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I jerked my hand back and shielded my face with my arms as shards of shell went flying. A loud Crack echoed off the stone walls for a moment before silence reigned again. I moved my arms from my face as Amethyst eyes met mine. The Hatchling cocked its head and gave a squawking like roar. I stared in amazement at the tiny creature as it awkwardly began to climb over the remaining shell. I gently reached forward to help it, before pulling back as the Hatchling growled and snapped its sharp teeth at my hand. I turned to Comac and Thondas for guidance but their expressions gave no hints as to what I should do. As it turned the dragon leaped from the pedestal and a moment of panic rushed through me. Just as quickly, the Hatchling extended its wings and glided to the ground. It glanced at the two Riders, before turning back to me. Slowly it glanced at me, looking from my feet and slowly moving its gaze up. I suddenly remembered Comac's words._ "He will see that you are unharmed, even healing any and ALL that we missed." _I stood stoic as the dragon slowly circled me, I heard it squawk again when it reached behind me. A few moments passed before it walked around to see me again. I slowly knelt as the dragon gazed upon me. It seemed to stare at my eyes and the world froze. Neither of us moved for a moment. Suddenly, “Ah!" I cried out as an alien sensation radiated in my mind, memories began flowing in rapid succession without my doing. I saw my father teaching me to use a bow, I felt pain as the whip snapped across my back for the 13th time, my screams being drowned out by the jeering crowd, Comac unable to watch as it cracked again. I saw my mother lean in and kiss my cheek as I slowly fell asleep. I saw myself kneeling as I ate another mouthful of deer, the blood was sweet. I saw the guard chasing me as I held tightly to the venison and apples I'd stolen, ducking down allies, and corridors. I saw myself stripped to a loincloth within the city dungeon, greedily eating the chunk of bread. I saw myself fighting the cold as snow fell around me and down on my bare torso. I saw my mentor, Draven, showing me the proper method to heat a blade as sweat dripped down my chest and back over the heat of the forge. I saw far more things, memory upon memory, all disjointed, all coming one after the other in rapid succession, most too fast to even focus on before another started. It continued far too long for me to handle.

I found myself laying on the floor of the Sanctum, sweat covered my face as the Hatchling gently nuzzled me, as though confused as to why I lay there. I slowly rose, as the Hatchling looked at me as though expecting something. Not thinking, I slowly extended my hand. The Dragon seemed to be waiting for this as it immediately pressed its head to my palm. A bizarre sensation again radiated through my body, it began like a tingling sensation before I felt like a flame rushed through my bloodstream. I tried to scream, but I was uncertain what, if any, noise came. I fell to the ground as the sensations only grew in intensity, my entire body felt like it was aflame. I slowly came back to myself, my body glistened with sweat, as I panted. I was trembling as I felt another new sensation. An emotion. A feeling of trust, love, and happiness. I slowly rose to my knees, my whole body shaking as though I had been thrown into a frozen stream and had just climbed out. The hatchling slowly climbed into my lap, his claws a fleeting reminder of danger against my bare skin. I gently picked him up, as I now knew without any uncertainty he was male. We sat like that for a moment, gazing into each other's eyes. More emotion radiating through me, each second filled with more and more love. As I stopped trembling, I slowly rose, and he seemed to hum with contentment. I felt a blanket be draped over my shoulders as I unthinkingly slowly gripped it to prevent it from falling. My Hatchling nestled itself in between my arm and the warmth of my chest. As though it was made of glass I gently clutched it to me, as a feeling of even more love washed over me. I heard Comac speaking, but couldn't make out any words. I felt myself moving, his hand on my shoulder, slowly leading me somewhere. Still, my thoughts and sight were filled with Amethyst scales.

For the next few hours my mind was not my own. I knew I was laying in a room on something soft, but everything was… confusing. I felt hungry. Despite eating a large breakfast with Comac, seconds later I was full. I had thoughts of flying, thoughts of sleep, thoughts of a dark, small place. I had thoughts of my scarred back, of how my wing itched. I had thoughts that my leg inched as well. Moments passed as I slowly realized my mind was merging with my Dragon, our thoughts bouncing back and forth, memories and visions merging into one. I felt like I was going insane. Thoughts of hunting and thoughts of fresh kills. Thoughts of Flying with my Rider atop my back. Thoughts of Sleeping with my dragon against my body. Thoughts of breathing fire. Thoughts of Love and trust, thoughts of fear and confusion. Images of the moon and of Amethyst scales. My mind felt broken, and I wanted it to stop. It all was giving me a headache that was getting worse and worse. After hours of this I could take no more, I cried out as my head felt like it was exploding and Darkness finally met me.

I awoke to find myself in a bed. The last few hours were a blur. My mind finally calmed, for a moment I tried to remember. I remembered the Dragonhold, the beautiful architecture. I remembered the Dragon I had accidentally tripped over. I remembered stripping naked in front of the Riders Comac and Thondas. I remembered the Sanctum and… I suddenly was aware of the weight on my bare chest. I glanced down and saw him. He was laying, curled up as if he were a cat on my chest. His tiny back and sides rose and fell with each breath he took. He looked peaceful as he slept, a perfect Amethyst Jewel glimmering in the torchlight. I slowly reached out and stroked a gentle hand across his Amethyst scales, the sensation was surprisingly smooth, and soft. The dragon, still sleeping, seemed to hum in contentment, as I slowly stroked over his head and back, careful of his wings. “A Rider…" The word left a smile on my face. “I'm a Rider! I'm a RIDER!" I lay in the bed, uncaring at my nudity, even though no furs covered me. The hatchling yawned as he opened his eyes, gazing kindly at me. I smiled at him as again our eyes locked. “I'm a rider… and you're my dragon.. my perfect, beautiful, amazing Dragon…" I felt more love radiating through me, as I gently clutched the Hatchling and rolled onto my side, the Hatchling's stomach pressed gently to my chest before it quickly righted itself. As I rolled I was aware of how little it hurt. I glanced down in surprise at the Hatchling. “Did.. did you do that?" The dragon gazed up at me and cocked its head questioningly. “Did you heal my back?" I felt a sensation of pride and love. I laughed, the sound of it surprising even me. It felt like ages since I had laughed even slightly. I slowly caressed the dragon, enjoying the feeling of his scales against my skin. It felt… right. It wasn't intimate, but.. there was a comfort to it I couldn't explain, as though it was some sort of drug I was hooked on. Like I needed to feel it to stay grounded. At the same time there was a fierce protectiveness filling my being. I felt a desperate need to defend him. I felt an urge, no.. a need to protect him. I would defend him. I would rip anyone who even tried to touch him apart. I would feed on their entrails if _ANYONE _tried to harm him. I felt a growl form in my throat. I realized all too late what was about to happen, as the Hatchling chirped in concern only a second before I felt a Crack. Then a series of rapid successive cracks as my bones began to shift. Simultaneously I screamed in pain. My screams continued as I felt my fur begin to fill out my body, my bones shifting, breaking and reforming as the Hatchling squawked in fear and jumped from the bed. I tensed every muscle as the turn continued. My screams morphed to pained yelps as my feet grew and my toes fused into more canine like paws, my hands grew outward, elongating and claws sharpening. Pawpads forming on my feet and palms. I felt concern, confusion, and fear radiate through my mind as my teeth sharpened and my snout grew out from my face. Finally I became aware of my ears shifting from the side of my head to the top, as the transformation concluded I collapsed to the bed.

With that I lay, panting, and trying to regain my composure, surprised at how much it had hurt this time, and at the fact I hadn't been able to control it, like normal. A few canine-like whines and whimpers escaped me as the pain slowly abated. It was almost like… like.. _It felt like my first turn. _My ears picked up the frightened chirps and roaring squawks of the Hatchling as I slowly stood from the bed, my form a foot and a half taller than just a few minutes ago. My paws landed softly upon the Wood flooring. I glanced down at the hatchling as a new emotion hit me, fear, confusion, Pain. I heard a commotion outside as Comac and another Human rushed in. Both staring at me in confusion and terror. The Unknown Rider pulled his sword as I snarled. “NO STOP! It's Ionakana!" Comac said, trying to push the sword down. He was met with an elbow to the face as the Human moved forward, struggling to break free as I snarled in anger again. Comac was back quickly, trying to pull the human back, The Unknown Rider fought, trying to keep the White blade trained on me. Realizing the situation, that I was being seen as an aggressor, I backed away, my ears slowly splaying back in submission. We were all interrupted by a soft growling noise, as my Hatchling jumped in front of me, his wings spread and small fangs bared as though he were trying to be as intimidating as he possibly could. The Rider stepped towards him as I snarled enraged as he stepped on my Dragon's tail. Aggressor or not, I roared my challenge as he tried to rush forward. My Hatchling tried desperately to hide behind the bedpost. After his hurt, and my previous feelings of protection rushed to the forefront of my mind. I bared my teeth and snarled at the Rider as I heard Comac beg me to calm down, but I was enraged at this Human. He'd injured my hatchling. “KAESAEN, STAND DOWN!" The shout was loud enough to break over the chaos. Another man entered, wearing a crimson tunic, black boots and leggings. A black cape adorned with Golden accents draped from his back, and a golden sword hung at his waist. His Long golden hair draped down his back, with a small portion ponytailed at the back of his head. His pointed ears, lightly bearded chin, and nose gave him the unmistakable look of an elf. He glanced at me for a moment, his eyebrows furrowed into a scowl. “Master Agodr!"

“I said, Stand down." The Human known as Kaesaen lowered his sword.

The elf stepped forward, as I dropped to my front legs, my ears again going splayed in submission.I backed towards the wall as He stepped towards me. Still submissive, I cowered deeper against it. It wasn't my intent to hurt him, or Comac. Maybe the Human, but his aggression had started everything. I heard squawking as The Elf turned to my hatchling. As he approached him, I growled menacingly, my ears perking up in protective aggression. Agodr stopped, judging my reaction. He glanced down at the Hatchling, drawing more protective growls and snarls as I slowly rose from my crouched submissive stance to a protective one. Turning his eyes to me, he took a step back from My Hatchling. I calmed slightly, my body still on alert. He slowly bent towards the Hatchling, an arm outstretched, not taking his eyes from me and I snarled, my teeth bared as I dared this Elf to try and harm him. He wouldn't get far. Rider or not. I would protect that Hatchling. I would die for that Hatchling. He rose silently. “I understand.. I won't hurt him. I promise you… Comac." Comac stepped forward, he was bleeding from his nose, and trying to slow the bleeding. “You knew about this?"

“I did Master. But I've no reason to believe that Ionakana is dangerous."

“Isn't dangerous?! Look at that Thing! HE'S A FUCKING FURSHIFTER!" Kaesaen roared. “Enough! Ionakana, do you understand me?" I turned my attention to the elf and dipped my head in acknowledgement. “You are to remain here, I will have meat brought for you and your Dragon. Under NO circumstances are you to leave this room. Am I understood?" I glanced at the Human and growled in anger at him as he again raised his sword. “Ionakana! Yes. Or no. Do you understand?" I dipped my head in agreement. “Very well. Do you or your Dragon require any attention for wounds?" I glanced at the Hatchling, who, beyond seeming stressed and frightened at the situation, appeared unharmed. I slowly shook my head. The Elf dipped his head in a half bow. “Master, you can't seriously be considering letting that Thing stay here?!"

“Kaesaen?"

“Sir?" The Elf turned to him. “Dismissed."

“But sir that-"

“I was not aware that I was stuttering Kaesaen. I said Dismissed." The human scowled at me before sheathing his sword and barging out. “Comac, we'll speak of this tomorrow. As for you, Ionakana, Can you tell me how long you'll be like this?" I turned to the Window, there sat the moon, shining into the room. I raised to my hindpaws and pointed to it. “The moon?" I nodded. Then I held up my fist, and pointed to it, then the moon. I held my fist up before I lowered it to my side, before holding up another finger before raising my fist again and moving my other hand in front of it. The Elf took a moment, considering motions. “If… I'm understanding.. until the moon lowers, or is blocked by something.. you remain as you are now?" I dipped my head in affirmation. He glanced at my Hatchling, and I suppressed a growl. “Ionakana, are you a threat to my Order?" He turned to me as I slowly shook my head. “And you will harm no one who enters this room?" I glanced at my Hatchling and pointed at it. As the elf glanced at him I snarled, trying to make my point clear. The Elf stood silent, his expression unreadable. “You'll defend him… Correct?" I dipped my head. “Should the entrant pose no threat to him or you, however, you are capable of remaining peaceful?" I dipped my head again. “Very well. Comac?"

“Sir?"

“Get cleaned up, then bring Ionakana some meat. Enough for him and his Hatchling. After that, you're to return to your chambers. Tomorrow you will report first thing in the morning, to my chambers. We'll discuss this then." Comac bowed. “Yes Master." With that he left. The elf gave me one more glance, his eyes trailing up and down my body before he, too, turned and left. Left alone I turned my gaze to the Hatchling, who cowered slightly. I slowly lowered to him. _It's Me! I'm not going to hurt you! __Please. I'm still me. I just look different. _Unable to speak I thought my words, remembering our thoughts running back and forth mere hours ago, hoping that the Dragon would understand. He squawked confused. _I'm still me. Please. It's me, Ionakana. I'm still your Rider... Please. _Slowly the Hatchling sniffed, before leaping towards me. I gently clutched him to my chest, the Hatchling burying his head into my fur. A soft drawn out howl, only loud enough for both of us to hear erupted from my maw, all of my love and affection for the little creature put into it.In turn I felt the same love and affection, as well as confusion.

I awoke the next morning and stretched, the Dragon nestled against my bare body. I saw the remnants of the raw beef Comac had brought us on the table across from the bed. I sat silent, remembering the turn, and the events immediately after, but little else. A common occurrence for me. I was still naked and lying on the floor near the window. I slowly sat up as the Hatchling looked up at me and stretched. “Are you okay, buddy?" The Hatchling glanced at me. “I saw him step on you… are you hurt?" A feeling of safety and comfort filled me as the Hatchling yawned, revealing rows of sharp teeth. “I'm sorry if I scared you.. I.. I'm a Werewolf.. normally I can control when I turn but… I don't know what happened. I know it's scary, but… it only hurts the first time. normally." The Hatchling clumsily climbed into my lap and up my stomach, before it licked my chest softly. Love and Trust filling my being. “I haven't had a moon turn in… Gods, I haven't had one in years.." The Hatchling glanced at me as I thought of what may have happened. What changed from my last turn. I'd been whipped, and… no. It couldn't be him.. could it? “I wonder if it was you…" The Dragon glanced up at me, a feeling of guilt radiating from him. “No! Nonono, it's- It's not a bad thing.. it's.. just surprising. Trust me it could have been a Hell of a lot worse than it was. Don't feel bad, okay? I'll figure this out." I slowly stood, clutching him to my chest. “I should get dressed.. it's kind of cold." I silently pulled on a pair of leggings and lit a fire, before sitting down on the bed. I sat in silent contemplation as the Hatchling jumped from the bed.

I stared amused as the small Amethyst hatchling awkwardly waddled around the room I had been given. It was clearly content for a moment to simply explore the room, though it was rather plain by most standards. A bed, which I sat on, hardwood floors, with a red carpet the bed sat atop, a bookcase, a small fireplace, and a desk with a quill and inkwell atop it, as well as the leftover raw meat. A chair at the desk closed out the room. I watched as the dragon awkwardly climbed the leg of the chair to see on top of the desk. It became interested in the meat and attempted to climb higher in order to reach the meal.

"- Know what he is." My hearing perked as I heard a distant voice. Kaesaen. I listened as another, whom I recognized as Comac responded. "Yes, I know exactly what he is. But Master Agodr's orders were clear. If the dragon chose him, he was to be a Rider." The voice responded with venom. "Not. A fucking. Furshifter." The word struck me with sadness. I should have expected the hatred, the fear, but I had been so caught up in the events of the last week I hadn't even considered the consequences of a Werewolf becoming a Rider. The hatchling turned to me and chirped concerned. I feigned a smile. "I'm okay, bud..."

"DON'T CALL HIM THAT!"

"You'll regret this Comac. That dragon will grow to be just a mindless beast like that thing if you allow this, and then we'll have two murderous bloodlust fuelled creatures to deal with. This is on you. You can stop it before they kill everyone." I felt tears start dripping from my cheeks as my dragon growled at the voices. He turned to me and cocked his head before leaping from the desk to the bed, his wings carrying him in a glide. As he landed, he chirped again before gently nuzzling my arm. I felt more tears as a feeling of love, and trust began to fill my mind. I gently lifted him and hugged him. The hatchling hummed and licked my cheek clean of tears gently. The silence was broken with a knock at the door. I took a moment as I tried to control my tears long enough to answer. It opened a minute later as Comac entered. He glanced at me a moment. "I take it you heard that..." I glanced at him silently and shrugged. "Why do you care? I'll probably just kill everyone anyway, right… Like all Furshifters.." Comac stepped inside and closed the door. He silently approached and sat by me on the bed. "That's not what you are though, is it Ionakana?" I stayed silent, trying to focus on my dragon as it again nuzzled me. "I had doubts about the stories of Werewolves, honestly. I mean, you've lived in this city for how many years? 2, 3?"

"5." I replied as I ran my hand across the Hatchling's back. "Right.. and how many have you killed in a blood fuelled rage?" I glanced at Comac. "The way I see it, either you're the most calm Werewolf I've ever seen, you're really good at hiding it and that Dragon has the absolute worst judge of character I have ever seen, or the stories about your kind are bullshit." I glanced at him as he gave me an inquisical look. "So which is it?" I kissed the Hatchling's head again as he nuzzled me, still trying to comfort me. "Bullshit." He laughed softly. "Thought so. Listen, you can never change how others are. But you CAN change how they perceive you. It just takes time. I don't care what anyone thinks about me. Neither should you." I chuckled darkly. "If you're hated, you don't get hunted every night." The words took him aback a moment. "No.. no, I suppose I don't. But I also know how it feels to have no one and nothing. I was once like you. Homeless, starving, getting whipped, or locked in a cell every other month after trying to steal to stay alive. It's not an easy life. And likely less so as a Werewolf."

"Do you... do you think anyone will ever accept me for what I am?" Comac smiled softly. "5 already have. Your Dragon accepts you. My Dragon Athan accepts you. Master Agodr and I accept you, and his dragon Gramelfkr accepts you. You are a Rider. From this moment on. Until the day you or your Dragon cross the ethereal plane. You are a Dragon Rider, and no one, not the people, not the ignorant, The King, Not another Rider or Dragon, not even the Gods themselves, can change that this Dragon has seen you. The true you. Down to your barest of self, and chosen not a Human, nor Elf, Orc or even Dwarf. But you. A Werewolf as his Rider." I glanced at the Hatchling in my arms as he rested his head against my chest. "If that isn't acceptance and love, then someone needs to teach me what it is because I'm confused as to what it really is." I smiled softly as I considered Comac's words. He was right. For better or worse, this Dragon chose me, and in the wild few hours we had shared together since being soul bonded, I'd felt nothing but love and trust in abundance from the small creature. "I have you, buddy. And if you'll accept me, I don't need anyone else. I love you." The dragon again hummed happily as it nuzzled me, even more love radiating from the link we shared. I understood almost instantly. I was accepted, and loved just as much as I loved him.