Miles beneath the surface
Many years ago
The Night Light was a sight to behold.
An obsidian black color dominating the dragoness' body, her back legs, the tips of her ears and tail were covered in a snowy white pigment. Her torso was a slight mix of both, consisting of a light gray.
The adult dragon was too aware of how her race came to be. A hybrid of two similar-looking dragons that had come into existence centuries ago in the form of three individuals. As the stories said, the female was pure white, the other pure black… and the latter was on the brink of extinction.
It was said he was the only member of his kind left in the world, and his offspring ensured that the Night Furies would live on. At least, that's what the humans called them, for spreading fear and terror in the hearts of their victims. She was rather fond of it.
That Night Fury had been dead for hundreds of years, yet his essence… his blood rested in all the Night Lights that came after him, including her. And today, it would continue into a new batch.
The dragoness cooed at her four eggs with silver eyes that glinted like diamonds, believing her young would hear. She knew this was the day, for she had seen them wobble and shake. And she had been waiting for what seemed like ages.
Her ears perked up, alerting her to the presence of another dragon. Instinct took hold of her, and she quickly arose. Turning to face the newcomer, she flashed open her wings, covered in white dots that resembled stars in the night sky. She narrowed her eyes and emitted a warning growl… and relaxed, identifying the newcomer.
A Light Fury with amethyst eyes directed a calm gaze, warming the Night Light's soul. She stood down, redirecting her attention to the nest. Her mate approached, realizing the situation.
"Starbraker," he spoke. "The day has finally come."
"Indeed, Whitethunder," she responded in a gentle tone. "Our patience has paid off at last."
A black-and-white egg shifted out of the corner of Starglider's eye. A snapping sound was heard… followed by a visible crack in the shell. The first hatching.
Both Furies stared anxiously at the egg, watching as more and more cracks raced along the surface. Before long, the egg burst open, causing the parents to shield themselves with their wings. The dust faded…
...revealing a squeaking small male Night Light stumbling to stand. It blinked its bright silver eyes, black legs struggling to support its jet-black body. It chirped curiously, trying to take a step forward and falling flat on its face.
"Welcome home, little one," Starbreaker cooed, nudging the baby upright. A delighted squeak escaped its tiny mouth. Whiteout looked at his hatchling with pride.
The second egg cracked, this one revealing to be a female and have a mostly-white hatchling with black spots upon exploding. Purple eyes opened and more squeaks filled the air. Whitethunder attended to this little hatchling, gently purring and helping it stand.
The third female hatchling burst out of its shelly prison, wingtips, spine, and tail dotted black as its pearl-colored body rose. It opened its silver eyes, getting its first glimpse of the world around it. Starbreaker nuzzled it with care, causing it to purr in response.
Both adults turned to the final egg, which remained unmoved. Starbreaker was concerned when she first laid her eyes on it. It was more stone than egg; smooth and covered in dark-gray colors. She had examined it, only to discover no white markings anywhere. It was the oddest thing she had seen.
She told herself she wouldn't worry much. Perhaps the white coloring was dormant and would be fully developed on the baby when it hatched. She kept her eyes on the egg, awaiting the arrival of her final hatchling.
The other three hatchlings noticed their parents' gaze, turning to the rock-like egg in curiosity. The fourth egg shuddered slightly… and a glowing violet crack appeared on its smooth surface.
Starglider perked up. This wasn't normal hatching behavior… nor was it uncommon.
The lightning bolt-like crack raced across the surface, the brightness increasing as it did. Starting to get annoyed at the light, the other babies averted their eyes. As the egg vibrated and cracked, Starglider could've sworn she heard a faint whine from within…
Before she could finish her thoughts, the egg detonated. A violet shockwave shot out, nearly blowing the three hatchlings off their feet. The adults felt the wave wash over them, their claws dug deep into the rock. The sound of the explosion echoed across the cavern, dying down as startled dragons paused in their tracks.
When Starbreaker opened her eyes, all she saw was smoke. Something small was moving inside, but she could hardly make it out. Cautiously, she approached the smoke with Whitethunder by her side. With a gentle puff of hot air, she made the smoke dissipate…
...revealing the fourth hatchling donned in obsidian black scales.
And just black. No traces of white coloring could be seen anywhere. A chirp emanating from its throat, the male hatchling opened a Sky-blue eye. Was it just Starbreaker's imagination, or could she see a tiny lightning bolt in the split-second it opened?
The new mother was left awestruck. Approaching the baby, she looked him over from all sides. Even resorting to tipping him onto his back, which he found enjoyable. Her searches, unfortunately, were in vain.
No white colors anywhere. This hatchling was pure black.
But… that could only mean…
"What in all the fates?" Whitethunder gasped, unable to take his eyes off the hatchling. "This… this cannot be… how?"
"No white anywhere…" Starbreaker whispered. "But… this could only mean…"
"They… they're gone," her mate deduced. "For hundreds of years. Your kind is the only dragon that carries on their legacy. There haven't been any pure ones for so long!"
"And yet… here stands the proof. How this is possible is beyond me."
"...So what happens now? What will the others say when they learn of this?" Whitethunder asked her. "When they learn that a long-extinct race is now back from the dead?"
"I… I do not know," she whispered, the hatchling looking around in awe. "But… he is extraordinary. Just like the one who came before him."
"Are you saying this is his flame?" he asked, bewildered. "Reignited in a new body?"
"Not at all, Whitethunder," Starbreaker purred, nuzzling the black hatchling. "What I mean to say is, he will be just as strong as him, perhaps even stronger. Toothless. His family. All of them… now live in him."
She closed her eyes and nuzzled the baby, her hatchling- the Night Fury hatchling- squeaking happily in response.
— Bab baru akan segera rilis — Tulis ulasan