Notes: Sorry if this is a bit small, along with all the other chapters coming after. I’m pretty to writing, and these are all supposed to be sorta short chapters that follow a storyline. Hope you enjoy this though and cya guys later/elsewhere. (There is a bit of humor throughout the story btw.) Also, sorry if the story feels a bit unfinished, I sorta didn't feel like working on it anymore.

Let the story commence!

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I’m tied up in a large pen somewhere in the human city. Why did it have to be me and not my  friends who decided to bail on me once I was caught? I snorted loudly. A burning hatred for my friends who abandoned me sank deep into my heart. Oh well, just another day of being caught by humans. I mean, I’ve been captured by humans before, just not like this.

I don’t even know why I agreed to this unrealistic operation after all. It was an idiotic plan that I knew wouldn’t work, but from recklessness and curiosity (and a bit of convincing,) I joined in. How did I get here you may ask? Well, let me just say it’s a long (actually pretty short) story involving me and a couple of friends trying to get some revenge on the humans after they attacked us while we were just calmly camping in the woods.

One question before I start though. Why are you asking A DRAGON of all things how he is trapped in a pen? Isn’t it obvious-Oh, you just want a story. Fine, fine. Have a story about how I got here. And before you ask, “Oh, Ys, what is in this?” This is the short rundown:

Horrible pickup-lines (maybe), bad jokes, the usual for me to post-I-i mean say! What would I post to anyways? I’m tied up in a cage and you expect me to post this? Ok, whatever, here’s your story.

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“Guys, wait up!” I yelled towards my friends.

“C’mon, Ys, We don’t have all day!”

I was getting exhausted from all this running around. Not knowing where I was going, I was just wandering through the woods with my group. “Ys, hurry up. We’ve been waiting a while for you.” Valizax yelled. I don’t have the slightest idea why we decided to run instead of fly. I mean, we have wings for a reason!

The glowing sun struck my eye through the cracks in the leaves, and I noticed it was getting dark. “Ys, look now! You made us wait so much it’s practically night time!” Azefal frustratedly stated. “Well at least I wasn’t the one who ate all the food!” I called back. He hung his head in guilt and backed off.

“Alright, everyone ready to see the lake?” Val asked. “Yup,” everyone replied. There was what, 4 of us? We were a small group held together by a few things: Hope, and the will to survive in this depressing world. We were all from opposing sides of the dragon factions, and that is why every dragon kingdom has denied our entry as a group.

There were four factions, Intellect, Strength, Agility, and Charisma. Intellect dragons were very smart and could conduct any amount of research and complete it quickly. They could also harness magical energies, for uses such as levitation, telepathy, etc. There were limits to their powers as the only ways to regenerate their magical energy was to: Absorb Arduak crystals, Rest in a magical area (like arduak lakes or arduak caverns,) and drinking specific potions. Spells like ‘Transformation’ are only temporary spells that last depending on how much Akhru (magical energy) they had.

Strength dragons were very physically strong. Got a boulder in your path? No problem. A strength dragon could push that boulder with ease. You never wanted to get into a face-to-face combat situation with one of these guys (unless you were a part of agility,) because they could seriously disfigure you.

Agility dragons were extremely fast and efficient. Whether it was to catch something, or just scare people, they were quick at their jobs.

Last but not least, Charisma. These dragons had their way with words, being able to talk their way out of situations, or get anyone to follow their orders. No matter what happened, they always had at least one person under their control. The most powerful leaders were charismatic, pretty much mind-controlling the whole faction.

I came from the Intelligence faction, while Zaki came from Dexterity, Aze came from Strength and Val came from Charisma. The four factions used to live peacefully together, held by a fifth faction. That last faction was the humans. They rebelled against living with dragons and caused a war, shattering the alliance that was made many years ago, causing the 5 factions to split and war.

Our group was made a few years before the war, and we swore to never fight each other, but now, our group is slowly falling apart. Valizax is becoming more secretive about things. He kept hiding things he discovered, hiding his secrets. Then there was Azefal. He was acting more stressed than usual. He progressively got angrier at us and tended to take out his anger on anyone who decided to do him wrong. Then, Zakia. It’s hard for me to say anything bad about her when I’m madly in love, but she has been slowly pushing everyone away. She seems very antsy and can easily start and finish a verbal fight, though she once talked off Aze and let's just say things did not go well for the next few weeks.

We walked over the rest of the hill in awe, taking in the magnificent view. A crystal lake lay before us, shining the clear, blue sky into our eyes. Flowers were scattered across the grassy parts, beautifying the place even more. Some rainbow-scaled trouts swam in the water, reflecting their beautiful colours back into our eyes. I could not believe somebody like Valizax knew a place like this.

“We will take a moments rest, then get some food and take shelter in that cave.” Valizax sighed happily. He smiled, looking towards us, and laughed after seeing our faces. Azefal then began to cry. I’ve never seen him like this before. He’s always been direct, rude, inappropriate and tough. He’s never cried for the 15 years I’ve known him.

“What’s wrong?” Zakia decided to ask. Aze laid collapsed on the ground. “Could I just be taken to the cave please? I don’t want to be out here.” He whispered, covering his eyes from the sight.

Agreeingly, we all walked Azefal over to the cave, away from the breath-taking sight. I was curious to why he disliked the lake. He lied down and quietly said, “I’ll tell you why I cried when we got here in a minute, just let me…” he paused. “Let me rest a moment.”

We waited a few minutes. Zakia was getting antsy from waiting, and Val was coming back from catching a few fish. While we were waiting, Val must’ve caught enough fish for all of us to eat 2 each.

“Alright…” Aze muttered and sighed. “Back when I was a hatchling, my parents died, correct?” he said. “Mhm.” “The place they were killed, it looked exactly like this. Maybe a bit different, but they brought me to a place like this. Then they were killed by those stupid humans.”

I laid there, not knowing how to respond. I’ve never seen him have this kind of attitude. It was sad, watching him mope and be depressed from his parents’ deaths.

I lied down in the corner as everyone settled by a small fire, eating their fish. “Hey, Ys,” A feminine (muffled because it was stuffed with fish) voice asked. “Why are you all alone over here?” I looked up and Zakia stood above me, close enough that it caused me to jump and throw her a couple of feet away

.

“Omg Zaki, I’m so sorry!” I stammered. She lay collapsed on the floor, weakened after I threw her off myself.

Everyone slowly got up and walked over to her. I put my paw on her shoulder. “You oka-AAAAH!” I screamed. She laid there laughing.

“Come on Zaki! I seriously thought you were hurt!” I yelled. “Well I had to get you back some way or another after you scared the crap out of me the other day.” She teased between giggles. “You know, I hate you and love you at the same time, it’s just my emotions are taking over.” I sat and thought about what I said. I never admitted I loved her. She was blushing heavily, and I was probably too.

“Will you come and sit by the fire with us now?” she asked beggingly, taking my mind off the topic. “Pleeaase?” “Fine, just don’t ever do that to me again.” I sighed. We all gathered around the fire. It was a comforting warmth that invited us all.

I nervously lied down, feeling that something was off. I noticed it in a few of their faces too. Valiz was suspiciously sniffing at the air while I saw Zakia nervously pawing at the musty floor. I looked around and Aze was nowhere to be seen.

“Where is Aze?” Zaki asked. “He said something about going to look for something he dropped.” That’s weird. Aze never cared for something like that THAT much. “I’ll go out and look for him…” I paused and looked at Zaki and Val, and before they could follow/object, I said. “Alone.” I left the cave.

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I began to search around at the hill above the cave. I was trying to track his scent, but what gave away his position was a faint scream. It was a cry in anger and sadness. I followed the echoing yell from it’s source, to see a brute dragon collapsed above a pile of dirt with a sign that contained 2 words. “Aziara Bjärindz”

I heard the sobbing coming from the tough dragon. I slowly came up behind him. I thought about what to do. And then… I hugged him. I wrapped my wings tightly around him, showing he had family with his friends. He cried into my shoulder for what felt like hours.

“You ready to head back to everyone, buddy?” I reassured him. “Don’t you buddy me, pal.” He sniffled between words. “Just please don’t tell anyone what happened tonight. I want to forget about this place quickly.” We began to walk back home.

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I saw Zaki nervously flicking her tail outside the cave. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotten us and literally jet towards us. “Ys, I was worried for you 2. You’ve been gone for over an hour and we were just about to leave to find you.” She cried into my arm. “The important thing is this lug is back.” Aze said cheerfully.

We made it back inside, exhausted from today. I rested by Zaki as we lied down with our group by the fire.

“So,” Aze asked, “What are ou-” Cutting Azefal of was an arrow whizzing by. “How’d they find us again?” Aze roared. “I told you we should’ve been careful coming out here!” I yelled at him. “We were! How the…” He stopped himself after hearing a faint crying.

We looked over our shoulders to see Zakia, wide-eyed and unable to move. Her breath quickened out of fright. “Zaki!” I yelled. “We have to leave now, Ys!” Val shook me violently. “I’m not leaving Zakia to die like we did Ayi. I d-don-t wan-t t-t-..” I lifted up a paw to feel my neck, where a small, pointy object sank deep into. Everything turned dark and blurry. A boy stood above me. I heard a humane voice yell “Kyr…” All I remembered from there was plenty of screaming and humans were surrounding us.

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So that’s how- Wait, you wanted to read the second half? I’m sorry but I’m gonna have to say no. I’m on a strict, busy time schedule of being tied up and locked in a pen with no way out. How did you even get here anyways? Did you like… Sneak in? Are you here to interrogate me? Heck, how do you even understand me? Ah whatever. I’ll continue this another time.

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So, I’ve waited a few days and I’m still trapped here. Could you at least help me u- nope? Ok. Well then, I guess I’ll continue the story from after that moment.

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I woke up dizzily, stumbling as I took my first steps with the sun glaring in my eyes. A burning sensation irritated my shoulder as my memories slowly flooded back to what was going on. My thought process was slow, but I was able to slowly decipher the bits and pieces that my memory decided to throw at me. I felt weak, I was in a dank cavern, and there were a few swords and bows left on the ground. But… I was alone. There were no signs of where my friends were, or what had happened while I was out.

I staggered towards the cavern’s maw, and slowly traversed up the steep ledge to the entrance. Peeking outside reminded me of the night before. The flowers waved  and danced in the wind. Droplets of water glistened on the petals of the high trees above. The graceful sunlight broke through the leaves and struck my torso, warming up my fur. I stretched out my wings in relaxation upon the feeling of the warm sun striking me. I walked towards the lake, drank some of the water, caught some fish, and cleaned myself off.

I walked towards the rugged path where the road towards the human city laid. I slowly began to walk down the path before hearing a terse growl emerge from the bushes. I snooped over the bushes until I saw 2 large male dragons peer between leaves and brush. I instantly recognized both of them as one made a very recognizable complaining growl. “Ugh… I feel weak.” Azefal muttered quietly, barely able to stand straight.

“What happened last night?” “Well to me it looks like you two decided to have a nap together.” I quickly commented. “Wait, what?” Aze drunkenly said, intoxicated by sleep. “Well,” I heard Val barely able to note, “You charged after them after they knocked out Ys, and then I ran after you. Last thing I remember is you got darted and fell into the ditch, and I so happen to have shared the same fate.” They both climbed out of the steep pit covered in mud, which caused me to laugh a bit. “Guess we should get cleaned up and find Zaki then, shall we?” Val asked. “You guys get cleaned up and eat and drink a bit. I’ve done that while you two were sleeping in the ditch. I’ll look for Zakia alone.” I then left them to do whatever they needed to do.

I treaded further down the path, hoping to find signs of Zaki, but to no avail. I decided to head back up towards the lake. “Achoo!” I heard a cute, small sneeze somewhere around me. “Zaki?”

I asked, waving through the brush unsteadily. I couldn’t see her anywhere, until I felt a drop of water land on my head. I looked up to see a scared Zakia lying on a tree branch with drool hanging from her jaw. “Eww. That’s gross, Zaki!” I moaned. Her ears perked when she heard my words, and her body shot down towards mine. I felt her rub her bruised, aching body against mine. I knew what she was doing. She was purposely getting me messy again.

“Zaki, cut it off! I just cleaned my fur!” I yelled, annoyed. She purred softly and responded: “But you know I love your fur.” “Yeah, but that doesn’t mean you can clean yourself off on it. Anyways, you got your drool all over my fa-” I got cut off by a long tongue slithering up the side of my cheek, wiping up the saliva she dripped onto me. Wide-eyed, I shuddered, grossed out by the feeling of the strong muscle pressing my cheek. I then shoved her off me, saying “Cut it out, Zaki. We aren’t kids anymore.”

“We need to get back to the others anyways, Zaki.” I impatiently said. “C’mon, Ys. Can we please spend some time alone? Y’know, just the two of us?” She said, slowly running her paw down my shoulder, ruffling up my fur even more. Irritated towards the unusual behavior, which I knew was flirting, I angrily got up and walked away. “W-Wait, Ys, I didn’t me-” “Sorry Zaki, but right now isn’t the best time.” I cut her off intentionally. She slowly lowered her body to the ground, scared that she hurt our relationship.

We hastily return to the others as they basked in the sunlight, drying off their shiny scales. I jumped in the water, causing Val to curse at me for getting him wet, and also causing me to laugh. Zaki dived in quietly after me to, causing Val to curse some more from getting soaked. Zaki and I giggled underwater, and that sorta made my day just seeing Val pissed off about something small. After cleaning up and drying ourselves off, Zaki pulled me away from the group.

“Uh… Ys, I’m sorry about earlier. I do-” She tried to continue, but my tail shut her maw. “Look Zaki, It’s ok, I just wasn’t in the right mood, and I just don’t think ‘I’ am ready for that phase of our relationship yet. I just want to take this slow, please.” I sadly begged her. She continued to anxiously stare at the ground, saddened at the pace I’ve set for us, but she shot up and kissed me. I didn’t expect it at first, but it just happened. We must’ve kissed for a long time because I didn’t realize that I was lying on my back with Zakia lying against me, cuddling into my soft fur. I could tell that she wanted to “do it” with me, but she knew that I would dislike that and she wished to keep our relation intact.

We traveled back to the camp, Zaki snuggling against me as we neared. That’s one thing my group envied me for, my soft fur that covered almost every inch of my body. Because of that, everyone thought it was ok to sleep next to me to keep warm, though I normally kept to myself and Zaki alone in a corner. My train of thought broke when we got to camp and I heard Aze and Val gossiping plans and course-of-action. “Look who is finally listening for once!” I applauded and patted Aze on the back. He teasingly flicked his tail in my face with a false annoyed look.

“Alright, here is our plan…” Val speeched. He went on for a couple of hours to point to who did what, where each of us went, and how we would execute this plan. It was a simple plan. I was to disguise myself as a human with my magic and sneak in undetected. Once I was inside, I was to use telepathy to expose weaknesses within the walls of the human kingdom. Zakia was to quickly gather all the supplies we would need to take down the human walls alongside Azefal. Aze supposedly was going to set up a device to break said wall and things, and Val was to make sure every plan went perfectly.

I disagreed with the plan because my wits told me it was a bad idea. I walked away from the table, only to hear discussion on how to change my mind. They talked a while leaving me impatient. I stretched my wings, preparing to leave, when I felt a tap on my shoulder. Zaki was instantly on top of me once I fell to the ground. “WHAT THE HE-” My words were drowned out by her lips meeting mine. I choked on the suddenness of her jumping onto me. She softly whispered into my ear, “Shall we take this elsewhere?” “Fine,” I sighed, and we left.

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*Leaves a wide plot gap for a possible side story*

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I stretched out my wings a bit as I lied in the cave with our group. We were taking a small rest as we planned to assault the kingdom overnight. I finally agreed to go with the plan after Zaki decided to convince me earlier. It was nearing nightfall as the sun descended over the mountains. My group and I sat by the lake near our destroyed camp, staring at the mountains. "It's time." Val whispered, gazing off towards the setting sun. Instantly before further instructions were carried, Zaki shot off into the forest to get supplies. "I guess I'll chase after her and help her out." Aze sighed and ran off.

Val and I had a moment alone. "You sure you're up to this Ys? I know this is not an easy task. Your part will probably be the hardest, and we can't help you if you get trapped in there." he went on. "We're relying on you to get valuable info, even if you do have to sacrifice yourself for the group." I slowly thought about my options. We got this far, guess there is no going back at this point. "I do regret staying, but I believe I'm ready to go in. If I die, give this to Syxali if you ever meet her again." I grasped tightly around my necklace that Sy gave me when we were kids. It held so many memories as it has been everywhere with me since I last met her. I gripped onto it tightly, hoping it would give me luck, and I gently dropped it into Val’s paw and walked off. He knew that necklace meant everything to me and I would never give it up, so I knew he wouldn’t go against my word for that.

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I walked up to the human city gate, gazing at the high walls of the castle before me. “Alright, here goes nothing…” I moaned, worried about what would appear on the other side. I casted my transformation spell and walked in through the gates, hoping to not raise too much suspicion. “And where do you think you are going, sir?” A man abruptly shouted at me as I took my first few steps through the gate. “Look, I’m only here for a small walk around the city and that’s it.” The guard eyed me suspiciously, but then shrugged and left me alone. I sighed with relief to the fact I was now alone.

“Ys? Hey Ys, you there?” I forgot that I could hear my friends. “Uh, yeah… Just got past the gate guard and I’m in the main city now.” “Alright good, we’ve set everything in place for preparation of the assault. All we need now is your signal and where to attack.” I looked around me, looking for any sign of any broken wall or weak defense. I saw a large breach out by the eastern gate, knowing that would be the best place to attack. From where they would set up, they’d have a view of the entire city while not being able to be seen themselves. The eastern gate was a road that lead to a cave entrance that traveled through the mountains, and was mostly used for transportation.

“If you go to the eastern side of the city, there is a large crack there that the workers never fixed. That would be a great place to start. Once you are there let me know-Hey! What the he-” A large man knocked me over, forcing me onto the ground. “Reveal your true form, dragon scum.” he muttered under a harsh tone. I tried to think of something, anything. “Ys, you ok?” “No, I’m being attacked by-” I began to choke. The large brute that stood tall above began to strangle me. “I said, reveal your dragon form!” His arm began to illuminate the area with a strong, arcanic thrust into my gut. “No, this can’t be happening!” I yelled in pain, weak from him draining my mana. I began to transform back into a dragon. Before I knew it, I was shackled and chained with these magic-activated bands. I had no energy and I felt weak. I heard my friends begin to fly away as I was trapped underneath layers of netting. The light began to fade away again, striking my eye once more before I laid down of the  defeated.

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I woke up, chained down to the musty hardwood floor. My wings were locked in a special garb, allowing me to expand them, but not be able to fly. It irritated me that my furs were ruffled and I wasn’t able to reach it with this guard over my snout. The device was large enough to allow me to breathe, but small enough that when I attempted to exhale fire, it backfired and began to suffocate me. I surrendered to the enslaving, tiring from attempts to escape. I don’t understand why, but I began to hate Val for abandoning me, and at the same time, I hoped they were ok.

The large gate began to expose a human figure. I recognized the structure of the boy. He was small and feeble, but showed dominance over the large dragon in front of him. I assumed he was in his early years of adulthood as he seemed older than a child. He bravely walked up to me and rubbed his hand against my snout. I returned a low growl and a soft purr when he stroked his hand down my neck. “Jeez, you must’ve been through a lot.” I assumed he found bite marks around my neck and my shoulders. I snorted. “I’m gonna try to get you out of here, boy. But I’d like to ask something if you don’t mind, how did you get here? I know you’ll be able to respond ‘cus one of the guards mentioned you use magic, that’s why these are on you.” He motioned towards the bracers around my legs. “So, what happened?” And so I began to speak.

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And that’s the story about how I got in this cramped pen with a boy. I’d love to continue, but my time here is running short. I will continue another time, once this boy helps me escape. Until then, you will just have to wait for the next chapter of my life to be revealed.