Hadley
(#34141714)
Level 1 Wildclaw
Click or tap to view this dragon in Predict Morphology.
Energy: 50/50
This dragon’s natural inborn element is Lightning.
Male Wildclaw
This dragon is hibernating.
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Personal Style
Apparel
Skin
Scene
Measurements
Length
5.07 m
Wingspan
4.4 m
Weight
668.05 kg
Genetics
Mulberry
Poison
Poison
Moon
Butterfly
Butterfly
Cream
Underbelly
Underbelly
Hatchday
Breed
Eye Type
Level 1 Wildclaw
EXP: 0 / 245
STR
8
AGI
9
DEF
6
QCK
5
INT
5
VIT
6
MND
6
Biography
will do anything, for money.
{Quote is a w.i.p.}
~
Hadley, Part 1, Volume II
???
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Continued from Spitfire Part 1
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Hadley, Part 1, Volume II
???
~
Continued from Spitfire Part 1
The only sound that played that night was the crackling in the huge fireplace and the clinking of silver cutlery scraping against ceramic plates. The two dragons sitting opposite each other at the long wooden table ate quietly and peacefully, neither saying a word as they chewed their dinners and cut through the meat.
The larger of the two, a Ridgeback, easily sliced his knife into the fish before him as he held it in place with the tall fork. He didn’t seem to notice the smaller Wildclaw struggling to cut his own portions.
The Wildclaw, Hadley, brought his knife forward and back, attempting to slice through his meal, but his arms shook with the effort. He furrowed his brows. The meat in front of him was not too tough, as he had just bitten through it. He tried again to cut with the serrated knife, but he couldn’t muster enough strength to cut as smoothly as his companion. Was there something wrong with him? He had no trouble like this earlier today. Again Hadley tried even harder, forcing his knife through—
—and he thought he felt his heart nearly leap out of his chest when the knife slipped out of his claws and slid halfway across the table. When he glanced up in a panic to see the Ridgeback looking back at him curiously, Hadley’s heart thundered louder as he sprang to retrieve the knife, but he only succeeded in bumping his plate, sending it flying and it shattered on the cold stone floor.
“Oh, M-Master Glaw,” Hadley cried, “I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to I just—”
The Ridgeback, Glaw, only replied with a single snap of his claws. The shards of the plate suddenly lifting into the air and danced above the centre of the table between them. Hadley watched in awe as the shards were brought back together, piece by piece, though the scraps of meat had vanished, and the corners of Glaw’s mouth curled up in a grin when the new plate darted out of the dining room.
“There’s nothing for you to apologize for, my dear boy,” Glaw’s deep voice soothed. “No harm done.” His smile then gradually vanished. “Though I’m afraid it is I who is sorry.”
Hadley steadily leaned back in his chair and tilted his head. “What do you mean?”
Arching his dark brows, Glaw looked to him thoughtfully. “Why, I’ve simply been taking too much of your blood as of late,” he finished, eyeing the little drake’s bandaged arm.
“But...I don’t mind, Master Glaw,” Hadley said quietly, smiling gently. “You’ve done so much for me already, and I wanted to help you.”
“And you've been doing so wonderfully. But the result is weakening your body.”
Was that true? Hadley hung his head and he trembled slightly at the sight of his shaking paws. All he wanted was to prove his loyalty to the big dragon, and in return Glaw had welcomed him into his home with open wings, giving Hadley his own room, clothing, enough food, even sharing some of his treasure in exchange for his services. He never asked Glaw why he wanted his blood, but he had willingly given it up to the dark Ridgeback.
Glaw saw the faraway look in Hadley’s bright eyes, and he smiled softly. “Why don’t I send you off to bed early? Some time and rest will do you good,” he finished, firelight dancing in his dark eyes.
He snapped his claws once again, and a small cloud had puffed up right next to Hadley. He watched the little dragon’s paws fumble for the edge of the cloud before struggling to lift himself on top. Tucking his legs underneath him and his pale wings to his sides, Hadley lay his head down and looked to Glaw grinning back as the cloud gradually drifted out of the room, leaving the big dragon alone.
Glaw waited until he knew the young dragon was far enough away, and he released a quiet, rumbling chuckle.
“You'll do for one more bloodletting. And I’ll be seeing my old friend soon.”
The larger of the two, a Ridgeback, easily sliced his knife into the fish before him as he held it in place with the tall fork. He didn’t seem to notice the smaller Wildclaw struggling to cut his own portions.
The Wildclaw, Hadley, brought his knife forward and back, attempting to slice through his meal, but his arms shook with the effort. He furrowed his brows. The meat in front of him was not too tough, as he had just bitten through it. He tried again to cut with the serrated knife, but he couldn’t muster enough strength to cut as smoothly as his companion. Was there something wrong with him? He had no trouble like this earlier today. Again Hadley tried even harder, forcing his knife through—
—and he thought he felt his heart nearly leap out of his chest when the knife slipped out of his claws and slid halfway across the table. When he glanced up in a panic to see the Ridgeback looking back at him curiously, Hadley’s heart thundered louder as he sprang to retrieve the knife, but he only succeeded in bumping his plate, sending it flying and it shattered on the cold stone floor.
“Oh, M-Master Glaw,” Hadley cried, “I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to I just—”
The Ridgeback, Glaw, only replied with a single snap of his claws. The shards of the plate suddenly lifting into the air and danced above the centre of the table between them. Hadley watched in awe as the shards were brought back together, piece by piece, though the scraps of meat had vanished, and the corners of Glaw’s mouth curled up in a grin when the new plate darted out of the dining room.
“There’s nothing for you to apologize for, my dear boy,” Glaw’s deep voice soothed. “No harm done.” His smile then gradually vanished. “Though I’m afraid it is I who is sorry.”
Hadley steadily leaned back in his chair and tilted his head. “What do you mean?”
Arching his dark brows, Glaw looked to him thoughtfully. “Why, I’ve simply been taking too much of your blood as of late,” he finished, eyeing the little drake’s bandaged arm.
“But...I don’t mind, Master Glaw,” Hadley said quietly, smiling gently. “You’ve done so much for me already, and I wanted to help you.”
“And you've been doing so wonderfully. But the result is weakening your body.”
Was that true? Hadley hung his head and he trembled slightly at the sight of his shaking paws. All he wanted was to prove his loyalty to the big dragon, and in return Glaw had welcomed him into his home with open wings, giving Hadley his own room, clothing, enough food, even sharing some of his treasure in exchange for his services. He never asked Glaw why he wanted his blood, but he had willingly given it up to the dark Ridgeback.
Glaw saw the faraway look in Hadley’s bright eyes, and he smiled softly. “Why don’t I send you off to bed early? Some time and rest will do you good,” he finished, firelight dancing in his dark eyes.
He snapped his claws once again, and a small cloud had puffed up right next to Hadley. He watched the little dragon’s paws fumble for the edge of the cloud before struggling to lift himself on top. Tucking his legs underneath him and his pale wings to his sides, Hadley lay his head down and looked to Glaw grinning back as the cloud gradually drifted out of the room, leaving the big dragon alone.
Glaw waited until he knew the young dragon was far enough away, and he released a quiet, rumbling chuckle.
“You'll do for one more bloodletting. And I’ll be seeing my old friend soon.”
Continued in Cog Part 1
~
Hadley, Part 2, Volume II
???
~
Continued from Islet Part 1
Hadley, Part 2, Volume II
???
~
Continued from Islet Part 1
The young Wildclaw eyed the small vial filled with crimson held in the large paws of a dark Ridgeback. Glaw studied Hadley’s blood he’d just extracted and smiled thoughtfully as a deep blue flame flared from his palm he held underneath. When the blood in the vial flashed aqua, just for a moment, Glaw’s smile broadened.
Gathering his courage and curiosity, Hadley spoke up. “M...Master Glaw?” he asked softly.
The Ridgeback tilted his spiked head down to peer at Hadley. “What is it, dear boy?” his deep voice soothed.
“I was just meaning to ask...” Hadley trailed off cautiously. Should he ask? What if Master Glaw became furious with him for asking?
“Go on,” Glaw purred, his dark eyes boring into Hadley’s.
The young dragon swallowed hard, drawing in a shaky breath. “What do you need my blood for?” When Glaw didn’t answer for a few agonizing moments, Hadley’s heart thundered against his ribs. “F-forgive me, I’m so sorry—” he stopped when Glaw held up one free claw to silence him.
“You have nothing to apologize for,” Glaw said. “You have every right to know why I need it, since it is your blood, after all. With this spell, possessing it will help me keep track of where I’m sending you for your mission.”
Hadley blinked, unsure how to respond. He? A mission? “What kind of mission?” he asked, his bright eyes widening with wonder.
“You’re aware of the bargain you and I struck?”
“Of course,” Hadley said, relaxing. “How could I forget? You’ve done so much for me by taking me in and sharing all this food and these clothes, and you said all you wanted in return was some of my blood.”
“And I’m grateful to have somedrake as loyal as you by my side,” Glaw smiled toothily, but his smile soon fell as he went on. “This is why I’m sending you for this mission.”
“What is it? I’ll do anything you wish.”
“There’s a dragon who tried cheating me from our deal. I gave him a gift and what does he do? Flies and hides from me like a coward. I can’t go after him myself, since I need to keep things...in order around here, but then I thought, who better to retrieve him for me than my faithful servant?” Glaw smiled down to Hadley.
“I’ll do it!” Hadley exclaimed. “I’m ready.”
Glaw didn’t reply, instead stretching his grin as he held the vial of Hadley’s blood higher. His voice boomed a name that Hadley didn’t recognize, and that he would be sent to where the other dragon currently resided. A thick cloud of smoke soon swallowed the young Wildclaw and he vanished with it, leaving Glaw alone.
It worked. The big Ridgeback broke into deep chuckling after he no longer saw Hadley. After so many failed attempts to cast the spell with Hadley’s blood, he finally succeeded.
He would have him soon.
Glaw opened his eyes again to glance back to the vial. And the colour the blood had turned to, the colour that the spell changed it to based on the elemental region that Hadley was being sent to now was—
—a deep blue.
Water.
Glaw roared in fury.
Gathering his courage and curiosity, Hadley spoke up. “M...Master Glaw?” he asked softly.
The Ridgeback tilted his spiked head down to peer at Hadley. “What is it, dear boy?” his deep voice soothed.
“I was just meaning to ask...” Hadley trailed off cautiously. Should he ask? What if Master Glaw became furious with him for asking?
“Go on,” Glaw purred, his dark eyes boring into Hadley’s.
The young dragon swallowed hard, drawing in a shaky breath. “What do you need my blood for?” When Glaw didn’t answer for a few agonizing moments, Hadley’s heart thundered against his ribs. “F-forgive me, I’m so sorry—” he stopped when Glaw held up one free claw to silence him.
“You have nothing to apologize for,” Glaw said. “You have every right to know why I need it, since it is your blood, after all. With this spell, possessing it will help me keep track of where I’m sending you for your mission.”
Hadley blinked, unsure how to respond. He? A mission? “What kind of mission?” he asked, his bright eyes widening with wonder.
“You’re aware of the bargain you and I struck?”
“Of course,” Hadley said, relaxing. “How could I forget? You’ve done so much for me by taking me in and sharing all this food and these clothes, and you said all you wanted in return was some of my blood.”
“And I’m grateful to have somedrake as loyal as you by my side,” Glaw smiled toothily, but his smile soon fell as he went on. “This is why I’m sending you for this mission.”
“What is it? I’ll do anything you wish.”
“There’s a dragon who tried cheating me from our deal. I gave him a gift and what does he do? Flies and hides from me like a coward. I can’t go after him myself, since I need to keep things...in order around here, but then I thought, who better to retrieve him for me than my faithful servant?” Glaw smiled down to Hadley.
“I’ll do it!” Hadley exclaimed. “I’m ready.”
Glaw didn’t reply, instead stretching his grin as he held the vial of Hadley’s blood higher. His voice boomed a name that Hadley didn’t recognize, and that he would be sent to where the other dragon currently resided. A thick cloud of smoke soon swallowed the young Wildclaw and he vanished with it, leaving Glaw alone.
It worked. The big Ridgeback broke into deep chuckling after he no longer saw Hadley. After so many failed attempts to cast the spell with Hadley’s blood, he finally succeeded.
He would have him soon.
Glaw opened his eyes again to glance back to the vial. And the colour the blood had turned to, the colour that the spell changed it to based on the elemental region that Hadley was being sent to now was—
—a deep blue.
Water.
Glaw roared in fury.
...
Hadley broke the surface of the Sea with an explosive gasp, and kicked desperately to shore just ahead, then collapsing on the sand, heaving deep breaths. He cast wild glances in every direction of the great expanse of water around him before noticing his bandages.
The wrappings around his arms were beginning to come loose from being soaked by the Sea. His mind raced in panic until he noticed something large and grey in the distance. A castle?
Perhaps dragons lived there and, he hoped, a doctor. Hadley scrambled to his feet and loped towards it.
Hadley broke the surface of the Sea with an explosive gasp, and kicked desperately to shore just ahead, then collapsing on the sand, heaving deep breaths. He cast wild glances in every direction of the great expanse of water around him before noticing his bandages.
The wrappings around his arms were beginning to come loose from being soaked by the Sea. His mind raced in panic until he noticed something large and grey in the distance. A castle?
Perhaps dragons lived there and, he hoped, a doctor. Hadley scrambled to his feet and loped towards it.
...
“And I say,” sounded a shrill voice belonging to a crimson-eyed Spiral, “that a centaur CAN juggle pardas!”
The pied Skydancer beside him rolled his pink eyes. “And what you’re going to be juggling are your teeth if you don’t shut your—” Astraeus halted, both he and Aerico turning their heads to gaze at another draconian form trotting up to them.
“Can you help me?” the young Wildclaw before them pleaded. “I...” he started again, his voice and limbs shaking. “I n...need a d-doctor...” he trailed off when the world began to spin, and soon he felt both pairs of paws grip his arms to steady him.
“Easy,” the Skydancer said softly, “I got you—”
“You mean I got ‘im,” the striped Spiral cut in.
Hadley grew dizzier with each tug and pull between the two dragons. “Can we please...” he started weakly.
“What’s all this?” thundered a curious voice.
All three pairs of eyes turned to look now at a large grey Guardian standing in the open doorway. Next to him, a sandy Mirror she-drake held her crowned head high as she spied the new dragon.
“Aerico,” the Mirror, Saline, addressed the Spiral, “who might this be?”
Aerico opened his jaws wide to speak, but stopped short. “Uh,” he started, turning to the stranger, “who are you?”
Astraeus shot the Spiral a grin before speaking up. “This newcomer is in need of medical attention, your Majesties.”
Hadley slowly lifted his head. “Majesties?” he echoed. Dipping low, he bowed, nearly stumbling in the process.
“There’ll be time for that later,” the Guardian, Kelpbeard, chuckled deeply. “We’ll take you inside to see Alyss.”
“And I say,” sounded a shrill voice belonging to a crimson-eyed Spiral, “that a centaur CAN juggle pardas!”
The pied Skydancer beside him rolled his pink eyes. “And what you’re going to be juggling are your teeth if you don’t shut your—” Astraeus halted, both he and Aerico turning their heads to gaze at another draconian form trotting up to them.
“Can you help me?” the young Wildclaw before them pleaded. “I...” he started again, his voice and limbs shaking. “I n...need a d-doctor...” he trailed off when the world began to spin, and soon he felt both pairs of paws grip his arms to steady him.
“Easy,” the Skydancer said softly, “I got you—”
“You mean I got ‘im,” the striped Spiral cut in.
Hadley grew dizzier with each tug and pull between the two dragons. “Can we please...” he started weakly.
“What’s all this?” thundered a curious voice.
All three pairs of eyes turned to look now at a large grey Guardian standing in the open doorway. Next to him, a sandy Mirror she-drake held her crowned head high as she spied the new dragon.
“Aerico,” the Mirror, Saline, addressed the Spiral, “who might this be?”
Aerico opened his jaws wide to speak, but stopped short. “Uh,” he started, turning to the stranger, “who are you?”
Astraeus shot the Spiral a grin before speaking up. “This newcomer is in need of medical attention, your Majesties.”
Hadley slowly lifted his head. “Majesties?” he echoed. Dipping low, he bowed, nearly stumbling in the process.
“There’ll be time for that later,” the Guardian, Kelpbeard, chuckled deeply. “We’ll take you inside to see Alyss.”
...
After Hadley was guided through the castle halls, he now found himself lying on a patient’s bed in Alyss’ office. The splotchy Spiral washed his paws thoroughly before inspecting the younger dragon’s wounds. Alyss carefully removed the old bandages with steady paws and, using a clean damp cloth, gently stroked the blood away. The Wildclaw flinched.
"How ever did this happen?” Alyss asked.
Hadley froze, unsure how to answer. How could he explain? His mind swam again and his breath shook when he tried to speak.
“Take it easy,” Alyss hushed. “Don’t try to speak now, then. When I’ve finished this up you should get some rest.” After Hadley settled down, Alyss cleaned the wound some more and applied his batch of medicinal herbs underneath new and clean bandages. The Wildclaw thanked him, his voice soft and shaky with fatigue.
“Will you be wanting to take anything to help get to sleep?” Alyss asked kindly, but Hadley shook his head. “If you do need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.” The Spiral then assisted the young dragon with his blankets to keep him warm, and Hadley leaned his head back into the pillow.
“You know,” Alyss started again, “we don’t get too many dragons of Lightning this way. I’ll bet it was quite the shock, falling in,” he added with a grin.
Hadley tried returning a small smile, then shuddered, remembering his ‘swim’. The Sea was far wider than he could ever have imagined. And who knew what lurked beneath its surface?
“I’ll leave you be and check up on you later, when you’re well rested,” Alyss said, turning around. He closed the door behind him with a soft click.
Hadley’s eyelids fluttered before his body jerked, and he released a deep sigh, pulling the blankets closer. Was this really the place where the dragon that Master Glaw sent him to find currently resided? What was their name again…
His eyes closed again.
After Hadley was guided through the castle halls, he now found himself lying on a patient’s bed in Alyss’ office. The splotchy Spiral washed his paws thoroughly before inspecting the younger dragon’s wounds. Alyss carefully removed the old bandages with steady paws and, using a clean damp cloth, gently stroked the blood away. The Wildclaw flinched.
"How ever did this happen?” Alyss asked.
Hadley froze, unsure how to answer. How could he explain? His mind swam again and his breath shook when he tried to speak.
“Take it easy,” Alyss hushed. “Don’t try to speak now, then. When I’ve finished this up you should get some rest.” After Hadley settled down, Alyss cleaned the wound some more and applied his batch of medicinal herbs underneath new and clean bandages. The Wildclaw thanked him, his voice soft and shaky with fatigue.
“Will you be wanting to take anything to help get to sleep?” Alyss asked kindly, but Hadley shook his head. “If you do need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.” The Spiral then assisted the young dragon with his blankets to keep him warm, and Hadley leaned his head back into the pillow.
“You know,” Alyss started again, “we don’t get too many dragons of Lightning this way. I’ll bet it was quite the shock, falling in,” he added with a grin.
Hadley tried returning a small smile, then shuddered, remembering his ‘swim’. The Sea was far wider than he could ever have imagined. And who knew what lurked beneath its surface?
“I’ll leave you be and check up on you later, when you’re well rested,” Alyss said, turning around. He closed the door behind him with a soft click.
Hadley’s eyelids fluttered before his body jerked, and he released a deep sigh, pulling the blankets closer. Was this really the place where the dragon that Master Glaw sent him to find currently resided? What was their name again…
His eyes closed again.
...
He awoke to soft scratching. Turning his head, Hadley saw Alyss seated at his desk, writing notes. The Spiral noticed his movement and gave the young drake a gentle smile.
“You must’ve been exhausted,” Alyss said. “But then, loss of blood will do that, too. You slept most of the day away.”
“I did?” Hadley’s heart thundered at the thought as he glanced out the window. The sky and clouds were deep shades of orange and purple. Sunset.
Had Master Glaw given him a certain amount of time to find the dragon he was ordered to search for? His mind raced in panic, but couldn’t recall.
“How are you feeling now?” Alyss asked.
Hadley snapped out of his trance, and he returned a smile as he slowly sat up. “Better, I think. It doesn’t hurt anymore,” he added, glancing over to his bandaged arms. No blood had leaked through nor stained it.
“Why don’t you join us for dinner, then?” Alyss suggested. “I’m sure everydrake would love to meet you.”
In answer, Hadley’s stomach gurgled, and he nodded vigorously.
He awoke to soft scratching. Turning his head, Hadley saw Alyss seated at his desk, writing notes. The Spiral noticed his movement and gave the young drake a gentle smile.
“You must’ve been exhausted,” Alyss said. “But then, loss of blood will do that, too. You slept most of the day away.”
“I did?” Hadley’s heart thundered at the thought as he glanced out the window. The sky and clouds were deep shades of orange and purple. Sunset.
Had Master Glaw given him a certain amount of time to find the dragon he was ordered to search for? His mind raced in panic, but couldn’t recall.
“How are you feeling now?” Alyss asked.
Hadley snapped out of his trance, and he returned a smile as he slowly sat up. “Better, I think. It doesn’t hurt anymore,” he added, glancing over to his bandaged arms. No blood had leaked through nor stained it.
“Why don’t you join us for dinner, then?” Alyss suggested. “I’m sure everydrake would love to meet you.”
In answer, Hadley’s stomach gurgled, and he nodded vigorously.
...
That evening, everydrake each took their seats at the long wooden table that stretched from one end of the dining hall to the other. At one end sat King Kelpbeard. The opposite sat Queen Saline and her daughter, a vibrant yellow Guardian boasting brilliant green wings. Somewhere in the middle, two white-and-red Spirals were snoozing in their dishes. Alyss and his son Twig aided Pigeon with her feeding, and a bright gold Mirror she-drake was in the middle of a food fight between her two brothers.
“Sooooooo, it appears we have another new arrival,” a smooth voice sounded amused. “Even Armin was just promoted to the clan’s very own teacher on his second day here!” Lumiere exclaimed, and a dark green Spiral seated near the big blue Imperial gave him and others an embarrassed smile. “And he gave me the honour of being his assistant during his first class yesterday,” the Imperial added, wiggling his white brows.
Hadley froze when he heard the green dragon’s name spoken. “Armin?” he whispered to himself.
The dragon that Master Glaw had sent him to find was here! What reason could Armin possibly have to avoid Glaw? Hadley couldn’t fathom it.
“I heard you two gave quite the lesson about the draconian soul,” Rocky said with something dripping from his jaws. “Dewlap here is an expert on the subject himself, aren’t you, pal?” he teased the pale Nocturne from across the table. Suddenly, Rocky’s hood glowed a soft green before pulling over his head and he struggled to rip it back.
“You’re not dragging me into this, pal,” Dewlap glowered to the young grey Mirror. Between him and Trove, their three newborns giggled as Rocky fought with both paws trying to pull his hood off of his face, until Dewlap waved one white paw, releasing his spell.
Rocky finally managed to free his head, and opened his jaws wide to speak—
“Rockpools,” Saline started, giving him a look, “did you remember to wipe your maw before speaking?”
Rocky grudgingly wiped his jaws with an already dirtied cloth, and Dewlap shot him a wicked grin, which the Mirror returned.
“He’s just a little cranky because he hasn’t had any more memories to search—mmmff! Mmmmffffff!” the grey dragon struggled to shout as his words were now muffled from his forcefully shut jaws.
Saline exchanged exasperated looks with her Guardian daughter, and Alga turned her attention to her youngest brother and Dewlap. “Boys,” she warned gently. Dewlap removed his spell on Rocky’s jaws.
“Oh I was just teasing,” Rocky chuckled.
“You had it coming, Rocky,” April snickered.
“Oh that reminds me,” Armin spoke up. “Dewlap, was it? One of my students mentioned that you’re a...soul searcher, is that right?”
“Was,” Dewlap corrected him without turning his head. “And I don’t particularly care to go into detail about that part of my life again.” He left it at that, a soft smile returning to him as he assisted Trove with feeding their hatchlings.
“And now he’s going to ignore everydrake else for the rest of the evening,” Rocky said to Armin with a creeping smile. “Great job.” Beside him, Red and April only rolled their eyes.
As Hadley ate, he tried to keep up with all the dizzying conversations happening at once.
“’Ow’s your salad, Vicky?” Aerico dreamily asked the dark Tundra two seats down.
Vixen turned her silvery eyes to the striped Spiral, giving him a small smile. “It’s wonderful, Aerico, thank you for asking.”
Between them, Astraeus ruffled his feathered wings and gritted his beak.
“I ‘elped Jammy an' Velvet make it, ‘specially for you,” Aerico said, his crimson eyes brightening.
“Really? I thought you hated having anything to do with vegetables. Why did you make this for me?” Vixen asked.
Astraeus wanted to scream when Aerico said nothing. The twit of a Spiral just stared at Vixen now, his jaws agape in a stupid smile. It’s been like this for the past year now, why couldn’t the dolt just tell her already?!
Meanwhile, many others shared beaming smiles with Newt as Lumiere told them about their adventure in the library, much to Alga’s disdain. Siblings Lua and Ada thanked Newt and many more for attending their dance recital earlier that afternoon. When April encouraged Newt to show everydrake the drawing he’d made when he’d been out on the beach with her, Red and Rocky, the little Spiral reached for his satchel, only to freeze as his body turned rigid. His paws began to shake and he cast pleading looks up to Lumiere, tears streaming down his dark face.
Lumiere caught the look, and excused himself and Newt to search for the young dragon’s drawing. When they vanished from their seats in a bright flash, several dragons voiced their concerns when they saw how upset Newt looked.
Alyss stared to the spot where they had been just moments before, furrowing his brows in thought.
“Alyss, dear,” Ophelia said, catching the Spiral’s attention.
“I just worry for him,” Alyss replied softly.
“Is there something wrong with him?” Hadley asked.
“Newton can’t speak,” Alyss answered. “He’s mute, and...he’s been experiencing some intense pains.”
“Nothing seems to help him, either,” Twig added. “Lumiere’s magic and my dad’s herbs work for a while, but Newt’s pains always come back after some time.”
“Perhaps my Lord Glaw could help him,” Hadley blurted.
“Who is this...Lord Glaw?” Alyss wondered.
“He’s...he took me in when nodrake else would.”
At the end of the table, Queen Saline spoke with her daughter.
“So dear,” she started pleasantly, “have you told your father the big news yet?”
“I was planning to inform him after dinner, when—” Alga began.
“What big news do you mean?” Kelpbeard bellowed from the opposite end. Everydrake else suddenly silenced their conversations and turned to face Alga.
The yellow Guardian froze and Saline gave her a small smile. “Better tell him now,” she told Alga.
Alga drew in a deep breath and exhaled softly before speaking. “Lumiere and I are—” but she stopped when Kelpbeard choked on his water. Several dragons had to duck to avoid the massive blast as he spat it out.
“Alga, dear,” Kelpbeard began hesitantly, “I know you and Lumiere have become quite...close friends...but isn’t it a little soon for you two to be—”
“Father,” Alga cut in, feeling her cheeks flush, “it’s not like that. Lumiere and I are going to be away for a few days,” she added hurriedly, “he says there are ancient ruins with some old books and artefacts that could strengthen my magic and help keep the clan and everydrake safer, especially after what could have happened to Dewlap and Trove last night.”
“A few...days.” Kelpbeard could only stare to her, unsure what else to add. “With...Lumiere.”
Everydrake else glanced from one end of the table to the next, from the king to his daughter, not daring to speak nor move.
“My,” Rocky started, widening his four blue eyes, “dinner and a show.”
“Will you all excuse us, please?” Saline’s voice rang.
Dragons around the table quickly shovelled in the last of their meals before zipping away, leaving Kelpbeard, Saline and Alga alone in the dining hall.
“Hzuh?!” Jammy snorted awake, jerking to sit upright and startling Velvet. “HOW ARE THOSE FIRST BITES?!” she shrilled, before finally noticing mostly empty seats around her. When she caught the looks from her king, queen and Alga, Jammy quickly cleaned her maw and gave them a crooked smile before darting away, taking Velvet with her before he could clean his own face.
That evening, everydrake each took their seats at the long wooden table that stretched from one end of the dining hall to the other. At one end sat King Kelpbeard. The opposite sat Queen Saline and her daughter, a vibrant yellow Guardian boasting brilliant green wings. Somewhere in the middle, two white-and-red Spirals were snoozing in their dishes. Alyss and his son Twig aided Pigeon with her feeding, and a bright gold Mirror she-drake was in the middle of a food fight between her two brothers.
“Sooooooo, it appears we have another new arrival,” a smooth voice sounded amused. “Even Armin was just promoted to the clan’s very own teacher on his second day here!” Lumiere exclaimed, and a dark green Spiral seated near the big blue Imperial gave him and others an embarrassed smile. “And he gave me the honour of being his assistant during his first class yesterday,” the Imperial added, wiggling his white brows.
Hadley froze when he heard the green dragon’s name spoken. “Armin?” he whispered to himself.
The dragon that Master Glaw had sent him to find was here! What reason could Armin possibly have to avoid Glaw? Hadley couldn’t fathom it.
“I heard you two gave quite the lesson about the draconian soul,” Rocky said with something dripping from his jaws. “Dewlap here is an expert on the subject himself, aren’t you, pal?” he teased the pale Nocturne from across the table. Suddenly, Rocky’s hood glowed a soft green before pulling over his head and he struggled to rip it back.
“You’re not dragging me into this, pal,” Dewlap glowered to the young grey Mirror. Between him and Trove, their three newborns giggled as Rocky fought with both paws trying to pull his hood off of his face, until Dewlap waved one white paw, releasing his spell.
Rocky finally managed to free his head, and opened his jaws wide to speak—
“Rockpools,” Saline started, giving him a look, “did you remember to wipe your maw before speaking?”
Rocky grudgingly wiped his jaws with an already dirtied cloth, and Dewlap shot him a wicked grin, which the Mirror returned.
“He’s just a little cranky because he hasn’t had any more memories to search—mmmff! Mmmmffffff!” the grey dragon struggled to shout as his words were now muffled from his forcefully shut jaws.
Saline exchanged exasperated looks with her Guardian daughter, and Alga turned her attention to her youngest brother and Dewlap. “Boys,” she warned gently. Dewlap removed his spell on Rocky’s jaws.
“Oh I was just teasing,” Rocky chuckled.
“You had it coming, Rocky,” April snickered.
“Oh that reminds me,” Armin spoke up. “Dewlap, was it? One of my students mentioned that you’re a...soul searcher, is that right?”
“Was,” Dewlap corrected him without turning his head. “And I don’t particularly care to go into detail about that part of my life again.” He left it at that, a soft smile returning to him as he assisted Trove with feeding their hatchlings.
“And now he’s going to ignore everydrake else for the rest of the evening,” Rocky said to Armin with a creeping smile. “Great job.” Beside him, Red and April only rolled their eyes.
As Hadley ate, he tried to keep up with all the dizzying conversations happening at once.
“’Ow’s your salad, Vicky?” Aerico dreamily asked the dark Tundra two seats down.
Vixen turned her silvery eyes to the striped Spiral, giving him a small smile. “It’s wonderful, Aerico, thank you for asking.”
Between them, Astraeus ruffled his feathered wings and gritted his beak.
“I ‘elped Jammy an' Velvet make it, ‘specially for you,” Aerico said, his crimson eyes brightening.
“Really? I thought you hated having anything to do with vegetables. Why did you make this for me?” Vixen asked.
Astraeus wanted to scream when Aerico said nothing. The twit of a Spiral just stared at Vixen now, his jaws agape in a stupid smile. It’s been like this for the past year now, why couldn’t the dolt just tell her already?!
Meanwhile, many others shared beaming smiles with Newt as Lumiere told them about their adventure in the library, much to Alga’s disdain. Siblings Lua and Ada thanked Newt and many more for attending their dance recital earlier that afternoon. When April encouraged Newt to show everydrake the drawing he’d made when he’d been out on the beach with her, Red and Rocky, the little Spiral reached for his satchel, only to freeze as his body turned rigid. His paws began to shake and he cast pleading looks up to Lumiere, tears streaming down his dark face.
Lumiere caught the look, and excused himself and Newt to search for the young dragon’s drawing. When they vanished from their seats in a bright flash, several dragons voiced their concerns when they saw how upset Newt looked.
Alyss stared to the spot where they had been just moments before, furrowing his brows in thought.
“Alyss, dear,” Ophelia said, catching the Spiral’s attention.
“I just worry for him,” Alyss replied softly.
“Is there something wrong with him?” Hadley asked.
“Newton can’t speak,” Alyss answered. “He’s mute, and...he’s been experiencing some intense pains.”
“Nothing seems to help him, either,” Twig added. “Lumiere’s magic and my dad’s herbs work for a while, but Newt’s pains always come back after some time.”
“Perhaps my Lord Glaw could help him,” Hadley blurted.
“Who is this...Lord Glaw?” Alyss wondered.
“He’s...he took me in when nodrake else would.”
At the end of the table, Queen Saline spoke with her daughter.
“So dear,” she started pleasantly, “have you told your father the big news yet?”
“I was planning to inform him after dinner, when—” Alga began.
“What big news do you mean?” Kelpbeard bellowed from the opposite end. Everydrake else suddenly silenced their conversations and turned to face Alga.
The yellow Guardian froze and Saline gave her a small smile. “Better tell him now,” she told Alga.
Alga drew in a deep breath and exhaled softly before speaking. “Lumiere and I are—” but she stopped when Kelpbeard choked on his water. Several dragons had to duck to avoid the massive blast as he spat it out.
“Alga, dear,” Kelpbeard began hesitantly, “I know you and Lumiere have become quite...close friends...but isn’t it a little soon for you two to be—”
“Father,” Alga cut in, feeling her cheeks flush, “it’s not like that. Lumiere and I are going to be away for a few days,” she added hurriedly, “he says there are ancient ruins with some old books and artefacts that could strengthen my magic and help keep the clan and everydrake safer, especially after what could have happened to Dewlap and Trove last night.”
“A few...days.” Kelpbeard could only stare to her, unsure what else to add. “With...Lumiere.”
Everydrake else glanced from one end of the table to the next, from the king to his daughter, not daring to speak nor move.
“My,” Rocky started, widening his four blue eyes, “dinner and a show.”
“Will you all excuse us, please?” Saline’s voice rang.
Dragons around the table quickly shovelled in the last of their meals before zipping away, leaving Kelpbeard, Saline and Alga alone in the dining hall.
“Hzuh?!” Jammy snorted awake, jerking to sit upright and startling Velvet. “HOW ARE THOSE FIRST BITES?!” she shrilled, before finally noticing mostly empty seats around her. When she caught the looks from her king, queen and Alga, Jammy quickly cleaned her maw and gave them a crooked smile before darting away, taking Velvet with her before he could clean his own face.
...
“How’s your wound?” Alyss asked as he checked Hadley over.
Hadley glanced down to his arms. “They are feeling a lot better already. Those herbs certainly helped stop the pain and bleeding, thank you.”
“Best not to leave these on for too long, though,” Alyss said as he straightened up. “Come with me and I’ll have them changed before you head to bed.”
Hadley followed close behind until they reached Al’s office once more. After the Spiral replaced the old dressing with a fresh bandage, he followed Hadley out again.
“Healing up nicely already, isn’t it?” Alyss smiled.
“I didn’t know there were plants that could do that,” Hadley returned the look. “It’s never healed this fast, before,” he blurted before he could stop himself.
Alyss gave him a strange look. “Before?” he echoed. “Have you had this wound more than once?” When Hadley struggled to find an answer, Alyss went on. “How exactly did you and your Lord Glaw become separated? You’ve mentioned how wonderful he is...what happened?”
Hadley thought fast. “Magic accident,” he replied quickly. It wasn’t a complete lie, was it? “There was...a blast...and it sent me here.”
“Oh,” was all Alyss could start with. “Well, perhaps in a few days after more rest you should be well enough again to travel and find him. For now, though, your body needs a bit more time to fully heal. While you were asleep, the king has allowed me to find you your own room.”
They strode silently down the hall, and halted by an unoccupied room.
“Now,” Alyss beamed to him, “you rest up. I have to check on Newt and Lumiere.”
“I wanted to ask you something,” Hadley said.
“Of course, what is it?”
“Where might Armin’s room be?”
“Armin? What did you want to see him about?”
“He’s a teacher, right? I wanted to know if he has any maps I could borrow so that I might find my home again,” Hadley said, thinking quickly.
Alyss turned thoughtful. “Well, I think he headed to bed, himself, but I believe his room is just around the corner there. You can speak with him in the morning if he’s not busy with his next class. But you know, Alga may have some books with maps, her library is full and I’m sure she may have something you’re looking for.”
“Oh, yes of course...I just thought that Armin may have something as well.”
Bidding each other good night, Hadley shut his door with a quiet click as Alyss turned to stride away. Drowsy from a full belly, Hadley made his way to his new bed, stripping off his velvet robe before climbing in. His eyelids fluttered for sleep, feeling the darkness take him away…
...before he heard a distant and wild scream of a voice he couldn’t place.
Hadley knew he wasn’t dreaming already. He kept still for several moments, the voice becoming more clear as it drew near.
“Please! You have to help them!”
“Mister Cog,” Hadley knew Alyss’ voice, trying to calm the other down. “You can’t be out here in your condition, we have other Fae here—”
“No! They can’t...I...I had to c-come here...I know he can’t come here! S-somedrake has to help them!”
Hadley’s heart jolted as he caught the other dragon’s plaintive tone. Leaping out of bed, the young Wildclaw made for the door and opened it a crack to peer into the dim hall.
There was Alyss, his back facing Hadley as the Spiral didn’t move. Before him stood a small brown Fae, who appeared to have a strange orange and branching structure protruding from the top of his head, between the frills. Foam began to bubble from Cog’s maw as he tried to speak again.
“Please...h-he’s been taking them...Fffaaeeee...NO!” Cog howled, his head twitching, his dark eyes rolling in their sockets.
“You have to come with me,” Alyss ordered, taking cautious steps towards him. “We need to keep you away from our other Fae.”
“Alyss!” another voice boomed, and soon a big blue Guardian strode forward.
“Urdin, stay back,” Alyss said.
“Bogatyr and I tried to stop him, but he darted past us like the Shade were after him,” Urdin rumbled low.
“Scales turning to Shade,” Cog gurgled, foam dripping to the floor, “for what he did to them...it’s too late...but there’s still hope,” his voice cracked.
“What’s wrong with him?” Urdin asked Alyss, and the Spiral never took his wild eyes off of Cog.
“He’s infected with a strain of cordyceps,” Alyss said, pointing to the branching structure on the Fae’s head. “It only affects Fae dragons and destroys their brains, but I still don’t want you getting too close.”
Cog opened his jaws again to speak, and instead choked up more sticky foam. He struggled to breathe as he began to bare his tiny fangs. “Ffffffaaee,” his hissed hoarsely before shaking his head. “Nooooo...” He staggered forward, his vision blurring and he could barely make out Alyss reaching for the satchel around his waist. “P-please,” Cog begged, “help them!” he wailed as the Spiral in front of him drew out a syringe filled with a light blue substance. “They need to be saved from GLAW!” Cog shrieked the last word as he felt a sharp jab in his side, and soon his vision darkened. He didn’t feel his body fall into Alyss’ grasp.
Alyss propped up Cog with his free arm and tucked the syringe back safely into its thick pouch, then carefully and gently lifting up the unconscious Fae to carry him.
“That blue entoloma is...quite effective,” Urdin commented.
Alyss said nothing, only carrying the sleeping Cog past the big dragon.
“Can you cure him?” Urdin asked.
This time, Alyss stopped, but didn’t turn to face him when he said, “I can’t.”
“Do you know somedrake who can? Lumiere, maybe—”
“Nodrake can,” Alyss said quietly, and he swallowed hard. He strode ahead again, and Urdin walked beside him.
When Hadley saw them leave, he decided to tread after them silently.
“So no Fae ever survives this?” Urdin rumbled his surprise.
Alyss shook his head. “And judging by how large this fungus has grown, I fear that poor Cog may only have a few days at the most. And we can’t break the structure, do you understand? The spores will be released and...infect Ari and Bryony as well.”
“You said it destroys their brains...” Urdin trailed off in thought, then shuddered. “Could this...fungus and whatever he was rambling about be related? Was he just speaking nonsense because of what it’s doing to him?”
“It’s very likely,” Alyss answered, then frowned. “But he mentioned Glaw...”
“Hadley said that name at dinner, too, didn’t he? His Lord Glaw something or other?”
“And yet Cog seems to know a dragon named Glaw, too...”
“What are you thinking?”
“I don’t know,” Alyss admitted. “Maybe it’s just a coincidence, that maybe there’s a different Glaw...I’ll have to ask Hadley if he knows anything about Cog in the morning.”
“I don’t suppose we’ll be getting any straight answers out of Cog?” Urdin asked.
“If we’re lucky, perhaps Cog could share any information about where he came from when he wakes.” They halted at the Spiral’s office. “And under no circumstances are Bryony and Ari to enter this room unless I say it's okay.”
“I’ll inform Bogatyr and everydrake else,” promised Urdin.
Hadley ducked around another corner before Urdin could turn and spot him. The young Wildclaw’s mind reeled at what he’d just witnessed.
Did this Cog really know Master Glaw? He didn’t recognize the little brown dragon, yet the Fae mentioned the Ridgeback’s name like Glaw had done something wrong. That he’d been taking somedrake? Several dragons?
But Hadley also recalled Alyss saying that the fungus that infected the dragon’s brain was destroying it. Cog’s mind could be playing tricks on him, and maybe Glaw couldn’t help him, either.
He would have to pay this Cog a visit tomorrow as well, he decided, when Alyss and the others weren’t around.
“How’s your wound?” Alyss asked as he checked Hadley over.
Hadley glanced down to his arms. “They are feeling a lot better already. Those herbs certainly helped stop the pain and bleeding, thank you.”
“Best not to leave these on for too long, though,” Alyss said as he straightened up. “Come with me and I’ll have them changed before you head to bed.”
Hadley followed close behind until they reached Al’s office once more. After the Spiral replaced the old dressing with a fresh bandage, he followed Hadley out again.
“Healing up nicely already, isn’t it?” Alyss smiled.
“I didn’t know there were plants that could do that,” Hadley returned the look. “It’s never healed this fast, before,” he blurted before he could stop himself.
Alyss gave him a strange look. “Before?” he echoed. “Have you had this wound more than once?” When Hadley struggled to find an answer, Alyss went on. “How exactly did you and your Lord Glaw become separated? You’ve mentioned how wonderful he is...what happened?”
Hadley thought fast. “Magic accident,” he replied quickly. It wasn’t a complete lie, was it? “There was...a blast...and it sent me here.”
“Oh,” was all Alyss could start with. “Well, perhaps in a few days after more rest you should be well enough again to travel and find him. For now, though, your body needs a bit more time to fully heal. While you were asleep, the king has allowed me to find you your own room.”
They strode silently down the hall, and halted by an unoccupied room.
“Now,” Alyss beamed to him, “you rest up. I have to check on Newt and Lumiere.”
“I wanted to ask you something,” Hadley said.
“Of course, what is it?”
“Where might Armin’s room be?”
“Armin? What did you want to see him about?”
“He’s a teacher, right? I wanted to know if he has any maps I could borrow so that I might find my home again,” Hadley said, thinking quickly.
Alyss turned thoughtful. “Well, I think he headed to bed, himself, but I believe his room is just around the corner there. You can speak with him in the morning if he’s not busy with his next class. But you know, Alga may have some books with maps, her library is full and I’m sure she may have something you’re looking for.”
“Oh, yes of course...I just thought that Armin may have something as well.”
Bidding each other good night, Hadley shut his door with a quiet click as Alyss turned to stride away. Drowsy from a full belly, Hadley made his way to his new bed, stripping off his velvet robe before climbing in. His eyelids fluttered for sleep, feeling the darkness take him away…
...before he heard a distant and wild scream of a voice he couldn’t place.
Hadley knew he wasn’t dreaming already. He kept still for several moments, the voice becoming more clear as it drew near.
“Please! You have to help them!”
“Mister Cog,” Hadley knew Alyss’ voice, trying to calm the other down. “You can’t be out here in your condition, we have other Fae here—”
“No! They can’t...I...I had to c-come here...I know he can’t come here! S-somedrake has to help them!”
Hadley’s heart jolted as he caught the other dragon’s plaintive tone. Leaping out of bed, the young Wildclaw made for the door and opened it a crack to peer into the dim hall.
Infected Cog
There was Alyss, his back facing Hadley as the Spiral didn’t move. Before him stood a small brown Fae, who appeared to have a strange orange and branching structure protruding from the top of his head, between the frills. Foam began to bubble from Cog’s maw as he tried to speak again.
“Please...h-he’s been taking them...Fffaaeeee...NO!” Cog howled, his head twitching, his dark eyes rolling in their sockets.
“You have to come with me,” Alyss ordered, taking cautious steps towards him. “We need to keep you away from our other Fae.”
“Alyss!” another voice boomed, and soon a big blue Guardian strode forward.
“Urdin, stay back,” Alyss said.
“Bogatyr and I tried to stop him, but he darted past us like the Shade were after him,” Urdin rumbled low.
“Scales turning to Shade,” Cog gurgled, foam dripping to the floor, “for what he did to them...it’s too late...but there’s still hope,” his voice cracked.
“What’s wrong with him?” Urdin asked Alyss, and the Spiral never took his wild eyes off of Cog.
“He’s infected with a strain of cordyceps,” Alyss said, pointing to the branching structure on the Fae’s head. “It only affects Fae dragons and destroys their brains, but I still don’t want you getting too close.”
Cog opened his jaws again to speak, and instead choked up more sticky foam. He struggled to breathe as he began to bare his tiny fangs. “Ffffffaaee,” his hissed hoarsely before shaking his head. “Nooooo...” He staggered forward, his vision blurring and he could barely make out Alyss reaching for the satchel around his waist. “P-please,” Cog begged, “help them!” he wailed as the Spiral in front of him drew out a syringe filled with a light blue substance. “They need to be saved from GLAW!” Cog shrieked the last word as he felt a sharp jab in his side, and soon his vision darkened. He didn’t feel his body fall into Alyss’ grasp.
Alyss propped up Cog with his free arm and tucked the syringe back safely into its thick pouch, then carefully and gently lifting up the unconscious Fae to carry him.
“That blue entoloma is...quite effective,” Urdin commented.
Alyss said nothing, only carrying the sleeping Cog past the big dragon.
“Can you cure him?” Urdin asked.
This time, Alyss stopped, but didn’t turn to face him when he said, “I can’t.”
“Do you know somedrake who can? Lumiere, maybe—”
“Nodrake can,” Alyss said quietly, and he swallowed hard. He strode ahead again, and Urdin walked beside him.
When Hadley saw them leave, he decided to tread after them silently.
“So no Fae ever survives this?” Urdin rumbled his surprise.
Alyss shook his head. “And judging by how large this fungus has grown, I fear that poor Cog may only have a few days at the most. And we can’t break the structure, do you understand? The spores will be released and...infect Ari and Bryony as well.”
“You said it destroys their brains...” Urdin trailed off in thought, then shuddered. “Could this...fungus and whatever he was rambling about be related? Was he just speaking nonsense because of what it’s doing to him?”
“It’s very likely,” Alyss answered, then frowned. “But he mentioned Glaw...”
“Hadley said that name at dinner, too, didn’t he? His Lord Glaw something or other?”
“And yet Cog seems to know a dragon named Glaw, too...”
“What are you thinking?”
“I don’t know,” Alyss admitted. “Maybe it’s just a coincidence, that maybe there’s a different Glaw...I’ll have to ask Hadley if he knows anything about Cog in the morning.”
“I don’t suppose we’ll be getting any straight answers out of Cog?” Urdin asked.
“If we’re lucky, perhaps Cog could share any information about where he came from when he wakes.” They halted at the Spiral’s office. “And under no circumstances are Bryony and Ari to enter this room unless I say it's okay.”
“I’ll inform Bogatyr and everydrake else,” promised Urdin.
Hadley ducked around another corner before Urdin could turn and spot him. The young Wildclaw’s mind reeled at what he’d just witnessed.
Did this Cog really know Master Glaw? He didn’t recognize the little brown dragon, yet the Fae mentioned the Ridgeback’s name like Glaw had done something wrong. That he’d been taking somedrake? Several dragons?
But Hadley also recalled Alyss saying that the fungus that infected the dragon’s brain was destroying it. Cog’s mind could be playing tricks on him, and maybe Glaw couldn’t help him, either.
He would have to pay this Cog a visit tomorrow as well, he decided, when Alyss and the others weren’t around.
Continued in Cog Part 2
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