Dh4ll4sTX's Clan

The dense treeline finally broke, revealing a windswept valley of dust ahead of him. He could hear the enraged roars from the black dragon behind him. The boy was tired from running, but he knew he didn't have much time before the massive beast would catch up to him and then it would be all over. The child clutched the egg closer, kissing it as his legs pumped even harder, his lungs crying out in anguish.

I have FOUND you, foolish child! The Black Dragon dove, talons outstretched. The child, no older than 10, leapt to the left, skinning both of his knees terribly. The Dragon landed hard on the ground, blocking the boy from going any further. Tears streamed down the boy's dirt-streaked face - out of fear and pain - though his grip on the quivering egg held firm. The Dragon, a powerful Adult Mirror, pulled back her lips to reveal an ominous smile.

I just MIGHT let you live if you return my egg to me. After all, you wouldn't know the first thing about raising a Mirror infant. The dragon purred. Despite the child's immense fear, his grip only tightened and he stared the dragon down.

"No. I've seen how awful you are to your baby dragons and I don't want you hurting this one, too! I won't give you the egg!"

The dragon's expression altered to a snarl and her narrow eyes turned to slits. The Black dragon shifted her weight before lunging with nearly impossible speed at the boy. He shrieked and slammed his eyes shut, cradling the egg in a death-grip. He knew that this was the end for him.

The impact never came - well, not the one the boy expected. A new roar rang out across the valley: one that pierced the air with deafening volume and shook the ground for miles. When the boy dared a glance, he saw a massive Guardian Dragon standing in between him and the Black Beast.

The Guardian stood tall, an amalgamation of chains, armor, and cloth draped over his muscular frame. He was not snarling or prepared to shed blood but his sheer size dwarfed the mirror. He had eyes as blue as the sky and as deep as the ocean, and his sleek scales were bigger than saucers, There was a long, red stripe that traced and outlined various parts of his body.

Stand down, hatchling. You re now trespassing in the Windsinger's Domain and any affront to Him is an affront to me. His voice boomed like a cannon and cut through the stillness like a giant thunderclap. The Guardian Dragon stood taller and fanned out his wings. His intense stare grew downright dangerous and the red, crystalline spikes on his wings burned with a bright intensity. He stood as a pinnacle of strength and power.

You are NOT to lay a single claw on this boy. Are we clear?

The Mirror, once so proud and strong, looked meek and feeble. Her gaze lowered to the floor and she shrunk down even more in size. She averted his gaze but bore into the child's instead. The boy didn't look away, and when she didn't either, The Guardian took one heavy step forward and she flinched. With one last gaze shot in their direction, she snarled.

Fine. Keep the egg. I hope my hatchling emerges and rends you both, limb from limb. And with that final remark, she gave one last withering glare, snapped her obsidian wings open, and took to the skies.

After she had disappeared behind the treeline, the Guardian slowly turned to face the sniffling boy. His knees were raw and bleeding freely through his thin, threadbare trousers. The Mighty Dragon brought his head down low to the boy's level.

Why did you steal the egg from her nest? His previously overwhelming voice softened and it no longer carried through the air. The dragon's deep voice sounded gentle and even concerned.

"She's... she's mean. I, uh didn't want her to - to be mean. To her babies. Again." The boy answered with a tremble in his voice. The egg, through nothing short of a miracle, was still in perfect condition. The Guardian drew his head back and gave a slightly disapproving look.

I admire your intentions and your heart is pure, but next time, let someone else know about this first. You could have gotten very hurt. If I weren't here you WOULD have gotten very hurt. The Dragon trailed off. This child reminded him of himself when he was younger - fearless, slightly rash, and well-meaning to the point of self-endangerment.

The boy looked down in equal parts guilt and frustration. With a slight chuckle, the Guardian leaned in close and added, You are just like me when I was younger. The boy looked up in wonder and awe before nervously looking back to the forest. With wide, hopeful eyes and a slight grin, he asked a single question: "Can I come home with you? I don't have one and was thinking that maybe you could... you know, take me in?" Before the majestic dragon could accept, the boy hurriedly added, "I promise I'll take care of myself! I can find my own food, and - and make my own home and then I can help keep the place clean-"

Child. You do not need to worry. We will be happy to have you. Can you walk?

The boy stopped rambling before he looked down at his raw knees. He gently pushed himself to his feet before facing the Guardian, who was grinning fondly.

What is your name, child?

"My name is Duane." The boy said, oozing happiness and excitement.

I am Glider. You will make a fine addition to our clan, Duane. You, and your dragon.

And the two walked home.