Dragon's life in college

chapter 15

Sorry, I keep forgetting to update this story.

Nigel spotted his two siblings making their way in, just a few moments before the bell as usual. He hunkered down into as small a bundle as he could get. He was certain that they were going to come over as soon as class was over to tease him over whatever role he got, whether in the play or backstage.

Nigel also spotted Ryu sitting near the front. A small space around him indicated the reputation he had immediately gained since arriving at college. Pretty much all the dragons knew now to not underestimate the unintimidating looking dragon. So far, Nigel's relationship with Ryu was good. And by good it meant that Nigel could go to sleep each night without worrying too much that Ryu would damage him the next day and not worry about it at all that night. It was a huge improvement over the previous situation. In return, Nigel continued writing out a list of instructions for how to do the math homework which he left by Ryu's bed every day. Occasionally Ryu would leave him notes with a problem written on it, indication that he needed more help. Nigel would carefully write out all the steps for the problem and leave the note for Ryu to find.

"She's coming," Turtle said, ducking down beside Nigel. Nigel briefly noticed that both Turtle and Oceania were oddly trying to hide behind him, but that observation was quickly lost in the overwhelming wave of panic that crashed over Nigel.

He quickly turned his mind to other things, and began calculating how many dragons could be crammed into this courtyard without them having to fold their wings back tight and tuck their tails around their legs. He had reached an estimate of about two hundred dragons and so far hadn't heard his name called for any role. But there were still two roles left, the main parts.

"And now for the role you've all been waiting for," the teacher droned. She looked at her sheet. "The part of the Stormrider, the hero, goes to...    

Nigel."

"Nigel?" said the entire gathering of dragons.

"Nigel?" Swiftstrike and Bloodclaw asked.

"Nigel?" Turtle and Oceania asked, looking at Nigel.

"Nigel?" Nigel asked. He swallowed and looked around for a quick escape. He would have bolted straight for the exit right then and there if Turtle hadn't been behind him at the moment. "Me?" he echoed, looking around.

All the dragons had turned and were staring at him with questioning looks. Nigel miserably noted the gleeful expressions on his siblings' faces, and knew that they couldn't wait to come over and start teasing him. Ryu looked surprised and a bit angry. Nigel guessed that he had wanted the part for himself.

"Yes, Nigel," the teacher continued, not even looking up. "And for the last part, Snail the coward, that goes to Ryu."

It was a good thing the teacher wasn't looking up. If she had, Nigel was certain that she would have been instantly transfixed by the icy glare Ryu was giving her way. Nigel gulped. If his roommate had been made before, then he certainly was mad now.

She should have flipped those roles, Nigel thought. At least then you'd have the correct dragons playing the correct parts.

"Now, for the rest of you. Those dragons working backstage are..." the teacher continued to read out a long list of names.

Nigel sat still, frozen stiff with fear. He only barely heard Oceania and Turtle breath a sigh of relief when they were assigned backstage work. All Nigel could think about was his new part in the play, and how he would survive Ryu. He was fairly certain that even personal math tutoring wasn't enough to guarantee his safety.

At least on the bright side, he thought miserably, they can't expect me to act in a play if I'm dead or seriously injured.

"Those of you assigned a part to play will receive your instructions today in your caves," the teacher droned. "Rehearsals begin next week so begin practicing. Good-bye," and with that she left.

Nigel quickly turned around and tried to get out of the courtyard as quickly as possible, not noticing that he had left Oceania behind. He had almost made it to the exit when a familiar, mocking voice blocked his way.

"Well, if it isn't our famous little brother," Bloodclaw said. Swiftstrike smirked beside him.

Nigel stood frozen, unable to get past his older siblings who had completely blocked his way.

"Chosen to play the lead in the play, now that is an honor." Bloodclaw looked over at Swiftstrike. "Do you think he'll do good."

"Oh, of course he will." Swiftstrike moved in closer. "After all, look at him. That large size, that perfect coloring, that intimidating physique. Why, I would be scared of him." He painfully jabbed Nigel in the side.

Bloodclaw nodded. "Yes, he'll do perfectly. I'm sure Father will be so anxious to hear of our little brother's achievements."

"And I'm sure his Mother would be as well," Oceania cut in. She lifted her head and glared regally at the two.

Nigel watched Bloodclaw and Swiftstrike faulter at the ominous warning.But they still had a card to play.