Tails Of Flames Rising Threats

Prologue

    Pernicious scrabbled frantically through the streets, hiding within the shadows of stone built houses. He couldn't believe he didn't get caught yet.

    This war is too quiet, he thought nervously. Every single step he took could lead to death. 

    He managed to make it to a small cave. He went inside slowly shutting the door and searched for a key on his shelf. He sighed as he felt a smooth, gray key in his talons.

    Pernicious went to a door in another room with a keyhole and unlocked it. Inside were two dragonets. A grayish-green dragon tumbled to him cooing. The other one sat still, shivering. Pernicious squinted at her.

    She may be Bane's and Substance's dragonet but I don't understand why I have to take care of her. He picked the dragonet near him and gave him a hug.

    "You're safe," he said with a sigh. The other dragonet let out a squeak of joy and gripped his arm with affection. "When this is over, I'll be a real father and take care of you," he whispered. A loud crash was heard outside and Pernicious jerked up, listening intently. "I'll be back soon, he said to them. "Remember, while father is gone, hide in the safe shelter. "

    He rushed out the door trying to not let the tears fall and locked it. He took a deep breath and slipped the key underneath the door. This may be the day I die, he thought sadly. He slowly peered at the doorway, his claws trembling.

    "PERNICIOUS!" a familiar voice cried. He rushed towards the voice.

    "Substance! Are you okay?!" he called. He looked around. "Where's your battalion?" She shook her head.

    "They got wiped out by a wave of WeatherTails" Substance blurted in a wavery voice. She looked down. "I'm the only survivor, everyone didn't make it including Bane and..." She paused, hesitating to talk. "Poison died an honorable death, Pernicious. She was a nice wife and friend." Substance choked out the last part and broke into a sob.

   "NO!" Pernicious roared. He smashed his tail on the ground which made the cave shake. He felt his talons tighten with fury. His Poison. He won't ever get to see her again.

    "Who killed her?!" he growled, shaking her.

    "I don't know!" she said while choking on her sobs. "They said a dragonet killed her with the force of a thousand Spirit Talons." She shuddered, her eyes looking dim.

    "HAH! You expect me to believe that?!" Pernicious barked.

    There was a whoosh, then wingbeats that neared every second.

    "HIDE!" Pernicious hissed. But they were too late.

    "Well, well, well, look what we have. Two little snails stuck in a trap," said a dragon in a cloak, who entered through the door. Two WeatherTail guards were with him. Substance gasped and whispered "That's the dragonet!"

    Pernicious couldn't believe his eyes. He couldn't see who was under the cloak, but he could tell he was the size of a dragonet. He glared at him with fury.

    "What are you?" he snarled.

    "That's rather a rude way to talk. You should show more respect if you want to live," he hissed.

    "Hah! You're crazy! I'd doubt I'd show you any respect! Dying would be much more honorable," Substance snarled, unsheathing her stinger and spine.

    "Be careful what you wish for," he hissed. He dashed forward, faster than a Spirit Talon and slit her throat. In the process, he saw a flash of yellow and gold scales underneath the black cloak. Substance tried to scream, but blood poured out of her throat fast which made her burble in response. She collapsed, letting her blood gather into a neon green puddle.

    Pernicious cupped his mouth in terror. No... Substance. He then let out a roar of fury and grief, and bolted towards the dragonet.

    I'll never forgive the Weathertails, he swore in his mind. Suddenly one of the blood covered guards rushed forward with a spear at him. He dodged and unleashed his tail quills, hitting the guard on his face. The guard roared in agony as the acid ate his face and dropped to the ground with a grunt.

    "Hmm, impressive. He was valuable to me I guess,"  the dragonet mused, kicking the dead body using his covered leg. "Now it's your turn to be him." He grabbed the dead guard's spear and shot at him, stabbing a spear in his stomach and twisting it, making blood pour out before he even reacted. He took it out with a sickening sound with a sly smile.

    The dragonet walked up to him and took off his hood. It blurred as Pernicious's eyes turned groggy. He could only see the dragonet's dark eyes and blood dripping off his chin.

    "You are a monster," he gurgled to him. The dragonet smiled.

"Exactly what I want to be."