World of Dragon Riders: Book Two - REMADE

Chapter 9

(I chose to rewrite everything here from scratch... Anyways here we go.)

Adrien had been living in the Rainforest for a month before he had settled into a comfortable routine. That on top of registering as a citizen in the base, something Duststorm had to do as well, and getting into a school. The Rebels valued giving everyone an education, so Summer helped him get started, because apparently Winter was home-schooled and Summer was a part-time teacher at the Dragon Rider Academy. And while Duststorm taught him speech, basic writing and reading skills, there was only so much a dragon could teach a human to be a human, as dragon and human social norms could be quite different. Chores were something he had to start doing, not that he minded learning to cook or picking up after himself. But cleaning up after the messes of others, such as, say, the fire dragonets? Not easy, or enjoyable, if they LIKED making a mess. Several failures later, Adrien and Winter, the only teens aside from the sky dragonets, figured that out. One would provide a distraction, keeping the little fire breathers entertained, while the other one cleaned.

Something Adrien struggled with was independently socialising with others. He lacked certain social skills and most seemed deterred by Winter, who Adrien enjoyed talking to. So Summer, being the house head, decided the BEST solution was to introduce him to people who WOULD talk to Winter... his extended family. BUT she kept the teens in the dark while she organised a day.

ON said day, the pair were groggily waking up for breakfast. Abyss was on his back, feet in the air, relaxed and still deeply asleep. Winter wasn't in his bed, so Adrien sat up to look around but felt something hugging him. He wasn't really surprised to see Winter with both arms wrapped around him, clinging to him as if he had been wrapped in a nightmare. 

"Winter." Adrien gently nudged him. "Winter, please wake up." Winter grumbled and tightened his grip. "Winter I need FOOD. It's BREAKFAST." No different response. "Winter, don't make me carry you."

But that's how Summer saw them, Adrien wandering into the Lounge Space with Winter on his back, head resting against the former.

"A-Adrien dear, is everything alright?" Summer asked, trying to keep a drowsy Ryan from stealing toast.

"No? I don't think so."

"Is Winter still asleep?" Ryan yawned, trying to pick up some breakfast. "He looks quite asleep."

"Yes."

"But you're carrying him around anyways."

"Yes. He didn't wake up so I carried him here."

"He looks awfully relaxed," Ryan yawns, still weakly trying to steal an early breakfast, "at least someone got a good night's sleep. It's nice to not hear growling in the mornings."

"Who GROWLS in the morning?" Adrien asks. "It's FAR too early for that kind of attitude."

"Who's talking about me?" Aeranus groaned, sluggishly sauntering into the house, head feathers slightly charred. "Because I didn't have a good night's sleep."

Ryan made a sigh of dismay and hug held Summer, still droopily leaning on her. Valley made his way inside once Aeranus had sat down next to the dining table, Ravine and Cliff nowhere to be seen or heard.

"Good morning Valley, you look well rested." Summer said to him.

"I FEEL well rested actually..." He seemed surprised. "Wisp and her siblings huddled up in my stall with Aeranus and the twins. Must've been a cold night, even for them." 

"You may not mind their company in the cold brother, but I most certainly do." Aeranus grumbled, then taking note of Winter. "Didn't think HE would need a cuddle buddy."