Scale Back Tail (Original Universe)

Chapter 6: Greeting

Ash's POV

I gave out a nervous exhale as I stood before the highest den on the cliff face, a scale-like pattern adoring an archway that led into a fairly dark room. I looked at my side to Dante, fearless as usual, although clearly waiting for something. My attention was brought back to the archway as light blue spots started approaching, however clearly attached to something by the way they moved. Dante looked hopeful and carefully got to his feet, staring at the dots. "What's the news? She normally doesn't turn the lights out like this," he called out into the darkness. As if on cue, the blue dots emerged from the darkness, revealing that I was correct in my thinking.

A dragon with mostly pitch black scales, not much bigger than me actually, stepped forward, the light blue glow of some scales on his back fading in the sunlight. "I got an earful, that's what happened! Shade ran off again with Axis and she turned out the lights to see if Shade would come to explain himself. When that didn't happen she barked at me instead as if I had any control over the lunatic before!" The dragon barked at Dante before turning its attention to me. "This is the dragon that Thorn thought was a Lochin yeah? He told me all about you and your scales." he gave out a light chuckle as he sat down and extended his tail out by his side, almost like a handshake. His tail was adorned with fins that had a wave-like pattern of the same light blue color dotted on his back. "My name is Cyber, and word of advice, don't take Thorn's barkings too harshly. He's a really nice guy once he figures you out." He spoke in a caring tone when he mentioned Thorn.

"I think that's a bit biased coming from you, Cyber. We all know Thorn has a soft spot when it comes to you" Dante teased before giving out a sigh. It took me a second before realizing that I should probably repeat the gesture Cyber was showing me. Once our tails touched he gave what I assume was a light-hearted smile, "A bit slow, though I can't blame you I suppose." He stood back up and looked at Dante, "Take care of this one yeah? I think they'll fit right in once Dragling settles down.". I gave a slightly embarrassed nod as I stood back up, anxiety creeping back into my head as to what could come if this 'queen of EverBurn' was already annoyed. I took a deep breath and shook my head before turning back to Dante. "Now or never, yeah?" I say with a slight quiver to my voice, getting a nod in response as he walked into the den, making sure I was following.

Dragling's POV

I gave out an annoyed groan as I curled up on the ledge outside my den which overlooked the still dark throne room. I can't get a break can I? I've been stuck in this place for a week now dealing with the trouble those two have caused to the point that I can feel my scales turning darker with magic. A heavy sigh left me as I sat up, concentrating in the dark room before I felt my paws light on fire. It's the only thing I can do to keep this pounding headache at bay. The sounds of claws against stone alert me to two dragons' presence within the room. One of them is clearly Dante, I know his footsteps anywhere, but there's also someone else with him. "I'm up here!" I call out as I open my already adjusted eyes. I can see the other dragon noticeably cower as they looked up to where my ignited paws gave me away.

It's not a dragon I've ever seen before, nor a dragon species that I recognize. Brown scales aren't a common color for any dragon, let alone a Draconis dragon which is what this dragon appears to be. Then I remember the previous day's talk with Thorn. A brown-scaled dragon that appeared to have almost the same ability as a Lochin, however, Dante had said that the dragon was found at the base of a tree with a clear back injury, which immediately cleared the dragon of being such. I gave out another small groan as I laid my head on the cold stone ledge under me. "This is the dragon Thorn told me about, correct? If so then as far as I'm concerned, this dragon is free to stay as long as they wish. They do not pose an immediate threat I'm sure, otherwise, you wouldn't have brought Thorn into this." I spoke down at them, causing a dim echo in the room which made my headache worse.

"With all due respect, I would love to get a formal introduction as I typically do with everyone who stays time at EverBurn, and I will definitely make time to do so, however, there is a different matter I must address if this isn't a dire situation." I calmly explain, hoping that the newcomer wouldn't take offense to what would probably be seen as me brushing them off. However, instead, they looked almost relieved and gave a simple nod. I know that rouges typically aren't used to monarchy, but even then this dragon seems genuinely afraid. That'll be something I'll have to look into, great, more remembering. "As for you, Dante, show this dragon to the den you think would suit them best, I've learned to trust your judgment on these kinds of things" I chuckled softly as a quick "Yes Ma'am," was said back to me.

I watched as the two dragons left nearly as quickly as they came, finally releasing a sigh that I had built up. At least that was something easy to deal with, and now I can finally have time to tend to my own problems with Yui.