Gloom

Gloom awoke in darkness. It wrapped it's everlasting inky black wings all around her, enfolding her in its shadowy grasp. Everything she could see were shadows, and all she could feel was that ensuing darkness.
She gasped as she slowly stoood to her feet. The hatchling moved forward slowly, shuddering in fear.
Her parents and siblings were gone. There was no one here, no one at all...
Reaching up towards her mouth her claws brushed against metal and she shook in shock. Something metal wrapped around her face, locking her jaws in. She had a muzzle, unable to speak or cry out for help.
Why was her mouth locked? Had someone done this to punish her? What had she done wrong? Or what if there was a monster in here and they had chained her so she would be unable to call for help?
Then she realized.
There was no monster.
The monster was her.
She ran in fear, tearing at the muzzle on her face. But it was all in vain. The metal had melded with her scales, and she was unable to rip it off.
A low, slow whine escaped the throat of the young dragon and she sunk to the floor, her wings flopping over her head in despair. She began to weep bitterly, aching for the family she had never had...the sunlight....

That was when a talon clasped her shoulder.
Surprised, the young fae looked up and saw another young dragon. He wore a muzzle, just like her. His eyes were full of understanding, and he brushed her side with his snout. It was in that splint second as his scales touched hers that it seemed as though their thoughts met.

Hello. He said.

Dying for the communication, she brushed the mirror's side with her wing. Hello. Who are you?

My name is Nanette. My parents abandoned me. His head drooped slightly

I'm Gloom. I'm sorry about your parents

It's alright.

You're...you're like me.

Yes.

Can we get out of this awful place?

We can try.


The younger dragonet pulled her to her feet and together, Nanette and Gloom wandered the tunnels until they finally found the enterance, blocked by fallen rocks.
Together

They pushed through the glorious light and freedom...and a future together.