FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The two officers tried not to be overwhelmed by the lavash interior of the Northern Spire Apartment Tower as they strolled across the foyer toward the bank of elevators. The large building was a collection of four spires that were in the heart of the city, each one set like cardinal points on a compass for the thousands of dragons that flew in the city.

The strange looks at the police from some of the citizens were not uncommon and the two officers were used to it. After all, it wasn't every day that they encountered such an unusual sight--a dragon and a human officer working together. Although dragon law enforcement was gradually becoming more prevalent in the city, it was still relatively rare to witness this particular pairing. Stepping into the elevator, the human officer swiped a card they had received from the front desk and pressed the button for the top floor.

"Taking any bets, Teeslah?" the human officer asked, sporting a wry grin.

"Oh, Jim, it's hardly a gamble. A video confession where she admits to tricking a fellow student, framing him, and then succumbing to guilt? No doubt about it--100% guilty! And then: not turning herself in and instead waiting for us to come get her, sounds like she wants her parents to see. The real bet is, Drama student?" replied the dragon officer, as the elevator steadily ascended, Jim chuckled so Teeslah continued. "But here's what I don't get: why the rush? The video only came in an hour ago, and the chief is breathing down our necks to get this done." he added, glancing at his human partner. "I mean, have you ever seen a warrant processed that quickly?"

Jim rested his hands on his utility belt and let out a deep sigh, his gaze fixed on the ascending numbers on the elevator's display. "Ever since Drag'n'Drop announced they were coming into the city, there have been numerous complaints about corporate greed, corruption, and all that jazz," Jim explained. "So, when it comes to a straightforward case of a spoiled brat engaging in some petty corporate espionage just because daddy didn't buy her a pony... well, it's an opportunity for the Chief to show that they're not above the law. Besides, I much prefer this white-collar crime than walking the streets in the slums."

Teeslah grunted in acknowledgment but then furrowed his scaly brow, his overly logical brain still stuck on one detail. "Why would she be mad about not getting a pony anyway? Horses taste absolutely awful!" he blurted out. "And smell."

Jim smirked, realizing that his dragon partner didn't quite grasp the phrase. "It's just an expression," Jim clarified, trying to think of a more dragon-like analogy.

Before Jim could respond, Teeslah continued, "I mean, horses are terribly gamey, chewy, and simply gross. And a pony is just a miniature version but full of hate."

Jim couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head. "Alright, let's forget I mentioned the pony," he said, his amusement evident. "But seriously, I feel for her boyfriend. Getting played by his own girl," he continued, noticing Teeslah's puzzled expression. "I mean, even you can see how messed up that would be. A guy meets a girl, she uses him as a pawn in her revenge against daddy, and then throws him under the bus. Now he's behind bars while she enjoys this luxurious place! It's bound to leave a scar for sure."

Teeslah sighed, adjusting his wings. "Sounds like way too much drama for my taste," he remarked flatly.

Jim nodded in agreement. "You've got that right. Let's just pick up the spoiled brat so we can get the boyfriend out. One night in a cell shouldn't stick to his record," Jim said as the elevator reached the top floor. The doors smoothly slid open, accompanied by a polite ding.

Being one of the penthouses, the entire floor was dedicated to one residence. The main bank of elevators opened onto a foyer which was often opened up when the owners were entertaining, but today the main door was closed to the police as the exited the elevator. As the pair walked from the elevators to the door, the dragon officer couldn't help but shiver slightly. "Something feels off," he remarked ominously.

Jim noticed the look his partner gave him and swallowed hard. The dragon always had a keen sense for anticipating trouble and was almost like a sixth sense to him. He placed a hand on the firearm in his holster, his heartbeat quickening, and rapped loudly on the door with a closed fist. "Hello! Police! Is anyone home?" he called out in a deep, authoritative voice. Pausing briefly to listen, the officers heard the soft clicking sound of claws on marble as someone approached. The clicks grew louder until the door was unlocked and opened just a crack, revealing the face of an orange dragoness. Her bloodshot, glossy eyes immediately put the officers on edge.

"Ma'am, we are here regarding your daughter. May we come in?" Jim asked, his voice firm, and observed the dragoness shaking her head in disbelief, her lip quivering slightly.

"Is she okay?" the dragoness asked, opening the door further.

"What makes you say that?" Jim replied, pulling out a notepad and pen. The dragoness glanced nervously behind her, but before she could say anything, a deep voice resonated from inside.

"Who is it?" the voice called out. The slight catch in the orange dragoness's breath did not go unnoticed by the officers.

Peering past the dragoness, Teeslah's keen eyes spotted small droplets of blood on the marble floor, leading from the balcony into the apartment. A large dragon emerged from a nearby hallway, his scales a dark, inky black, except for the contrasting white on his throat and belly, resembling a tuxedo. He walked on three legs while holding a towel to the side of his face.

"Sir! Are you okay?" Jim inquired. The black dragon remained silent as his intense green eyes assessed each of them. "Sir, do you mind telling us what happened?" Jim pressed, his tone unwavering, while Teeslah positioned himself beside his human partner, ready to spring into action if necessary.

The black dragon attempted to smile and exude charm as he spoke. "I'm sorry, officers. This? It's nothing, just a workplace injury, nothing else." he replied, striving to maintain his composure.

The two officers noticed the substantial amount of blood staining the towel and became sceptical. Jim was about to say something when he caught sight of the orange dragoness looking at them imploringly, subtly shaking her head, indicating that something far worse had occurred.

"Sir, we are here because of your daughter," Jim asserted firmly.

"What has she done?" The dragon said, his charm flickering for a moment.

Jim frowned, "sir, we need to bring her in" he said firmly.

"Not without a warrant." The black dragon said with a smirk, his demeanour changing and jaw dropping when the officer pulled out a folded piece of paper from his back pocket. At the sight of it the black dragon stiffened. "I believe I need my lawyer," he stated flatly. The two officers exchanged a knowing glance--this evening was about to become significantly more intriguing.

---

---

Taalli soared through the velvety night sky, her wings slicing through the cool air. The dim light of the navigation light clutched in her paw flickered intermittently, casting fleeting shadows on her determined face and chest. Frustrated and a touch angry, she peered downward, straining her eyes to try and see any signs of the military academy. "Just a few hours north, he said..." she muttered with a mix of exasperation and trepidation, recalling the recruiter's assurances. "You can't miss it, he said..." she added bitterly, her frustration mounting at the simplicity with which the instructions were delivered.

The frigid night air chilled her orange-scaled body, and the large semitransparent wing membranes stiffened as icy tendrils weaved through them. Fatigue sapping at her muscles as she struggled to maintain altitude. With her powerful amber eyes, she scanned the unfamiliar terrain below, its features shrouded in darkness. The feeble glow of streetlights illuminated isolated patches of unknown roads, serving as mere pinpricks of light amidst the vast expanse she surveyed from above.

As she flew, she tried to distract herself by rehearsing her name, "hi, I'm Taalli. That's right, T.a.a.l.l.i, Taalli. Egg was abandoned, now I'm here." She said to herself, before rolling her new name around her mouth. "Taalli, Taalli, Taalli, my name is Taalli." She said out loud, the thoughts of her real name, Leena, being discovered causing her chest to tighten. "They wouldn't know, a name on my application is all they needed." She muttered to herself with a shiver. "It's just until I know Mike is in the clear, Then... Then I'll think of something." she said, the thought of not seeing Mike again causing her voice to quiver. "Get safe, call Mike, tell him I'm safe." She said to herself, formulating a plan helped calm her nerves slightly. "Does Mike call me Leena or Taalli now." She mused out loud, her voice snatched by the wind. "He won't mind, he will understand."

Fatigue had made its home in her body, thoughts working into her mind to find somewhere to land and rest. As tempting as the thought was, she told herself she wouldn't be safe until she arrived at the military academy. A wide yawn escaped her jaws as she shook her head, attempting to shake off the weariness. Cresting a gentle hill, her gaze fixated on the horizon, only to be greeted by an ominous sight. The roads ahead vanished into the inky depths of a large dense forest, where even the moon's pale light was absorbed almost completely.

A flicker of doubt gnawed at her resolve, whispering insidiously in the recesses of her mind. "If you can't even locate the bloody military base, should you even be there?" she questioned herself, a chill coursing down her spine like a foreboding omen. Thoughts of her Mike being handcuffed still clouded her mind. She hoped upon hope that the video she had filmed, would direct the police's attention onto her and let him walk free. Frustration and rage bubbled within her, fuelled by the memory of her father's sinister plot--orchestrating Mike's arrest to exert control over her life, transforming him into nothing more than his pawn, like a knife at her throat to ensure her compliance. Tears welled in her eyes as she thought what would happen if she should fail, but she forcibly suppressed the emotions surging within her.

Peering down, Taalli's gaze honed in on the distinct clearings that had been carved into the heart of the dense forest. The rectangular shapes made it clear that they were man made. She cocked her head in curiosity as to what they could be, as there were no main roads going to them that would suggest they were housing estates. She clipped her wings and gracefully spiralled downward, as she descended, the acrid scent of phosphorus and potassium assailed her nostrils, the unmistakable odour of spent gunpowder permeating the air. A knowing smile crept onto her snout. "Okay, I have to be close," she murmured to herself, her determination resurging. With a heavy beat of her tired wings, she mustered her remaining strength, initiating a sweeping orbit around the firing range in search of the structures that comprised the military base.

Her keen amber eyes, their pupils dilated to maximize the intake of moonlight, scanned the undulating landscape below. She gasped as she saw a collection of single-story buildings, their simple architecture signalling a clear desire of function over form. Adjusting her trajectory with a flick of her powerful tail and a coordinated flap of her wings, she gracefully veered toward the barracks. With one paw, she reached to her harness and tapped the folder that was pinned under the strap, reassured that her ticket to safety was still there, she breathed easier.

As she flew overhead, Taalli focused on the buildings, her mind searching for any sign of a reception or administrative structure. "Do they even have a reception?" she mumbled, a tinge of uncertainty pulling at her thoughts. The notion of being greeted by a concierge, decked out in military fatigues, ushering her into a luxurious five-star hotel caused a soft chuckle to escape her snout. Her eyes descended and saw an assembly ground adorned with the emblem of the academy. Dim lights around the concrete area illuminated the stylized depiction of a silver dragon, angular and fierce, emblazoned upon a shield, accompanied by a painted scroll bearing the resolute words "Aurelia Academy" in bold lettering.

Between the rows of large tin barracks, a large obstacle course was laid out, sized appropriately for a dragon. The course was made of tubes, sheer vertical walls and a maze of beams, designed to test a dragon's athleticism on the ground. Leena smiled as she saw a large dragon ball field, memories of watching the sport making her excited. Her mother never letting her play due to the sport not being "ness like", but deep down she always fancied giving it a shot.

Conscious of the early hours and not wanting to wake anyone, Taalli gracefully extended her wings, allowing herself to glide with barely a whisper. Her tail twitched nervously, betraying her apprehension as she scanned the surroundings, seeking a suitable landing spot. In the city, designated landing areas were always marked by illuminating lights, but beyond the city limits, such luxuries seemed to fade away. A faint frown tugged at her features as she pondered the absence of guiding lights. Directing her attention to the expansive assembly area nestled amidst the cluster of buildings, she shrugged and figured it was as good as any. Afterall, if it was an academy just for dragons, why would they need dedicated landing areas? From there, she thought, she would be able to navigate the campus on foot. Adjusting the angle of her wings with a subtle twist, she gracefully slowed her speed and began descending toward the centre of the paved courtyard. With a final, gentle flap, she completed her descent, her powerful legs effortlessly absorbing the impact of the landing.

Dim lights flickered from a few of the buildings, casting a subdued glow in the vicinity. Taalli cautiously surveyed her surroundings, her eyes searching for any sign of a reception or administrative structure amidst the concrete and tin buildings. Her nose twitched at the scent of many dragons that hung in the air, a thick musk that carried notes of masculinity, exertion and hints of blood. The chill of the solid ground seeped into her soft paw pads as she wandered aimlessly around the assembly area, her growing sense of uncertainty slowly giving way to concern at the conspicuous absence of dragons or humans. A faint grey tinge on the horizon signalled the imminent arrival of dawn, and the dragoness couldn't shake the encroaching worry that time was slipping away. The chances of getting a few hours' sleep before she started was starting to dwindle much to her frustration.

Suddenly, a shrill wail pierced the air, the blaring sound of an alarm reverberating through the base. Taalli instinctively spun around, seeking the source of the disturbance, only to be met with a blinding onslaught of a powerful white spotlight. Her eyes, sensitive to the sudden assault, swiftly contracted, reducing her pupils to narrow slits. Her neck curled back violently as a snarl of pain escaped her jaws at the intense light that seared her retinas. Frozen in place, she strained to discern her surroundings, but her efforts were in vain as multiple blinding lights flickered on, their fixed gaze converging upon her. The once vibrant hues of her orange scales were now washed out, bathed in an overwhelming, disorienting radiance.

Taalli's desperate scream pierced the air, a mixture of pain and panic escaping her lips as a heavy weight suddenly crashed onto her back, driving her forcefully into the ground. Her heart skipped a beat, the memories of her father's relentless aggression as he thrashed her around his office flooding her mind. The crushing weight on her back coupled with the piercing grip of razor-sharp claws around her neck made her feel trapped, her rational thoughts quickly replaced with sheer unadulterated fear.

With her vision still adjusting to the sudden burst of brightness, Taalli frantically attempted to spin on her assailant, her claws unsheathed and slashing out wildly. Disoriented by the blinding light, she clawed and snapped at the other dragon who engaged her in a fierce struggle.

"Stop resisting!" a commanding voice called out, its clearly male voice barely audible amidst her snarls and thrashes. Taalli's mind raced, her sense of control slipping away, as her captor firmly clasped his paws onto her horns, pressing her head forcefully against the unforgiving ground.

A wave of helplessness washed over Taalli, the blaring siren drowning out all coherent thoughts as she twisted and thrashed in a desperate attempt to break free. Her tail swung around, delivering a powerful blow to the large dragon restraining her, momentarily causing him to fall over and release his grip. Seizing the opportunity, Taalli swiftly got to her feet and tried to leap into the sky. However, her attempt was short-lived, as the weight of her captor crashed into her rump, sending her sprawling onto her side. His claws ruthlessly tore away her delicate harness, with a loud ripping sound it was cast aside, scattering her application documents across the ground.

"Stop!" the dragon bellowed, his authoritative voice reverberating through the chaos. Utilizing his larger frame, he exerted immense pressure, forcing Taalli back down onto the cold concrete surface. One firm paw pressed her wing arm down hard into the concrete, limiting her movements, while another claw pressed at her throat, the sharp points digging into her smooth scales. "You are trespassing," he declared with unwavering certainty, lowering his head to meet Taalli's. "Who are you? Answer me!" he demanded sternly. "Now!" his voice erupted with a sharp bark, filling the air with tension.

Taalli's breaths came in rapid bursts as she peered up at the overpowering dragon who held her captive. Her chest tightened with fear, the realization of her utter powerlessness creeping into her consciousness, causing her entire body to tremble. A dull ache spread through her tired wings, and her neck felt stiff, prompting involuntary flinches. Summoning every ounce of her remaining strength, she made one last futile attempt to shake free, only to find herself still trapped within his unyielding grasp.

Aware of her futile struggles, Taalli shivered as she pleaded, her voice quivering, "Let me go! I'm here to join." She tried to fix her weak gaze with his piercing blue eyes but finding herself unable to maintain eye contact she tried to look around. The commotion attracted attention, and curious onlookers emerged from the surrounding buildings, their gazes fixated on the unfolding scene, wondering what had caused such a disturbance.

A shrill whistle cut through the tension, its sharp blast causing Taalli to flinch. A powerful voice coming from the darkness towards the pair, "what is the meaning of this Cadet!" It's tone female and carrying the weight of authority.

The dragon pinning Taalli to the ground turned his gaze toward the figure lurking in the shadows, his voice booming through the assembled area. "I caught this one trespassing, ma'am!" he barked, his tone commanding attention.

Taalli squirmed beneath the weight of his firm paws, her pride stung by the accusation of breaking the law. "I have papers, you clueless brute," she spat, her cheek pressed uncomfortably against the rough ground. "I'm here to join, for fuck's sake."

Amidst the tension, the sound of sharp claws tapping on the concrete echoed through the air. Taalli's eyes widened as the dragoness in command stepped forward from the shadows, bathed in the harsh spotlight. The sight of the formidable, muscular dragon sent a shiver down her spine. The dragoness carried herself with an air of authority, effortlessly commanding the respect of the other dragons who watched on with rapt attention.

She prowled around, her gaze piercing and confident, her paw swiftly snatching up a crumpled sheet of paper from the ground. As she scrutinized it, Taalli couldn't help but take in the striking details of the dragoness before her. This was no delicate or fragile dragoness. Every inch of her body exuded strength and purpose, her scales moulding seamlessly to the contours of her powerful muscles. Her neck boasted an impressive thickness, and her eyes blazed with a fierce intensity. It took Taalli a moment longer than expected to notice the absence of wings--two unsightly scars marred the dragoness's body where the wing membranes should have met her torso.

"At ease, Cadet Riimack," the dragoness uttered in a flat tone. With those words, the grip on Taalli loosened, and she felt relief flood through her as she was released from the dragon's firm hold. Cadet Riimack, took a small step back before standing formally and ready to intervene if Taalli dared to make any sudden moves, now awaiting further instructions from the commanding dragoness.

Taalli's weary body groaned in protest as she mustered the strength to pull herself up onto her feet. She shot a resentful glare at the silver and blue male dragon who had pinned her down moments ago, before redirecting her attention to the dragoness in charge. "I was told to come-" she began, but her words were swiftly silenced by a commanding glare from the dragoness, causing Taalli to snap her mouth shut. The crowd of dragons that had gathered around them intensified the pressure she felt, making her acutely aware of the harsh white spotlight shining down upon her, making her feel like she was on stage for the world to judge.

"What the hell kind of name is Taalli, eh?" the dragoness retorted, her sharp violet eyes fixating on Taalli with a clear expression of disdain.

Caught off guard for a brief moment, Taalli hesitated, her instinct urging her to correct the dragoness. However, quickly stopped herself, "Uh... yeah, that's what they called me."

The dragoness snarled in response, her voice dripping with displeasure. "Ma'am!" she sharply corrected.

Confusion washed over Taalli's face as she struggled to comprehend the abrupt change in address. "Thanks? Wait, what?" she stammered, immediately realizing her mistake.

"You will address me as ma'am or Drill Sergeant, am I understood!" the dragoness bellowed, aggressively closing in on Taalli, invading her personal space.

Overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the dragoness's voice, Taalli instinctively tightened her wings and defensively curled her tail around herself. Her defensive posture barely shielded her from the intimidating presence before her. With a mix of trepidation and understanding, she nodded in response.

"I can't hear you!" the drill Sergeant shouted, causing Taalli to flinch involuntarily.

"Okay, you got it... Ma'am," she replied defensively, her voice laced with a touch of confusion, which only seemed to further elicit a look from the drill Sergeant.

Taalli made an effort to maintain eye contact with the powerful dragoness, but she couldn't shake the overwhelming feeling of being prey as she found herself locked in the gaze of those piercing purple eyes. Eventually, feeling vulnerable, she lowered her head and glanced around in search of some form of support. Her eyes met the male dragon's, the one who had overpowered her, and he offered a weak smile. In the harsh glare of the white spotlights, his silver scales glistened, giving him an almost ethereal, angelic appearance.

Taalli caught sight of his piercing blue eyes, and he subtly nodded at her, silently urging her to pay attention. Meanwhile, the drill Sergeant sat on her haunches and flicked through the paperwork, scanning the application briefly before disdainfully discarding it to the ground. The Sergeant's focus shifted to the slender, orange dragoness standing before her. "So, why the fuck are you here?" she barked, causing Taalli to flinch involuntarily.

"I'm here to join," Taalli replied, quickly amending her response with a nervous "ma'am."

Closing the distance between them, the drill Sergeant brought her muzzle close to Taalli's ear, her voice seething with intensity. "No fucking shit, sparkle scales. I asked why are you here!" she shouted, the sheer force of her words causing Taalli to flinch once again.

Confusion and shock clouded Taalli's expression as she struggled to comprehend the outburst happening so close to her face. "I need to, ma'am," she managed to utter nervously, her heart pounding in her chest at the thought of being rejected and forced to return to her controlling father.

"She needs to, she says!" the drill Sergeant declared, her voice projecting to the gathered crowd as she circled around Taalli. "And why do you think we would want a goldfish like yourself in our ranks?"

Taalli swallowed hard, her gaze turning to the flightless dragoness. "Um, the recruiter said I could join," she replied weakly, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. "Ma'am," she added softly, quickly averting her eyes as the drill Sergeant's intense gaze locked onto hers once again.

"Did he now? Did he also promise a box of puppies and a full night's rest as well?" the drill Sergeant mockingly remarked, earning a chuckle from the crowd. Her eyes scanned over Taalli's form, taking in every detail. The orange dragoness was certainly not out of shape, but she was a far cry from the strong, muscular dragons she was accustomed to training. The Sergeant's purple eyes focused on the polished ivory horns protruding from Taalli's skull and the elegantly curved and painted talons on her black paws. It was evident that this newcomer hailed from wealth, exuding an air of softness and refinement that contrasted sharply with the military environment. "The cutoff was two days ago. Go home, silver spoon," the drill Sergeant sneered, staring down Taalli with disdain.

Taalli felt her stomach drop as the reality of her situation sank in. "I... I can't go home," she weakly protested, her gaze fixed on the ground. Her tail tucked tightly around her feet, and her wings quivered slightly. The military's words about being a family were beginning to feel all too true, but for all the wrong reasons.

Without hesitation, the drill Sergeant swiftly closed the distance, intruding into Taalli's personal space. Her strong tan snout hovered mere inches away from Taalli's ear as she spoke in a stern, commanding tone. "You say that like it's my problem," she snarled. "Why should I bother with you if you can't even make it to training on time?"

Taalli whimpered softly, swallowing back her emotions. "Because... Because I..." she stammered, struggling to find the right words to describe her desperate situation. Her thoughts turned to leaving Mike behind, the military being her last hope of escaping her father's clutches. She could feel the Sergeant's breath on her cheek, the violet eyes burning into her. Sensing a momentary pause, she mustered her courage and continued, "This is my last chance, ma'am. I can't afford to fail."

The drill Sergeant met Taalli's gaze, observing the pained expression in her eyes. "Running from something, are you?" the Sergeant stated, a note of disgust in her voice. "You don't look like a killer, Taalli. Are you a killer?" she questioned, her lips curling into a smile as she saw Taalli shake her head in response. "I can't hear you!" she bellowed into Taalli's ear, demanding a clearer response.

"I'm not a killer!" Taalli snapped, her body tense with defiance.

The drill Sergeant took a step back, a smug smirk playing on her lips. "Cadets! Taalli here says she's not a killer!" she announced, turning her head to address the crowd. "Cadets! What are we?"

In unison, the entire assembly erupted in a thunderous roar, their deep voices resonating through the air. "KILLERS!... KILLERS!... KILLERS!" They bellowed while loudly slapping their wings against their sides, the chant reverberated through the space before falling back into silence.

Closing the distance once again, the Sergeant approached the timid orange dragoness, causing Taalli to shrink back slightly. Her voice lowered to a stern whisper as she continued, "Look around you, soft scales. These dragons want to be here, and they know exactly what they are, and why they are here. Each one of them will rely on the dragon next to them to survive. And you? You're bright fucking orange, weak, skinny, and late. Why should I ask them to put their lives in your paws?"

Taalli glanced around, taking in the muted colours of the other dragons, their muscular frames and evident physical fitness. Her voice wavered slightly as she spoke, a glimmer of hope laced within her words. "Can you at least give me a chance to prove myself?" she pleaded weakly, her voice filled with a tinge of defeat. "Ma'am."

Taalli looked concerned when the drill Sergeant smirked. "Well, Let's hope you can pull some magic out of your ass," she warned, stepping back and assuming a commanding stance. With powerful strides, she circled Taalli, her neck curved in a tight S-shape as she loudly addressed the crowd. "Taalli here, believes she's got what it takes! Taalli here, thinks she doesn't need the last two days of training and can just waltz in here and wrestle with the heavy weights," she bellowed, her voice carrying across the assembled dragons. "So, cadets! As I'm feeling particularly generous on this fine refreshing morning. I leave it up to you! What do you think would be a fair trial for this fine specimen of a 'ness to prove herself worthy of your ranks?" she declared, her tone laced with mischief and a smirk spread across her snout.

Taalli's nervoursness intensified, her weary body weakened by days of little to no sleep and the journey through the night. As she looked around, she could feel the hungry eyes of the surrounding dragons peering at her from the darkness. Suddenly, an excited shout echoed out, "Kill her!" Taalli snapped her head around, trying to locate the source of the voice, her body tensing and her lips curling back in a snarl.

The rest of the dragons joined in, their unified and deep voices chanting in a haunting chorus, "Kill, kill, kill..." The chant grew in volume, echoing through the air. Taalli rose to her feet, her body crouched down, wings starting to mantle in a defensive posture. She readied herself to spring into action, her eyes widening with the realization that she might have made a grave mistake by coming here, now faced with the daunting prospect of fending off multiple dragons.

---

---

Mike rubbed his wrists, the red marks where the handcuffs chafed his soft skin still sore as he stepped out of the police station. "You look like shit." His former boss and friend, Ben, said while waiting for him next to an old van. "Come on, let's get you home." Ben said as he saw the exhausted and concerned look on his friend's face while opening the passenger door.

Mike almost collapsed into the passenger seat of the van, with a thud Ben closed the door behind him before quickly stepping around the front of the van and getting into the driver's seat. "I don't want to go home." Mike said softly before clearing his throat and continuing, "She made a video, throwing herself under a bus for me," he said and saw Ben's knowing look. "The police went to arrest her and didn't find her at home. They checked my dorm, and she wasn't there either." He added.

Ben turned the van on, its old fan belts squealing briefly, "I know about the video." He said and threw the van into gear. "Who do you think helped her make it?" He added with a smile to his friend. With a lurch they merged into the main road.

Mike turned in his chair, "Do you know where she could be? Did she say where she was going?" Mike asked, his eyes hopeful. His optimism short lived as Ben shook his head. "I'm worried she may have done something stupid."

Ben glanced at his desperate friend, "she seems like a switched-on kind of 'ness. She said she was going to go for a fly, visit some places you went together, get something to eat, and go home." He said and saw his friends lip quiver and sit back in his chair in defeat. "She wanted me to tell you she was sorry." He offered but a quick glance between lane changes confirmed it didn't help. "Did she have any friends? Anyone who she might go to.?"

Mike squinted at the mid-morning sun as he looked out the van's window towards the city skyline, the large imposing spires where she used to live reaching like fingers above the skyline. "I don't think so, the cops asked the same thing, but I've never heard her talk about any friends." He said softly. His stomach grumbled as he looked down at his wrinkled business shirt and sighed, "food, shower, bed" he thought to himself, the plan he has promised her before being arrested still echoing in his mind, the image of Leena's hopeful face as he held her close still etched in his memories.

"Wait! Food! You said she was going to get food! Ben, can you get me to the eastern markets?" He said and saw Ben nod, flicking his indicators on and changing lanes.

Ben glanced across while driving, "you think she is in the markets?"

"She knew a vendor there, another dragoness." Mike said enthusiastically. His knuckles white as he held onto the door handle with excitement. "She has to be there, it's one of the least places her father would look."

Ben's heart beat faster at the hope of reuniting the pair, guilt still pulling at his mind for playing a part in this catastrophe. As he glanced at his friend, he could see how tired Mike was and had to ask, "hey man, when did you sleep last?"

Mike gave a groan, "oh god knows. I got a couple hours after the dinner thing. But didn't sleep much before graduation." He said which caused Ben to frown in concern.

The drive seemed to take forever as they made their way across the city, Mike tried not to think of what he would do if she wasn't there. Uncertainty pulling at his stomach and making him feel sick. As they travelled, he tried to think of something else, "Hey Ben, I don't think my new job is working out." He said and turned to his former boss with a weak smile, "can I have my old job back."

Ben chuckled, "sure mate." He said before turning serious, "hey, I wanted to say I'm sorry for making you help with that whole dinner party thing. I knew you were going to have a long day with graduation and all that, and if I had of known it would go like this-"

"It's not your fault, I was the dickhead who said yes to work for her father." Mike said sadly, "she tried to warn me too," his voice wavering slightly, he cleared his throat and tried to continue, "I was just so fucking focused on the money" he said and slammed a fist against the worn dashboard. "I thought we could use it to get away, I-"

Ben glanced to his friend and saw Mike now looking out the window, lip trembling, "she will be okay, you will see. We will get to the market, and we will find her. Okay?" Ben said, trying to reassure his friend who gave a silent nod in reply.

The van had barely come to a halt before Mike threw the door open and leapt out, dashing across the empty marketplace towards the noodle shop, the same one that Leena had taken him to after their final uni assignment was handed in. While technically it wasn't their first date, it held a special place in each other's hearts and the promise he made to her on the last day he saw her was to visit the stall markets again.

"Please be here" he thought to himself as he ran towards the building. The market stall was a part of a residential apartment building, the bottom floor having been opened up on one side to sell food, however the awning that extended out from the building had been pulled down and zipped up. Mike bounced on his feet in frustration as he took note of the sign that was on the awning, the list of days and opening hours clearly outlined that today, Tuesday, was a day that the whole marketplace was closed.

Feeling his hopes being dashed, he looked above the market stall at the unit above, "LEENA!" He called out, hoping upon hope that he would see her smiling face from the window. "LEENA, IT'S ME!" He shouted with his hands cupped to his mouth.

"She isn't here." Said a voice from behind him. Spinning around Mike, saw a teal-coloured dragoness walking towards him across the courtyard, she walked uncomfortably as she balanced a large foam box between her shoulders, packed full of fresh ingredients. "Mike? Right?" She asked when she saw his desperate face.

"Have you seen her?" Mike asked, his chest tight at the thought of losing her.

The teal dragoness nodded before curling her neck around and lifting the box off her shoulders and setting it down with a sigh. Mike waited with bated breath as the dragon sat on her haunches. "What happened? Did you two break up with her or something?" She asked, her eyes looking Mike up and down and noticing his dishevelled appearance, his face was pale with deep bags under his bloodshot eyes and five o'clock shadow.

"What? No. It's a long story, but she has gone missing. I need to find her!" Mike said, his knees going weak and he quickly found himself leaning against the wall of the building.

"Hey, it will be okay. She is probably just out with friends or something" The dragoness started, but even as she said the words she could tell his expression was one of panic, remembering how Leena looked the night before made her slightly concerned, the orange dragoness was a regular customer of hers and while she sometimes came in looking sad, last night she knew something terrible must have happened. "So, you didn't break up with her?" She asked and saw him shake his head with a sincere look in his eyes.

She took a moment to think about if she should divulge what happened, the look of the trembling human causing her heart to melt. "Okay, I don't know where she went. But she came here, sad as fuck. Her card didn't work but I gave her some noodles. Then she sat over there." She said and gestured with a paw towards the main courtyard of the marketplace where some tables were bolted to the ground.

"You didn't see her father here at any point, did you? He is a big black fucker, with a white chest." Mike asked and felt a bit relieved as the teal dragoness shook her head. "What about her mother, all orange 'ness?" He asked only for her to shake her head again.

"She ate all by herself, she looked like she needed a hug, that's for sure. A recruiter talked to her for a bit, I think she was desperate to just talk to someone. But honestly it was so busy last night, I didn't even notice her leaving." She spoke. "I'm sorry champ, I'm sure she will turn up. But if I see her, I'll tell her you came by." She said and started to unlock the market stall to put the ingredients away.

Mike tried to take a deep breath to calm himself as he stood up straight, "thank you." He said softly. He saw Ben walking towards him and bid the dragoness farewell.

"Not here I take it?" Ben said sadly and saw Mike shake his head, tears welling up in his eyes. He put an arm around Mike's shoulders. Ben could feel Mike was on the verge of collapse and guided him back towards the van, "let's get you home," he said and saw Mike open his mouth to interject and swiftly cut Mike off, "-if she isn't with her parents, I'm sure she is fine."

---

---

"Then kill her we shall!" The words thundered from the drill sergeant, causing Taalli to jerk her head towards the imposing figure. Her heart raced within her chest as she found herself surrounded by a sea of dragons, their hungry gazes fixated upon her. The early morning sun began its ascent, casting a soft, dim orange glow across the assembly area, heightening the tension in the air. "And because our pumpkin princess here has given us the honour of waking up, so early on this fine day, Cadets! You will all do the kill!" She shouted, earning a groan from the crowd.

Standing tall before Taalli, the drill sergeant commanded the attention of the countless dragons that had gathered. The only dragon who seemed disinterested in her fate was the magnificent silver and blue creature that had recently caught her trespassing.

A sense of panic pulsed through Taalli as she anxiously surveyed her surroundings. The drill sergeant's voice boomed, reverberating through the assembly area, and it felt as if every word sent a jolt of electricity through her veins. "Well? What are you waiting for, Cadets?" she snarled, her tone sharp as a talon. "Get your gear and move out!"

In response, the entire crowd of dragons unfurled their mighty wings and rhythmically beat them against their sides, a thunderous symphony filling the air. The resounding chorus of "Yes, ma'am!" echoed from their powerful throats as they turned in unison, their focused gazes fixed on a single direction.

Approaching Taalli and the silver dragon, the drill sergeant directed her attention towards the male. "Cadet Riimack, since you did such a commendable job of granting her access to the base, you'll have the privilege of keeping an eye on her. When she eventually quits, you'll be responsible for returning her gear. Crystal clear?"

"Understood, ma'am!" The dragon responded promptly, his wings resounding against his sides as he gave a brisk nod. With a firm sweep of his powerful wing, he pulled Taalli away from the stern drill sergeant, guiding her towards the direction the other dragons were heading. "Come on, let's go before you make things worse," he murmured under his breath, his tone laced with a mix of urgency and concern.

Confusion etched across Taalli's face as she was hurriedly led away, leaving her torn harness abandoned on the ground. The dragons that had previously surrounded her now glared at her disdainfully as they assembled in a disciplined line. "What's going on?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Are they planning to kill me?"

Riimack chuckled, a soft rumble escaping his throat. "I'm sure its crossed their minds but, no. 'The kill' is a mountain," he explained, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "We each have to carry a training tube, a dummy rocket launcher, all the way to the summit. It's an exercise drill. If you fail to make it, well, you're fucked." He flashed her a playful smile. "Come on, you don't want to end up stuck with a Jav." Noticing her continued confusion, he elaborated again, "Really? A Jav? It's short for Javelin missile system... Never mind. It's the heaviest one."

Riimack and Taalli stood side by side, their eyes fixed on the pile of racks that held an assortment of dummy training launchers. The morning's activities had left Taalli feeling dizzy, her mind struggling to keep up with the hustle and bustle around her. The relentless barking of the drill sergeant, demanding them to hurry, sent a surge of anxiety through Taalli's veins, causing her heart to race and her jaw to clench.

After what felt like an eternity, Taalli finally reached the front of the queue and approached the dragon assigning the training launchers. A mischievous glint sparkled in the eyes of a green male dragon with vibrant yellow wings. He held a smaller launcher in his paws, leaning against a larger one. With a smirk dancing on his lips, he looked at Taalli and said, "Here you go, luv." Setting down the smaller launcher, he thrust the weighty one into her chest. Taalli's paws instinctively wrapped around the heavy tube, trying to find a comfortable grip. "Have fun!" he added with a mocking tone before spitting on the ground at her feet.

Feeling the weight of the cylindrical launcher, Taalli struggled to drag it across the ground, trying to not be in the way of the rest of the dragons. It was an awkward task, with limited options for carrying it. She decided to wrap her front legs tightly around the tube, hoping it would suffice as she saw the other dragons taking off. Riimack, walking on three legs beside her, held a smaller launcher under one arm. He attempted to appear friendly, urging her, "Come on, now it's the flying bit." With a swift crouch and a powerful surge of his magnificent blue wings, he gracefully ascended into the air, leaving behind a small trail of dust in his wake.

Taalli looked around, her gaze shifting to the other dragons preparing for take-off. Among them was a larger dragon, his muscular form exuding strength and confidence. Like Taalli, he carried a similarly large launcher, but his bulging muscles effortlessly gripped the tube. Standing tall on his hind legs, he unleashed a powerful kick, propelling himself into the air while simultaneously flapping his mighty wings.

Leena tried to do the same, heaving the heavy weight up to her chest with her front paws as she sat in her haunches. Taking a deep breath, she held it close and used her back legs to jump into the sky, her wings protesting as she flapped them hard. She threatened to stall as she slowly climbed over the roof of the barracks, the weight was like carrying a Mike in each paw and she felt like her wing membranes were going to tear.

Her back ached and body strained with the obnoxious weight but slowly she began to climb, the dragons ahead becoming smaller and smaller as she was left behind.

"You hanging in there?" called Riimack as he swooped down alongside her, a smaller rocket launcher tucked tightly under his arm. He could see the intensity in Leena's eyes, her focus solely on maintaining her altitude rather than engaging in conversation. "Want to trade?" he offered, noticing her glance towards his weapon. "Jeenik was a jerk for assigning that one to you. Gain some height, and I'll swap." He suggested, giving a few forceful beats of his wings to climb higher. Observing Leena's gritted teeth and pained groans as she pushed herself harder and harder to gain the much needed elevation

Riimack smiled as she came long side him, "alrighty, stay level, I'll take it." He said and used his paws to put his launcher between his jaws. Taalli watched as he effortlessly beat his wings, sliding left and then right, rolling inverted as he did so. Before she knew it, he was upside down beneath her, his strong paws taking her heavy payload and bringing his head next to hers. The proximity sent a flutter through Taalli's chest, her heart quickening with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. She heard Riimack grunt softly, his mouth still gripping the smaller launcher.

Shaking her head quickly she took the lighter tube from him with her mouth and let go of the heavy one she was assigned. Her eyes watching him as he pulled away from her and righted himself, his large arms bulging as he took the weight. Her eyes were fixated on his body as with a few heavy beats of his large blue wings he brought himself up alongside her.

"Taalli, is it?" Riimack's voice reached her ears, filled with a touch of contrition. "Sorry for pinning you earlier. It was my first guard duty, and they told me they would be running drills." He glanced at her, a genuine concern evident in his shimmering eyes. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"

Taalli released the launcher from her mouth, clasping it carefully in her forepaws. The weapon felt remarkably lighter, barely a fraction of the weight she had been burdened with before. Instantly, her wings felt revitalized, the strain of carrying the heavy load slowly dissipating. She couldn't help but steal occasional glances at Riimack's sculpted body but quickly buried the thoughts.

Taalli's voice held a tinge of remorse as she muttered, "Sorry I swiped at you." She couldn't help but compare her own physicality to Riimack's imposing figure. His physique exuded strength and power, his lethal claws a stark contrast to her own modest ones.

"What were you thinking, landing in the middle of a base like that?" Riimack's voice carried a playful tone, but his eyes betrayed his amusement as they met Taalli's. A blush crept across her muzzle, a mixture of embarrassment and self-consciousness.

Taalli swallowed nervously, attempting to summon a feeble smile. "I couldn't find the concierge," she confessed, hoping to make light of the morning's chaotic events. Her words elicited a hearty laugh from the silver and blue dragon. "I must say, between the aggressive doorman and the boisterous manager, I think I'll give this place a one-star review," she quipped, her attempt at humour punctuated by a slight giggle.

Riimack joined in her laughter, his voice ringing out. "Well, they certainly know how to provide a wake-up call!" he teased, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. "And the room service? Non-existent, I'm afraid," he added, eliciting another small chuckle from Taalli.

As she looked at Riimack, his genuine smile melting her worries momentarily, memories of Mike, her beloved human boyfriend, flooded her mind. She swallowed hard, trying to push aside her longing, before mustering the courage to ask, "Do we have phones in our rooms?"

Riimack burst into laughter, but his amusement quickly subsided when he realized Taalli was serious. "Rooms?" he exclaimed, shaking his head. "Oh, dear. You'll be assigned a bunk in the barracks, but as for phones, the only ones I know of are in the medical wing and maybe the Sergeant's office." His gaze softened as he noticed her expression falter. "Feeling homesick already?" he asked, his voice filled with empathy.

She lied and shook her head before trying to make a joke of it, "at least in prison, they let you make a phone call." She said and forced a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Well, you are orange." He teased and she snorted a laugh.

"Thank you. By the way." Taalli said and gestured to the rocket launcher. "This is a lot lighter."

Riimack, with a friendly smile adorning his silver-scaled face, redirected their attention forward. The morning sun, slicing through the haze, cast its golden glow upon a majestic mountain in the distance. Its name, Mt. Kill, resonated with a sense of both awe and dread. "That's the one," Riimack explained, his voice laced with a mixture of determination and weariness. "We've got to haul these weapons up there and ring a bell at the summit before flying back. It's a real pain in the ass. And it's even worse when you're stuck with one of these heavy fucks." He demonstrated, and grunted as he lifted it close to his chest, his large muscles bulging in the process.

As they soared through the air, Taalli continued to flap her wings, grateful for the relatively lighter load she carried. Yet, despite her advantage, she couldn't help but notice that Riimack, burdened by a heavier arsenal, maintained a swifter pace. Determined not to be left behind, Taalli strained her muscles, pushing herself to keep up with him. The realization that she was already struggling to match his speed added a new layer of doubt to her growing sense of being out of her depth.

"Have you ever flown with something this heavy before?" Riimack asked, his eyes fixed on Taalli as she powered through the air, carrying the cumbersome tube in her arms, just like he had.

Taalli couldn't help but smile as memories flooded her mind, of the time she had playfully lifted Mike into the sky, their shared flights filling her heart with warmth and longing. The image of his arms securely wrapped around her neck, his body nestled in her grasp, made her yearn for him even more. Lost in her thoughts, she was abruptly jolted back to reality when she heard Riimack's voice echoing, "Earth to Taalli!"

Shaking her head to dispel the lingering memories, she focused on the present. "Well, once I carried a friend, it was a struggle," she replied, a touch of exhaustion evident in her voice. "It's much easier when they sit on your shoulders."

Riimack raised an intrigued eyeridge, already sensing the bittersweet undertones in her response. "A human, I presume?" he inquired, his eyes searching hers as she silently nodded, a tinge of sadness lingering in her gaze. "Lucky man," he remarked, his tone warm and friendly. Taalli's slight blush confirmed his suspicions. "What's his name?" he prodded, a playful smile dancing on his lips. "Come on now, we have a long flight ahead. Talking will take your mind off the monotony, or just fly faster and ignore me," he suggested, chuckling lightly.

Looking ahead she could see the rest of the dragons a while ahead of them, each carrying their own launcher, the mountain beyond slowly getting closer. With a weary sigh, she glanced at Riimack, who still awaited her response. "His name is Mike," she finally revealed, her voice filled with a mix of longing and uncertainty.

Riimack couldn't resist the opportunity to playfully tease her, his voice adopting a mischievous, singsong tone. "Oohoo, Miiike," he chanted, causing a faint blush to tint Taalli's cheeks as she averted her gaze ahead. "Is he cute?" he prodded further, a sly smirk gracing his lips. However, his attempts at lightening the mood were met with her determined silence. Undeterred, he continued, "Come on, at least tell me if it's serious. Are you going to brave a long-distance relationship?" he inquired, attempting to inject some levity into the weighty conversation.

Taalli turned her head to face Riimack, her expression serious. "Something like that, I suppose. I've heard that we're granted leave between tours. Is that still true?" she inquired, her voice tinged with a glimmer of hope.

Riimack nodded in confirmation. "At the end of basic training, you'll be given a day to spend with your family before embarking on specialist training. Then, another day is granted before you deploy," he explained. Pausing for a moment, a mischievous twinkle lit up his eyes as he added, "Of course, you could always consider quitting," accompanied by a smirk.

Taalli's jaw clenched, her resolve firming as she matched Riimack's increased speed. She shot him a stern look, her eyes reflecting her determination. "That's... That's not an option, unfortunately," she replied, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and resignation. She swallowed back her swirling emotions, fully aware that spending her time with Mike was what her heart yearned for. Yet, with the ever-present oppressive weight of her controlling parents, disappearing for a while had become a necessity.

Riimack couldn't help but notice Taalli's subdued demeanour, sensing the weight of her thoughts. "Well, word of warning, my friend," he interjected, his voice carrying a hint of playfulness. "There aren't any other 'nesses in this wave of recruitment," he stated, a mischievous smile adorning his face.

Curiosity sparked in Taalli's eyes as she turned to face him, adjusting the payload in her grasp to alleviate the numbing sensation in her legs. "What do you mean?" she inquired, her voice laced with a touch of intrigue.

Riimack chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm simply saying, be cautious. There are plenty of young, eager dragons around here, and you might find that the drill sergeant isn't the only one on your back," he warned, observing her eyes widen in slight surprise. However, he quickly sought to reassure her. "But hey, don't worry, you've got your babysitter right here. I'll take care of you," he added, accompanied by a playful chuckle. Yet, as he glanced at her stern gaze, he realized she was scrutinizing his words, attempting to decipher his intentions. "Oh, don't get your harness in a twist. I'm not interested," he quickly clarified, laughter still evident in his voice.

Taalli's eyes widened slightly, a mischievous glimmer dancing within them. "Oh, so you prefer drakes then?" she teased, her assumption that military dragons were exclusively heterosexual beginning to unravel. The notion of Riimack being involved with another drake held a certain allure for her.

Riimack looked at her, momentarily perplexed by her comment. "No, no, I like a good 'ness," he admitted honestly, his confusion transforming into amusement. Sensing her confusion, he couldn't resist teasing her further. "I'm just out of your league!" he quipped, his wings beating faster as he playfully accelerated, causing Taalli to burst into laughter, her efforts to keep pace with him turning into a joyous pursuit.

Taalli swiftly shifted the weight of the payload to her other paw, determined to match Riimack's pace. With each beat of her wings, she exerted herself to the maximum, her mouth opening in a pant as she desperately tried to inhale as much oxygen as possible. "My harness isn't in a twist! Thank you very much!" she yelled out to him, her voice laced with a playful edge. Catching his smile in response, she playfully added, "You bloody well ripped it off, you brute!"

Riimack's laughter reverberated through the air, resonating like the deep rumble of rolling boulders. "Sorry about that. It did look expensive," he replied with a touch of genuine remorse in his tone.

Understanding his jest, Taalli nodded, her mind drifting to the memory of picking out the harness for her birthday. It had been a gift funded by her parents, who were always too occupied to personally select something for her. "How did you know it was expensive? Are you sure you don't have a thing for drakes?" she inquired, a teasing glimmer shining in her eyes.

Riimack grinned, amusement evident on his face. "Yeah, I'm sure," he assured her, a hint of mischief dancing in his gaze. To her surprise and embarrassment, he continued, "Porn mags are contraband, so harness catalogues are the next best thing," causing her cheeks to flush a deep shade of crimson. Quickly changing the topic, he added, "But I believe tomorrow we'll be getting properly fitted with our own harnesses."

Taalli looked over to him, the differences in the physique polarizing. Her smooth scaled body looked so delicate compared to his. A smile crept onto her face as she quipped. "So, from one harness lover to another. The ones they give us, are they designer? Or do we just get to pick the colour?" She said and saw him glance to her in disbelief, "I was thinking something that brought out my eyes." She added with a smile to let him know she wasn't serious. His deep chuckle a sense of comfort to her as they continued their way towards the mountain.

As they flew, the sounds of a bell ringing from the mountain ahead rang out, Taalli squinted and saw dragons banking steeply as they got to the top of the mountain and would clip the bell with a tail mid turn before heading back towards base.

Riimack, his silver scales glistening under the sun's rays, let out a sombre sigh. Flapping his wings with increased intensity, he gradually pulled ahead of Taalli, his blue wings beating with purpose.

"You're in for a real challenge here, Taalli," Riimack said, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. As he forged ahead, Taalli struggled to keep up with the stronger and more experienced dragon.

A mixture of sorrow and resignation laced Taalli's reply. "Yeah... I got that," she murmured softly, her heart heavy with the weight of her newfound limitations.

"Most of them are going to be pissed that you got them dragged out of bed so early." He said, the returning dragons were coming towards them quickly and Riimack quickly cut Taalli off, moving his body ahead and slightly above hers. Before she could say anything some of the returning dragons tried to take a swipe at her with an errant tail or with a paw, none of them able to get close without striking Riimack as well much to the annoyance of the group.

With lightning reflexes, Taalli rolled in mid-air, narrowly evading an incoming dragon's dive aimed at her wing. "Hey fuck off!" Taalli called back, only for the fleeing dragon to lift his tail while flying in a rude gesture as he made his way back to base.

Realigning his wings and matching Taalli's pace, Riimack fell back alongside her. "Group punishment is all too common here," he explained with a hint of resignation. "When you fuck up, everyone pays the price. It's a way to instil discipline and make sure you don't want to fuck up."

Taalli couldn't help but mutter under her breath, her words barely audible amidst the rushing wind. "Seems like that's been the story of my life lately."

As they ascended towards the sumit, Taalli and Riimack found their rhythm, gliding through the air and riding the updraft that carried them to the mountaintop. The wind whispered through their scales as they soared higher. "Halfway there" chimed Riimack as he surged forwards and with a twist of his body clipped the bell with a tail and turned back towards base.

Taalli mirrored Riimack's actions, her tail connecting with the bell in a satisfying thud. A wave of accomplishment washed over her as she realized she had reached the halfway mark. With the elevation gained from the updraft, Taalli let out a contented sigh and allowed herself a moment to revel in the breathtaking panorama. The sun, now fully risen, cast its warm glow upon a vast expanse of lush forests and sprawling fields below. As she glided through the sky, she inhaled deeply, savouring the intoxicating scents of nature that surrounded her--an enchanting departure from the familiar urban clamour she was accustomed to.

Looking ahead she couldn't help but look at Riimack, his body built with more defined muscles, while only a few inches longer than her, his wings about a foot larger in each direction giving him a commanding presence as he flew. "Enjoying the view?" he called back to her, noticing her staring.

Taali's snout wore a mischievous smile as she playfully retorted, "Oh, you're definitely out of my league, remember?!" With renewed determination, she flapped her wings a little harder, propelling herself forward to catch up with Riimack's soaring figure. As she adjusted the grip on her payload and shook her numb leg, trying to restore circulation, her curiosity got the better of her. "So, what exactly is in this tube?" she asked, craning her neck to examine the markings etched upon its surface.

"Standard issue anti-tank weapon, AT4 for short." Riimack said, and gestured to his larger one, "and this? This is a javelin. It's the one she tells you not to worry about." He added with a smile.

Taalli let out a weary sigh, her fatigue apparent. "Wouldn't be so bad if I hadn't just flown all the way from the city," she muttered under her breath, her wings drooping slightly from exhaustion.

Riimack's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait! You flew through the night?" he asked, his astonishment evident. He watched as Taalli wearily nodded in response. "Why did you do that?" he inquired, concerned about her well-being.

Taalli glanced at him briefly before returning her gaze to the horizon. "Long story," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of weariness. "But hey, breakfast is still a thing, right?" she quickly changed the subject, hoping to divert the conversation away from her arduous journey.

A warm smile spread across Riimack's face. "Oh, absolutely! But if you want breakfast, we better pick up the pace," he suggested, his tone encouraging. He observed Taalli's exasperated sigh and took a deep breath. Gathering her determination, she increased the rhythm of her weary wings. "That's it! Let's keep a steady rhythm," Riimack cheered, offering guidance and support.

As they continued their flight, every time Taalli slowed, Riimack was there, encouraging her not to give up. He filled her ears with fanciful tales of mouthwatering breakfast delights, motivating her to push through the exhaustion. Taalli fixed her gaze steadfastly ahead as the military base came into view. Each beat of her wings propelled her forward, a surge of determination leading her toward a much-needed meal and a moment to rest.

Riimack smiled at her efforts, feeling a sense of admiration for the soft orange dragoness as she carried her tube with determination. She was clearly out of her element, and he had expected her to quit after they took off. His mind wondering to what sort of trauma she must have endured to think the military was her only solution.

Approaching the base, they noticed a few dragons still ahead who hadn't yet touched down. Taalli fixed her gaze on them, her focus intensifying as she pushed herself to catch up. Riimack decided to test her endurance. "Most dragons sprint at the beginning and end up exhausted on the way back. Do you think you have much left in you?" he asked, his tone both challenging and curious. He saw her give a slight nod, determination gleaming in her eyes. "Sarg will be impressed if you can beat someone back," he teased, his voice laced with amusement. As he spoke, he witnessed Taalli's wings beat harder and harder, her determination growing with each stroke.

The final stretch lay before them, and several dragons ahead were already slowing their pace, their launchers still clenched to their chests as they prepared for a smooth landing. Riimack flew alongside Taalli, his own large wings beating harder than expected to keep up with her. "Just don't stick the landing," he warned, a playful note in his voice. Taalli paid him no attention, her focus solely fixed on a dragon ahead of her. Despite the cramp building in her wings and the tight stitch in her chest, she snarled through the pain, refusing to yield. Her relentless determination drove her forward, fuelling her desire to surpass at least one of the other dragons.

The dragon ahead of her flared his wings, preparing to make a smooth landing near the piles of training tubes. Sensing her opportunity, Taalli swiftly pressed the opening, making a split-second decision. Determined to overtake him, she clipped her wings, tucking them tightly to her sides, and darted underneath him. Then, with a sudden burst of power, she flared her wings wide, her wing membrane stretching with tension as she soared ahead of the surprised dragon. Frantically flapping her wings, she fought to control her landing, rapidly decelerating as she approached the stack of tubes.

A deep groan escaped Taalli's throat as her wings felt as though they were about to give way. Muscles cramped and her large wing arms spasmed, surrendering to exhaustion as they instinctively folded inward. Her rear legs stretched out, bracing for the impact of the swift landing. With a heavy thud, she landed on her back legs and skidded across the concrete surface, her body feeling like jelly. Muscles contorted under her scales, absorbing the forces of the landing as she rotated forward. Desperately, she clutched the AT4 tube tightly under one arm while extending her other paw to catch herself. However, her front leg offered no resistance, unable to bear her weight, and she collapsed onto her chest with a forceful impact. A pained yelp escaped her as she slid into the racks of launchers, causing them to rattle and the heavy weights to fall to the ground with dull thuds. The scattered launchers then started rolling away haphazardly, adding to the chaos of the moment.

"The fuck do you think you are doing silver spoon! This isn't the time for laying down, you lazy whore." Barked the drill sergeant, causing Taalli to groan and lift her head. Her front legs feeling like jelly as she weakly brought herself up onto her feet. "Look at the fucking mess you have made!" Shouted the drill sergeant, her loud voice next to Taalli's ear causing her to flinch and look at the toppled over rack.

Riimack and the last remaining dragon gracefully descended to the ground, their large paws padding softly against the terrain. Jeenik, the green dragon entrusted with overseeing the armoury, wore a frustrated expression that couldn't be concealed. "Ma'am," he grumbled getting the attention of the drill Sergeant, his voice tinged with annoyance, "Taalli was given a Javelin, but she returned with an AT4." Sitting proudly at attention, Jeenik couldn't help but flash a smug smirk in Taalli's direction.

"Is that so, Cadet Jeenik?" Bellowed the drill Sergeant before moving so her head was only inches away from Taalli's.

Riimack stepped forward, determined to take responsibility for the situation. "Ma'am, it was my doing," he confessed, his voice resolute. The drill Sergeant's attention abruptly shifted to Riimack, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. Riimack, sitting at attention, held his ground, his gaze fixed straight ahead, his wings pressed tightly against his body.

"I noticed that Cadet Jeenik had made an error in his assignments, Ma'am" Riimack continued, his voice unwavering. "According to protocol, those weapons are meant to be issued to dragons larger than Taalli." As he spoke, a flicker of anger flashed across Jeenik's face, barely concealed before he adjusted his posture. "Not wanting to delay the deployment by bringing this to Jeenik's attention at the time, This Cadet and Taalli worked as a team to ensure the payload was delivered as requested. Ma'am." He said while staring straight ahead, his wings tucked tight against his body.

Taalli caught the angry look of Jeenik as Riimack spoke, before quickly sitting upright like the others when the drill sergeant turned her gaze back to her. "Is that so!" the drill sergeant shouted, her tone a mix of anger and disbelief, her eyes piercing into Taalli's soul.

"Ah... y-yes, ma'am," Taalli stammered, her voice laced with a feeble attempt at confidence, though her unease was palpable.

"Very well!" The sergeant said before turning to the green dragon, "Cadet Jeenik! It appears you're lacking some crucial knowledge about our weapon platforms. Knowledge that, rest assured, you'll acquire while restacking those racks," the sergeant barked, her voice carrying an air of authority.

Jeenik, visibly tense, replied with a clipped, "Yes, ma'am," shooting a snarl in Taalli's direction when the sergeant's attention shifted to Riimack.

"Cadet Riimack!" The commanding officer exclaimed, her voice reverberating through the air as she circled the majestic silver and blue dragon. Taalli watched with a mix of awe and trepidation.

"Your knowledge and dedication in looking out for your team has been exemplary," the officer continued, her words carrying a tone of approval.

Riimack, his silver scales shimmering under the sunlight, responded with a loud and proud voice, "Thank you, ma'am!" A sense of relief washed over Taalli as she witnessed the praise bestowed upon her fellow cadet. However, the relief quickly gave way to a gnawing unease as the officer continued.

"I will sleep soundly knowing that you will be on guard duty every night this week." She bellowed.

Taalli saw the handsome dragon deflate slightly before replying. "Yes ma'am!"

"And you!" the drill Sergeant boomed, her voice echoing across the empty assembly area. Taalli couldn't help but shrink under the intense scrutiny. "Since you seem to have a fondness for the AT4 platform," the sergeant continued, a smirk playing on her lips, "I suggest you keep one with you at all times."

Confusion flickered across Taalli's face, her head slightly cocked to the side. "Ma'am?" she ventured, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Without hesitation, the drill sergeant plucked an AT4 rocket launcher from the ground and thrust it forcefully into Taalli's chest. The weight of the weapon bore down on her, causing her muscles to strain and protest. She swiftly clasped the rocket launcher with her black paws, trying her best to maintain her composure.

"You will never part with this," the sergeant declared, her voice booming with intensity. "You will keep this on you at all times. You won't eat, sleep or take a shit without your emotional support rocket, you hear me, silver spoon!?" Bellowed the Sergeant.

"Yes ma'am." Taalli groaned, tucking the weighted tube under one arm and in a feeble attempt to mimic her comrades, she weakly beat one of her wing arms against her side, producing a lacklustre slap that fell short of the resounding salutes echoing around her.

The sergeant looked her in the eye, speaking firmly as her violet eyes burned into Taalli with a look of mixture of pending judgment and a hint of respect. " You are dismissed, Cadet."