| I watched them explore the forest from where I perched in a lower tree branch. Despite how close they were to my position, they would never see me. To them I was the tree branch (as long as I didn�t move) and only another dragon, if they looked for me, could see me. Normally, I would�ve attacked or slipped away already. But I knew the boy who led the group and just observed instead, curious as to what he would be doing in the Evil Forest. Then again, he�d probably been the whole cause of--or something close to that--the monstrous crash to the west. I hadn�t inspected the true cause yet, but if the boy was involved . . . The boy walked off, leaving the others in a large clearing alone. Stretching as discreetly as possible, I took the chance and sprang upon the rest of the group, snarling and hissing. I stood on all fours, my wings flared, my tail thrashing, and my crest standing straight up and threatening. The knight was the first to attack, then the girl (surprising, since she was the princess of Alexandria). The small black mage, obviously injured somewhat, drew back fearfully and huddled among the roots of a large tree. Deciding to go for the mage, I slapped the knight away with my tail and snapped at the princess, who screamed. I dashed over to the tree and snaked my head in after the black mage, dragging him out by his coat collar. Then I leapt up into my tree and jumped to the next, continuing until I reached my haven. There, I set the mage down and retrieved water from the spring. � Here, small one. This will heal you.� When I spoke his fear diminished. He stared at me in awe, then blinked round yellow eyes and accepted the water. � Thank you.� � If you need anything else, don�t hesitate to ask. I most likely have it since I possess a mountain of treasures.� He was quiet a moment, sipping slowly at the water. � Why did you attack us in the clearing?� � I did not attack you. I was testing you to see your reactions to the same situation. If you noticed, I did not hurt anyone.� He was quiet again, still sipping the water. � I thank you for your hospitality, but can you take me back to the others?� I flicked my ears. I clearly heard two people, the knight and the princess. The boy, however, had near-silent steps. I couldn�t help but take a certain amount of pride in knowing that I honed his footsteps until only those with the best hearing--which are most certainly not humans, who have the worst hearing I�ve ever seen--would be able to detect him. The boy was the first one to appear. He hopped lightly over a three-foot hedge, daggers drawn, and blindly attacked me. I deliberately stepped to the side, allowing the tree behind me to catch his weapons, and swung my tail at his legs. He let go of the daggers and jumped, but not soon enough. I caught an ankle and slammed him onto the mossy forest floor. � Ow!� He sat up and rubbed his bottom. � Geez, couldn�t you be just a tad gentler?� � Will your enemies be gentler?� �. . .� � As I thought.� I lifted him into the air. He hung upside-down, arms crossed with his free leg angled loosely toward me. The tip of his tail twitched angrily. � Is all the blood in your head yet?� I asked with a smile. � Is your vision fuzzying?� He snorted. � As if I�d tell you.� � You choose wisely.� I watched his gaze flicker and he turned a light shade of green. I set him down on his head softly, then slowly let the rest of him fall on the moss. Sitting up, he wavered back and forth, almost falling several times. The green color drained from his skin and he straightened. �. . .� The knight stepped in front of the princess. � I knew it! This was all a plot to get you in the clutches of this flesh-eating monster!� � How rude!� I growled, turning to face the knight. � If I were going to eat the princess, don�t you think I would have done so in the clearing?� The girl looked surprised. � How did you know?� I sat cat-like. � Simple. You look, act, and sound like one.� � Is it that obvious?� � Not particularly. I�ve been around nobility for a long time. I recognize one when I see them.� The boy stood and dove between my folded wings, locking his arms around my neck and throwing himself to either side, trying to roll me off my feet. Because of his smaller form and the fact that I had all four feet braced, he was completely unsuccessful in toppling me. It was amusing to watch him throw himself from side to side. � Come on!� he grated, pulling at my neck. � This always worked before!� � I was always surprised before,� I replied. � But if you insist . . .� � No!� He tried to jump away, but I was quicker and had rolled onto my back before he could even let go. I laid out flat on him. � It seems I have an extra soft bed for the night. The moogles were so kind to give it to me!� For a while he was silent. Then he began pushing at me and cursing almost every word. I finally took pity on him and stood. He sat up, brushing moss bits out of his hair as he muttered more obscenities at me. Some were old, some born just seconds ago. I rose onto my rear legs to grab a fruit from a branch higher in the tree than I could normally reach. I usually preferred to travel on all fours because my standing height is tremendous and I have to bend my neck very far to look at everyone else around me. I can, however, move on two legs if I must. The princess looked at me curiously, tilting her head slightly. � Uh . . . uh . . . Miss Dragon?� I turned. � Hm?� � You and Zidane know each other pretty well.� � Yes.� � May I ask what your relation is?� � I�m his mother.� <--Part 0 Part 2--> |
| There is always a reason behind every action . . . and an action behind every reason. ~Dragon's Teachings, pg.1 Part 1 |