《The Pale Dragon》Chapter 7 - Power
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Chapter 7 – Power
So dark, so cold, so lonely. A weak, fragile and sore whisper echoing through my mind.
My surroundings are pure black and void of colour, most unlike my mother’s beautiful shimmering scales.
I try to look around to examine the void, yet find I am unable. I try to understand my predicament, and find that this feeling of weightlessness is most similar to the time spent within my egg, a time where I was able to see without seeing, where I used my mind rather than my eyes.
Understanding my fault, I start to search my surroundings with my mind’s eye. As begin my task of sifting through the dark, I quickly locate a seemingly invisible white light, illuminating the pure black.
I touch the pale light tentatively and recognise it immediately, the power within my core.
I search through the light, familiarising myself with the pulsating power and find a strange inconsistency; throughout the bulk of power, various strands of strange, green light weave throughout it, trying to spring loose from its bulk as it squirms.
I reach out my mind and gently grip the green strands, then gently tug them with enough force to free them, but not enough to snap their seemingly brittle form.
Almost immediately as I do, I feel a familiar sweet fragrance wash over my incorporeal form; the scent of pure, gentle magic; the scent of the Elf.
Memories followed the scent as I remembered how I got here, the Elf was testing my power, trying to break the riddle of it. Perhaps my power somehow reacted to her probing, and for some reason attempted to steal her own. A question for another time however, as I have magic to free.
While gently tugging on the strand, my power obeyed, sensing my will and releasing the trapped Elf’s power.
As the strands quickly snaked off into the darkness, quickly fading into the void, my power started flaring. I tried to reach out to calm it but as soon as I did, light exploded around me.
It took me a few moments to get my bearings but I quickly recalled the Elf’s room, and more importantly my protective mother towering over me, obviously shielding my once unconscious self.
After a few seconds more, sound returned to my array of senses and began to pick up the large room practically shaking from the low growls of Mother.
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Lightly chuckling my amusement as her actions, I rose to my feet and lightly tapped on her hide, a broad smile on my face as I did so.
She quickly snaked her head around, bringing a large, ruby eye level with me. With a voice filled with worry she asked, “Are you well again, daughter?”
I gave an exaggerated nod and lightly skipped around her, setting my gaze on the pale faced Elf, who was resting on the other side.
I suppose I would be scared if a giant black dragon was growling at me, as well. I thought.
Concerned that Mother would blame the Elf, I turned my gaze back to Mother and stated, “Not her fault.” My voice soft, but serious.
After almost a full minute’s thought Mother lightly nodded, “Very well.” Seemingly trusting my judgement on the matter, she didn’t argue.
Even though that crisis was contained, the Elf was still outrageously pale, her eyes swimming with guilt. Thinking of only one way to cheer her up I ran over towards her and sat squarely on her lap, as if nothing had ever happened.
Bringing my hand up towards her head and started lightly patting her it, I repeated, “Not your fault.”
The Elf’s eyes still swam with guilt but she began patting my head anyway.
I gave a bright smile once again and let the sweet moment pass us by.
After the Elf seemed to calm down a little, she explained her findings to my mother, “I still don’t fully understand her powers,” she said while still stroking my head, “however from what I understand she is somehow able to steal magic power.”
Mother seemed taken aback, “How?” She asked.
“I haven’t the faintest clue. Perhaps it is a form of Aberrant magic, that she alone possesses.” The Elf paused, “It would not be the first time such a child was born, yet I have yet to meet one so strong, nor unique.” She let out a small smile, “Then again, I wouldn’t have expected anything less from your daughter.”
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Working our way through the halls once again, I noticed various dragons neither nodding nor bowing at our pass; instead they were darting out of Mother’s way, averting their gaze and cowering at our passing.
Curious…perhaps they are so frightened due to Mother’s roar when I passed out? Or perhaps it’s the look of pure fury within her fiery, red eyes?
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Either way we quickly reached our room in record time, on account of the lack of dragons essentially prostrating themselves in our path.
As I sat down on the large mat that was our bed, Mother spoke, “Listen well, daughter. For I will not repeat this twice.”
Noticing the seriousness of her tone, I nodded quickly and gave her my full attention.
“It is custom for dragons to seek our education through our dams and sires, learning through our accumulated experience and wisdom as we do so. As such we have become an isolated race, with connections to all but a few outside of dragonkin.”
I sat completely still, absorbed with the newfound knowledge she was presenting me.
Her eyes alit with both amusement and rage with her proceeding words, “We are so isolated that most believe us to be
legends, myths and beasts; beings without a shred of intelligence that smote and destroyed everything in our path.”
Well, looking at Mother, it wouldn’t be hard to understand why. I smirked at the thought.
“However this must change. We have remained in isolation within these mountains for too long, both our hatchlings and elders becoming ignorant of the world beyond.”
Curiosity built up brighter within me, excited at where she was going with this.
“As such we send some of our Broods to break this trend of ignorance. Don’t you agree?”
I gave a nod, still remaining silent. Of course we must expand into the outside world. To be thought as nothing but beasts, myths and legends is, while amusing, an insult to dragon kind.
Mother gave out a sad, but sure smile as she continued, “Good.” After a breath pause she continued, “Because you will be one of them.”
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I found myself wandering the winding halls of my home in my Beast-man form, quickly scurrying along the cold, hard stone.
I noticed the abundance of odd looks I got from various dragons, and the obvious lack of bowing in my presence. It seems Mother, and the rest of those aware of my gifts, have kept quiet about my morphing ability.
While exploring the winding halls I ponder the mandate of my mother, recalling her wishes. After explaining to me the necessity of our return from seclusion, she explained to me just how we would return.
“It is necessary for us to return in earnest, but not to brazenly clutter about beyond our borders, scaring the other races of the land. As such you and your brothers will be attending an academy of sorts, intended to nurture all beings of the land.”
An academy.
From what Mother told me it was open to all races, ages and stations; be it royalty, commoner, or any other form.
She then went on to explain Dragons, Elves and Beast-men were not the only race in existence, detailing the features of a races I have yet to meet. The numerous Humans, the varying Fae, the powerful Demons and the rare Angels.
Not only were there these races, but various forms of life too numerous to explain in but one conversation.
I let my mind sift back to Mother’s explanation of the Academy, “It lies at the centre of the land, surrounded by a large thriving city. The rulers of the Academy reside over naught but the Academy itself, and the city is left to its own governance.”
It is said the Rulers are composed of various races, and open only to a select group of people. They hold tremendous power, and together have the power to rival even the strongest of empires.
However, even they can’t hold a candle to us Dragons; who, while few, have the potential to wipe each race of the face of the land.
After these pondering thoughts I remembered a key question that I asked, “Mother, I have heard many names, but what do we call this land?”
She responded, a prideful smile plastered on her face, “It was named after the strongest beings in the land of course.”
I whisper her response as I turn a corner, mirroring my memories.
“Draconia.”
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Author Note
So, we are finally getting properly into the story. Yay!
I made this chapter a little bigger due to the fact that I actually found a nice stopping point. I also plan to make chapter at least this long now, perhaps a bit bigger depending on my mood. So look forward to that.
Considering so many people dislike it when people edit previous chapters, I thought I would ask if everyone is fine with that? It will change NONE of the story, merely fix various grammar errors, while also clearing up some explanations and sentence structures.
And yeah, let me know what you think. Give me any feedback on grammar, story, characters, etc.
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R. A. T. H
Rose: a broken doll tossed out into the world with the carelessness befitting her status below humans. However, acquiring a power beyond what she should be able, she fights and Rose Against The Heavens. The story of a homunculus fighting against fate with a piercing wrath. Raging, an adversary to a cruel world. From magecraft to guns. From jets to mechs. From swords to lasers. And robots to beasts. Her story takes place in a techno-fantasy running on mana. Volume 1 completed at chapter 64. Volume 2 completed at chapter 122. Kofi: Link Discord server: Link This story is also available on Webnovel, Wattpad, and Scribble Hub. *The cover image is not owned by me, but merely used to make the cover for the novel. In fact, any image used in the story does not belong to me. The story, however, does belong to me.
8 128Drunk Dungeon
Robert was dead. They just died. Nothing happened that was worth talking about it, especially when considering what their new life was about. Reincarnated as a Dungeon Core, a creation of the system to administer challenges and help mortals and Gods alike grow. But while Robert is perfectly content to live their life creating monsters, making treasure, and getting comfortable in their hole. Fate has other plans. Few places are as valuable as a Dungeon, and fewer still have the resources necessary to make them into pits of unending soldiers. Image is not owned by me. Contact me if you are the artist in question. And want me to take it down.
8 203Repeat
The world is in war involving Human, Fairies, and Beast Men. The increasing of """"Land of No Man"""" make it worse. In midst of it, a man is exploring the world and do as he please. A man that hold a memories of only God know how much.
8 282The Shadow in the Sunlight
"The light would never work with the dark. The existence of one brings pain to the other." The world is torn in two between two clashing empires. All who surround them must choose a side. The light, righteous beings of hope trying to destroy the devils that walk the land. The dark, barbaric monsters trying to bring the land into chaos. The answer seems clear, but is it as simple as it seems? Both believe themselves right... Both believe the other is evil... Time is running out. ............................. Cover art credit:https://www.instagram.com/hijonkhijonk/ Disclaimer: SInce this is an early draft of the story, the content [Chapters, chapter order, character paths, etc.] is subject to change.
8 151The antagonist's daughter
Kana had partaken in the design of a certain RPG game. However, right after its release she mysteriously loses consciousness. By the time she regained her senses, she finds herself in the middle of an assassination, while being on the way to an interview in the body of a background game character whose father is the main antagonist (to be?)…with the crown prince no less! What will she, Charlotte Ionesse, do? Will she do nothing and wait for death while hoping this is a dream? Or struggle and escape?
8 157'Granger' Family Reunion
🔥🔥🔥WARNING ~ Harry Potter spoilers🔥🔥🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️Clean ~ No foul language ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨This Granger family reunion is basically like the others. Mean cousins, handsome husband making the mean girls jealous, but one thing has changed. A brother, a mother and a father. All wizards...And when a jealous cousin vows to uncover Hermione's secret, will she be able to rely on magic to make her problems go away?✨✨✨🌟🌟🌟"Aunt Elisa, how nice to see to see you!" Hermione grinned, trying to ignore the scowl on her aunt's face."Yes, dear. Didn't think you were coming this year." Aunt Elisa replied with a grimace on her face."Neither did I." Hermione muttered so that only her mum could hear her, who promptly gave her a playful shove which Hermione returned.🌟🌟🌟💫💫💫Includes Dramione{Draco + Hermione}💫💫💫☀️☀️☀️13 Published Chapters (Not Including Author's Notes)☀️☀️☀️🙌🙌🙌Highest Rating = #1 in 'grangerfamilyreunion'🙌🙌🙌⚡️⚡️⚡️DISCLAIMER ~ All the original Harry Potter characters belong to JK Rowling. I only own the cousins, extended family and the plot.⚡️⚡️⚡️
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