On the Wings of Dragons- Part/Chapter 2

[r7]

 

A/n: Dragon AU! Yay!! Heavily inspired by/ in the same universe as/ prompted by jaycana ‘s dragon picture from kappa77 ‘s prompt! Credit where credit is due! Link to the previous chapter(s) inside.

Zisteau arrived back at the central meeting ground moments before Blame did due to the fact that his room was slightly closer than Blame’s. When Blame got there, the two riders stood and looked at each other, both asking the same question in their minds, before Blame finally decided to ask it aloud.

“Alright, so, are we going to find a dragon to help us, or do we have to search on foot?” Blame’s question was answered by the shuddering of metallic wings, signalling the arrival of a dragon. A very specific dragon, due to the strange wings: Doc.

Doc was another of the stranger dragons, but he hadn't always been that way. Doc used to be a normal dragon, but he became infected with a parasite that forced the amputation of almost all of his flight surfaces*, including his wings and the fins on his tail. Normally, this would have left him as a shell of a dragon, confined to the ground.

Luckily, for the same unknown reason one of his eyes glowed, the now-stubbs of his flight bones (the main bone in a dragon’s wing) seemed to respond to metal, if said metal was cured in dragon blood (slightly disturbing, but highly effective) and the strange red dust that could be found at the base of the mountain the Dragon Rider’s fortress stood upon.

The now half-metal dragon landed in the center of the meeting circle and his rider, Kurt, nimbly jumped down to talk to the two other riders in the area.

“Hey, guys; I think we’ve found something.” Kurt said, catching the attention of the pair. They both knew that Kurt was talking about their missing dragons, or he wouldn't have come to them. “By the way,” Kurt said solemnly, noticing their current travel attire. “Full gear.”

The two riders nodded somberly before sprinting back to their rooms to grab their armour and weapons. When they rejoined at the circle, armour covering their bodies, swords on their hips, and bows slung across their backs; they looked at each other before quickly looking away again, each others’ armour causing them to grieve over their missing dragons all over again.

This was due to the material the armour was made of. Dragon Riders’ armour was made out of the shedded scales of their current dragons. Dragons shed their scales occasionally, much like snakes did, but with a key difference.

Rather than shed the outer layers of their scales the way snakes did, leaving a thin, white husk behind, dragons shed their entire outer coat of scales when they annually grew their new coat (meaning that below the possibly damaged old coat was a new coat of scales) so that it could finish growing in properly. This left behind something that would be difficult to tell from the skin of a dragon if someone had killed it (Great Flame forbid) and stripped the scales from the dragon’s body. That is to say, the scales kept their color, and the scales that had been shed were just as thick (and hard) as the normal ones that could be found on the dragons.

The armour was made this way for a few reasons. Firstly, it symbolized the bond between Dragon and Rider, as when a rider was on a dragon in their armour, if they laid low to the dragons body, it was hard to tell where dragon ended and rider began, leading to the second reason. The blending of dragon and rider served another purpose as well, camouflage. Without it, riders were a weak spot in the dragons’ armour, both due to the fact that while they did have dragon scale armour, there were many places it didn't cover, leaving them vulnerable to attack; and the fact that a particularly strong blow could unseat a rider, forcing the dragon to either disengage to catch them, or let the rider fall to their death.

The third reason was the most practical, and the reason their weapons were made the same way: It was simply the best material for the job. The scales were the strongest thing the riders (or anyone for that matter) could get their hands on that was actually malleable and light enough to be turned into armour, actually being both more flexible and lighter than steel. A bonus was that not only was it fire resistant and retardant, not transmitting heat through the armour; it also had a significantly higher melting temperature than any known material useable for armour (roughly three times that of steel), making it significantly harder to kill the wearer with fire.  

Their swords were similar, if less aesthetic and slightly more morbid. Most of the weapons were made of layered, sharpened, individual dragon scales, that normally had a core of bone. A few were made of pure bone, not having the scale coating most of the weapons did. The bows were made almost exclusively of bone, though occasionally had scale-based blades at the tips. The bones came from dragons, either one of their previous dragons (which forced Zisteau to remember the last reason dragons (or riders, for that matter) left, no matter how much he tried not to), or important older ones, either memorable figures or mentors.

Rather than being disturbed by this like most humans, the dragons embraced this practice, actually being the ones to suggest it in the first place. This was the most honorable form of corpse use in the dragon culture, still being able to move and hunt (even if a slightly different form of prey) after death was one of the best things a dragon could ask for, basically being their equivalent of burial. Being able to aid their rider (or the riders in general, in the case of other dragons) from beyond the grave was something the dragons cherished.

Snapping himself out of his gear-induced reverie, Zisteau looked back at Kurt, not sure what he wanted the two riders to do. He was pretty sure he would ask them to climb on Doc, but it was incredibly rude to do so without the rider’s (or dragon’s) request.  

“Alright, hop on guys.” Kurt said, giving them permission to do what they had been itching to do since they had gotten back to the circle, if only to be on a dragon again. Losing a dragon was harsh on the mind. As the two riders swung themselves onto Doc’s back, they noticed that they could still see Kurt, cluing them in on something they really should have noticed earlier.

“Uhh, Kurt?” Blame asked, for some reason being the more talkative of the two (despite his panic). “Why’d you ask us to go full gear if you don't have any?”

“Simple.” Kurt replied. “Thats because you two are going in, I’m staying in the back with Doc. Don't want to spook him more than we have to.” At this point, Doc took flight, rising further above the clouds as Blame’s hopes were plummeting. Kurt had said ‘Him’, meaning that the dragon they had found was male, and there was only one of them. Basically, it meant they had found Vechs, and that Aurey was still nowhere to be seen.

Blame hoped that his and Zisteau’s theory was correct and Aurey was with Vechs, just out of sight, but he highly doubted it, Aurey was a hard dragon to miss. When Blame had really started to sink into despair, he realized Kurt had started talking again, and, not wanting to be rude (or miss any information about Aurey), he snapped himself back to reality to listen.

"Well, now that I think about it, I've got my gear in the saddlebags, so if you need it, I can always suit up and come help." Kurt said. All riders kept their combat gear in their dragons' saddle, along with a basic survival kit and a few other essential items. The idea was that if the dragon and rider were somehow separated from society, they would have everything they needed to wait for rescue, even in hostile territory. Blame and Zisteau were currently using the backup sets stored in their rooms for occasions like they were in now, when the dragon and rider were separated.

“When we get there, you two go in. If by the time I’ve suited up you still haven’t solved the problem, well, an extra Dragon and Rider may very well be helpful.” Kurt continued, his normally peppy tone was saddened at the end of his statement, and Zisteau nodded his head somberly, fully aware of the implications of what Kurt was suggesting.

The three continued flying on Doc’s back, not talking due to the shroud of dread and sadness hanging over them and their situation. About halfway through the flight (which was only a few minutes in) there was a disturbance, Doc shaking his head and neck violently. Normally, dragons did not have to resort to such primitive gestures to communicate (though they served a similar purpose as facial expressions did for humans), but due to his amputations, Doc’s telepathic abilities had been weakened. While he could still communicate with Kurt and the other dragons, he had trouble speaking to other humans, or anyone over a significant distance. As such, the gesture was to alert the two extra riders that he had something to say, even if it was going to be relayed through Kurt in a few seconds.

“Ah, good.” Kurt said, filling in Blame and Zisteau as to what Doc had said. “Doc’s finally managed to get in touch with Nebris. They’re coming, but they were quite a ways out, so it might be a while. Nebris said he’d tell Guude as well, but he and Pause were even farther out, and you know Guude.” Kurt was eluding to the fact that while Guude was decent at everything, he was definitely not the fastest in the wing.

“Finally, some good news, we got in touch with the person* we need.  Even if a bit far out, at least they’re on their way.” Zisteau said, lifting his head. This meant that, even if Vechs was the way Kurt thought he was, there might still be some hope. “If anyone can calm down a crazed dragon, its Guude.” Guude, along with being the most diplomatic of the dragons, was also the leader, meaning that most of the dragons held him in respect.

The rest of the flight continued without incident, and they soon arrived at the cave where Kurt had seen Vechs. Doc landed about a hundred meters away, so that Vechs wouldn't think that Doc was approaching him. Blame and Zisteau immediately jumped down, and started off at a light jog towards the cave Kurt had pointed out. As they started to disappear into the grass, Kurt leaped off of Doc and started to search for his armour.

I really hope they can solve this before I get there…… Otherwise, well, it’ll be sad to see another friend go. Kurt thought to himself. Doc, overhearing him, nodded his head in agreement, before setting himself down on the ground, waiting for Kurt to finish.

A/n: Yay, more dragons! I hope I’ve improved somewhat as I am getting more used to writing in this style. While not much during the present timeline happened in this chapter, it was getting pretty long, so when I saw a good ending point I took it.

*=I was using some stranger language and my beta pointed it out, so I decided to educate anyone who doesn't know, because knowledge is power. Flight surfaces are anything that helps flight, or the control while flying

*= the person thing is intentional. It is to show that the riders consider the dragons people. My Beta pointed out that it might be mistaken for an error, and so this little blurb was born.

Also, while the response to the last chapter was amazing, no one really seemed to answer the question:   Should this be turned from a four (wow…) parter to a fully fledged story?


Previous chapter(s):

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Comments

[kappa77]

Wow, this is pretty great!

As for the question, I'd say go with what feels right for you. Personally, I'd like to see more of this AU than just this one story.

[r7]

Thank a lot!

I'd like to, I just wanted the community's opinion. I think I will do more of this AU, but I want more input first... (and to finish my current ideas)

[clashofdemonesense]

OMG yes! A full story of this would be amazing! I loved the two parts so far, and I hope that you'll keep writing them just as well as these ones. :)

[r7]

thanks! I hope I will be able to, but my next idea is significantly different from this one... whatever, I hope I will still be able to keep with the style

[mooshlovely]

Full story, I like it too much for only 4 parts

I nearly jumped out of my seat when i saw the dragon image. Yes this story makes me happy. Purr. <3

[r7]

sure thing! with the response I got, I will carry this Au beyond this mini-plotline, and continue with it's story!

you have no idea how happy that makes me. <3

[knite_owl]

I think turning this into a fully fledged story would be amazing! I'm also really liking the way you're writing stuff out, especially the description of the gear. Very cool. Makes me want to go hunt for more dragon AUs. Keep up the good work! ^_^

[r7]

okay, I think I'm going to go full story then. The response has just been so amazing, that I think I will do it.

BTW, thanks for telling about the gear description and stuff, I was kinda afraid that the massive amount of exposition would actually be problamatic, not helpful.

Thanks! ^-^

[gomt20]

I am eternally fascinated by this AU. I'd love a full fledged story :3

[r7]

thanks! I will continue this, though I think it may become a collection of smaller stories (such as the missing dragon mini-plot (the current one), and say, the Awkwardness, Privacy and Telepathy (hint-hint) mini-plot, and the Returning Friends (even more hinting!)mini-plot) sent in chronological order in the AU.

[(Anonymous)]

This is really good, please keep it up.

[r7]

sure thing!

The Serious Great Wall Of Text

[(Anonymous)]

Before you read this comment this is my opinion and my opinion only, do NOT take this to heart unless you want to, now after that time to continue to the comment:This comment is solely on the purpose of the question (And the story was good!!!!!!) sorry if this upsets you. Its all up to you, we do not influence you at all, or else it wont be even worth being called a writing if the fans made you do it (though I would like to see more of the story and curious how it would turn out) and so that my opinion on that matter but if you would like to disagree, I don't blame you. ( serious cat is serious ) so that's it! (and also my apologies for doing a depressing comment and for the people who commented "more" PLEASE do not feel bad for that is not my intention, honest it is nice to have fans cheer you on and such so DO NOT stop the support you give to r7 ok?) -Ace

Re: The Serious Great Wall Of Text

[(Anonymous)]

Argh, now I feel bad :C sorry everyone I had a thought in my head in the wrong place and wrong time, my apology's - Ace (I am sorry)

Re: The Serious Great Wall Of Text

[r7]

no, no its fine. i think(?) i got what you meant, it was a little hard to read.

I am totally okay with the people giving their opinion, I asked for it, and as such I am glad to hear them. The reason I asked was because I want to continue this, but I wanted to see if the fans wanted to read stuff like this, as I already have a lot on my plate, and I dont want to add more things that the fans wont't read.

I understand your opinion and respect it, and I also understnad and respect the opinion of the other who are asking for more.

[jaycana]

Ahh I really loved the backstory behind Doc~ and the armour details too.

[r7]

yeah, thanks. I wanted to give an explanation about why he was half metal(because he obviously wasn't always that way).

[wrongtree]

This is great! I love your world building - everything is very fluid, and the backstories to everything are excellent. I especially loved the attention to detail with the armor and Doc's loss of some abilities due to his amputations. It makes a lot of sense that some things would be lost with the parts of him that were lost, and that made it much more realistic.

In short, fantastic work - I'm looking forward to seeing more. As for your question, I would absolutely love it if you continued on any way you'd like.

Also, I apologize for the very late comment. I've been away for about a week, and am just catching up with everything internet-related. :)

[r7]

Thanks!

Yeah, this will be turned into a full story (eventually, writing is frustratingly slow sometimes).

That's totally fine (if slightly unexpected), a comment is awesome whenever it happens.