World of Dragon Riders: Book Two - REMADE

Chapter 3

Their hideout was located deep within the reaches of the Savanna's heart, where the ground slowly sloped down in all directions, unlike the straight, steep edges of a sinkhole. It was a small place, once inhabited by people Adrien believed. Who else could make a bedframe? Or paint pictures and write words with lines so fine? That was something Duststorm never told him. And they stripped it bare of anything that was valuable, theirs, or 'important', as Duststorm knew carrying excess weight was difficult. 

The dragon didn't speak to Adrien as they worked to pack everything before those people and the dragons came after them. Adrien grew sick of Duststorm's silence and quick, scattered mutters and movements faster.

"You still haven't explained this to me. Who ARE they?! What aren't you telling me?!" 

"That doesn't MATTER. Just pack everything we'll need."

"I HAVE! Tell me what's going on! That man said he KNEW you, but last you told me, you're a WILD dragon! Wild dragons don't socialize with people right? There was something off with him, AND those dragons!" 

"Those THINGS are what I TOLD you were more dangerous than ANY wild animal out here! They've done HORRIBLE things, you wouldn't believe what they're willing to do to get what they want!" Duststorm hissed, swinging his tail rapidly as he gathered the last of their 'belongings'. 

"They're why you have those scars aren't they? They're why you don't want me going anywhere near that town. Those people... are they WITH them?! Is there ANYONE like me who isn't associated with the people who hurt you?" 

Duststorm whirled around on the spot and growled. Adrien was shocked, thinking Duststorm was angry with him... then he noticed the other silhouette reflect in Duststorm's eyes and turned his head. 

"Easy old friend! It's just ME. On edge today huh?" The voice, which seemed just as friendly as the armoured dragon's eyes, spoke lightly. "15 years is a LONG time-"

Duststorm's figure shot straight past Adrien and tackled the person standing there. They let out an 'oof' as they hit the ground. The dragon loomed over them, teeth bared. 

"Ouch." 

"How do I know you're not fake?! An imposter?! How DARE they try and fool me!" 

"No WAIT... I think they're genuinely nice." 

"You've never even MET another human. How can you-"

"Tell? Can't you tell it's me buddy? Dusty you know it's impossible to fool a dragon with a heart like yours." The human laughed, although they sounded a little exhausted from the sudden impact. "That hurt by the way."

Duststorm backed off, staying low to the ground, ready to spring. The emotions in Duststorm's eyes conveyed a mix of words he didn't say aloud. He didn't look emotionally ready to attack the human again. 

They stood up, brushing off the dust kicked up by the dragon, flinching as their body ached and recoiled in pain. 

"Geez. Should've known 'sneaking up' on an Earth Dragon was a bad idea. You're all known for your strength and size, even if you're skinny." 

They grinned, looking rather 'cocky', their eyes glimmered with a unique sense of joy as they stood up straight. They looked kind of tan, the sun had a habit of doing that, with bright blonde hair that stood up all over the place when he dusted it off. He had a familiar look in his eyes, but Adrien couldn't QUITE figure it out. 

"Who are you? Last person to call Duststorm their 'old friend' was actually a bad person." Adrien said, glaring at them. 

"Oh yeah. Heard about that scuffle at the oasis. That's why I'm here! Why we're here, so be glad we went on patrol out here... it has been a WHILE since I was here last." They sighed, shrugging.