ƬΉΣ ΣYΣƧ ӨF ЩIƧDӨM

Two Clans

"Once upon a time, in a faraway forest ther-"

He was suddenly interrupted by two of his nephews. His nephew, Lucas, interrupted him, "That's a boring way to start it, Uncle Nio." Nio sighs, "Maybe if you didn't interrupt me you little scale lizard, I would finish." Lucas pouted while his brother, Aaron, laughed at Nio's comment.

Nio scoffs, "As I was saying..."

He clears his throat. "There was a hidden forest, so hidden that even the humans couldn't find it. The forest had been around since our ancestors-" He gets interrupted again. Irritated, he was, he just threw his arms up in the air, "You know what if you don't quiet your bickering then yo-" He stopped when he saw his big brother...Jack...He chuckled nervously because he knew his brother would make him sleep in the basement all night...if he made the kids upset. Jack looked over, "And what is going on here, hm?"

Lucas hugs Jack, "PAPA!!! Uncle Nio was telling us the story about the war between humans and dragons, like us!" Nio grumbled, "Was trying to tell the story-" Jack shook his head and left, since his mate, was watching over the egg.

Nio just got up and left the nephews but they called for him, kept begging him to finish the story. Nio sighs, "I will finish the story, IF you dont interrupt." They nod, eagerly. Nio takes a deep breath, "It started with your grandpa, Niklas. He was the leader of all dragons, before your father, Jack came along. He lead the dragons to victory against the humans. Was he scared? pfft, nah. He wasnt scared for nothing." Niklas was listening and shook his head, knowing Nio was trying to scare the kids. He went over and smacked Nios head. "OW!!" Nio exclaimed. Niklas, "Stop trying to scare them, or trying to show off in the story." Nio grumbled, and pouted. 

Niklas looked at the kids, who were all huddled together, hugging each other for dear life. He chuckled, "Go play outside, kids." The kids rush out, their wings stretched out as they flew.

The Forest was bright green, the mushrooms on the tree, the birds chirping, flowers blooming, and other fellow dragons were doing their own buisness. It was even more beautiful at night, all the plants would glow in such beautiful vibrant colors. Thats when most of the dragons came out to hang out with one another more and more. The day moves on...night starts to rise. all the dragons come out, their scales glowing different colors, green, purple, blue, pink, and more. Nio was showing off his glowing scales to some of the females, tipical of him to do so. Jack scoffs, rolling his eyes, thinking his little brother Nico was stupid trying to get the girls attention by just the scales. Dragon were dancing and singing together. All having a good time. 

Niklas stands by Jack. "Ah I see Nico is out showing off his scales." Jack shakes head, "as usual.." Niklas chuckles, he knew Jack and Nio were close, and yet completely the opposite. Nio was the hard headed, wanna be tough, while Jack was the stoic, tense one. They all look at the sky seeing the stars and moon. So bright, like gems. Everyone was all around the bon fire, telling stories, of course Nio had to tell a scary one, trying to scare everyone. Many dragons told prophets to the younglings, some told tales of their adventures and some told some story of their own.

All of a sudden when everyone was having about to hit the hay, there was a large explosion. Everyone came alert and peeked out of their homes, looking over to where it was. Niklas and Jack rush over to what it is, wanting to know, who or what it was. When they get their, they see a deep hole..looking like someone fell high from the sky, looking at the shape of it. Niklas steps closer, while Jack has his silver blade at the ready. When Niklas sees who is was he rushes over, and helps them up.

Jacks eyes widen "Niklas, what are you?!-" He sees the injured dragon, but doesnt trust it since he's never seen a dragon without a clan, or atleast traveling alone. Niklas held the dragon close, checking for injuries. 

Wherever this dragon came from, they didnt come from somewhere peaceful. Their scales were chipped off, horns cut off, their wings looked battered, bruises everyone, as well as scars, and blood. The dragon winces as his eyes open. He looked around. When he saw Niklas, his eyes widen, he was literally in the arms of the most powerful dragon in the world, and not just any dragon, but a king at that. 

Niklas looks at him with worry in his eyes, "What on earth happened to you?" The dragon, tries to get the words but none come out, it was clear he was in shock. Jack and Niklas look at each other then back at the dragon. The dragon, "I came from...a place...where..." He tries to remember the memories but when he does, his voice is strained, his throat closes up, not wanting to remember the painful of his memories. "It's okay. Take your time," Niklas says with understanding, knowing how painful it can be to bring up hard memories.

Jack finally speaks in a firm and demanding tone, "Your name. Dragon." Niklas glares at him, not liking his tone when this dragon is already traumitized enough. The dragon sighs, "My name is Aspen." Jack nods, approving of his response. Niklas speaks, "Lets get you inside. Give you some tea and warm clothing, then you can explain more." They all agree. Jack and Niklas lead the dragon in their home. Nico has the kids behind him, tense over having a stranger of a dragon showing up. 

The kids, however wanted to know more about the stranger. 

Niklas gives Aspen some clean clothing, and leads him to a room to get changed. He leaves to make some tea, while Aspen gets changed. Jack who has a tensed up expression says, "Why are you letting him stay?" Niklas sighs, "Im letting him stay because, one, he is injured, two, he is too traumatized to think clearly. He needs guidance." Jack shakes head, not agreeing with this at all. Niklas puts a hand on his shoulder, reasurring him with a squeeze on the shoulder. 

Aspen gets downstairs, wearing a hoodie, baggy pants, and some bandages on his hands, neck and face. Niklas hands him some nice, fresh, warm, honey tea. He takes a sip, and nods at Niklas, thanking him, while both sit at the table. 

After a few minutes Jayden is ready to explain everything.

Niklas and Jack listen intently. Aspen speaks, his voice a little shaky but firm, "I came from a place where humans, capture dragons, or buy some dragons, and use them as slaves or weapons." Jacks fists clench at this, Niklas's eyes narrow, as he stands up, "That means war, between both species." Jack slams his fist down, "Another war?! The last war hasnt even lasted for at least 10 years! The last war, most of us died!" Aspen flinches at the fist being slammed down, Niklas speaks with Jack, with a authoritive voice, "Calm youself." Jack takes a deep breath and calms down. "Apologies"

Niklas goes to a window and looks out, seeing the dragons having a good time outside, now forgetting about the explosion, but some are talking about it. Jack and Aspen look at him, wondering what he is thinking.  Aspen speaks, "I'm sorry, I must have said too muc-" Niklas cuts him off, "No. You said plenty. here I thought the humans finally wanted some peace, but it seems, I was wrong." Jack raises an eyebrow, "Then what do you suppose we do?" 

Niklas looks over, his eyes showing anger, "If Aspen, is saying this, slavery of dragons is happening, then that means war. And if its a war they want. Then its a war we give."