; my beliefs, my dreams and fears crumbling, melting, merging in a magma of incoherent thought. An infinity of new things displayed itself before my yes yet I didn't want to see it. I should feel at least a bit of happiness, I won't be marked and enslaved; maybe… maybe I'll even be able to finish my job… hopefully; yet my heart is filled with a burning anger, an anger so powerful it dominates everything; sorrow and regrets surging within me; overpowering my senses; quickly turning in an all-consuming hatred.

I look up; he is still there, staring at his hand where I know my mark has been imprinted on his skin. I can't stop crying, sobbing noisily, cursing myself for doing what I just did. I sense a shift in my head; an emotion I didn't expect; care; worry. His presence closes in, and even through the veil of tears blocking my eyes I can see him coming closer. I deny him the right to touch me, baring my fangs menacingly at him and, as he runs away I just want to rip him apart although I would gladly enjoy some affection and comfort in my current situation. I just want to burry myself in a hole and die; die and forget that awful day, erasing the shame of my decision.

"You will find ways to deal with it. It's always a bit weird at the beginning; you'll just need some time to adapt to it." Try to explain one of the dragon but I don't ear them and I don't want to listen to them although they are trying to help me.

"I shouldn't have done this." I cry out in despair; hiding my face behind a wing, salty tears streaming down my cheeks; powerful sobs shaking my whole being.

Low laughter come to my ears; breaking the constant blabbers around me. I tense; glaring at the one who dares to make fun of me; a tall dragon dressed in blazing crimson red scales.

"What's so funny?" I hissed; wishing to shred his face and erase that smile for good.

"Just like the prince said you had the choice my friend… and you chose." He chuckled; soon joined by the others in their sniggers.

I glare at them; my blood boiling with the desire to rip them apart; to hear them choke on their own blood; to fly away, far away, forget all about this day and just die. Unfortunately I can't, chained like I am to that human… the mere thought of him makes me want to throw up. So I only claw at the ground in anger; my tail slamming in the dirt while I bite down on my own tongue, blood gushing out in my maw but I don't care; at least they won't get the pleasure of hearing me cry.

After a moment they lift me up and chain me again. At least this pretty ridiculous man in his gold armor is really having death wishes now; his face contorted in anger and frustration; hat's a good point for me. They drag me around the village as if they were offering me some sort of tour. When they bring me to this poor small home I wonder if I made a good choice; it looks so ridiculous, so miserable; so blighted I wonder how it can still be standing. They knocked at the door; waiting until someone opened. Standing in the entrance were the young human I was now stuck with and an older man with a rather red face; reeking of alcohol and stinking quite badly; as if he didn't bath in years. After a short talk I didn't care much about my chain is handed to the trembling young human.

When they left, abandoning me with the one I'll have to call my rider I feel desperation crashing down on me. I throw a quick look around, analyzing my new "home" noticing the small field attached to the property along with an as tiny garden, a few rusty tools stacked on a rack; a pile of freshly cut wood. MY gaze wandered around, scrutinizing the old wooden house, the worm-eaten planks held together by rusty nails, the roof slates falling apart; large cobwebs spreading across the windows displaying a rather crude interior; small cramped rooms; rugged yet simple furniture; not much decoration aside from some old books and a few irrelevant pictures. But soon I was brought back to reality; my scales tingling, sensing a strange contact; the human old man, probably his father started to touch me, rub me all over. It feels surprisingly good but I don't want it… not now. I glare at him straight in the eyes and growl; trying to make him back away. Unfortunately for me he held my look, continuing his ministration scratching all the itches out of my hide, making me shudder in unwanted delight, his old raspy battered hands feeling astonishingly good on me, coaxing purrs and shudders from me. Curse humans and their soft hands I thought. As he kept going; fondling my hide with an apparently experted hand I realized he know dragons very well, knowing exactly where to rub to make me purr against my will. He even knows how to arouse and pleasure me. I couldn't stop moaning when his hands were playing with my slit; kneading and massaging my flesh until my cock came out; parting my slit wide to tease at my vent, making me even wetter than I already was. I had never thought my slit could be so sensitive… and even more receptive to this kind of stimulation. It… it even felt good… it's hard to admit but it was undeniably pleasant to have him taking care of my needs. What am I saying? I shake my head in disbelief; astonished by my own reaction.

Yet I can't hide the fact that I loved this, my body betraying me, my cock fully hard; jutting from my slit, spurting precum between my legs is there to remind me of it. However, as I try to fight the growing urge to mate and prevent any kind of feeling to seep in the newly forged bond one question remains; coming back to me all the time; burning my lips like a ragging fire. Was he a rider before? It would explain the scent on him; that faint, almost imperceptible fragrance sticking to him and would make his impressive knowledge about my kind more logical. While I'm still pondering on that matter they snuck under me; the father explaining many things to his son; things I only give little interest. I froze; my whole body quaking, heat rushing to my face; shame filling my mind. I only wish to cover what they have unveiled; a part of my life I would rather have kept secret. This old human definitely had some interactions with dragons in the past; he even found out I liked males; and quite a lot in fact.

But, still too angry and embarrassed to admire his observation skill I can't bear to have them toying with my body like that and being unsheathed in plain view before their eyes feels so embarrassing… although the human boy looks quite amazed; a sliver of pride bringing warmth to my heart. Finally when I hear the younger one suggest they should make me cum it's enough; my body begs me to say yes but my mind, boiling in anger screams no.

Thankfully they don't argue and leave me with my hard needy cock bouncing in the air, and just guide me to another large empty spot near the house between apparently the kid's room and the fence; so large in fact I can lie there and stretch around a bit. They push away all the garbage that was there, remove the chains tying me up, not afraid I could just fly away and leave me alone, going back to the house. I throw a quick glance around; glaring hatefully at everything I lay eye upon, flap my wings a few times to remove the numbness in them, stretch a bit, feeling my painful joints crack then just lie in the grass, curling in the tightest ball I can manage, whining in pain when my injuries remind themselves to me, jolts of pain bursting from everywhere at the same time yet… they are meaningless, almost insignificant compared to the rest. I throw them a look; the many injuries still as ugly and painful as before, maybe slightly better but it's hard to tel. I want to cry in despair, to let tears wash everything away but I can't think of anything else than my painfully hard cock coated in pre. Why did they have to touch me there? I growl in annoyance, spreading my hindlegs, watching the black pulsating fleshy spire protruding from my soaked slit, begging to be tend to, dripping precum on my belly, giving my scales a shiny look, it's strong musk waffling at my nostrils, thick, intoxicating, full of manly pheromones that would make anyone horny. I let out a deep sigh. Quickly my skillful tongue dashes out of my maw, lapping hungrily at the pre that had been gathering on my tip, gulping down the salty treat. Before long my tongue was coiling around my length, touching all the pleasurable spots, giving my member a firm squeeze, coaxing more of my precum out for me to taste. I can't stop myself from moaning in pure bliss, my hips bucking forward; my ridged cock sliding smoothly in the grasp of my tongue, my cock spraying its tasty pre-seed on my face, coating my scales in delightful warmth.

Trembling, panting, barely holding back from thrusting wildly I slowly guide my twitching dick toward my awaiting maw, hot air puffing over its sensitive surface; causing it to throb with a renewed vigor. When the tip is resting on my tongue, my lips pursed around it's thick girth I loose it, too much pleasure boiling inside of me; my hips bucking forward; pushing several inches in my mouth, ridges popping in with a wet sound, barbs tickling my tongue, a generous spurt of pre streaming in my hungry throat. I haven't had a proper meal in days and this feels divine to my starved belly. Soon I find myself with half of my cock buried inside my mouth, sucking greedily, my tightly coiled tongue rhythmically squeezing around my cock, massaging my sensitive ridges; my barbs flaring, scratching at my inner flesh; precum leaking from my shaft, pooling in my maw; my own musk waffling at my nostrils, overpowering my senses. Pleasure courses trough my body, I'm shivering, groaning and moaning around the thick cock wedged deep in my mouth. I tense, my muscles stiffening, my loins churning with pent up seed ready to be released; a tide of pleasure rushing to my cock. I feel it; it's coming; I've been waiting, dreaming of it for far too long. Closing my eyes I let my instincts drive me, taking control of my whole body. My hips start to thrust uncontrollably, adopting a rapid pace, pulling my cock out of my maw, the bkacl flesh glistening, drenched in spit before sinking back in forcefully.

Suddenly my eyes burst wide open, my airflow cut short. I gag, something thick blocking my throat, denying air to my lungs; a thick substance pouring in my tightening passage, forcing me to guzzle it down. It takes my lust-drowned brain to understand that my cock has lodged itself deep into my own throat, my lips firmly kissing my inflated knot, my maw stuffed to the brim with raggedly pounding cock spewing its viscous secretions directly in my belly. I want to pull it out, my lungs burning, crying for a bowl of fresh air but it's too late, my undulating throat massaging my own length from every angle is far more than I need to go over the edge. I let out a deep growl, my throat vibrating around my rod, my back arching in sheer pleasure as my orgasm hits me. My cock jumps in my mouth, swelling before erupting like a volcano. Thick, sticky cum bursting from my tip, pouring straight down my throat. I gulp down, oblivious to the noises I'm making, moaning around my convulsing member. The first gush of seed ends straight in my stomach but it's constant throbbing manage to dislodge my cock from my throat. I have no time to catch my breath, a second blast of hot cum erupts in my mouth, my cheeks bulging out under the sheer volume of cum pumped in there, a surprised huff escaping my cum-filled muzzle. I try to swallow it but it's thick and sticky, clogging my throat on it's way down as a third geyser of seed bursts in my mouth, overflowing, oozing from the edges of my muzzle, drizzling down my chin. It's far too much for me; I spit out my own jumping cock, coughing hard, gasping for breath ignoring the fact that the rest of my load is landing on my face. Musky cum splashes on my scales, painting my snout white as I moan in satisfaction, keeping my jaws wie open, catching some of it on my tongue. It keeps going for a long heavenly minute, strong gushes of cum drenching my face, neck and chest in pearly whiteness or being swallowed in my eager maw. Sadly every good thing has to end and this one is no exception as powerful spurts turn into weak squirts leaking along the underside of my member. I stay there, lying on my back, panting, eyes half closed in bliss, basking in the afterglow of a well deserved climax, a forepaw descending to rub at my shrinking member, coaxing out every last ribbon of cum from it. It's only then I notice him, sensing his presence near me. My eyes open wide, all traces of pleasure cleansed from my system, a wing spreading, covering the mess staining my belly. I look sideways realizing the young human is here, standing in front of me sitting on a pile of wood, watching with obvious interest… or was it curiosity it's hard to tell. How long has he been sitting here, staring at me with that amazed look of his? Has he seen me? Has he witnessed me making a mess of my scales, making a fool of myself in public? Has… has he enjoyed the show as my balls emptied themselves on my scales. So many unanswered question swirling in my still dazed head, overshadowed by one standing out from the rest; how did he even manage to come close without me noticing? Am I… as I dreaded getting used to his presence, loosening my guard? No… no it' can't be. I shake the questions off, observing him in detail. Am I dreaming or is he smiling. That look of pure happiness breathes fire into my soul; if only I could spit the flames onto him and melt that smiling face to dust.

"What's so funny?" I hissed; baring my fangs at him.

He looks surprised; as if he wasn't expecting me to recover so soon after an orgasm; almost falling from his perch.

"Do you find anything funny in watching a dragon masturbate and chock on his own seed because he had no time to release in fucking weeks!" I roar, delighted to see him flinch and shiver. "I… I wasn't looking." He pretends, peering his gaze away. "Oh really… then tell me what you were doing there?" "I was just… keeping an eye on you" he mumbled. "Oh what a nice intention but I don't need you to keep watch on me; it's not like I can fly away now!" I roared; my tail smashing in the dirt. "Yes… I know that… I've been feeling it.' He mumbled apologetically. But all his pathetic apologies can't calm me down. "So why are you here then if it's not to make fun of me?" I growled "did you like what you saw? Are you some sort of pervert?" "No…!" he shouted, face turning pale in horror. "Then look away!" I yelled, satisfied to see him comply. "You know… you'd be scarier if you weren't covered in your own spunk." He chuckled… or did he just think it? It was hard to make the difference between thoughts and actual words now. Communication seemed far easier now that our minds were linked but it wasn't something I was keen on experimenting. "So that's why you're here…" I sighed, shaking my head in disbelief "you're here to laugh of me… so go at it don't be shy." I huffed; exposing to him my cum-drenched face and belly. "No it's not that…." stammered the human; daring to finally look at me. "I'm just happy… happy to have you." I tensed; a weird sensation surging inside of me; a mixture of both hatred and… gratitude; like his compliment had some effect on me. "I'm not yours." I hissed, claws digging in the ground "and if you dare to say that again I will tear that pretty face of you to bloody shreds."

"It's not what I meant! I just wanted to say… it's a great honor to be with you." Once again my whole body tensed; traversed by a powerful electric-like shock. "Not for me" I growled, staring at him in disgust. "I know… I can feel it." He shyly replied, scratching the back of his head. "Sadly I feel you as well and it appears we are stuck together forever" I grunted. "I… kind of understand your feelings." "How could you?" I growled, scaly eyebrows rising curiously. "I know you don't like me as much as you scare the hell out of me, but… at least can you give me your name?"

"Why would I do that?" I snarled; wondering why that tiny human wanted to know. Couldn't he figure out by himself?

"Well… I… I don't expect you to accept me but… I think it would be better if I could call you by your name instead of just saying "the dragon"." "Or you can just shut up and leave me alone." I barked, jumping to my paws, dominating from all my height and size.

He hesitated; backing away in fright; wishing to keep going with this meaningless conversation but rapidly changed his mind; getting to his feet and walking away with a disappointed look. Poor guy… he really looks sad. What am I saying? Why am I having feelings for one of these humans? Maybe… perhaps… I could e a bit gentler… if it helped him get lost afterward.

"Wait…." I reluctantly sigh.

He stops; slowly turning around to face me. "Kyo…" I whispered, avoiding his gaze at all cost. "What?" he mumbled puzzled.

"Kyo… It's my name." I explained, already regretting it

"I'm glad you told it to me Kyo. Mine is…." He chirped enthusiastically; almost jumping on his feet in sheer joy. "I know your name you stupid, insignificant, worthless human but you will never get the privilege of hearing me say it; I won't even stain my tongue with your foul human name." I spat "Now be gone!"

Without a word he left; walking back to the house, entering silently, disappointment transpiring on his face and in his mind. I just lie there in the muddy grass tainted with cum; relieved to hear the doors shut itself behind him and quickly drift into asleep.

Watcher

"Well… this is… disappointing." I huff, pacing myself, walking back and forth on top of a jagged rocky cliff, observing the village and the whole valley from far above; rubbing my chin thoughtfully. I throw a look down the central place is slowly emptying itself, inhabitants going back to their houses, farmers to their fields, guards to their duties; all of them chatting together noisily, probably talking about the latest event and very first distraction for possibly a long time. On my side I'm not smiling, my face twisted by a grimace of anger and frustration. I saw all the scene unfold until it's very end. "So much for… this… nothing!" I grumble, glaring at a small house on the edge of a city. Even from my perch I can see the large black form sprawled in the garden, sleeping peacefully, probably satisfied… or maybe not that much. "Like this whole situation wasn't complicated enough." I let out, trying to forge a new plan; only to come up with nothing. IF only things had gone smoothly, just like they were expected; the mission would have been far easier… but far less entertaining. I scan the area, looking for possible entrances; the old, barely holding on house is surrounded on all sides by wooden fences or walls made of piled up rocks easy to climb but in all cases visible from other nearby houses; not even counting the fact that KYo would sense my presence far before I could reach him. "I think the best thing to do is wait… and see how it goes down." I sigh, sitting there, observing the outstanding place with an empty look, plunging in my thoughts. I can't deny I was hoping to see this ancient torture in action but… the sight of that pissed off prince in his pretty, shiny armor is a satisfying consolation prize; adding the image of Kyo suffering through the creation of this so called bond. The look on his face… I'll never forget it; that perfect mix of despair, pain and regrets. The choice of a cornered being trying to survive. Survive… not for long.

------Later that day------

My eyes crack open, light rushing inside, blinding me. My lips twist in an annoyed grimace, trying to hide my face behind the protective screen of my wing. The world around me is a blur, grotesque shapes with vivid color forming some sort of painting drawn by a madman. I shake my snout; blinking several times until the haze of my slumber clouding my head has been wiped away. I let out a loud yawn, tongue dashing out to wet my lips, eyelids fluttering a few more times; my limbs stretching, joints popping, my tail swaying widely, wings ruffling. "It has been a really long time since I had the chance of seeing a dragon, even more to have one so close, and… and an even longer amount of time since I last saw one waking up… and I have to admit I missed that view." Exclaimed a voice. I tenses; ears perked, looking for the source of that foreign sounding voice, my sleepy brain not recognizing the place where I was, the old, worm-eaten house, the fences; that unmistakable stench of human; the very air reeking of their stink. "Relax Kyo you're safe; there is no reason to panic." Called that same voice; it wasn't the same voice of that young human from earlier but I swear I had heard it before. "How do you know my name?" I barked, looking around for the owner of that bothering voice calling out to me. Finally I find him; the old man going back and forth, carrying heavy looking bags, crumbling under their sheer weight, throwing me a warm smile everytime he went by. He still had that intoxicating smell of alcohol around him but he didn't look or sound drunk. "Well; Allen told me; beside I heard you earlier; walls are thin here and the mountain winds carries all the sound, no secrets can be kept here." He replied; dropping his bag near the house, a grayish cloud enveloping him; making him cough loudly. "Stupid coal." He grunted, waving a hand before his mouth. "What do you want human?" I hissed; still on my guards; not letting his nice looks and speech soften me. "Me? Nothing." "So what are you doing here?" "Well last time I checked I was in my home; I don't need your permission to move around." He retorted. "True…" I huffed; annoyed by his pesky presence. "Just wanted to tell you I brought you some water." My ears perk up in interest, my snout lifting itself from the ground, my body all too eager for it; my tongue some rough sandpaper, my throat as dry of a desert reminding me of my thirst and hunger. The old man smiled; pointing at a barrel purposely placed near me; filled to the brim with clear water. "I borrowed it from a neighbor; might smell wine a bit but it should do." "Thanks." I reluctantly growl, plunging my snout in the cold water; thirstily guzzling half of the barrel's content. "Feels good does it?" he chuckled. I nodded; not daring to admit it; even less to feel grateful. "Thanks." I still sighed. "You're welcome but it wasn't only to drink it that I bought it to you." Added the man. My eyebrows quizzically rose; my brain trying to make sense of what the human said. The look on my face must have been comical judging by his broad amused grin. "You could use a bit of cleaning; your face more precisely; you're all… messy…" he mumbled, waving a hand before his own face. I looked away, my face burning with embarrassment, my scales turning the color of molten iron… if only that searing heat could melt away that thick, now dried, sticky white coat clinging to my scales; waffling a potent musk at my nostrils, my slit tingling with arousal. "Don't be ashamed; I've seen worse than that; just make sure to clean it before it sticks to you for good. I suppose you don't want to be seen like this in public." Chuckled the old man. I find myself nodding in approval, looking at my reflection in the clear water, cringing when I discover my face stained by large white lines contrasting with the inky black of my scales. What a mess. I want to get to it but I still sense the gaze of that old human on me. I throw a quick glance to the side; he is still here, standing there with a strange smile plastered across his face; an expression in which I notice a hint of pride. A low growl escapes my maw, my lips pulling back; exposing my saliva-glistening fangs. The human flinches; taking a step back. "I get it you want some privacy; no need to growl at me!" he shouted, turning around. I watch him go, my lips twitching nervously, a sentence he said coming back to me, looping in my head; repeating itself again and again. "I saw worse than you…" what did he mean by that? What could he have seen that could be worse than that? A question popped in my brain, burning my lips. "Wwait!" I finally call, cursing my unquenchable curiosity. He froze, throwing a wondering glance to me; waiting for something to come out. "You… you were one of them… weren't you?" I stammered hesitantly. "One of what?" "A… a dragon rider. All these knowledge about dragons, about our anatomy, about our mating habits... even how to… make me hard… you didn't learn that in a book; you have to be one of them." He nodded; a sad, nostalgic smile growing on his lips. "I'm curious how did you find out?" "The smell…" I mumbled, my cheeks flushed red "it has been… a really long time but you still wear the scent of your dragon." "Impressive, you really have sharp senses." He greeted my with an impresses smile. "H-how… how is it? I mean… how does it feel?" "Why are you asking me? You're experiencing right as we speak, you don't need me to tell it to you."

My gaze drifted away, regrets washing over me, regrets for daring to ask, for being reminded of my current condition. "Unless you're fighting it of course." He added; throwing me a knowing look. "Thanks for rubbing salt in the wounds; I don't need your pointless comments." I spat; growling menacingly. "You know it's a lost cause." Retorted the old man "you can resist all you want, fight it until the bitter end; try to deny it but it will always be there and it will always find a way to remind itself to you." "If you've nothing more to say you'd better vanish from my sight if you don't want me to burn you, your home and your lands to the ground." I hissed.

"Very well; I see it's impossible talking to you. You look clever and strong but inside you're just a stubborn dumb beast incapable of changing." "I won't make an effort to change for any human; I won't bend to your rules or bow before your evil emperor!" I roared; my tail slamming in the ground, my claws tearing through the mud with ease, my wings flaring, fire building in my mouth, ready to be spit. He backed away; keeping a safe distance between us. "If you despise our kind so vehemently why did you bond with my son? He has been dreaming all his life to be paired with a dragon such as yourself; he has been waiting for this very day, for that precise moment for what? To find himself with a disregardful creature that only has bucket loads of hate to offer him." "Sorry I never expected to find myself stuck with such low beings as your son. Besides, dreams won't make him less of a weakling than he is." I sniggered. "How dare you insult my son in such a way you vile dragon!?" he yelled, closing the gap between us, bold enough to stand before me. "You could at least be grateful that he saved your life!" "I don't remember asking him to do that?" "So why the bond then?" "Don't ask questions you already know the answer to." I hissed, lowering my snout to his level, shoving him back "I had no choice! It was either this or eternal exile and solitude." "You had other options; you could have refused and sent my son away but no you decided to forge that bond; aware that once it would be done there was no going back!"

"I… I was… scared… afraid… I didn't think about it on the moment… I just… I suppose I was only thinking about a way to escape this sticky situation." I sighed, reluctantly admitting that he was right. "Well now that it is done you only have two options; keep behaving like you do and probably remain stuck here for the rest of your life or accept the change and go with the flow." He let out, bluntly exposing my situation. I hate to say this but he wqs right; I didn't have much of a choice but I still didn't want to give up so easily. "I hope you don't expect me to just accept your son like this…" I snorted, snarling at the idea of that weak human riding me. "No… of course not; it would be foolish from me but… be kind and… give him a chance." He whispered; looking toward the house, more precisely at a certain window. "A chance! Let me laugh! A chance to what anyway?" I loudly laughing, rolling on my back, paws kicking in the way, tail swishing from side to side. "To prove himself deserving to you." He retorted, the most seriously of the world. "You must be kidding me! I don't even see what he could be useful to?" I giggled, having maybe an idea of something I could make him do… something… a bit dirty and degrading. "Oh you'd be surprise…" grunted the old man, smiling mysteriously. "What can he do?" I still let out, not willing to argue for the rest of the day. "He can fight." "I already handle it really well by myself; my fire and my claws are much fiercer and deadly weapons than any of your pathetic guns or sword." I spat. "He is quite agile and strong?" "Still so weak and fragile compared to me; I could crush him without noticing him." "He is a really fast-learner." Retorted the old man, still persisting in trying to convince me. "Good… if he can learn to stay out of my way and leave me alone!" I roared; putting an abrupt end to the debate. "Do you think yourself to be so mighty and powerful you don't need any help?" "HE would only slow me down…" I growled. "If you're as strong as you pretend why did they manage to catch you in the first place?" "I was caught off-guard" I huffed. "He could watch over your back." Suggest the persistent and determined human. "Maybe…" I admitted; too exhausted to argue; my wounds starting to ache again; not even close to healed. "I'll… give it some thoughts…" I agreed, closing my eyes; signaling this talk was over. "Thanks; I promise you you won't regret it." "I"ll be the judge of that." I huffed, curling in a tight ball. "Sleep well" he shouted as he walked away "I'll try to find you some food for when you wake up."

Yes do just that and don't bother me again I mentally growled, feeling my mind already drifting away back into sleep.

------Several hours later------

Allen

I'm sitting on my bed, an old story book on my knees, trying to read the old text on the yellowish pages crackled by time. I have read this one countless time; so much I could count the story to the exact word. This one telling the story of a brave man and his dragon roaming the world, defending those who can't fight for themselves, protecting the righteous ones while mercilessly slaying those who threaten at peace; bandits, robbers, evil kings and other manipulators. Sadly this story is only a fairy tale written for kids; lie is so different; and so not like what is described in this old overused book. If only I had known this side of the story before maybe I wouldn't have been so eager to bond myself with a dragon and rushed for the first one I ever saw. I throw the heavy book away; watching it smash against a wall and fall flat to the ground; not even bothering to go pick it up. Letting out a deep sigh I roll over, lying on my back, observing the ceiling and it's cobwebs. Outside the sun is slowly following its imperturbable course, heading west behind the tall mountain peaks forming our horizon, the sky already tainted a light orange hue, announcing dusk. Sadly this usually gorgeous view is mostly blocked by a large black outline sleeping right under my window, a constant reminder of the day's events. I get up, unable to stay there doing nothing anymore. I need to do something, to move; to find something to calm my nerves. I've been sitting there all day doing nothing; for once my father took it upon himself to do all the chores; as if not drinking for a day reminded him that he had a house and lands; and even more important a child to take care of. And to be fair he had been quite good at that, everything had been done, the house even looking cleaner while he was still tending to the most pressing matters. I went into the living room, throwing a quick look by one of the windows, noticing him fixing one of the fences that had broken down for the tenth time in a month. Yet my gaze kept going away, drifting back to the tall, magnificent creature sleeping in the garden, the sun reflecting on his black scales, making them look even more stunning than before. If only he wasn't just good looks but as gentle as he looked pretty instead of just being a dickhead.

I sat at the table, detailing the old knots in the tough oak it was made of; loosing myself in my thoughts.

The door creaked open, a warm gust of air washing over my back. I threw a quick look behind my shoulder, discovering my father lifting an unstable pile of food; stuttering under its shear weight. I rushed to help, grabbing half of it and carrying it to the kitchen. "Thanks Allen." I smiled, a shudder of happiness warming my heart. It had been so long since I had last heard him say those exact words. I reached for a knife, holding a large potato in one hand. "Don't bother with it; go sit at the table and let me take care of this." Said my father, swiftly grabbing the knife, sharpening the blade with an expert hand; as if he had done this many times before and I had no doubts he did. My mouth open but no sound came out. I obediently walked to the table and sat back on my chair, letting my gaze wander around the room. Unaware to me I found myself looking outside again, observing without noticing the still sleeping dragon, noticing even the slightest twitch of his tail in his dreams; his bulky snout resting on a foreleg, his long sinuous tail wrapped arpund him; wings tucked against his flanks; he looked so peaceful; so much more inviting in that stance.

"You're thinking about him aren't you?" enquired my father, not looking at me. "What? No… well… maybe a bit…" I admitted, a red blush creeping over my face. "Don't be ashamed it's normal to do so." "Even when the so called dragon is an asshole that hates me?" "Even in that case yes." Admitted my father, sorry. "Why did I even do this? I should have known." I grumbled, cursing all the dragons for being such incredible creatures, fantastic creatures that filled my dreams during my whole childhood. "Because you've wanted it all your life. Honestly if you had told me you wanted to go to the capital and sign in the arena I… I wouldn't have stopped you because I know you've always dreamed of it since your youngest age. Guess that runs in the family. I wasn't expecting you to spend your whole life stuck there in that secluded village with me." He said; sitting in front of me. "You just happened to choose a trickier path in order to achieve your dream." "Looks more like a nightmare now." I retorted. "Don't despair too quickly Allen; for as far as I can remember it has never been an easy task to get acquainted to a dragon, the first man who tamed one; bless him; went through a lot of troubles to just understand creatures that were foreign to all humans. Even nowadays it is far from simple for humans and dragon to get along. In your case… it's gonna be even harder." "You mean impossible?" "No, not at all Allen; you can do it; it will just take more time simply because your dragon is very different fro the dragons usually selected for bonding. Most of these dragons have been bred, raised and lived among humans and they come from a long line of mighty warriors who bonded with the greatest humans of their kinds; most of them have grown used to humans and are eager to find their own rider. However dragons like Kyo are unlike them, so far apart dragons like him are often considered wild dragons." "Wild dragons? But he isn't dumb… I guess. He can talk; he is cunning and probably wicked strong!" "Wild isn't the appropriate word" said my father, cutting short the flow of my protests. "What that's supposed to mean is that since Kyo comes from the other side of the border he has different beliefs and opinions than the usual dragon we see around here and that endless war between our two kinds has created a long-lasting hatred; for dragons like yours we are inferior beings; mere bugs compared to them but it will be your job to prove him wrong." "How do I do that?!" I yelled "he doesn't even want to talk to me!" "I never said it was gonna be simple." Chuckled my father "but you will somehow have to prove yourself deserving; catch his interest and show him that you are meant to be together and slowly, if you keep at it and never give up although he won't make your life easy; you will eventually make him change his mind." "You think?" I mumbled, excited, overflowing with hope. "I am certain. I know you're not the kind to abandon at the first difficulty." Replied my father. "But… how do I do it?" "Start by going out and talk to him." "He'll send me away again!" "Don't back down and dare to stay near him; that's the first step." "Thanks dad…" I whispered; tears welling up in my eyes.

I hugged him, resting my head on his shoulder, crying in happiness. "Now go my boy; go tame the beast while I do the cooking."

I silently nodded, walking to the door. I looked back, greeted by an encouraging expression. I took a deep breath and opened the door.

------Meanwhile------

Kyo

I emerge again, feeling dizzy, my mouth dry and sore, my wounds dully aching like before. I yawn, letting my tongue dash out of my maw, wetting my lips, paws stretching, clawing at the dirt; my blurry, sleepy eyes throwing a quick glance around, my foggy mind trying to piece together what happened to me, why my body is hurting all over, and worst of all why am I feeling so weird. A cold shiver runs down my spine, adrenaline shooting in my veins, everything coming back to me in a painful rush, memories flashing before my eyes; muscles tensing up, energy boiling inside of me; every atom of my body ready for battle. My mind clears itself in the blink of an eye, overwhelmed by the surge of emotions and image. I remember it all; the endless flight through the night, the exhaustion, my hunger, the assault of the dragon-mounting knights, my defeat, the captivity, the tortures and… above all that young human and his happy face. My body feels like melting, burning in anger, rage coursing through me, a wild untamed fire sending searing heat rippling in my flesh. My traits twist in anger, my tail violently slamming in the ground, wings flapping widely, sending mighty gusts of winds all around me, toppling over everything that wasn't attached. My wondering glances turn in hateful glares when I recognize the small garden, the old house, the mountains all around me. I'm trapped, stuck in the last place I'd want to be. A deep growl escapes my maw, echoing in the silent valley like the rumble of thunder. If only something could magically happen and wipe away that village, turn their entire empire to ashes. But nothing happens and I'm still here, held captive by invisible chains, dragging a heavy useless weight behind me. I wish this whole day and its event has only been the fruit of my imagination; a horrifying nightmare. Yet I can want it with all my might still nothing comes to break that infernal circle, letting me fall in an endless pit toward a bleak future; that newly forged bond linking me to that miserable weakling of a human is here to remind me of the reality of my situation. Delightful warmth envelops me, a orange glow reflecting on my scales. I look up; the sun is here, tainting the sky with orange and red; offering the world its last rays before disappearing behind the highest mountains. My gaze slowly drifts toward a specific place. At the north I see the peaks that mark the beginning of the dragon's realm… my home; so near yet so far away; unreachable.

If I focus hard enough I could almost see this cave where I hid them. What's the point of hiding them anyway? It's not like I could reach them and bring them where they truly belong. What a frustration; such a disappointment from failing so close to my goal, at the edge of a safe land. What is gonna happen to me anyway now? Am I gonna stay here forever or will I be forced to join the battle against my own kind? I don't want to think about it still this question keeps coming back to me, pestering me. But above all I'm thinking about all those precious merchandises I hid; what is gonna become of them? The humans will probably look for them if they're not already on their trail; or perhaps they will just rot where I left them for eternity.

I feel tears rolling down my cheeks, regrets assaulting me; sorrow creeping over me; shame grabbing a hold of my body. I can't help it… I can't stop it… and here I am; crying, rivers streaming from my eyes; my whole frame shaken by powerful sobs; my throat squeezed tight, my entrails knotted painfully. Someone could hear me; he can probably feel my despair by now but I don't care anymore; all is lost anyway

"Why are you crying?" questions an all too familiar voice. I tense, snarling angrily, sadness subsiding slightly, immediately replaced by the same burning rage from before. I look behind my shoulders; he is here, closer to me, not looking afraid at all; watching me with a concerned look. The weight of his gaze on my scales is… somehow reassuring; my loneliness slowly dissolving away in the nothingness. In a way I just want to indulge myself and… and spill everything out, let my tears flow out and be cradled in his soft skinny hands. Why am I thinking like this? What's wrong with me? Yet this burden, this secret; it's becoming so heavy; so hard to bear on my own. No I shouldn't tell him! He mustn't know.

"I… failed…." I find myself whispering, keeping a low profile, keeping my snout far from me. "Failed? Failed what?" He interrogated; sounding truly worried. "My mission!" I cry, burying my snout under a wing, the salty liquid soaking my sensitive membrane in a mere second. "Your mission? What do you mean? Is it why you're here? What was it?" he questions me; pressing me with far too much curiosity. I'll say nothing." I hiss, head popping from under my wing, a twisted angry snarl twisting my traits, all desire to cry gone, replaced by one simple desire; get rid of him. "You can ask me all the questions you want I won't answer a single one… I've already far more than you need to know."

"Kyo… you can trust me." He kindly whispered "I'm your friend;" he added, reaching for my flank, his hand looking so soft and caring but… no; he won't get a chance to lay his vile hands on me. I move away, a broad wing smacking him right in the face; harshly shoving him back.

"Stay away from me!" I growled, glaring menacingly at him from above, towering over him "get that in your stupid brain we're no friends and we never will be! I'd rather die more than make friend with a human like you" I roared; jaws snapping near his face "And speaking of trust; I have no confidence in you; you're like all the others of your kind. I can't trust human, they are just…." "What? Liars?" he rumbled, springing back to his feet, forcing me to back away. "Well liars is a good start but I'd also add, manipulators, unreliable, and many other things." I retorted, pushing him back on his butt, finding quite hilarious to see him struggle.

"And dragons what are they for you?" he snapped; crawling away; only getting up when he was out of reach. "Strange question coming from a pathetic being like you" I admitted "but I will answer your question; well… let's see… we are prideful, respectable, honorable, beautiful, brave, intelligent, strong, true masters of magic, wise, and as old as this world. This list could go on and on for long; it is only matched by all the flaws of lesser beings like you…" I spat.

"I don't see things like that." He sighed, lips skeptically pinched "for me and others of my kind dragons are just stupid beasts, wick-minded flying demons drove by instincts; lusting for blood and destruction, always eager to fight for nothing, always hungry, just thinking about stealing our food and making their lair on our lands; always trying to destroy us, transform our villages in ashes, and slay as much as they can of us and leaving only chaos in their wake"

"Insolent fool! How dare you insult me? If I was one of the things you just mentioned do you think we would be having this little discussion right now? Do you think you'd even be alive to annoy me?" "Don't try to look menacing I know you can't kill me even if you wanted to…" he chuckled, daring me to prove him wrong. "Curse you!" I rumbled; powerless against that fact. "But to answer to you; do you think dragons would behave this way under normal circumstances? Our behavior is the result of your kind's actions. You left us no choice but to become the monsters you just described to me."

"From what I know you had the choice." He replied, arms crossed; waiting for my answer to that. "Between what? Submission or death? What a great choice. But let me ask you a question; who attacked first? Humans." "Lies." He huffed; shaking his head negatively. "Dragons never lie." I growled; feeling offended; his doubt and skepticism getting on my nerves. "I doubt about that. If it was true you wouldn't hide the truth from me." He chuckled; eyebrows rising, taunting me. "Touché…" I hissed; unprepared to that last one insult.

He is really starting to become annoying; this little pest pissing me off even more than pesky bugs.. Angry growl break past my pulled back lips; but he doesn't react, he doesn't even look scared.

"You know I don't need you to tell me to have my answers." He snorted; a toothy grin spreading on his face.

All blood leaves my face; a blank cry stuck in my throat; all the air kicked out of my lungs when I realize in shock that this talk had only been a distraction; all along he had tried and succeeded in entering in my mind; now inside my mind searching in my memories, making a mess of my thoughts; making it almost impossible to think and even more to defend myself. My head is aching, spinning as I can do nothing more than watch him breaks trough all the most protected part of my brain; shameful secrets displayed to him in broad daylight; a sensation of shame and guilt filling me. "Please stop… it hurts!" I yelp; squirming on the floor like a helpless whelp. I feel so weak; so dumb; being fooled and tricked by a human like this! What a shame! Beside… how does he even know how to do that? Did I… underestimate him?

He finally stops but I know it's not out of pure kindness; he found at least a part of the answers; his eyes blazing with anger; his facial expression turning into a grimace of pure disgust and hatred.

"You stole them!" He roars in both anger and surprise. "I… it was… my mission." I admit in shame; hiding my face away "but… how did you even manage to… sneak into my mind like this?" I mumbled; incapable of hiding my shock and surprise. "A while ago a mage came here and he showed some of us how to communicate only using our minds… wasn't incredible but… on top of that I had a great teachers." He admitted; throwing a grateful look at the house behind him. "But don't try to change subject you've got some questions to answer firstly why would you do that?

"Last battles against humans weren't won victoriously as we expected. We lost a lot of fighters and many innocents were killed during the carnage and now we are slowly dying, our species decaying; bound to disappear." I whispered; tears gathering in my eyes.

"Why?" he mumbled, taking a step closer. "Too much deads not enough hatch. Lots of eggs were crushed or taken by humans and… your father already told you how our mating cycle works… but on top of that there is another society issue: we have too much males and far too few females." I whispered; shocked by how easily words were flowing out of my mouth. Why was I even telling him all these things? "This mission… my mission should have been the first of many others to recover those eggs and rebuild our specie but I miserably failed." I whined, breaking into tears; ashamed to show my weakness in front of him. "Not completely. You hid them somewhere… in the mountains right?" he whispered in a surprisingly kind tone. "Yes… but…"

I feel the warm touch of his hand on my snout; his hands as soft and warm as I had imagined. I should tell him to go away or try to break away… but for some reason I can't; even giving in the caring caresses..

"Kyo… all isn't lost." He lets out, wiping the tears away with his bare hands. "What? What do you mean?" I sniffed. "We can still find them and bring them to your peoples." He whispered. I backed away; staring at him; trying to see if he was being honest or was just trying to fool me; but only honesty transpires from his face. "Why would you do that? You'd become a traitor to your own kind." "Well… I always wanted to see what was beyond the border and visit the dragon's kingdom and on top of that I want to help you Kyo; if this mission matters so much to you we will accomplish it." He murmured; scratching my chin; making me purr against my will. "How can I trust you?" I whispered; heart swelling with hope but not yet ready to believe him "You could denounce me to the emperor's men…." "Kyo… no one cares about the emperor's law here, we lives in small communities, with our own rules. Beside you don't belong to the empire either so why side with them?" This human was full of surprise… maybe… maybe he could be trusted… but I was still suspicious; it was too perfect. "It's not enough." I huffed. "Kyo… you can see in my mind… have a look and make your own opinion." "What!? Have you lost your mind? I'll make your brain blow up." I gasped in horror; quite grossed out by the thought of entering a human brain. "Don't worry I'm tougher than you think; beside how do you think the dragon riders manage to communicate with their mou… dragons in the heat of the battle?" I nod; still unsure of it but his smile keeps telling me it's gonna be alright.

I feel strangely calm and without hesitation I obey; reaching deep in my own soul, finding the link leading straight to him; an open gate between our two minds. I take a deep breath; diving in, entering his mind as smoothly as I can. Pain bursts in our bond but it quickly vanishes after the initial intrusion. The young human's mind is very different from a dragon, more organized maybe, perhaps more enquiring, storing information at an a ruthless pace.

I don't need to stay for long in his mind to find out he is right; there is no hidden intentions; only a strong desire to help and to prove himself to me.

"Fine… we will go when everyone will be asleep but don't tell that to anybody; I would bet my head the emperor's men are still lurking nearby and I don't want them on my back." "Ok; I'll be quiet like a tomb." "Good." "Kyo… does that mean…." "No you won't mount me!" I growled; disgusted by the simple idea of this human riding me. "Ok ok chill out I was just thinking." "Stop thinking." I hissed "If there one thing I'll never lower myself to it is to have you dominating me. Is it clear?" "Transparent." He sighed; disappointed. "Good now leave me alone; I need to rest for the journey; still have some wounds to heal…" I grumbled; lying down on the now hot grass; closing my eyes. "Good night." He whispered; patting my snout one last time before silently leaving.

---

Watcher:

Finally… after too long hours of waiting all is ready. And maybe this new bond between Kyo and this human could be an advantage to me. For hours since it happened I felt his energy shift; boiling inside him; turning back from a few strands of blue to an enraged sea of raw energy waiting to be unleashed on his foes. It was truly amazing how quickly he was able to recover but after all he had slept for most of the day to my own disappointment. I expected a bit of action but nothing came and I only found myself sitting on that rocky cliff, meditating, forging different planes, considering every option offered to me. When I had emerged it was only to find the two of them arguing again. It was quite funny to watch but I couldn't afford to let myself be distracted by their puerile arguments. However I feel a satisfied grin spread over my lips "there you are" I whisper to myself, my eyes seeing things invisible to most; there, in plain view I see; I see it, Kyo's energy flow imprinted with darker hues; slowly turning to black; darkness merging with his own energy, binding itself to him; the two streams intertwined at a much deeper level than it let's supposed. But; as I feast my eyes on that enticing view on my prize I can't stop hearing their conversation; my satisfied grin crumbling, twisting, turning into a grimace of anger; raw disgust washing over me. It's obvious now, even more than I thought at first glance but it is happening; Kyo; although he keeps a bold appearance and remains quite aggressive and disregardful in his way of talking to his rider; his anger undeniable it is obvious for me he is slowly but surely weakening; his carapace cracking, his fortress of anger and hatred starting to shatter; hint of kindness and appreciation seeping in his brain; crossing his eyes; his reluctance fading away; transforming into a revolting acceptance. "What a whelp!" I shout, pealing my eyes away from this disappointing scene.

But at least it's useful; with his wrath gone he is starting to get acquainted to that human; listening to him; accepting a few compromises; they are even ready to go for the eggs for my own satisfaction but the look of happiness on his face is turning my insides upside down.

"Finally some action…" I exclaim; calmly getting up, tidying my swords in their sheaths, wiping the dust and rock fragments from my clothes. "Now I just… just need to speed things up a bit." I say with an evil smile; a malevolent glow shining in my eye. I throw a quick look around; dusk is slowly coming; gripping the world in its vile claws; a night as dark and thick as goo, truly impenetrable, promising long and satisfying darkness; providing me with the greatest of opportunities. I wait, watching the houses' lights disappear one after another; only a few lanterns lighting up the streets in their flickering flames accompanied by the blazing torches held by a few patrolling guards; most of them being just citizens with old weapons; the other barely more that light armored guards left behind by the emperor for safe-keeping… among which I feel a presence; sleeping; waiting for it's moment to shine. "Time for you to wake up my slave and show them what we are truly capable of…" I whispered; laughing evilly.

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath, feeling the energy coursing through me, filling every fiber of my body; waiting only to be released. I guide the flow, taking all the power I need and leading it toward my hand, my fingers tingling under the surge of raw magic; a small object appearing in my palm, growing, expending, engorging, fueled by dark energy, filling the gap between my fingers until a large pulsing dark ball radiating a dark aura is standing in my very palm. Only one last thing to do and everything will be ready.

"My obedient slave" I call with a calm voice; whispering these words, letting the wind carry them away "It's time for you to serve your master."

In the valley, miles and miles below me a man in a light grey armor identical to his companions, patrolling around the village's center flinches, stopping in the middle of an empty street; throwing haggard looks all around him; starting to uncontrollably tremble. His eyes become two empty globes of thick obscurity; his face turning pale, his torch falling from his hand, extinguishing itself as it hits the ground but he doesn't seem bothered by it; taking a sharp ninety degree turn. He steps away, entering a narrow dark alley, only stopping when he knows he is out of sight. Suddenly a dark liquid oozes from the corner of his mouth, slithering down his chin as the same substance begins to stream from his eyes, ears and nose, replacing his sweat, gluing his hairs together, his pale skin stained by long black trails. Soon the same ooze is pouring from between the metal plates, covering the grey steel in a shiny black coat. In barely more than a minute he is completely covered in that goo, a puddle forming at his feet; his traits melting away, absorbed in that dark material. It wasn't over though, far from it in fact; it was only the first stage of something greater, something more incredible. Rapidly he starts to mutate, his eyes opening, revealing empty purple orbs glowing evilly; his skin turning black, following his flesh, his body shaking, convulsing, his armor and helmet melted, absorbed by the goo, merging with his darkened flesh. Claws spurted from his finger and toes, splitting their tip around the lengthening white talons gifted with edges sharper than any blade. Heavy plates of a new thick alloy appeared; rising from within him, covering his tougher hide, enveloping his body in a dim dark glow of metal unlike any other material, strong enough to withstand all assaults without even being scratched. His stance shifted, the transformation reached his legs, his body reshaping to a more digitigrades stance, new muscles rippling through his bulging thighs, his feet turning to something that looked more like paws, his talons racking against the floor impatiently. What was left of his underwear fell to the ground, a thick sinewy tail bursting from the end of his spine, ending in a sharp pointg tip, long spikes erupting from his back, going up to the base of his neck, soon accompanied by two broad membranous wings. His face transforms in turn, keeping a humanoid design but with heavily modified features; mutating to be as twisted and as terrifying as possible.

Finally, with his transformation completed my newest servant looks up; staring at me thorough the night, waiting for my next command before bursting in mad laughter, revealing long fangs drenched in saliva; thick globes of spit raining from his parted muzzle.

My master's corruption has worked quite well on him, making a quick work of turning his once human body into a more powerful, more terrifying, nightmarish far more evil and deadly monster of pure darkness, changing his mind as well, past melting away; thoughts shattering, replaced by an unquenchable lust for blood; a burning crave for chaos and destruction yet his weak mind is bent to my very will, waiting for my command to unleash the full extent of his fury; claws racking the ground in sheer impatience; a long snaky, forked tongue dashing out of his fanged maw; slathering his lips in slimy venomous spit.

I nodded, approving his silent demand, observing him from my nice little snowy cliff as he jumped out of the dark alley, all claws and fangs out, straight of cutting the head of a sleepy guard before he could react, the decapitated body falling on the floor, a growing red pool replacing his head rolling in the dust. A loud scream breaks the silence, quickly turned into an ugly gurgling noise as he slices through the one's throat with a talon; blood spewing out like a geyser.

"Well have your fun my dear corrupted slave." I chuckled, leaning back against the rock to get the best view of the carnage.

Soon blood, like red rivers flows in the street, dismantled body parts scattered everywhere, dead corps floating in the vermillion liquid as my slave keeps laughing like a madman, covered from head to toes in fresh blood, giving him an even fiercer look, holding a half-torn-apart body in his claws. Guards rush in his direction, civilians running the other way, chaos and panic taking a hold of the disorganized village. He made quick work of both, blood staining the walls of nearby houses, armors, swords and guns unable to stop him.

"Well have fun but do it faster! I'm loosing patience!" I roared; getting quite pissed off, delighted by the sight of the rampage but frustrated that it wasn't giving the expected results. He completely ignored me, remaining oblivious to my calls, only caring about his massacre, looking for his next target, climbing onto a roof only to dive back down, plunging on a batch of fleeing inhabitants, vanishing in a cloud of blood.

"Alright then; I suppose I'll have to get my hands dirty. Let's heat things up a bit." With a swift motion I throw the dark ball I had kept in my hand all along watching it fall down; crashing with a loud bang in the middle of the city, causing a massive explosion. The building it hit disappear in a flash of dark light before purple flames erupt from everywhere around the point of impact, spreading rapidly to the nearest houses, devouring the wooden walls, tall blazing flames assaulting the roofs.

Soon a quarter of the village was burning, thick grey smoke filling the air while everything was being consumed by the raging inferno.

"Now I only have to wait and…" at that precise moment I spot a massive dark shadow emerging from the smoke, flying fast, shadowing the pale moon for a brief second, broad wings quickly flapping; carrying him northward.

"Right on time."

………

Kyo.

Why in the world can't those pesky humans stop being noisy creatures? Don't they understand that some people need to sleep? Damn it must be midnight or so and they keep doing noise; is there some sort of party going on, a celebration for my own demise? I wouldn't even be surprised if they were. I crack an eye open, discovering only the thick impenetrable darkness of this night; the moon invisible, hidden by high clouds, providing little to no light. I throw a quick look around, yawning loudly; my hazy, sleepy eyes sending me back a foggy picture of reality; small wooden houses packed together, lamplights flickering in the cold wind, a peaceful night in the mountains. Everyone seems to be asleep, no light coming out from the windows, no sound beside the howling wind. So where did all these noise come from? Was it all a dream? Weird… all these screaming and shouting sounded so real, accompanied by distant bangs of explosions; a firework maybe? But no colorful burst of light ignited the night sky.

Another scream ripped the silence, louder, closer, a pitch higher, full of dread and panic; carrying a sense of horror and danger that finishes waking me up, my ears perking, my eyes scrutinizing the shadows in search of a threat.

"What again?" I growled, searching the obscurity for the source of all these screams, that human high-pitched squeal hurting my ears. I had to admit they screamed like pigs about to be murdered.

I froze, nostrils flaring, a strong, overpowering coppery scent waffling at my nose, causing me to drool heavily; blood, lots of it but it is no animal blood, no the fragrance is far too specific; it can only be… human blood… I cough, finding it hard to breathe all of a sudden, chocking on something thick and acrid that burns my throat every time I inhale air. I finally get on my paws just in time to catch a strange purplish glow in the skies, coming in my direction, falling fast gaining speed with each passing second, producing both a brightening light and an increasingly loud hiss.

"No… not now." I gasp, my lower jaw dropping, eyes going wide as pure horror courses in my veins, helplessly, powerlessly watching the growing ball going down.

A powerful explosion wrecked the village, the ground quaking, houses trembling, a powerful shockwave rocking each fiber of my body as purple light illuminates the village, swallowing entire buildings in its dazzling dark light. I watch in horror the fire spreading, blazing with renewed vigor, purple and black flames like viciously twisting serpents engulfing house after house in their deadly embrace, ravenously devouring walls, roofs, entire structures like they were made of… well wood.

I extend my wings, leaping in the sky, my instincts urging me to get as far as possible from that inferno but find myself stuck, something squeezing my throat in a tight grip, strangulating me, tugging me backward. I fall flat, gasping and coughing, suffocating for breathe, a metallic tinkling filling my ears, a cold lifeless thing revealing itself, wrapped tight around my neck. Cringing, slowly getting up I throw a hateful look at the black links of the tough chain following me every time I move a claw. Great! Just fucking wonderful!" I growled, cursing myself and them as well. I forgot they chained me for the night which I didn't really understand why but I didn't have my word in this decision. What did they fear anyway? Do they really expect me to fly away in their sleep; although that idea sounds nice it would be pointless trying.

I try with all my might to break, pulling, tugging, clawing and chewing at it but only manage to make enough noise to wake the two humans.

"What's happening?" grumbled my rider, reluctantly opening the window, his eyes full of sleep. "Get up now!" I yelled in fear, still attempting to get rid of the chain, breathing fire on it sadly it doesn't even leave a scratch on it. "Why?" he stammered; too slowly emerging from his slumber. "We don't have time… don't ask questions and hurry up! Please…" I squeaked, throwing terrified glances at the rapidly advancing fire.

"Ok… ok… ok… chill out I'm up…. Why d…. Oh… my god…." He gasps, his face turning as pale as the moon, a wave of terror washing over him; leaving him speechless for once; petrified in raw fear.

The fire is spreading fast, too fast, blazing with abnormal intensity, eating through everything it comes across and here he stands, petrified in the freezing cold night, standing on wobbly legs, holding onto the doorframe. "We have no time… free me!" I roar; succumbing to the panic welling inside me; hurrying him as best as I can. He obeys, nodding before rushing out of the house, his dexterous hands making a quick work of opening the collar, freeing my neck from the cold embrace of the heavy steel piece.

"On my back!" I order, ruffling my wings, extending them to their full span, ready to soar into the night sky with or without him. "What?!" he stammers, backing away "But you said…" "I know what I said so get on my back before I change my mind and abandon you here!" I roar in panic, kneeling down to his level, my belly kissing the dirt.

I let him climb on my back; observing with unhidden curiosity as he finds a comfortable spot between the long spikes lining on my back. It feels… weird to say the least; that added weight on my back, the sensation of another creature riding me is both freaking me out and feeling… fulfilling, as if I had been needing and missing that my whole life. I vigorously shake my head, clearing my mind of these incoherent thoughts before deploying my wing and launching myself in the skies.

I cough… thick smoke invading my lungs, burning my mouth and nostrils, blinding me, making me cry; thickening, becoming more toxic with each second I spend in there. We have to fly out of here before it's too late.

I fly trough the heated village, flying as high as I can, feeling the scorching heat of the fire ragging underneath us before I finally emerge out of the spiraling smoke clouds, relieved to find fresh air to breath.

I rush toward the northern peeks, far from this burning village, oblivious to what is happening around me, only focused on what lies ahead of us. I don't care if he can hold on to me, I fly as fast as my painful wings allow me; keeping a ruthless pace, the traitorous wind whipping my scales, whistling in my ears until a desperate voice breaks in my mind, calling for me, begging me.

"Kyo slow down! I can't… hold on; I'm gonna fall!" yelled someone. I realize it must not be easy to ride me in these conditions, with no experience and poor preparation, even more without a saddle.

I kindly slow down, halting my flight, craning my neck around. He is there, holding onto one of my spikes like onto dear life, feet dangling over the edge of my body. I keep a stationary flight, observing the dark night sky, on edge, waiting until he climbed back and found a better, more stable spot for the flight.

Slower than I wished we finally make it to the cave. I land roughly; throwing him off balance, hearing him huff as he falls flat on the hard ground but don't give it a damn and rush inside, the dampness and earthy scent washing over my face.

"What… i-i-impossible… I… I left them there." I mumble, discovering an empty cave with just lichen-covered walls. "Are you sure?" he grunted, joining me. "Yes…." I whisper… or perhaps it was another cave… it's so hard to remember; my certitudes melting away like snow under the sun. "So they must be somewhere. Come on let's search them." He let out, probing the walls and floor with his hands and feet; slowly but surely exploring the cave; his willingness making me feel better; somewhat relieved.

We start searching inside and outside the cave, unfortunately finding nothing more than rocks and plants.

"They are not here!" I sighed in desperation, my tail slamming in a wall, dust and rock fragments raining down on me. "Do you think… they found them?" "No… there would be traces." I growled, pointing at the floor where only outlines of my paws and his shoes could be seen. "You are right." He admits, going back and forth in the cavern, kicking off small rocks on his way "But… in that case… where are they?" "I don't know…" I whimpered, despair crashing down on top of me, breaking my back, fear and frustration rising inside of me. "Are you sure you left them here?" "I'm certain" I growled, "I recognize everything here; it's just like I left it… without all the merchandises…" "Then I don't… God damn it!" he ranted; toppling over, flatting himself on the irregular rocky ground. "Be careful." I huffed, bumping into his side with my snout, backing away when he tried to use it as leverage to get up. "It's weird… I just hit something." He mumbled, puzzled. "Nice job; next time look where you're going or learn to walk straight; either way watch out." I growled, mocking him "Wait… hold on a second what did I hit?" "Your stupidity." I chuckled, smirking at him.

• No… no… really… I swear I hit something… but what; I'm sure it was there… hey what's that thing?" he shouted, prodding around, kneeling onto the floor. "A rock maybe like the million others there are here." I sighed "and even they are smarter than you." "No… it's not a rock… I can't see it but it wasn't some dumb rock…. No way… it's… invisible!" he exclaimed himself, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What! Are you kidding me?" I let out hopefully, springing onto all four. "No kidding… just come and… well… have a look." He sniggered. "Ah ah ah really funny." I growl.

But it appears he is right, something invisible is hidden in a corner.

"What is that shit? What trickery is this?" "It's big…." He grumbled, touching the thing; trying to define the outlines of it. "It looks full…" I confirmed "I wonder if…"

Suddenly before our amazed eyes the satchels I had carried all the way here magically materialized, bulged full of valuable stuff.

"What the…? How is that possible? Face it you used some invisibility spell or whatever magic you know to hide them and just had fun watching me struggle to find them?" he growled angrily. "No! I swear I didn't do any of this! I don't even know an invisibility spell… and I wouldn't dare to fool around with such precious things." I gasped, baring my fangs, not letting myself being insulted like this. "Whatever; you are the only one that could have hidden them like this." He retorted. "No… I just covered them with rocks, branches and leaves." I protested. "Wait if it's not you…"

"Someone came here. I announce; crouching low; darting suspicious eyes at every dark corner, yet unable to feel any presence beside ours; only catching a faint scent of another being. "You mean…." "Yes… we are not alone." I hissed, feeling him hide behind my imposing stature.

"Exactly my scaly friend." exclaims a chilling dark voice coming from behind us.

………

Watcher:

It was so funny to watch them desperately searching in the cave when I knew it was right there in front of them; the sight of their terrified faces managing to make me grin. It's really entertaining to observe them looking under every rock, scrutinizing each centimeter of the cavern, only to find what they were looking for by accident.

Following them was easy, I knew exactly where they were going, their destination more than obvious and, like I expected all is going according to plan. Now is the time to leave the darkness. I take a step, my long cloak ruffling behind me as I softly land on the cave's floor, snapping my fingers, disabling the spell; using their shock and dismay at my advantage. I don't pull out my sword; I don't need it… or not yet at least; I'd rather keep it as a last resort. Instead my hand reaches deep in my cloth, clutching a slick oval-shaped thing; it's smooth surface cool to the touch, rhythmically pulsating, radiating a constant flow of dark magic; this is what I need.

When they ear my voice they jump in surprise, turning around, scared to the bones. “Who are you?" asked the human. “You… what are you doing here? How did you even got there?" hissed the dragon, baring his fangs, claws curling in anger. “Too much question at once but I'll kindly answer them." I chuckled, bowing down as a salute “My name as no real importance, I don't even know if I had one. Usually people tend to give me silly nicknames; they call me the stranger, or the man with no face. But more often they call me…." “The Watcher" growled Kyo, cutting me short “I knew you looked familiar to me." “Finally you recognize me." “Who is this Watcher guy?" enquired the young human, trembling on his feet, holding an old knife in shaky, unsure grip. “An old acquaintance of mine… not the kind I was expecting to see here." Rumbled Kyo, darting anger-filled eyes at me, adopting a defensive stance, lowering himself, ready to lash at me; his energy surging rapidly, ripples through him with a marvelous might.

I stand still, not even flinching. “It doesn't sound good" squeaked that weakling of a human; so afraid, so anxious. From just looking at him I know it will take nothing to break him. “You're right on this one;" I Answer with that same calm tone, taking a step in their direction as casually as I can, showing no sign of aggressively. “And for your second question I came here to recover what's mine." “What do you mean?" hissed Kyo on the defensive “there is nothing that belongs to you here. Now get out of here before I turn you to ashes!" “Oh Kyo Kyo Kyo… I expected a bit of gratitude coming from you; without my assistance they would have found everything and if not for my arrival you would still be stuck in that village." “Hold on it's you who!" roared the human, clutching his knife, anger pounding inside him, burning bright on his face. “How? How could you know?" mumbled Kyo; puzzled. “I kept an eye on you; a really close and keen eye." I whispered, patting his snout. He tensed, growled, puffing hot acrid air at me, bared his fangs, defying me with his gaze with no result. “I don't get it… are you helping him or not?" questioned that pesky human. “Not exactly; I am only… making sure things are where they're supposed to be." “What's that supposed to mean?" “It means he served us well." I reply pointing at Kyo. “Wait what!" they gasped in perfect sync. “You haven't understood yet? What a shame; I thought you were more clever than that." I sighed “then let me… enlighten you…. These eggs weren't for your kings; they were never meant to be delivered to your people; they are only part of our plans." “Nonsense! I don't believe that." Roared Kyo “they would never let all these precious things fall into your vile hands." “Oh you should Kyo… you should." I chuckled, an evil grin spreading on my face. “What do you plan to do with them? What could you use dragon eggs for?" they enquired at the same time, their questions blending together.

“My master has great projects for them… you'll see soon." I sniggered, imagining all the things we could do with so many new recruits in our legions; we would be unstoppable.

A tensed silence follows my words; Kyo looking down, muttering words under his breathe, his body shivering slightly; his bulky snout nervously shaking.

“To be honest; the eggs where only half of my prize… the other is still missing for everything to be completed." I added to their dismay. “And what is it?" hissed Kyo; deep rumbles reverberating in his throat. “A power, one of the greatest power this pathetic world had the honor to posses, contained in one being, maybe the most feared being of all time. A creature that could bring eternal darkness and plunge this word in oceans of torment and suffering; that could turn everything back to dust; something feared and praised as much by us than by humans." A cold chill crossed the damp cave; the wind billowing outside, howling as it smashed against the tall mountains; carrying the stench of the ragging inferno in its wake.

“Why are you telling us that?" growled Kyo, pretending to not care but I knew he was only pretending, the shadow of dread in his eyes confirming it to me. “Because my scaly friend you are still useful to us; you may be the only one that knows how to find him." “I don't know anything!" barked Kyo “and even if I did I would spill a word to you!" “Beside who is he? A being with such powers would be hunted down by anyone if it existed." Argued the human, proving… slightly smarter than I expected but only slightly.

“This is a silly question but I will gladly help you understand." “Oh yeah and how should I know it?" he snorted mockingly. “Simply because you already have the answer human; he is standing right beside you." “What! Kyo!?" he stammered; looking at his dragon with a look where amazement and fear blended up nicely; a sight I could feast my eyes on all day long. Savor it while you can human… soon it will be ours.

“Don't listen to his words; he is only crazy just like his corrupted master." Huffed Kyo. “I wouldn't call him crazy if I were you; you don't want to feel his wrath. My master is wise and strong; he saw another way, another path for this world you will understand it soon enough; but first I'll take what belongs to me." “Nothing here belongs to you filthy creature. Go back to the darkness that created you along with your deceitful master!" “Count on that." I responded, raising a hand.

Suddenly in my palm appears an elongated dark glowing crystal. Before Kyo can even move a paw he it forced into a submissive position by an invisible force crushing him down, eliciting high-pitched panicked squeals from him while he tries with all his might to break free. I walk to him; tightening my grip around him; strengthening my spell, the pulsating crystal in hand, radiating darkness.

“Stop! Don't do this… you're going to awake him!" he yelled, trashing against his bonds to no avail. “Oh but it's exactly what I want… Kaos." I whispered in a low tone, grinning wickedly.

………

Kyo

That name… it can't be… or can it? It makes sense… in a way, the sound of it repeating in my head with an echo of truth.

Finally I have the name of what's inside of me. But what a dreadful name. Memories of the terrifying legend rush back to me from the darkest corner of my mind, making me shiver as, right before my eyes the crystal shatters right before my mind blanks, disconnecting from reality. I feel so weak… so tired… so exhausted… too many things have happened in a too short time… too much information to assimilate… I need a rest… yes… a quick little nap….

………

Allen:

Why does this name sound familiar? Kaos… Kaos… it sounds like a demonic name, made to be remembered… to be feared; to inspire dread in the heart of those who heard it. Perhaps I read it in a book… or heard it from one of the story-tellers that stopped by the village from time to time.

I have no time to think about it, the dark crystal cracks, shattering in a million pieces; long snakes of pure darkness slithering out of the fragments. In less than a second they are on Kyo, piercing his scales, entering his body by everywhere they can, his mouth and eyes wide open, snakes by dozens rushing inside. In the blink of an eye they're all gone, making their way inside him. He is struggling against it, grimacing and snarling, trying to fight the darkness but it's no use. I feel the bond between us being absorbed by the dark force; swallowing his desperate pleas, not for help but for me to go away; to run far before it awakes. But what? My hand feels like melting, my very skin almost burning up. I look down at my palm where Kyo left his mark on me; witnessing in awe as another mark appears over Kyo's own, mixing with the existing one; forming another symbol, a new power surging inside of me; the might to overcome any obstacle, to move mountains with my bare hands. I've never felt something like this.

Next to me Kyo starts to glow, his very scales radiating a bright light as he falls down, crying in pain, curling on himself. I take a step aside as the glow intensifies right before, out of nowhere he begins to grow bigger and bigger. I watch in disbelief, speechless as he transforms before my very amazed eyes, everything in him lengthening and thickening, new muscles swelling under his hide; his claws sharpening like razorblades, even more spines popping on his back, a second pair of overly larges wings bursting out of his flanks in a gush of vermillion blood; longs horns growing from the base of his skull, his eyes turning completely black except for the slit-pupils that shift to a blood red color.

I stop staring and try to find a solution. My eyes stopping on the satchels full of eggs. I rush to them. I open one; and a second one, and a third; a fourth, then another and on and on. At first I only find… well… eggs, so many eggs tightly packed together, their colorful eyes glimmering in the faint light. But finally luck smiles to me as I discover in one of them something that shouldn't be here. A smelly, almost solid grayish substance I know well. Minors use it in the mines of the east valleys to blow large rocks or dig holes. If I remember correctly to light it up they use fire or a sparkle at least. Thankfully it's only the first of several findings as I pull out a large thing wrapped in a thick fabric, a blade, a long shiny sword along with a set of sharpened daggers, arrows with a red tip, and a pretty nice looking bow. It's not made of wood like my old one, it seams like this one is made of a strange looking alloy of metal and another material I don't know. It looks just as tough as steel but, when I take it it's lighter than a feather. The rope is also weird, it looks like a tensed metal cable. I notice some strange runes on the bow. Maybe it's an enchanted weapon. An idea comes to me.

I grab an arrow, plunge it into the explosive goo and prepare myself for the shot. In front of me Kyo's transformation appears to be complete. He is so scary now all in claws and fangs, taut muscles rolling under his scales; an untamed power ragging inside him; waiting to be unleashed. He and the strange man are talking; Kyo's voice so different now, darker, deeper, more like a continuous rumble, an advancing storm ready to break loose at any second. They are talking so much, talking about the past, about plans or other things oblivious to my presence. But rapidly they start to argue, yelling at each other in pure anger. They look like two animals taunting each others, ready to fight, eager to clash and solve their issue in blood. "If you have to do something human, do it now. This small game won't last longer." Rumbles a deep voice in my mind, its warning sounding more like a death sentence to me.

I agree, nodding silently, they are face to face yelling insanities at each other in a weird language alien to me.

At first I aim for the head of this Watcher guy, but start do doubt it would even scratch his clothes. He managed to cast an invisibility spell on all this stuff for a day, held down a powerful dragon and caused a mayhem all on his own, deviating arrows is nothing in comparison. A different tactic would be a pretty nice idea.

I quickly find a new target, breath slowly and shoot. The arrows fly in the air with a muffed hiss, sadly passing trough Kyo's second set of wings, near the evil guy head and land into a crack in the wall.

The man burst into laughter, clapping his hands.

“Nice try, but useless; you really should practice your aim."

In respond he throws a dark dagger at me. I dodge it as fait as I can but I'm too slow. The sharp blade cut my arm, tracing a bloody line on my skin.

“Are you sure Watcher? I wouldn't criticize too early if I were you." taunted Kyo on a provoking tone.

The watcher suddenly turned around to find the arrow planted deep into the rocks of the wall.

“Mother f…."

Before he can end is sentence the wall explodes, the shockwave kicking me off my feet; the ground violently shaking below me, a sound, like a raging storm fills the cavern as a large part of the wall and ceiling collapse on the ground, sealing the cave entrance. Clouds of dust fill the air. I cough, trying to get back on my feet; looking for a way out, the whole mountain quaking around me, tiny pieces of rock raining on my head and back, large cracks spreading like a web on the roof and floor, getting larger and deeper with each passing second. Fear rushes upon me; urging me to get out before it's too late but where? The entrance is blocked and I know there is no other way out. I start to despair; thinking my last hour approaching until I feel a cold scaly thing bumping into me; pushing me forward in the warm embrace of a wing.

"We don't have much time… stay close…."

Before I can protest everything vanishes into a bright flash of light.