I can hear a little girl's voice that seemed very distant, and a bit disoriented, "Heyloooooo? Can you hear me? Hello? Hello, hello, hello? Hellooooooo?"

"Will you stop that?" I heard another that sounded like a grown woman speaking up impatiently, "How bout leave him alone and go to sleep already? He's probably doing what we're supposed to be doing." Shortly, she added with annoyance after a pause, "I should be doing that by now."

The little girl's giggle echoed, her words becoming more excitable, and more clearer and less distored, "I can't help myself! I wanna say hello to my new friend."

The grownup pointed out, her voice became the same too, "I'm pretty sure you don't know him well enough to be your friend."

"I know." The little girl replied proudly, "But I know him well enough by looking at him."

"Does looking at him tell you his name and what he is thinking?"

"No, but-"

The older one then interjected, "I don't think he'll enjoy seeing us. He is human you know."

"Which is AWESOME." The little one told them, "You said that already, but I'm not gonna hurt him."

The woman warned, "Try telling that to him. He might try to run, or hurt us...Not that he can."

The little girl denied it, "I don't know, he doesn't look scary. He looks kinda cute. Do you think so? I think so. Maybe he might wanna play with me. I haven't had someone to play with in ages! Oh, maybe that's what he's doing! He's acting like he's dead so we can ignore him! I played that kind of game before! It is a little boring though, but I still like it."

The older voice sighed, "Little one, this isn't the time for playtime. You've been acting this way ever since he came here, and this has gone on for much longer than we met. I wouldn't be surprised if it was dawn now."

The little one sounded confused, "Has it been that long?"

I heard a growl, then a irritated reply, "IT FEELS LIKE IT TO ME."

But the other voice asked a question, "Well, if it's been that long, then why hasn't he woken up?" Concern laced with the next statement, "I hope he isn't dead this whole time and that's why he won't wake up."

The older one said with a less harsher tone, "I doubt he's dead. Why else would they drop him off here?"

"Are you sure?"

"He's still breathing. Don't worry."

Then the little girl hummed in thought, "Maybe I should see if I have a vision about him. See if he will be ok. I can see him breathing, but I wanna know if he'll ever wake up."

The woman huffed, "Seriously, go to sleep. I'm very tired, and very annoyed, and very angry at everything right now, and I don't want to wait for him all night just to give him greetings. He's unconscious for crying out loud. Leave him be and give it a rest."

My hand twitched.

The young girl gasped, "Oh! It moved!"

The woman groaned, "Oh ancestors..."

The younger voice grew excited, "I think he's about to wake up! Eeee! FINALLY!"

But the woman didn't sound too excited. Instead she was grumbling, "I don't care."

I can feel someone's breath on my face. The little girl's voice was much closer to me now, "Hello? Are you not dead? Are you gonna wake up now?"

I moaned in response.

"Come on, get up." Something licked across my cheek, urging me to open my eyes, "I've been waiting forever!"

I moaned again, my eyelids slowly cracking open. My vision was a bit fuzzy at first, but then it was starting to clear up. I heard the grownup's voice again during the process, "This I gotta see."

I saw a face up close, REAL CLOSE. The nose barely poked with mine, their eyes staring deeply into my own.

It wasn't an ordinary face however.

It was a dragon's.

Its snout showed a grin. Then merely said in that little girl's voice I already heard, "Hi."

I screamed, "AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"

The dragon leaped back with a shriek of her own, "YIIIIIIIEEEEEEE!!!"

I sat up, my chest heaving heavily, staring at the little dragon that was surprised by my reaction. I looked to my right, and found another bigger than the other. That dragon spoke in a woman's voice, "Quit screaming. You're hurting my ears more than we're gonna hurt you."

I was glancing around the area, the look of alarm still evident on my face. I have woken up in a slightly dim, huge stone room, big enough for several humans or creatures to be in, with a few torches at each corner that provided the only light in here. I twisted my head to see huge bars and a gate that are beyond my reach.

I jumped to my feet, eyeing at the two dragons that are each with different sizes, with the little one tilting their head while the big one had only just narrowed their eyes. The little one had yellow scales with purple socks on all of its four legs. It wasn't exactly as big as the dragons I've met before. It was probably a hatchling, but surprisingly it was almost as big as a donkey. My dad hasn't really talked much about smaller dragons before, maybe he hasn't met one before, so I was surprised by how big that thing was in front of my eyes. The bigger dragon had blue scales that are not dark blue like the few I saw earlier, but as bright as a sunny, cloudless sky. I did notice a few red marks on their body, like it had been in a fight or something.

Right then I was feeling a bit dizzy and a bit sore. I moaned, my hand at my temple. My aching head...

But what's going on? Where am I? What happened?

Then I immediately began to remember what happened. Oh yeah...I remember. I tried to leave home, then the village got attacked, then I get captured by dragons and got taken to their stronghold or someplace like that, then tried to escape but got captured again...

And now I am here...And judging by the metal bars I saw, I must be in a dungeon.

With TWO dragons standing guard of me...

Nice.

The little dragon asked in concern, "Are you ok?" I stared back at her with narrow eyes. Is that thing really asking me that?

The big dragon advised, "Take it easy, human. You were out a bit."

I heard a chain rattle on the ground when I moved my leg. I looked down, and found that a shackle is around my ankle. I looked towards the wall, and discovered I was chained to a wall. I don't think I could run around the cell even if I wanted to. I was feeling infuriated right away. I demanded angrily, "Take it easy? What the hell is this?"

The big dragon answered nonchalantly, "Uh, you're chained to a wall? What do you think this place is, a bedroom?"

The little dragon stated, planting her haunches against the ground with her tail curled around her, "I was thinking it more as a cave...By how gloomy everything looks."

"Answer my question!" I said, ignoring the little one's comment, "I know I'm in a dungeon, but why aren't I locked with the other humans I was with! I don't see anyone else. Where are they? And why am I chained to a wall?! Ain't this too much than just being locked behind bars?! Tell me right now!"

The big dragon replied in annoyance, "You're asking a lot. Maybe you oughta take things one at a time."

I said angrily, "Don't play around with me, what is the meaning of this?"

The hatchling near the big one finally explained, "Well, a couple big dragons brought you here, saying you caused them a lot of trouble. Queen Messina seemed upset. Apparently she thought putting you in here is better than putting you with the other humans. Something about...Most dangerous prisoner."

The sky blue female added, glancing at my chain to the wall, "I can see why. Must've gave them a whole lot of crap."

I guess I did... I complained, "So I take it that you two are put in charge of watching me?" I gestured at the little whelp, "Kinda dumb to have your hatchlings do that sort of job wouldn't you think. But anyway, what's the point, I'm not going anywhere. I'm locked down tight. I'm a big boy, I don't need anybody babysitting me, so how about go someplace else?"

The little dragon admitted with a smile, "I'm not a guard. I'm not good at guarding. And we can't." She declared, bouncing off the floor with a flare of her wings, "We're cellmates!" I just frowned in suspicion. What?

"The little one is obviously right." The big one curled her neck and pointed her claw at it, "Wish I could, so I can get some privacy, and some shut eye, but I'm in the same situation as you are." As it turned out, there was a shackle just like mine around her neck, linked to a chain on the wall behind her.

But I wasn't really convinced. I only continued to eye at her cautiously. Dragons being held prisoner by dragons? Yeah right, this is bullcrap. This is probably a trick. Why don't you just melt your chains with your fire, huh?

"I'm more a...Most IMPORTANT prisoner." The little one said, holding up her head, "But I don't need a chain around my neck. Can you tell?" I studied her that time. She was right. She wasn't chained to a wall like me and the other dragon. She can certainly roam freely around this room without something holding her back.

She could attack me whenever she wanted...If the bigger dragon didn't want to breath fire at me from where she stands.

The little dragon went on, spreading out her wings to show off, "I even don't need clamps on my wings so I wouldn't fly away. I'm never a bad girl."

The big one rolled her eyes, "I'm SO jealous."

The hatchling quickly told her, "Oh I don't mean just to show off. I'm only saying I never get in trouble and the queen trusts me. Cause then the queen would get REALLY mad at me if I defied her and-"

The larger dragoness groaned, "Alright, ENOUGH. You already told me that."

"True." Then she eyed at me, beaming, "But that doesn't mean HE already knows. Anyways, Celine is like you, all grumpy and stuff. Apparently she caused so much trouble against the queen and she is here like us." I looked at the big blue scaled dragon again. Celine, huh? Doesn't sound too menacing like Messina. And isn't this convienent that she gets to be held prisoner here the same time and place as me.

This could very well be a trick...

The female dragon named Celine spoke defiantly, "They all deserved it, she and her men. And I was thinking I was gonna be sleeping in this dungeon alone but here we are."

The little yellow hatchling beamed, "I know, RIGHT? Isn't this GREAT, guys?"

I wrinkled my brow, internally incensed by that dumb question, "What's great? Being chained up? Locked up inside a room with no way out and no sunshine?"

"No!" She bounded up close to me, having me yelp and back away, "That we're officially cellmates, silly! I'm happy we are! I knew this would happen, I've foreseen it!"

"Huh?" I asked confusingly, "...What are you talking about?"

"I saw it in my vision." She gave out the most weird statement I've heard all night, "I was seeing that I was gonna get cellmates soon. I never had one since I been stuck here. The queen has never put another prisoner in here with me. But she did now! My vision came true!"

"Uhhhhh." What is WRONG with her? I just blabbed upon turning to the big blue dragon, "Is she feeling all right?"

Celine answered, "Don't look at me. I'm thinking the same way too. She claims she can see visions of the future, but I barely know her...Other than the fact that she kinda yaps a ton." I was having another thought about those dragons while the hatchling continued to yammer on happily. Sure you don't. You do know her and you're lying. They must both be playing along with this act. For what? Just to gain my trust? Well, that ain't gonna work.

The whelp trilled, "This is great! Not only I get to be cellmates with another dragon, I get to be cellmates with YOU, a HUMAN! Oh, this is SO COOL! I never got to talk to a human before! I keep seeing a lot of them in this place but I'm never supposed to talk to one!" She squealed with excitement, then brought her snout near my chest, "EEEEE, but I am!!!" I pressed the palm of my hand against her nose and shoved it away. She's really getting on my nerves. She only giggled and not in offense. Then she asked with a swishing tail, "Hee...So, uh, what's your name? Do you have one?"

I only inquired, "Your vision didn't say?"

"Oh, wait!" After I asked her that question, she had her talons at her forehead, with her eyes closed, as if she was concentrating on something in her mind, "I think I know what it is. It's....Errrr...It is...Um....Aha! I got it!" Then she gasped out, letting her paw fly back down to the floor, "Stiff!"

"Wha-?" I glared, outright crying, "No! It's DART!"

The little dragon appeared embarrassed, "Oh....Are you sure?"

I grumbled, "QUITE SURE." Stiff? That is the most stupidest name anybody could bear! She must be picking on me because of how I'm acting. Who does she think she is? I motioned my hand at the hatchling, "And who might you be, dare I ask? Fruitcake?"

The hatchling let out a laugh. Then Celine made a comment, "That would've been my first guess."

The little scaled creature finally spoke after making a giggle, "Actually, my name's Ly." I rolled my eyes. Heh...No way I could've guessed that. Not that I'd care...I don't care what their names are anyway. Ly stated happily, "Eee, I'm so happy! I get to have friends in here for once!"

Celine added on her part with a snort, her tail slightly moving along the stone floor, "Till I'm probably gone that is. That queen must have some ideas for me."

Ly looked up at her and said, "She probably does. She does like to entertain herself...In a...Very scary sort of way. But don't worry. Maybe if you apologize for your actions, maybe she'll give you a break."

Celine just growled in reply, "Not happening. I never apologize."

Ly had a cautious expression her face, "Well, come to think of it...I don't think she easily forgives anybody anyway. One time one of her guards made her so very angry that I watched her rip off both their wings. It was gross. And he was screaming so loudy, and she watching him writhe on the floor in agony for a long time with a smile before she killed him." She wrapped her wings around herself out of that imaginary thought, "I don't wanna lose my wings." I scrunched up my face in disgust. God, that bitch is more scarier than I thought!

And since I pissed her off already...What would she plan to do to me?

"I also don't wanna lose my friends." Ly then put on a little grin. She said, "But, I guess I'll make time for it before one of you is gone forever. This is gonna be good. We're gonna be SO close, and we can get to play games, and we can lay by each other, and-"

I finally snapped, "Will you cut the crap and stop claiming I'm your friend!" Ly's bottom jaw froze mid-speech as both dragons stared at me. I continued, "I don't even know you!"

Ly said with optimism, "But you will...Once you-"

I spat, "Are you really crazy? I don't want to know you! We're not friends, we never were, and we never will be! And I wanna keep it that way, alright?"

It looked like Ly's feelings were hurt. She lowered her head as did her wings. Celine demanded, like she somewhat interrogated me, "You don't trust and take kindly to dragons very well, do you?"

I looked to her with hate shone in my eyes. Shortly, I answered with a question, "What's your first clue?"

Celine looked at me for a long moment. She then stated, "Wise idea. I think the same way...Only difference is I don't trust ANYONE, and I don't like ANY sort of company. Don't take it personally."

I stated hatefully, "Why shouldn't I? Your kind already made things personal with me by BURNING down my home."

Celine only blinked twice in response. Ly let out a shocked gasp, "Really?"

Then I gave Ly an accusatory glare, "As if you can play dumb and not know exactly what's been going on here. Why do you think I'm here? Why do you think a lot of humans are here?"

Ly apologized in a hurt tone, "I'm sorry, Dart. I honestly didn't know you felt this way about our kind. I never talked to another human here, but I have heard they do get taken away after their homes are destroyed and don't get treated very well by the queen and her guards. And I know they dig a lot cause they're forced to so that's gotta be very tiring for them. I don't like it....I hate what they do them."

Bullcrap. I responded heatedly, "Well now you know how I feel about your kind." I sharply turned my back on her and Celine, "Stay away from me. You stay with your mom and leave me alone."

Celine snorted, "EXCUSE ME...She's not my daughter. I told you I don't know her. We just met."

Ly pointed out as well, "That's right. My mommy is-"

I grabbed ahold the chain with determination filling my eyes, "I don't care. I'm getting the hell outta here." I began tugging away the chain with all my strength. I can't give up. What if dad is dead and he can't come rescue me and everyone else. I can't be trapped in here! Everyone that is human here is counting on me. I gotta get out of here and find help and put a stop to this!

Celine sighed, "Forget it, human...It ain't gonna work. I already tried that." While pulling, I scoffed. Yeah right, like you ever DID try.

Ly started, "Dart...Maybe if you calm down we can-" All her words drowned out because of all the groaning I was making. I pulled with so much might. My arm muscles strained to set me free. But no matter how hard I tried and no matter how many times I yanked, the chain wouldn't come off the wall. It really was stuck.

"Arrrgh!" I finally gave up, heaving the rattling chain down the floor, "Damn it!" I was staring at the chain on the floor, trembling breaths escaping my lips. I eyed at the bars in despair. What am I going to do? I can't get free!

I'm really trapped in here...

I heard someone's claws tapping on the floor behind me. Then I heard Ly's voice, "Are you ok?"

I threw some last words over my shoulder, strolling to the wall where the link to my chain is at, "Just-....Just leave me alone." I flopped down on the floor, laying on my side and curled into a ball. I didn't dare show them what I was feeling now, but a couple tears were starting to brim in my eyes.

I can hear Celine yawning from where she was behind me, "Well, whatever. I guess we're all done getting acquainted. Can I rest now? I'm going to anyways."

Ly finally said after a moment of hesitance, "Do you really not like my company very much, Celine? I'm sorry I was bugging you. I just...Ummm..."

"It's fine. I know you were excited to have a cellmate cause you never had one before." The grown dragon let out a tired sigh, "I told you earlier before he arrived that I didn't like company much. You just forgot because of...Everything. I won't hold a grudge. Look, Ly...I will perhaps like you if we just go to bed right now....Ok? Seriously, I am TIRED of this."

Ly shortly agreed, "Yeah...I think I will too." Her yawn was heard, "I am getting kinda tired."

"Good. About time." The sound of weight and scales lowered on the floor was heard. Then Celine said, "And please, don't sleep close to me, little one. I like sleeping alone. If something ruins my nap a few minutes later, I'll know it's you."

A pleasant sigh escaped Celine as Ly spoke her name, "Hey, Celine?"

An impatient response came, "What?"

The hatchling asked, "You think Dart will be all right?"

Celine replied after a pause, "I don't know, little one. I kinda don't care at this point. Besides, he doesn't want to talk to us. Let's just do what he says. Now go to sleep."

"Ok..." I heard something flop on the ground too and figured it was her. She said, "Goodnight."

Celine sighed again, "...Yeah..." I thought that sigh and that word in particular sounded like she was merely defeated, like she wasn't putting on a little act for me. But I blocked that thought thinking it was ridiculous. Thinking she was really about to have me fooled. I wasn't letting that happen.

The little one let out an audible yawn, and I was hearing her rolling around on the ground a second. Everything was just silent after that.

I didn't actually sleep quite yet. I was still wide awake, with a few tears already rolled down my face, as guilt and sadness still overwhelmed me. This is my fault...

I brought all this upon me and everyone else.

My village is destroyed...A bunch of people are dead there...Maybe mom and dad and Heather too.

I'm sorry, guys...

Especially you, Heather. I didn't mean for all this to happen. This isn't what I wanted. I just wanted to leave home...

I'm so, so sorry...

I deserved this. Not everyone else that is left alive. I caused the destruction of my home. This is my punishment for wanting to leave.

Then my eyes popped wide open when I thought of this certain thing. And it made me feel more guilty than I already were. I don't have dad's sword anymore. I lost it after I was knocked out at home.

I guess the family heirloom was gone forever too, like everything I've known for all my life.

And I'm the one that lost it.

I guess that is part of my punishment too.

It's my fault.

It's all my...Fault...

*****

I mumbled, stirring myself in my sleep. A moment later my eyes slightly cracked open open, noticing the dim light still shining in the dungeon. I let out a quiet breath and blinked the sleep out of my eyes. Can't sleep anymore. I lifted my head and neck, tilting back to let a big, tongue curled yawn escape my maw. Least I feel better.

I eyed at the barred gate beyond my reach, then threw my attention to my new cellmates still asleep on the floor. The hatchling, Ly, and the human, who I had secretly already seen before, Dart. They're still napping. I gazed up towards the ceiling. Wonder if it's morning. I can't tell because there aren't any openings in here. I lowered it to my forelegs. Then again, the little one did say that we were living near a volcano, so it's hard to tell which is day or night. No wonder everything smelled so ashey here.

A little bit of despair burst within my chest. But either inside or out, that meant I can't look at the stars again. This really stinks, like all the smokey air.

How can anybody stand to live here? How can this Queen Messina stand to put up with living here?

I quietly sighed, the tip of my tail that is curled to my side tapped on the floor. I guess it's all a matter of preference. But I definitely do not prefer this.

I hope I can find some way to get out of here.

I had my attention for Ly, still lying on her back with her belly exposed. I admit, watching her lay like that provided a bit of entertainment for me. It was probably the only form of entertainment I'm going to get while being held against my will. Despite that, I still found her incredibly annoying. At least she isn't babbling excitedly to me nonstop like she did last night, or still tonight, to no end like when she started upon laying her eyes on me when we met. With all the lack of sleep I suffered, a couple times I was close to yelling at her to be quiet.

But I didn't want to, for her sake I guess. I didn't really want to hurt her feelings. I was still glad she finally managed to shut up and let me go to freakin sleep. I'm kinda hoping she doesn't wake up very soon, or else I might get outright annoyed again.

But I'm sure that's inevitable.

Then I looked towards Dart, still asleep with his back to me, still laying in the same fetal position he made hours ago. My eyes held some pity for him. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a couple drakes dropping off this human here too as a prisoner. The one I had been stalking lately and thought I saved from danger. I never thought he'd be standing right in front of me, talking to me, and I'd be talking to him back. I never thought we'd have a conversation together before we ended up here. I thought I did my best rescuing him from that dragon back in the forest, and risking my own life and freedom, but apparently it wasn't good enough.

What's more, other than that fact...Is the village I had spied on a bit was all up in flames. And it was all thanks to those dragons and Messina's reign of terror. I knew I couldn't save his home without risk of exposing myself. Besides, I was too busy fighting off another dragon and then getting captured by more than one.

But still...It made me feel a little bad for him. I know he wanted to leave his home, but I don't think he ever dreamed of losing it. I know what losing a home is like.

A horrible memory flashed before my eyes. I shut them tight, shaking my snout. Don't think about it now, Celine. I took a deep breath with my nose and let the air out in the same spot. Then I thought back to his attitude towards me and Ly and all his words he had given us. I figured as much that he didn't trust dragons at all. Why wouldn't he, considering dragons were attacking the forest and his home? Even before that, I didn't expect much different from him all that much.

I looked down at myself, with my scratch marks still evident on my blue scales. Even though I did save his life back in the forest and was fighting off a dragon in front of him for a little bit, I was a little shocked that he never thanked me for saving his life. I guess earning a few scars for him didn't help matters much. I wasn't really looking for a thank you anyways, but it still surprised me, even when I didn't show it. But looking back on it, I don't think he recognized me at all. Perhaps it was a little too dark for him in that part of the forest to know I saved him. Humans don't really have that good field of vision in the dark, far as I know.

I glanced at the lying human again. I would've told him right then and there that I did save his life before, and that not all dragons were as bad as he thought, obviously we're all not bad. I know I'm not. But judging by the way he acted with all that distrust, he would've disregarded what I'd say and not believe me.

Like all humans would.

I wouldn't blame him now, but I also don't like getting blamed over something I did not do. Something that isn't MY fault. I was only watching over him, not planning to kidnap him, or hurt him. I was only STALKING his village, not planning to DESTROY it.

But would he believe me? Definitely not.

But that definitely didn't mean I want him held prisoner by that bitch and all her assholes. I don't think he deserves it. I looked at Ly now. I don't think she deserves it either, annoying or not. She did say before Dart came that she wasn't from around here, that she had been taken away from home, so that meant she was kidnapped too.

I know why Dart was here, thanks to Ly telling me, that he and a lot of humans are held captive here to become slaves for Messina so they could dig up and bring her treasure. But why the hatchling herself would be here as prisoner instead of dying confuses me. I know I'm lucky to still be breathing despite what I did before, but still. Ly couldn't possibly go against that malicious queen and her tribe. She didn't seem to be a fighter much anyway, just friendly if not annoying as all get out. She didn't exactly get a chance to mention last night why she was here. She did say she was the most IMPORTANT prisoner, but for what?

For Messina, maybe it was just to keep the little one under her wing and teach her that it is okay to be dominant over dragons that defy her, and to rule over humans cause they're too small and weak to fight back against the big and strong. Maybe that's why she's been locked up here alone too...Maybe to break her spirit, if she had any before, and manipulate her more, just so Ly could be like a little minion to her and follow orders like Messina was her mommy or something, without question.

I imagine that was the case. That can possibly happen to anybody. The dragons that locked me here think that can happen to me.

Course I won't let anyone break my spirit.

That's my guess, at least. It's a pretty twisted idea if you ask me.

Then again, maybe it was working. Considering this certain weird thing I heard about Ly. About her seeing visions of the future to be precise. I swear, when I heard the little one say that she had seen visions and mentioned that she SAW that she was going to be having cellmates...I couldn't believe her words. I still can't. I thought she was crazy. I never heard of a dragon seeing things in the future. It's not possible.

Despite my thoughts about them though, I still don't think Ly deserves this treatment. No young dragon does. I should know.

And I am surprised at myself that I'm starting to care a little for her well-being...Like I care a little bit for Dart's. Even though I just met her too.

My face held promise. I will find a way to get us out of here, and have this queen of the smokey volcanoes kiss my scaly ass, and show her that no one owns me and orders me around.

Question is...How do I do it?

My ears flicked. Talons clicked outside the cell. I placed my angered eyes at the gate as two dragons showed themselves at the other side and opened it up. It gave out a loud creak as it swung open. Dart and Ly were woken by the noise. Dart sat up and Ly rolled to her fours and stood up to watch the scene. Ly waved her forepaw at the two new dragons as they piled inside the room with a smile, "Hey, guys! Good morning!"

I rolled my eyes, rising up on my own four feet and stretching. I wouldn't act so friendly with them, little one.

One dragon with bronze scales dropped a hunk of meat he pulled out of a big bag that was on his shoulder on the floor between Dart and Ly. He announced, "Here's your breakfast. Eat up."

Ly cheered, swishing her tail, "Yay! Food!"

Dart got up on his two feet. He looked down at the food before bringing his eyes back to the dragon. He demanded with a shrug of his hands, "What, no plate? No utensils?"

That drake replied, "We don't have those, you entitled little shit."

Then Dart protested, "I'm not entitled! I deserve to be treated with a little more respect." I was internally impressed. Huh, he's about as defiant as I am.

He ordered, growling, "Shut up and eat."

"Are you kidding me?" Dart gestured at the food, "It's even raw, and it stinks! I can't eat this crap!"

Ly pointed out too, "He's right. I always eat food that's well done."

As the other dragon with green scales and another big bag on their shoulder was right in front of me and I stared right back at him angrily, the bronze dragon stated more towards the human than Ly, "That's your fault. It's because you don't get any special treatment after the stunt you pulled last night. You would've stayed with the other humans with no chains and have your declious meal there but here you are." I saw him pointing the grub with his claw, "Now eat the damn thing or starve. Your choice. You got a little bit before you get to work, new guy, so get to it."

Ly tried to help with a pleading look, "Aw, come on, Lazzo...If there's still time at least cook it for us. I heard raw food isn't good for humans. I can see him getting sick and possibly-"

That made this Lazzo guy hiss at the hatchling which made her lower in surrender, "Shut your freakin visions, you brat, or you starve too." I growled deeply, fire shone in my eyes. How dare you do that to that little dragon, you bastard. Then he came up toward me to stand with his comrade. I noticed besides the bag he carried that he also had a key dangling around his neck. That must be for the shackles. Lazzo announced to me, "You, troublemaker. You don't get to eat anything. You're coming with us, right now."

I remarked, "Ah, taking me to your queen so early? She must be very eager to see me."

He confirmed, "She is."

I said with a heated tone, "Well I'm happy to disappoint her. I'm not going anywhere."

"You don't have a choice." Then his green buddy jumped and pinned me to the ground. I grunted when I squirmed and trying to flap my wings. Then I felt the muzzle encase my snout. I growled through it. Not too long after that, I felt something metal snap on my wings. They were a bit cold to the touch on my membranes. Those must be the clamps that Ly was talking about. The things that would prevent me from stretching out my wings and fly away if I managed to run away from them. I then glared at the bronze drake with the key in his paw. He stuck it in the hole on the shackle and it snapped open.

When the shackle fell with a clang, they urged me to get up off the ground. I did so, not even fighting back. I sharply looked at Lazzo. He commanded, his wing pointed at the gate, "Now get going." I stared at him for a long moment while his friend was already ahead. I finally pushed my legs to the green drake almost at the gate. All right...I guess I'll play along with this...For now. I can't wait to see what's going to happen.

Not like I can win this fight anyways.

But I will...Someday.

While strolling between the two drakes leading me out of the room, I casted Dart a glance for a mere moment, him staring back at me, before I ended up out in the stone corridor.

Hope he'll do alright for a while.

He survived this long...Hope he'll survive for much longer.

******

The gate shut behind the dragons as they left me and Ly alone. One of them turned and locked it too then went after them. I just frowned at the gate for another moment. Heh...They're really putting on all the stops with the whole 'acting' thing in front of me. Those two guys were a little rough with Celine, pinning her on the ground and all. Really makes anybody think this was real.

I wonder if she would be mad at them for it, judging by how grumpy she looks. Who knows...They'll probably take those clamps and that muzzle off her in a jiffy, long as I don't see it, and she'll feel better about it...For a moment anyway.

I looked down at the shackle around my ankle. I would've ran out of this cell and made another escape, but this chain was keeping me at bay. Then my view moved to the food that was left for me and the little dragon. I was just staring at it in humiliation. My chest heaved out a sigh as my stomach grumbled. I am getting a bit hungry already...But I couldn't bear to eat any of that.

Why does this have to happen to me?

I eyed at the shackle again, then at the gate once more. Then I remembered this other thing that I had in possession besides my dad's sword. After everything I totally forgot about that too. I pressed my hand against my pocket, and felt that I still had the dragon scale my father gave me. I didn't lose it at all, and that made me feel a bit better and relieved. And it also gave me some bit of determination. I know everything was bleak. I know I have been trapped here since last night. But I can't give up. I've spent the night here, but I will find a way to get out of here and escape this damned place. I will find help and rescue all the humans this place has.

But how am I gonna do that? There must be something that'll help me get this shackle off my leg.

Not to mention I'll have to get that gate unlocked as well. There's gotta be a way to get that open too.

Think, Dart, think. You gotta get outta here!

Suddenly, I felt something cover across my back and shoulders. I cried and jumped away. Turned out it was Ly who had snuck beside me and tried to put a wing around me. She had a wide look for a second, then giggled, pulling it back to herself. She said with embarassment, "I'm sorry...You looked sad, so I was trying to make you feel better."

I narrowed my eyes at her. I said, "For a second I thought you were going to eat me."

Ly reared back her head with a wide look, "Eat you? No! I don't wanna eat you! What do you think I am?"

Is that a rhetorical question? I answered anyway, "I don't know...A dragon, and dragons eat people?" Least...I think so.

Ly claimed, "I don't eat people, I want to get to know them! Besides, I heard from Queen Messina one time that she tried to eat a human before and it didn't taste good at all. Not even when it was a little charred. That's pretty strange. Usually when you burn living things it tates so good. Humans don't taste good when you light them on fire is weird. Guess it tells me never to eat a human even when it's the last living thing in the world. Do you think it's weird?"

Huh...That is weird. But thank god I ain't ever getting eaten by a hungry dragon! Least I hope that stays that way. I stated shortly, "...Thanks for the consideration."

"You're welcome." Ly giggled again. She paused for a second after I looked away. Then, she asked innocently, "Are you doing ok?"

I took a deep breath, then answered, "What do you think?"

She started guessing, tilting her head in more of a playful sense, "Kind of? Sorta? Perhaps? A little bit? Maybe?"

I looked to her and remarked, "....None of the above. I'm trapped here, kidnapped from home after it was destroyed, didn't sleep well last night, and to top it all off at the moment I'm being fed by disgusting food I cannot eat." I gestured at the hunk of raw meat on the floor near us, "Who'd wanna eat that? Looking at it is making me want to throw up."

Ly concurred with a nod, "Yeah, even I wouldn't eat that. It doesn't look too appetizing. I know some dragons do eat raw, but I can't eat anything without cooking it. One time I caught a mouse and ate it without burning it, but it didn't settle with my stomach very well. Blegh. I don't want to eat anything without cooking it ever again." Then her eyes rolled to the ceiling when she thought of it, "Well...Except I can eat an apple. I have eaten one before. But it's never cooked, but I still like it. Does that count as raw?" She giggled, "I guess I do like eating raw stuff than I let on. Sometimes I wish they'd bring me an apple, I could go for something different than this since that's what they bring me all the time. I-"

"Stop." I groaned, waving her off, "Alright? Can't you just leave me alone?"

Ly said, "How can I leave you alone when we're trapped here together?"

Good one. I suggested, "Well, can you at least burn the darn thing a little bit so I can eat it? You know, since you don't want to eat it raw either. I am a bit hungry."

Ly showed pity and shame on her face. She admitted, sitting on her haunches with her tail curled around her front and her wings folded against her back, "Um...Actually, Dart..."

I pressed, "What is it?"

She confessed, "...I can't breathe fire."

I frowned at her for a long time. I finally uttered, "What?"

"It's true. I can't do it very well."

"What are you talking about?" I exclaimed, "You're a dragon! Dragons breathe fire!"

"I know." She further explained, "But I don't know how. Whenever I try, I mess up and choke. It's so hard."

I whined, pinching the bridge of my nose. She's gotta be joking! A dragon that can't breathe fire? Give me a break! I complained, "Well perfect...My first night hasn't went great, and so far this morning is about the same." After my limb went down, I added sarcastically with a shrug, "But hey, I'll manage."

Ly put on a smile. She tried to reassure me, "Everything will be ok, Dart. I know it."

I demanded skeptically, "Yeah? How? What makes you say that?"

She replied, shutting her eyes tight and furrowing her brow, "Hmmm....Well, I kinda forsee Messina giving you a pat on the back, and telling you you're like a son to her, and she lets you bask in all the colorful jewels just so she can celebrate your hatching day with you." I wrinkled mine in confusion. Is she...Going nuts again? What in the world? She made a hopeful face with a grin, "She...Kinda treats me like I'm her daughter...In a WEIRD kind of way, even when I'm stuck in here all alone every night, but I bet it'll work just the same for you."

That doesn't make any sense! Why would I wanna be charming with a one-eyed freakin monster?! She must be making this crap up. I said, "I doubt me and Messina are gonna be the biggest best friends in the whole world. Why would I wanna be nice to her after everything she put me through?"

Ly let out an embarassing chuckle, "Hee hee...Well, you make a good point. Messina is pretty creepy."

I stated, "Creepy isn't the right word for it. She's psychotic...And a show off."

Ly stated, "I don't think she's very pleasant to be around either. I do want to be with someone else instead of her."

I said, looking around the area, "You know, since we KINDA think alike, I would think maybe your...Visions would bring up something useful. Like how the heck I get out of here."

Ly said, frowning in thought, "I don't think there is a way out of here. For you, anyways. This place is surrounded by cliff and lava. I think the only way out is to fly."

I moaned, "Seriously?" I guess I got my work cut out for me. But I gotta think of some other way to get out of here!

Ly apologized, "Sorry. Unless you can sprout wings, you can't get out of here." Then she asked a curious question, "Say, can humans actually grow wings? I always wondered. I mean I know not a lot of things can do that, I think, but for some reason when I see your kind from a distance, it made me think they'd be in a coccoon sometime, like a fuzzy caterpillar, and then grow their wings and then they fly like a pretty butterfly. Not sure why, it's weird. Is that possible? Can you guys really do that?" Then she started smiling, "Oh, but now it's got me thinking. Can you fly faster than a dragon? There should be a race to see which one is the faster flyer. Prisoner versus guard. If the human wins, they can go free. If not, they're stuck here forever! That's a good compromise if I was the queen. That a great idea or what?"

Arrgh! How am I supposed to come up with a great escape plan with a dragon that won't shut up?

Then Ly said with caution on her face after I ignored her for a long time, "Then again, I don't think Messina would agree to it. If she was lost in the race, it'd make her really angry. She gets pretty nasty when she's mad. I also don't think this other dragon that's mostly with her, Garo, would like the idea either. But he's never been happy around me anyways, even when I say hello to him. He's a big meanie. You wouldn't like him."

I don't like EVERY dragon. I remarked, "I don't think every dragon here would be thrilled with your idea. Heck, I think it's stupid."

"Perhaps." Then she formed another smile, "Hey, at least try to make the best of things. When you're with me, I'm sure I can brighten up your day! Right?"

I stated glumly, "I don't see how being around you makes my day brighter. It's looking mighty darker if you ask me."

The yellow hatchling waved me off with her paw, "Oh you're being dramatic! It's because we're still in here. Besides, you're just starting to get to know me."

I pointed out, "I know you're a dragon that can't breathe fire. That's good enough for me."

She insisted, "Sure, but you still don't know me that well. Give me a chance! Come on! I'm not like all the other grumpy dragons you already met." I was just looking right at her with a raised brow. Somehow...A part of me actually wants to trust her. She's not acting like the other dragons, all angry and monstrous and the like. She seems...Very innocent, and naive.

Naive like me...In a way.

Wait...You can't think that way about her. What are you doing? She's probably that way now because she's little. Kids are always so innocent and happy...Till they grow big and tough. But even with that, you shouldn't let yourself trust her. She is still a dragon after all. They can't be trusted, big or small. No matter what they say. Dad would agree to this.

Ly cut through my thoughts with her words, "Hey, silly! You're staring at me. How about let's make this nice start further by getting to know each other? Like other than I can't breathe fire, why am I here? Go ahead. Ask."

I...I suppose I can just go along to get along...Just for a bit. At least try to distract her enough so she won't know what I'm planning. I know she knows I want to escape this place, but she won't know HOW I will if she doesn't know.

But wait...Won't she know anyway ahead of time thanks to her seeing visions? Crap, I didn't think of that! She'll figure out my future plan if I try to put it into action!

If she isn't...Crazy, that is.

Please be so! I don't want a tattle tale hatchling getting me into trouble again! I already went through enough trouble as it is. Least let me escape before then!

I finally started off with this obvious question, nodding, "All right. Why were you locked up in the same dungeon with me..." I motioned my hand at the spot where Celine was at, "And that giant blue bitch that was over there anyways?" Wonder what her excuse is going to be? That her parents grounded her and that's why she is in here?

Wouldn't ground your child by locking them up with a human you know.

Ly frowned in offense, "Watch your mouth. That's not nice. Her name's Celine. She's probably nice when you get to know her too you know."

I shrugged with my hand before dropping it down to my side, "She looked moody, but I'll take your word for it for now." If I REALLY want to TRULY get to know her.

Then she softened up her face and said, "It's honestly because I am what Messina calls me her...Viable asset."

My brow wrinkled up in curiosity. Viable asset? What does that mean? Then I brought up, "I guess that has something to do with you being the most important prisoner? Why are you?"

She began to explain, "Well, it's because Messina-" The sound of the gate opening interrupted our conversation. We turned and saw a pale yellow dragon entering the dungeon. He wandered straight to me, his daggered eyes not leaving me. As he stopped short in front of me, I recognized him right away. I met him last night, when I woke up on his back when he carried me while I was unconscious, before I was in the throne room and met Messina.

Ly greeted him with a smile, "Hi, Stoney!"

"Hey." He merely ignored her and only stated to me, "Looks like we meet again."

I narrowed my eyes back at him, "Looks that way, you vile fiend."

"If I were you, I'd watch my tongue right now. Cause quite a stir around here last night." Stoney took the key that dangled around his neck, then lowered it to my ankle and unlocked the shackle. I was tempted to get out of here right then but chose not to risk it. I needed to come up with a better plan than how I pulled off the other night. Right after he put the key back around his neck, Stoney looked toward Ly. He told her, "Garo will be meeting you soon, young one. Be ready for him."

"Oh. Garo." The hatchling's cheer was laced with sarcasm as she rolled her eyes slowly, "YAAAAAAAAY." I just smirked. I couldn't believe I was doing that. I probably shouldn't be smiling at a dragon, but the way that little dragon acted sarcastic was a bit funny. She was acting like a typical bratty kid. Like a normal, human kid.

THAT couldn't be an act...Right?

Heh...If she is telling the truth about this Garo guy, being a meanie and all, then I wonder how he stacks up against the dragons I met here so far. Can't be any worse than them I bet.

Then Stoney turned his attention back to me. He said, "Well, today is your first day at digging. Hope you like getting your hands dirty." He pointed his claw towards the opening. He ordered, "You know the routine, boy. Move, now. And if you try to show any more funny business-"

I finished without showing an ounce of worry, "Then you'll kill me. Yeah, I got it."

"Talk back like that AGAIN and I'll kill you. And yes, the queen gave me permission to do so. Don't test me." His paw shoved me forwards, "Move your ass." I gave him another glare before I strode to the opening with him on my tail.

I heard Ly hollering, "Bye, Dart. I'll see you later."

I was out in the hallway, throwing glances left and right, wondering which way I am heading off. Alright, big guy...Where are you taking me?