Chapitre 2: Chapter 2: Rivals in the Sky
The three young Night Lights made their way to the training grounds, as their mother had instructed. They moved in a straight line, pushing through various intriguing bioluminescent plants that glowed softly in the dim light. The plants, with their vibrant hues of blue and green, seemed to dance around the dragons, casting an ethereal glow on their scales.
Leading the way was the young female dragon, Dart. Her excitement was evident in her prancing steps. Dart was a striking mixture of black and white, her scales forming a beautiful pattern that combined the traits of both her parents. She frolicked through the field, her joy palpable in every movement.
"I wonder what we're learning today," she exclaimed excitedly, looking back at her brothers who followed behind her. "I heard rumors that we might get our own baby dragon egg!"
Dart, the only female of the trio, was known for her adventurous and playful spirit. Her curious nature often led her to take the initiative in exploring, always dragging her brothers along with her.
Ruffrunner trailed not far behind, walking with a poised and graceful stride. He subtly observed their surroundings, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to Dart's exuberance. Ruffrunner favored his father, Toothless, in appearance, with small traits from his mother. His mannerisms, however, were more akin to his beautiful mother, Luna.
"Whatever it is… I just hope we're ready for it," he replied thoughtfully.
"Well, I know we were born ready!" Dart exclaimed, taking his statement lightly. She giggled and twirled, her excitement infectious.
Ruffrunner stared off into the distance, caught in deep contemplation for a moment. "The Rite of Passage, doesn't it worry you?" he questioned.
Dart laughed and playfully dove onto Ruffrunner, knocking him over. She stood on his chest, looking down into his face with a mischievous grin. "Of course not! Are you a-scared, Ruffrunner?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.
Ruffrunner scoffed softly. "That's not what I would call it."
Dart wagged her tail in excitement. "Then come on!" she urged, hopping off Ruffrunner and trotting ahead.
Ruffrunner stood up, shaking himself off. He looked around, his eyes widening in sudden realization. "Wait… where's Pouncer?"
Meanwhile, the last of the trio lagged behind, constantly distracted by chasing butterflies. He dove into a bush and popped his head out with a surprised expression that quickly turned into a frown and a snarl. He attacked the bioluminescent bush, nipping at it quickly. Biting down hard on a branch, he pulled until it snapped. The release of the branch made the little dragon tumble and roll off. He quickly sat up, shaking off his confusion for a moment. His eyes locked onto the broken branch he had dropped, and his face filled with excitement. He darted towards the branch, gripping it in his mouth and tossing it once before catching it. He trotted happily, tossing the branch up and playing with it like a rambunctious pup.
You guessed it, this curious and rambunctious little Night Light was none other than Pouncer. He resembled his mother in color, with small black markings. The undeniable trait he inherited from his father was his big, undeniably adorable green eyes. Pouncer's energy could be compared to that of a human toddler on a sugar rush. He was always on the move, often led by curiosity, which sometimes got him into dangerous situations. Although Pouncer could be an unintentional troublemaker, his adorable charm outweighed all else.
Pouncer was so engrossed in his play that he slammed right into a huge boulder, causing him to fall onto his back. Much to his surprise, his eyes met with two that were identical to his own. Toothless stared down at him, tilting his head as if to question why Pouncer hadn't made it to the training grounds yet. Pouncer just smiled nervously, letting out a chuckle.
Toothless and Pouncer approached the training grounds, with Toothless carrying Pouncer in his teeth. Pouncer playfully swiped his claws at small luminescent bugs hovering around his face.
Ruffrunner met up with his father and brother. "Father," Ruffrunner smiled. "Pouncer!"
"He got me," Pouncer whispered. Toothless dropped Pouncer and nudged him forward.
"Aww, do I gotta?" Pouncer groaned.
Toothless lifted his head, looking at the two young dragons with an expression indicating that they should get going. Ruffrunner nodded.
"We should get going, Pouncer." Ruffrunner nudged Pouncer, who was snapping at more small bioluminescent bugs, trying to taste them. "We can chase zippers later."
"Alright, I'm coming…" Pouncer began to follow behind Ruffrunner, dragging his feet. He abruptly stopped, turned to face his father with a smile, and happily flapped his wings and swayed his tail, as if to wave goodbye. He then hopped into a trot, going deeper into the training grounds.
Toothless tilted his head, squinting his eyes a little and purring low as he stared adoringly at his three little Night Lights, watching them until they became mixed in with the other young dragons gathered on the training grounds.
The training grounds were a vast, open area nestled within the heart of the Hidden World, surrounded by towering cliffs that provided a natural barrier. The ground was covered in a mix of soft grass and patches of bare earth, worn down by the countless dragons that had trained there over the years. Scattered throughout the area were various obstacles and training equipment, each designed to test and hone the skills of young dragons.
Bioluminescent plants dotted the landscape, their soft glow illuminating the grounds even in the dimmest light. These plants came in a variety of shapes and sizes, from delicate flowers that shimmered like stars to tall, swaying grasses that emitted a gentle, pulsing light. The air was filled with the sounds of rustling leaves and the occasional chirp of nocturnal creatures, creating a serene yet lively atmosphere.
In the center of the training grounds stood a large, ancient tree, its gnarled branches stretching out like the arms of a guardian. This tree was a focal point for many training exercises, its sturdy limbs providing an ideal perch for dragons to practice their perching and balancing skills. Around the base of the tree, the ground was littered with fallen leaves and small, smooth stones, perfect for young dragons to practice their agility and coordination.
To one side of the grounds, a series of wooden targets had been set up, each one marked with concentric circles. These targets were used for precision training, where dragons practiced their fire-breathing accuracy. The charred remains of previous targets bore testament to the countless hours of practice that had taken place there.
Near the edge of the training grounds, a shallow pond glistened under the light of the bioluminescent plants. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the stars above and providing a refreshing spot for dragons to cool off after a rigorous training session. The pond was also home to a variety of small, luminescent fish that darted about, adding to the magical ambiance of the area.
Overall, the training grounds were a place of both challenge and beauty, where young dragons could develop their skills in a supportive and enchanting environment. It was a place where the bonds between dragons were strengthened, and where the next generation of dragon leaders was forged.
On the training grounds stood a mingled crowd of young dragons of various species. There were about twelve different dragons ready for training, including a Monstrous Nightmare, Deadly Nadder, Gronckle, Hideous Zippleback, Stormcutter, Timberjack, Night Terror, Changewing, and even a Skrill, along with the three Night Lights. They conversed amongst each other like human elementary kids before class. Each of the young dragons shared unique personal bonds, some friendly in nature and others, not so friendly.
Dart stood side by side with a young female Timberjack named Willow. Willow was a soft purple in color with vibrant yellow eyes. Bioluminescent flowers decorated her two horns and her tail, adding a touch of natural beauty to her appearance.
Willow was a natural nurturer, known for her kind and gentle spirit. It was believed she inherited her delicate demeanor from her elderly and knowledgeable parents, Oak and Maple. With a wealth of knowledge about natural remedies, Willow was expected to become a nest keeper or healer someday.
"I'm really nervous about today's test," Willow said, fiddling with her claws.
"You don't have anything to worry about, Willow. You'll be just fine," Dart reassured her. "Especially if it's a medical test. You're an amazing doctor."
Willow laughed softly, flattered by her best friend's compliment and belief in her abilities. "I'd hope so. I do have some new herbs I would like to show to Miss Stormfly."
Pouncer, distracted at play again, chased after a vibrant luminescent butterfly that had joined the young dragons on the training grounds. He hopped right over their heads, causing the girls to duck slightly. Dart giggled, shaking her head.
"Pouncer!" Dart extended his name, thinking he was the silliest dragon she'd ever met. Willow smiled, amused at Pouncer as she silently watched his rambunctious antics.
Slam! Willow cringed, winking one eye as Pouncer appeared to run right into a hard surface of air, knocking him to the ground. He fell along with a Changewing who had now become uncloaked. She quickly stood up, swiping Pouncer across the face with her claws.
"You better watch where you're going, boy!" the Changewing exclaimed sassily.
This Changewing was known as Flare, a vibrant red dragon with a fiery attitude. Flare was brave and often took on challenges bigger than herself, never backing down from a fight. Beyond her courageous demeanor, Flare was also known for her loyalty, great friendship qualities, and sense of humor. Despite her outstanding qualities, she was surprisingly shy and could often be found hiding herself with her cloaking abilities, though she would never admit to being shy. She aspires to become a Guardian one day.
Flare smacked her lips and turned to walk away, only to come face to face with a dark black Night Terror. He was very quiet and considered creepy by most of the dragons. Sometimes he was so silent that his presence went unnoticed. He preferred to observe others rather than interact, so no one knew much about him. This silent little fellow was known as Shade. He would probably make a good scout or patrol guard one day.
Flare looked him up and down, lost for words for a moment, then huffed out a puff of smoke. "Don't you s'posed to only come out at night?"
Shade didn't respond. The question caught the attention of a little Stormcutter nearby.
"Well, that is true. Night Terrors are nocturnal creatures, but since our caverns are so dimly lit, Night Terrors can come out at any time," she explained.
Skye was a young Stormcutter who wore circular glasses made of stone rims and ground and polished clear quartz for the lenses, held securely on her head with a strap of leather. She was known for her intelligence and quick problem-solving skills. She had gained a lot of respect from her peers for her wisdom and unbreakable calm demeanor.
"Augh," Flare huffed, rolling her eyes. "Whatever."
Flare cringed as she passed Shade, as if he were an icky specimen. Shade silently stared ahead and walked off, blending into the crowd of young dragons. Skye smiled in thought and laughed to herself. Just then, Ruffrunner nudged her with his wing.
"Hey, Skye."
"Ruffrunner," Skye greeted him with a warm, friendly smile.
"Heh, so, what do you think we'll be learning today?"
"My guess is an agility test."
"I'm going to trust your analysis."
Ruffrunner and Skye were good friends. He admired her intellect, and she admired his graceful demeanor and outstanding skills. They felt as though they related a lot to each other.
The two friends walked off as Pouncer watched from an upside-down viewpoint, still lying on his back on the ground with his tongue lolled out lazily. Out of nowhere, a young Skrill pounced right onto his tummy with force, causing Pouncer to gag and yelp.
"Hey! Pouncer, my man!" shouted the loud and energetic Skrill.
Immediately, Pouncer went into attack mode, and the two young dragons began to tussle like playful pups. They both laughed heartily.
"If it isn't Bolt," Pouncer said, nudging him hard with his head.
Bolt and Pouncer were best friends, likely brought together by their playful and adventurous natures.
Bolt was a young and energetic Skrill with impulsive behavior, often acting and speaking before he thought. He was daring and had a knack for danger, often needing reminders to slow down and think things through. He didn't know what he wanted to be, but he might make a good soldier or patrol officer.
There were four other dragons in this class. Spike, a rare blue Gronckle, had a heart of gold. He was strong-willed and always courteous to those around him. Protective of the younger dragons, he held no enemies and hoped to become a Spirit Guide.
Next was Blaze, a Monstrous Nightmare. He was green with a unique pattern of yellow and teal on his wings. Competitive and outgoing, Blaze was not afraid to push others to their limits. Despite his intensity, he had a strong sense of loyalty and would fiercely protect his friends. He believed he would definitely be the general of the dragon army.
The third was Echo, a teal Hideous Zippleback with distinct blue horns and patches. Mischievous yet playful, Echo often had lively internal debates, which could be both entertaining and confusing for others. Despite their playful nature, Echo was incredibly resourceful and quick-thinking. As they say, two heads are better than one. No one knew what to expect Echo to become in the future.
Stormfly met the children and shrieked, commanding their attention. All the young dragons obeyed, getting in order and giving her their undivided attention. She looked over them to ensure everyone was present.
Toothless flew onto a nearby boulder to observe the children during their test. Stormfly noticed him, and they exchanged a warm nod of acknowledgment.
Stormfly focused her attention back on the children, as it was rare for her to get distracted from her duties.
"Alright, dragons, today you will be undergoing your Flight Agility Course. This is a complex obstacle course in the air that will test your maneuverability, speed, and precision. You will need to make it through this course in a reasonable amount of time, while avoiding as many obstacles as possible. Whichever of you passes this test will receive your first agility badge," Stormfly informed the young dragons.
Ruffrunner looked at Skye with a subtle smile, acknowledging that she was right. She kept her focus straight ahead, modestly not taking any credit for herself.
All the young dragons and Stormfly came to a cliff edge, where their Flight Agility Course would begin. The children stood in a line, warming up and preparing to face the obstacles that lay ahead.
Ruffrunner stepped forward and bent down, preparing himself to lunge into flight as soon as he got the signal. Just then, his eyes caught a glimpse of a dragon's claws stepping closer to the edge. He looked up and met the unusual icy blue eyes of a Deadly Nadder. They both glared at each other with a competitive stare.
This Deadly Nadder was Frost. He was always cool and collected, analyzing every step of the way. His analytical nature made him excellent at solving puzzles and strategizing in complex situations. Everyone expected greatness from his future.
Ruffrunner and Frost, being two of the most skilled dragons in the class, drew everyone's attention, from the youngest to the oldest observers. They were silent rivals and competitors, their mature natures preventing open disputes, except in very subtle, passive-aggressive ways. Frost was also a close friend to Skye, aside from Ruffrunner, which only intensified their rivalry.
After glaring at each other for a moment, they turned their gaze ahead, preparing themselves as much as possible. There was a moment of silence as Stormfly watched them all with an intense glare.
"Shriek!" Stormfly gave the loud signal to begin the course, and instantly all the young dragons lunged into action, soaring through the air with fierceness.
The course was challenging, with rings to fly through, sharp turns, and narrow passages. Spike, the blue Gronckle, struggled with the tight turns, his bulky body making it difficult to maneuver. Blaze, the Monstrous Nightmare, powered through with determination, but his competitive nature caused him to misjudge a turn, clipping a wing on a rock. Echo, the Hideous Zippleback, had both of his heads looking in different directions, causing them to miss a ring entirely.
Pouncer, ever the playful one, chased after a luminescent butterfly, forgetting about the course entirely. Bolt, the energetic Skrill, zipped through the obstacles with ease, but his impulsiveness led him to crash into a tree branch.
Amidst the chaos, Ruffrunner and Frost were neck and neck, their skills and determination shining through. They weaved through the obstacles with precision, their movements almost synchronized. The other dragons and observers couldn't help but watch in awe.
"Go, Ruffrunner!" Dart cheered, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Come on, Frost!" Flare shouted, her voice full of enthusiasm.
The two dragons pushed themselves to their limits, each trying to outdo the other. They twisted and turned, dodged and darted, their focus unwavering. As they neared the final stretch, the tension was palpable.
With one last burst of speed, Ruffrunner and Frost crossed the finish line simultaneously, landing with a thud on the ground. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause.
Stormfly approached them, a proud look in her eyes. "Well done, both of you. It seems we have a tie. You both have earned your first agility badge."
Ruffrunner and Frost exchanged a few "friendly" words, their rivalry still strong.
"Nice job, Frost. You almost had me there," Ruffrunner said with a smirk.
"Same to you, Ruffrunner. But next time, I'll be the one ahead," Frost replied, his eyes gleaming with determination.
At a distance, Toothless watched the scene unfold. He felt a swell of pride for his son, Ruffrunner, and a deep respect for Frost's skill. Though he remained outwardly stoic, inwardly, he purred with satisfaction, knowing that the future of their kind was in capable claws.
— Un nouveau chapitre arrive bientôt — Écrire un avis
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone