A new project I came up with today. The following chapters will be much more lighthearted, I can guarantee that.

 

 

Riders

Prologue

  “The Varians are marching across the mountain range, sir!” The scout declared.

General Baron nodded. “At ease, Caleb.” Clad in broad, heavy armor, the Fredrician general definitely looked the part. He stroked his course beard. “They realize the abilities of our Riders at this point. Caleb, split the Salamanders into two groups; each with a small cavalry of aerial Riders. While those two groups circle around to engage them, the rest of us will march along head on.”

 

“Right away, sir.” Caleb mounted his small yellow dragon and took off.

 

Humphrey stroked the side of Galyk’s head. “We’ll be fine.” The son of a farmer said. “When we get back, Robin will take good care of you.

 

The medium-sized, copper dragon purred at this. Humphrey’s only daughter was very caring. She had a way with dragons.

 

The Salamander Riders had been gone for about a half hour. It was time for their cavalry to take flight. Since Humphrey was the only one of them who didn’t work for the army full time, he kept to the back.

 

“Humphrey,” said the commander, “you and I are going to fly down and alert the Salamanders of the Varians ahead.”

 

Humphrey nodded. He and Galyk slowly flew toward the ground alongside the commander and his crimson War Dragon, a naturally armored beast being only slightly larger than Galyk, but over twice as powerful. It was little, however, compared to the general’s Great War Dragon, stemming from the largest domesticated species known, second only to the fabled Legend Dragons fabled to reside in mountains further North than Varia itself and perhaps in the ruins east of Frederain.

 

There was a bright flash above them and a Rider and his bipedal dragon, a Wyvern plummeted to the ground.

 

“Legend!” One of the soldiers declared.

 

“Scatter!” Demanded the commander. He turned to Humphrey. “Take the scribe and hurry back to Frederain! The general and cavalry will arrive soon enough.” He turned up towards the looming threat that Humphrey dared not even look at.

 

He turned around and flew away. The scribe and wis Wasp Dragon, the same miniscule species that Caleb rode had long, thin wings and was also one of the fastest species known. “Stay close. The farmer’s son said. “you’re fast, but you probably won’t be able to outrun an attack from that Legend.”

 

The deaths of his allies behind him were prominent with their war cries and terrorized screams. It was slowly driving Humphrey insane. He shook his head. The motives were selfish but he was going home. Those were his orders.

 

A beam of lightning shot from the unseens Legend pierced through the scribe and his dragon and they both crashed to the ground. Humphrey quickly rushed to his side. The scribe coughed up blood and limply held a scroll out toward him. “T-take the report to the K-... kah! akh!” His voice trailed off. “King...” His body went limp.

 

Humphrey took the scroll and took flight. “Let’s go Galyk.” He said softly. “Let’s hurry home.” The rest of the army along with the general and his Great War Dragon passed over him. All to their doom.

 

Chapter 1

 

Robin scratched beneath the Salamanders chin. The wingless dragon purred with delight. “You did a great job today, Milo.” She said. “Now go get some rest.” She dismissed the plower to his stable.

 

Robin had to travel through a rather expansive field to get from the stables to the house. Halfway there, she was swarmed by a trio of Sparrow Dragons. The basic looking, caramelly brown dragons no larger than her head flew around her in excitement. She laughed. “Hang on, hang on!” She shouted. “Let me go check on Weiss and I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

 

When she entered the house, she was promptly greeted by the white Hedge Dragon. The wide legged reptile was rather plump in physique but bouncing with energy nonetheless. She kneeled down and pet her soft quills. “How ya’ doin’, Weiss?” She asked.

 

The excitable Hedge dragon gave a puppy-like yelp and bounced high into the air, flapping the miniscule wings on her side vigorously, staying suspended in the air for about a second before falling into her owner’s arms.

 

Robin chuckled and set her on the ground. “I’m going to go change and meet up with Marley. Don’t cause too much trouble for Mother now, okay?”

 

Weiss nodded and scampered off. Robin went up to her room and changed out her farm clothes and into some more casual apparel and went out into the fields. There was a large oak tree in the distance. Marley was already there, waving her friend over.

 

“Come on Robin!” She shouted.

 

Robin jogged over. “Hi, Marley. How are you?”

 

Her friend slumped against the tree and sighed. “Exhausted. So. Much. Studying! The only thing my parents want from me is to be a well kept lady who will take good care of her husband and his dragon.”

 

Robin chuckled. “I’ve only heard that from you dozens of times.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a white, flower shaped hair pin. “Her, carrying even a little bit of Weiss with you ought to perk you up.”

 

Marley picked up the gift. “Wow...” She could barely believe that what looked like petals were scales were scales from the Hedge Dragon. “When did you find time to make this?”

 

“I don’t spend all my time working on the farm.” Robin joked. “I’m here now with you aren’t I?”

 

“True enough.”

 

Out of the branches of the tree, the Sparrow Dragons had returned and had enthusiastically taken seats on Robin’s shoulder and head. She laughed. “I see you guys are back.” She paused. “Marley?”

 

“Oh, don’t mind me.” She sang. She was hiding behind the tree.

 

“They’re Sparrows, Marley!” She reassured. “They won’t hurt you.

 

The farm girl’s friend slowly circled around to face Robin and the dragons. “How do you know that?”

 

Robin placed one of the Sparrow’s head between her fingers and moved it’s head to face Marley. “Do these eyes look dangerous to you?” She asked. “Go on. Pet him.”

 

Marley tentatively placed a hand on the small dragon’s head and softly rubbed it. He purred and climbed onto her shoulder. She yelped. “He... He’s actually really cute.” She smiled and scratched his chin. “It’s nice to get some field experience for once.”
The Sparrow Dragons suddenly flew off. All was quiet. Too quiet. There was a growl.

 

“Th-that sounded like...” Marley started.

 

“Snapper.” Robin finished.

 

The predatory beast lurked around to the other side of the tree. Covered in black feathers, the Snapper Dragon had an elongated body starting with a pointed head in the shape of an arrowhead and ended with a  tail in a smaller, similar shape. It lunged Marley screamed and dove to the ground. Tobin jumped back and kicked it in the side of the head.

 

“Get out of here!” She kicked it again and it turned to retreat, but not before its tail struck her leg.

 

Marley stood slowly.”That was...” She fell to her knees. “Terrifying...” Her eyes began to close.

“Robin?” Her friends voice seemed muffled. “Robin!”

Keep it up ,Sikota-san.

 

I loved it.

Chapter 2

 

 

 

When Robin woke up she was in her bed. At the end of it, seated in a chair, was Humphrey. A strangely relaxed Weiss resting in his lap.

 

“Father!” She sat up quickly, but her vision began to blacken at that moment.

 

“Easy, lass.” He held her steady. He was now standing beside her bed and Weiss was sitting on the end of the mattress.

 

“Oh, Father!” Robin embraced him, tears streaming down her face.

 

Humphrey stroked the back of his daughter’s head. “There, there.” They held each other for several seconds until he let go and faced her. Her deep blue eyes on a face tanned from farm work, framed by long brown hair extending past her shoulders; Robin had come to look so much like her mother. “I’ve  got something for you.” He said. “Take a look at your hand.”

 

Robin hadn’t noticed it until now. On her right hand, along of the length of her middle finger, was a turquoise, ovular scale; a small iron band on either end wrapping around her finger. “Is this...”

 

“A Chiuch Scale.” Her father finished. He had found it lying on the ground in camp. Galyk had sensed its power and Humphrey decided to hang on to it. A piece of the Sacred Dragon could prove useful in many possible ways. A gift for his daughter seemed to be the best option. “Well, I must be going now, the competitions are calling.”

 

“But you only just got here!” Robin complained.

 

“I’ve been here all night.” Humphrey replied. “Have you not noticed that the sun is rising?”

 

“I... I was unconscious that entire time?”

 

“Ever since Marley brought you here yesterday afternoon.”

 

“I’ll have to remember to thank her.”

 

Humphrey laughed and stood. “I’ll be back for you this evening. Get some rest and let your leg recover; that Snapper hit you pretty hard.” He kissed his daughter’s forehead and left.

 

“No holding back, Galyk!” Humphrey declared. Lance in hand, flew towards his opponent, a visitor from the desert land of Agora. His mount, a Cactus Eater, a native species of medium size and bulky, rounded features; it was greenish yellow in color. Its two most prominent distinctions were its wide mouth and club-like tail.

 

Humphrey dove down and curved up, attempting to strike from below, but the Agoran and his cactus dragon somersaulted so the dragon’s tail hit him in square in the back and he was thrown off of Galyk. He was a pile of blue Fredrician armor lying in the sands of defeat. Another loss.

 

The Agoran Rider flew down and offered his hand to his fallen opponent. “You ride well, come with me.” His accent was thick.

 

Humphrey took the hand armored in yellow and was pulled to his feet. “I may ride well, but I sure am the worst at fighting.”

 

The Agoran placed an arm around Humphrey’s shoulder. “You fight fine.” He gestured toward the skies in reminiscence. “Back in my day, at home, I was champion!” My skills may have declined with age, but I don’t intend to retire anytime soon!” He laughed heartily. “Come, I buy us drinks.”

 

Humphrey removed himself from the yellow Rider’s grasp. “I’m no pring chicken either.” He said, unentertained. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve been at war up until yesterday and I promised to spend the evening with my daughter.”

 

 

 

That evening, Humphrey, Robin, Galyk, and Weiss were resting under the branches of the lone oak tree in the field. Everyone but Weiss actually, who was currently jumping from branch to branch showing no signs of exhaustion.

 

“So how did you games go today?” Robin asked.

 

Humphrey sighed. “Two out of seven.”

 

“Great job!” She exclaimed. “It’s no fair how every Rider has a specialized dragon. You and Galyk can do the most with the least.”

 

The copper Field Dragon wasn’t sure how to take that comment and simply exhaled a ring of smoke.

 

“I wish I could be a Rider. I’d be so much better than those snobby rich boys.”

 

Weiss suddenly stopped.

 

“Weiss?” Robin said. The Hedge dragon dropped into the hood of her sweater. “What's the matter?” She was starting to worry.

 

Galyk’s head rose, suddenly alert.

 

“Oh no...” Humphrey muttered. “Oh Chiuch no...” He turned towards his daughter. “Robin, listen to me.”

 

“Father?” The young girl was growing scared.

 

“Listen to me!” He demanded. “Take Weiss and run. Not to the house, over to the lake. Galyk and I will find you when it’s safe.”

 

“Father, what’s going on?”

 

“Go!”

 

As Robin turned and ran away, Humphrey mounted his dragon and took to the skies, ready to intercept the Varian invaders. The miniscule strikeforce failed to notice Robin as they flew over her. She dared not look back as the blast from what sounded like an Echo Dragon reverberated through the field.

 

“Oh, Chiuch, please don’t get hurt, Father!” The lake came into view. Then several things happened at once. The night sky lit up behind her immediately followed by a thunderous explosion, Weiss flew away in fear, and the wound on Robin’s leg suddenly reopened and she collapsed at the shore of the lake. She was caught in the hell of both physical and emotional pain and she broke down in tears.

 

By the time the moon was at its peak, the pain in Robin’s leg had dampened and her weeping had quieted down a little but she was still terribly distressed. There was a rustling in the bush behind her. “Weiss?” She said. The Hedge Dragon gave a soft yelp. She was already beside her. She didn’t look back behind her lest face either pain that would shoot through her from leg, or whatever was walking across the muddy shore towards her. She buried her face in her arms, waiting. Something nudged her injured leg and the sharp pain shot through her body. She grimaced and clenched her fists in anguish but she began to relax as a soft breeze blew over her leg and the pain faded and eventually disappeared.

 

Robin lifted herself onto her arms and looked back to see the average, yet sleek figure of a Mystic Dragon; its cobalt scales glimmering in the moonlight. “You’re...”

Forgot to like all of these through, keep up the good work, Sikota-nii. Im really curious about this Mystic Dragon...

 

Chapter 3

 

 

 

 

The memories came flooding back to her. When she was six, Robin had a befriended a young dragon. She visited her every day at the lake. After a few months however, Robin had stopped visiting. A large storm had thrown debris into the way of route to the lake. With no detours available, she simply forgot about her draconic friend; even after the debris was cleared. But now...

 

“Aqua!” Robin hugged her old friend around her long neck. “I’m so sorry!” She began tearing up again. “You’ve been waiting for eight long years! You’ve been waiting for me and I forgot about you.”

 

Aqua rested her head on Robin’s shoulder in forgiveness.

 

Robin let go. “My gosh, you’ve grown.”

 

Aqua snorted in response.

 

Robin laughed. “I guess that goes for me, too.”

 

She stood. It was strange that her leg had suddenly recovered but the blood was staining her pant’s leg. “Can I ask you a favor, Aqua?”

 

They Mystic Dragon nodded.

 

“Could you come home with me? If I rode you it could go much faster and we could find you a place in the stables where we could be with each other every day if you want.”

 

Aqua seemed to be okay with it. She folded in her wings and craned her neck revealing an area between her wings and craned her neck revealing an area between her wings and shoulders where Robin could sit.

 

She got on. “GIrls aren’t allowed to ride dragons so it’d be safest if we went by land.”

 

Aqua nodded and began galloping across the fields. Robin could remember riding horses and how she had to move her own body to stay balanced when the horse was going half as fast as Aqua was now but she didn’t need to do anything. She was in a node.  No matter how hard Aqua ran, there was no displacement where she was sitting. It was amazing! The ecstasy had to be set aside however. Her father could be in danger. The area around the oak tree was surrounded by Fredrician soldiers. In hope of not being seen, Robin stopped a ways away.

 

She noticed smoke in the distance. “Oh no!” She ran off on Aqua towards the house.

 

When she arrived, her home was ablaze. “Mother!” Robin jumped off of Aqua and entered into the burning building. “Mother? Mother!” She noticed something in the corner. A lump of... something, viciously torn apart. Robin’s eyes widened in shock. “No...” She clenched the sides of her head and fell to her knees. “No. Chiuch, no.” Her ring began to glow.

 

There was a familiar growl behind her.  She slowly turned to see the feathery beast with what looked like a bruise on the side of its head. Robin’s anguish sharpened into blind rage and the next thing she knew, the Chiuch Scale had transformed into an armored glove and her hand was stuck in the top of the Snapper’s head.  She pulled herself out and contemplated what she just did. The last thing she heard were the muffled shouts of Fredrician Soldiers and she fell unconscious once more.

 

Chapter 4

 

Robin woke up in a white tent in a white bed. She rolled onto her side. Her mother was dead.  The explosion almost obviously killed her father. Marley was on vacation with her family. All she had was Weiss, Aqua, and herself.

 

A lightly armored soldier stepped into the tent. “Ms. Harst?”

 

“What do you want?” She asked glumly.

 

“First of all I’d like to personally offer my deepest condolences. But I am hear to tell you this: it has been confirmed that your mother was killed by a wild Snapper Dragon that mysteriously died moments after; and that your father had sacrificed himself to fend of Varian invaders; both within the same hour.

 

“I understand that much already.”

 

“Allow me to finish. As per your father’s final request, you will be attending the Fredrician Rider Academy as of summer’s end.”

 

“What?” Robin sat up. “I’m going to the Rider Academy?” The King’s okay with that?”

 

“Despite local customs, King Frederick has chosen to to honor your father’s sacrifice and allow you to attend/”

 

Robin looked down at her ring. Her dream was about to be realized. But she didn’t want to live it without her father. She didn’t seem have much choice in the matter, however. “Alright. Thank you.”

 

“You will be escorted to the campus in two days time.” The soldier exited.

 

Robin sighed. “what do you think, Weiss?”

 

The hyperactive Hedge Dragon crawled out from under the blankets and ran around a couple of times in a circle before lying down in her owner’s lap.

 

Robin pet her soft quills. After the events of last night, it was likely that she wouldn’t be smiling any time soon.

 

Robin got out of the bed. She was still wearing her clothes from last night but she didn’t have much choice in that matter. She didn’t have much choice in anything nowadays. She decided to take charge. A look around camp. That’ll do. Exiting the tent, all she noticed were several more spread throughout the forest clearing. Domestic Field Dragons of various colors all roaming around.

 

Aqua walked up behind Robin and rested her head on her shoulder.

 

Robin pat the side of her head. “Come on, Aqua.” She said. “Let’s go look around.”

 

Outside the camp’s perimeter, there was another clearing amongst the trees. The sun peeking through parts of the trees’ branches made patches of light on the ground. Weiss flew over onto one of the light patches. She hopped from one lit area to another. Robin was entertained, but still failed to smile.

 

“Robin Harst?”

 

Robin turned to see a boy around her age. He had short, black hair and was dressed in a leather vest over a loose, white shirt with baggy pants. “What do you want?” She asked.

 

“To meet you.” He replied. “The name’s Henry. Henry Destin. I heard you were going to the Academy so I thought it’d be a good idea to meet you in person.

 

“Well now you’ve met me.” She began walking away. Weiss and Aqua followed her.

 

“Wait! Come on.” Henry chased after her. “What about that Mystic Dragon? Where did you find it?”

 

“She found me.” Robin replied not even turning back to face the annoying boy.

 

“But how? What were the circumstances?”

 

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

 

“Why not? I’m curious. Come on, tell me how she found you.”

 

“Will you just go away!” Robin shouted. She had stopped and stood firm, keeping her back to him. “I don’t want to deal with another rich boy. There’ll be enough of you as it is. Just because we’re going to be seeing each other every day doesn’t mean you can have anything to do with me. Because I don’t want to have anything to do with you. She continued walking down her path.

 

Henry turned around and began walking away, leaving her alone with her dragons. “She’s a strange class.” He said to himself. He learned just that evening what had happened to her last night. Next time, he’d handle it differently.

 

The next day, in the late afternoon, Robin was lying amongst the branches in one of the trees along the perimeter of the sun-patched clearing, Weiss was again bouncing between areas of light whilst Aqua was wrapped around the trunk of Robin’s tree. The next day, she would be leaving for the Academy.

 

There was a rustling in the branches above her. She sighed. “What do you want, Henry?”

 

In response, the boy fell from the foliage above and crashed through Robin’s cushion. They both fell. Aqua made sure to catch Robin on her back but Henry was left hanging for dear life. “Heheh... Help?”

 

Weiss had run up the tree and began nibbling on Henry’s branch.. It snapped and he crashed to the ground.

 

He sighed. “Ouch.” He sat up. “Where did that Hedge Dragon come from anyway? They live further south than Frederain.”

 

“My father rescued her when he was visiting Gelz.”

 

“Oh yeah, he was a Rider. I guess it all makes sense now.” Robin was about to yell at him again for even mentioning her father but his next words halted her. “Humphrey was a great man, full of untapped potential. You’re carrying a good legacy, Robin. You’re lucky even. I wish I had a father I could look up to.” He turned and began walking back to camp. “Guess I’ll see you at school.”

 

“Yeah...” Robin didn’t know what to make of this boy anymore. She would have to use her time at the Academy to try and sort things out.

 

Weiss hovered over and dropped onto her owner’s head.

“Let’s get back to camp Weiss. It’s our last night before our lives really turn upside down.” Then again, there was little that could make her feel worse on the lonely path that she was walking.

wow just wow, when I finished reading these 4 chapters I was just lost for words to call it.

what will happen next I wonder, will she find it hell in the Fredrician Rider Academy or will she enjoy it some what...

finally im caught up! keep going!

finally im caught up! keep going!

In honor of Memorial Day and Humphrey's brave sacrifice, I'll be updating today. So you're in luck.

wow just wow, when I finished reading these 4 chapters I was just lost for words to call it.

what will happen next I wonder, will she find it Xylk in the Fredrician Rider Academy or will she enjoy it some what...

Fixed ^_^

In honor of Memorial Day and Humphrey's brave sacrifice, I'll be updating today. So you're in luck.

Fixed ^_^

awesome

Chapter 5

 

Today was finally the day. Her belongings were strapped to the flat back of the hulking Mountain Dragon. The mud-colored creature was of similar build to Weiss who was merely the size of the carrier’s eye. Little needed be said as they took off and little was said during the flight.

 

The castle came into view after about twenty minutes. The campus was huge. Robin almost mistook it for King Frederik’s dwelling. The vast white castle was flanked by two long buildings. The dormitories. Behind the school building was a large dome, the Dragon Habitat. There was a also a number of stadiums in various shapes and sizes where all kinds of Riding Games would be practiced, simulated, and occasionally held.

 

The Mountain dragon landed in the expansive courtyard. Robin deftly slid down the carrier’s leg and landed softly on the ground. One of the bulkier soldiers recklessly tossed her bag over which was quickly caught by Aqua who carefully placed it in her owner’s arms. Weiss took her opportunity and took off.

 

“Shouldn’t we make sure not to lose any dragons?” Henry asked, climbing down from the Mountain Dragon.

 

“She’s just getting a look around.” Robin replied, still lacking much emotion. “She’ll be back soon enough.”

 

“Okay then.” Henry had made it to the ground and jogged over to the emotionally detached girl’s side. “Hey, I think that’s the headmaster.” He pointed to the castle and sure enough, clothed like a military leader, badges littering one side of his chest; gold, ruffled padding on one shoulder, a cape over the other, the Academy Headmaster was walking towards the new students.

 

“I’d assume you’re Robin Harst.” Having seen him up close, his neatly trimmed, golden brown hair both on his head and his face added to the contradiction of his light-hearted tone to his militaristic apparel.

 

“And you are?” Robin asked.

 

“Headmaster Drake Cracen, at your service.” He bowed dramatically.

 

“I’ll be going to my room, sir.” Henry bowed and left.

 

Drake put his hands on hips. “A polite lad.” He commented. “Come with me and we can discuss your peculiar case.” He said to Robin.

 

“Okay.” She replied.

 

The headmaster gave an exaggerated sigh. “You’d think a girl attending the Academy would show a little more enthusiasm.”

 

“Not likely.”

 

Literally waving the problem aside. Drake continued. “I’ll let the orphan feel how she pleases. You’re more or less a prisoner to our education at this point. Now then, your dormitory is the first one in the West Rooms.” He pointed at the long building left of the castle. “There should be a package from my niece. She was very excited about a lady coming here so she made sure to help as much as she could. Can you trust me with the care of your Mystic Dragon as I take her to the Habitat?”

 

Robin nodded. “Thank you, sir.” She made her way toward the West Rooms, as he had called them. First door. She entered. The room was medium in size, painted blue, matching the exterior, and moderately furnished. In the corner was a neatly made bed with a nightstand next to it. On the other side of the room was a desk. On that desk was a package wrapped in parchment. She walked over. The package was addressed to her. She tore off the parchment and inside was a white blouse, black tights, and a pair of navy shorts. There was also an envelope that fell out out of the folds of the blouse. She opened the letter and read the contents.

 

Hi, Robin! This is Headmaster Drake’s niece, Caity. I got so excited that a girl was going to attend the Academy so I decided to help out however I could. So I came up with two things. First: this adorable uniform along with some Riding gear that should be coming in soon enough. Two: us girls care about our hygiene but the toiletries will almost always be in use by at least one boy. So let me offer you this secret: behind the West Rooms is a forest (obviously) and deep enough in, there should be a spring. A hot spring in fact. If that’s not private enough for you, then behind the waterfall is a little cave where you can either stay, or go past another waterfall onto the other side of the cliff. Hope this helps and the best of luck to you!

Caitlyn Cracen

 

Robin folded the letter and lay the uniform across the bed. It was pretty cute, actually. Before she could decide whether or not to try it on, another envelope slipped underneath. Intrigued, she picked it up and opened it.

 

We don’t know why the Xylk you were allowed here, but there’s no way we’re going to make it any airn easier for you, kecra.

 

Robin would normally had been appalled at such vulgar language. Xylk: the Death Dragon’s realm. Airn: a rude term in its own right derived from the Sacred Rider’s name. Kecra: originally a term used for infertile, female dragons eventually adopting a slanderous definition against women. After all she had been through, such language left her unphased. She instead tore up the letter, grabbed her uniform and a towel from her bag, and exited her room, going around the near side of the building towards the forest.

Xylk is hell? thats awesome

Xylk is hell? thats awesome

Xylk yeah B)

Chapter 6

 

 

Caity was right. Not even a few minutes into her walk, Robin happened upon the faint sound of a waterfall. Reaching the source of the sound, however, was the hard part. The fact that there were two waterfalls distorted the echo, making it almost impossible to go the right way. Robin soon realized why Caity could keep it a secret, but easily accessible. Women’s intuition. She went with her gut and soon found what she was looking for. The waterfall went about fifteen feet up and the spring itself looked to be as big as a small Mountain Dragon.

 

Weiss fluttered over and plopped down on her master’s head.

“You here to wash up too?” Robin asked. She picked up the Hedge Dragon and set her down before quickly scoping the area. When all was confirmed clear, she undressed, set her filthy clothes on a rock near the shore next to her uniform, and stepped into the spring. She sat down on a flat, almost bench-like rock and gave a relaxed sigh.  She leaned back against the cut boulder and closed her eyes. Back home she had a metal tub for washing in, now she had an entire hot spring to herself. Memories of her farm life continued to flow through her head until they reached that nightmare that had only occurred less than a week ago. She slumped back until almost half of her face was submerged, a saddened look in her eyes.

 

What’s gonna happen next? She thought to herself. The boys are gonna give me Xylk for the next three years and I doubt I’ll have a place in any Games either. She kicked her heel against the rock, punishing herself for her profanity. A number of bubbles surfaced in front of her. Wess’s head popped up in front of her master. She gave a playful hiss before paddling away, blowing more bubbles in her wake. Robin watched her Hedge Dragon. It was impossible to deny how adorable the little reptile was but her heart was locked tight and cuteness wasn’t the key.  She sat up. She had lounged about enough. She stepped out of the spring, dried herself, and put on her uniform. It definitely felt nice. She gathered her clothes and made her way back to the East Rooms.

 

It was still early in the afternoon, so when Robin had unpacked all of her things, she decided to visit Aqua and the other dragons at the Habitat. Hopefully she was allowed to do that. Her path took her along the West Rooms and the side of the castle. The building was massive, completely towering over her as she walked alongside it.

The large dome eventually came into view. The Dragon Habitat was about two thirds the size of the castle, seemingly able to hold two or three Mountain Dragons comfortably along with the other Riding dragons. She walked about a quarter around the building before encountering the large double doors. Placing her hands on the handles she pulled. The iron doors were heavy, but unlocked and slowly moved open to reveal the tropical enclosure. It wasn’t entirely tropical, however; from the entrance alone, Robin could spot coniferous, swampy, snowy, and desert mini-biomes.

 

Aqua quickly appeared from out of a forest and ran toward her master. Robin caught her friend and pet the side of her head. The Mystic Dragon purred in response.

“You make any new friends, Aqua?” She asked.

 

The dragon nodded.

 

“Let’s go meet ‘em!” The pair trotted off into the pines. The trees were devoid of any life as they slowed down. It was quiet. Very quiet. The silence was pierced by a high screech as a brown-feathered dragon swooped down and landed before them. It had green, feathered wings and a long neck ending in a bird-like head. It had only two legs set rather far back considering the length of its extensive tail ending in a tuft of dark brown feathers in the shape of a pinecone. The Pine Dragon glared at them before giving a playful chirp and running around to their other side.

 

Aqua jumped in the Pine Dragon’s way. It gave an excited squeal as it tried to maneuver around her. Eventually, it was cornered, still trying to escape, it pushed up with its wings but Aqua leaped up and off a tree, tackling it to the ground.

 

“Pyrin! Come!” The Pine Dragon freed itself from Aqua and ran towards a tall and scrawny boy, dressed like Drake, but less extravagantly. He had neat, black hair and thinly framed glasses. “Good boy.” He tossed something into the air which was quickly snapped up and eaten by Pyrin. He started walking toward Robin. “Robin Harst, I presume.”

 

The presence of another human sapped whatever emotion had surfaced from the girl. She nodded. The boy had reached her and he offered a small hardcover booklet. She took it.

 

“Student Handbook.” He said. “If you had one and had studied it, you would know not to be here without authorization.”

 

“What about you?” Robin asked.

 

“My name is Caleb Adland.” He held out his arm, revealing a silver ring on his hand. “Student Representative. It’s my job to be here. I don’t see any ring on your...” He stopped short when he noticed the turquoise scale on her finger. “Is that...”

 

Robin hid her hand. “It’s none of your business.”

 

Caleb was about to persist, but thought better of it. “Fine then.” He adjusted his glasses. “I’ll find out eventually.” He climbed up Pyrin and stood between his wings before tossing out a leather rope that was quickly caught by him. “Forward.” He declared, flicking the rein. The Pine Dragon began walking away. He turned to Robin. I suggest you leave. Xaon’ll be here soon and he’s not particularly fond of females; be they dragons or human.”

 

Robin took Caleb’s advice and left Aqua to return to the West Rooms.