NationStates Jolt Archive

"Never going to happen," Kurt replied.
"Hey, when you take over from 'Grandpa', you'll need a biological heir." I pointed out.

Kurt scowled at him. "You heard what Verdani said, I don't need to," he replied.

Kurt scowled at him. "You heard what Verdani said, I don't need to," he replied.
I sighed. "Norns are good at seeing the future, but they don't tell you every possibility. 'Always in motion, the future is', you know. Well, if you want to believe what she said at face value, be my guest." I shrugged.

"Dan you are an idiot," Eamonn said as Kurt teleported himself and Quatre away.

"Dan you are an idiot," Eamonn said as Kurt teleported himself and Quatre away.
"Huh? What did I say?" I was clueless.

Eamonn shook his head. "Master Soloran was right, you don't think before you open your mouth," he said. "Kurt's gay, he is not going to father a heir."

Eamonn shook his head. "Master Soloran was right, you don't think before you open your mouth," he said. "Kurt's gay, he is not going to father a heir."
"Oh, yeah. I'm just...well...trying to help him from a possibility perspective." I said, a bit nervously. "Ah, well, just forget it. It's just advice anyway."

I dug my hands into my pockets and walked away. Bad advice is my middle name, it seems like.

"Idiotic advice," Eamonn muttered to himself.

Morgan shook her head and headed off to her next class.

Impusive as always...I guess I'll never stop. I sighed.

Putting it off my mind, I headed into a tree and settled down on branches to watch the students come and go.

Most of the students headed for their next classes, some however had a free period and stayed out in the sunshine. One boy of about sixteen was stood near to where Daniel had gone, he was showing off to a couple of friends by juggling what appeared to be yellow balls.

Hey, who's this? I noticed the yellow balls, and looked downwards. Hmm, so that's Akira and pals.

The boy threw the balls high in the air and they exploded. The boys then laughed as they headed back up to the academy. Eamonn meanwhile had found Kurt and Quatre sat in the school dining room, both had a cup of coffee with them.

"You alright Kurt?" Eamonn asked.

Kurt nodded. "Yeah," he replied. "Seems like your friend only opens his mouth to change foot."

Hmm. Explosive balls. This kid's pretty good. I thought.

"I wish he wasn't always such an idiot when it came to other peoples feelings," Eamonn said, placing his hand on the taable.

Kurt nodded as he drank his coffee. "He's heir to the throne of his nation, he'll need to learn to respect the feelings of others if he's to be a good ruler," he said.

To their surprise Quatre shook his head. "I think its more that he probably hasn't met, or at least knowingly met anyone who's gay before," he said.

I made a baseball-sized ball of electricity, and tossed it up, then caught it as I sat in the tree, wondering about my reaction to Kurt's proposal to Quatre. I mean, it was supposed to be just an offhand comment, but I guess it was something more than that. But really, I can't seem to wrap my mind around a concept like same-sex marriage (Unless we're talking hermaphroditic species). It's legal in Coreworlds and a bunch of other places, but I still don't see what's so hot about guy-guy or girl-girl. I guess I'm just traditionalist on that issue.

"Well I'll leave you two alone," Eamonn said.

Kurt and Quatre nodded and he left the dining hall. He made his way outside and took in the fresh air before morphing into his dragon form and taking flight.

I sighed and finally dropped down from the tree. I headed back to the school, and decided to see if Master Elanessë is ready to teach me now.

Master Elanessë didn't seem to notice Daniel as he entered his office. However, the door was left open as if to invite him in. Outside, Eamonn had watched him go back inside. Instead of following, he decided to go for a long flight.

Master Elanessë didn't seem to notice Daniel as he entered his office. However, the door was left open as if to invite him in. Outside, Eamonn had watched him go back inside. Instead of following, he decided to go for a long flight.
I saw that the door was open, walked in and sat down on a chair as I wondered how I would increase the power of my mental shielding...and keep my mouth shut around here.

"Not the kind of congradulations I was was expecting Master Masaki," Master Elanessë said from somewhere within his office. "You may not think that it is traditional, but a prince proposing to the one he loves is traditional."

"Not the kind of congradulations I was was expecting Master Masaki," Master Elanessë said from somewhere within his office. "You may not think that it is traditional, but a prince proposing to the one he loves is traditional."
"Yeah, I know. That proposal was just something I don't encounter every day." I sighed. "I...just can't keep my mouth shut around here, and I don't know why."

"Because that is what make you, you," Master Elanessë said. He finally appeared in front of Daniel. "You are young, and the young don't always think before they speak." He closed his eyes. "Ah childhood, I remember mine like it was only yesterday."

A book appeared upon the headmasters desk.

"Now, shall we begin?" he asked.

"Yeah, let's begin." I said.

"Alright, I want you to close you're eyes and think of waves crashing against a beach," Master Elanessë told him.

"Alright, I want you to close you're eyes and think of waves crashing against a beach," Master Elanessë told him.
"Alright." I said. I closed my eyes, and imagined that I was at the beach, surf crashing on sand. There we go. Mon Calamari beaches are fun.

Master Elanessë smiled. "Waves crashing are always a good mental block against most other telepaths," he told Daniel. "But it does not help stop you broadcasting your thoughts."

The room shook with the sound of an explosion.

"Perhaps somewhere quieter would be best suited to do this," he then sighed, shaking his head.

"Yeah, where to?" I asked, thinking about my own dragon, Ryujin.

Master Elanessë nodded and said, "Fancy a hike up into the foot of the mountains?"

Master Elanessë nodded and said, "Fancy a hike up into the foot of the mountains?"
"Sure." I said. "Place like there is always a good place to train..."

Master Elanessë nodded as he headed out of his office. "Nature is always the most peaceful of places," he said. "Especially when there are no students around."

Outside, they saw Jr stood against a wall looking rather bored. Master Elanessë smiled at him.

"Ah Master Rubedo, a pleas..." he began to say before Jr cut him off.

"Don't ever call me by that name," he growled at him.

Master Elanessë was somewhat taken aback by the redheads anger at being called his name. "By what name do you wish me to call you by," he decided to ask.

Jr placed his hands in his pocket and stepped away from the wall. "Jr, everyone calls me Jr," he said, his eyes still looking angry.

"Such anger," Master Elanessë said to himself, slowly shaking his head.

I wonder what's up with him? I thought.

Jr glared at him. "I just don't want anyone calling me by that name," he told him and began to walk off.

"Another that needs the peace of nature inside him, don't you think Master Masaki?" Master Elanessë then said.

"Yeah, I think so too." I sighed.

Jr looked towards Daniel, "I'll be fine," he said, heading for the stairs.

"If you need me, you'll know where to find me," Master Elanessë assured him.

Jr said nothing so Master Elanessë headed outside.

I headed out with him.

Master Elanessë led Daniel around the side of the academy. Above the treeline, they could see the mountain range.

"Just a few miles hike through the forest," he told him.

"Right." Nothing that I can't deal with.

Master Elanessë smiled at him as they entered the forest. "There are certain nasty creature living in the forest near the mountains but they know better then to mess with me," he stated.

A certain black dragon flew past overhead.

Master Elanessë smiled at him as they entered the forest. "There are certain nasty creature living in the forest near the mountains but they know better then to mess with me," he stated.

A certain black dragon flew past overhead.
"Hmm. There goes Eamonn." I said, looking up as the shadow passed.

Master Elanessë turned around and smiled at Daniel. "I would guess that he is spying on you, wouldn't you think?" he commented.

"Yeah, I suppose. I wonder what for, anyway?" I sighed.

"Looking out for you I would expect," Master Elanessë told them.

On the path in front of them, a small whirte rabbit jumped out from the undergrowth and seemed to watch them. The headmaster stopped walking.

"Hmm? What's up?" I asked, looking around.

"You're going to lean a little about the nature around here," Master Elanessë said as a wolf appeared opposite the rabbit.

It growled as it walked over to the seemingly defenceless rabbit. Before the wolf could strike, the rabbit lept at the wolf and tore at its throat. The wolf howled as it tried to get the rabbit away but it looked to be of no use.

"You're going to lean a little about the nature around here," Master Elanessë said as a wolf appeared opposite the rabbit.

It growled as it walked over to the seemingly defenceless rabbit. Before the wolf could strike, the rabbit lept at the wolf and tore at its throat. The wolf howled as it tried to get the rabbit away but it looked to be of no use.
My eyes twitched, as I saw what happened. "Uh, is the rabbit attacking the wolf, or does my eyes decieve me?"

Master Elanessë chuckled. "Yes what you see is really happening," he replied. "We were surprised when we saw it for the first time as well, now watch."

The wolf eventually collapsed, its life ended by the rabbit which now gnawed at its flesh. Soon it was joined by another rabbit and several baby rabbits.

Master Elanessë chuckled. "Yes what you see is really happening," he replied. "We were surprised when we saw it for the first time as well, now watch."

The wolf eventually collapsed, its life ended by the rabbit which now gnawed at its flesh. Soon it was joined by another rabbit and several baby rabbits.
A short face-fault, and I knew that things are crazy around here. "So rabbits are carnivorous here...weird."

Master Elanessë nodded and calmly walked past the rabbits as they munched on the wolfs carcass. "Different worlds have different wildlife," he said. "Like the difference between us and the dragons on your world."

"Yeah, I see that." I said. "The Dragons are just dragons, rather than shapeshifters, unless you count the size change. Different worlds, as you say."

Master Elanessë nodded. "We are still dragons, we were originally," he said. "But we gained the ability to morph into humans and elves. Some stayed in human or elven form and fell for them and the rest they say is history."

"Interesting history." I said.

Master Elanessë nodded. "We are more dragon then you think," he said. "And it is very important that no one finds out that the dragons of Draconis Nightcrawlis can morph into human or elven form and they must not know that certain people are in fact dragons."

Master Elanessë nodded. "We are more dragon then you think," he said. "And it is very important that no one finds out that the dragons of Draconis Nightcrawlis can morph into human or elven form and they must not know that certain people are in fact dragons."
"Well, the only people that know apart from me is my father, the current Jedi Council and the Dragons." I said. "So your secrets are safe with us."

"Well we have a very close relationship with the Jedi Council as we share a common enemy," Master Elanessë told him as they neared the clearing.

"Well we have a very close relationship with the Jedi Council as we share a common enemy," Master Elanessë told him as they neared the clearing.
"The Sith and the Goa'uld." I nodded. Then smirked. "Though against normal Goa'uld, we just send out a team of Padawans to clean out the snake nests. It's when we get the likes of Apophis or [Force forbid she return] Nocturne that we send strike forces."

"The Goa'uld grew weaker before they were finally defeated," Master Elanessë told him. "I hope to the Gods that Lady Nocturne is not the start of their return."

"You have no disagreement about that with me."

They walked into the clearing to find that they had company and it wasn't Eamonn who had seemingly stopped spying on Daniel. Sat on a bench outside a small hut were Kurt and Quatre.

"What are you two doing out here?" Kurt asked, looking almost surprised.

"I could ask you the same thing," Master Elanessë replied, hiding an entertaining smirk.

"You're following us aren't you?" the prince then scowled.

Master Elanessë shook his head, "No."

"Well this is a fine surprise." I said, hiding a smile.

"And we came out here for some peace and quiet," Kurt said, folding his arms.

Master Elanessë smiled at him. "As did we so that I may teach young Master Masaki how to keep his thoughts from being broadcast to Elrohir and other telepaths," he said.

I shuffled about a bit, wondering whether if we'd stay or what...

"We'll see you back at the academy then shall we?" Master Elanessë told them.

Quatre stood up, grabbing Kurts hand he pulled him up. "Yes Master Elanessë," the blond said before walking off with the reluctant prince in tow.

Master Elanessë smiled.

"Are we ready?" I asked, checking the sky for a certain black dragon.

Master Elanessë looked up at the sky, "No black dragons visible, so yes we may begin," he said. "Now close your eyes and do as I said before."

I closed my eyes and formed the image of waves crashing against a beach.

Master Elanessë walked around Daniel. "Good, good," he said. "So far, the thoughts I am recieving from you have lessened slightly." He stopped directly in front of the young Jedi. "That is useful against a low level telepath."

Overhead the black dragon appeared and circled above the mountains.

"As you are a Jedi, I will teach you how to use the force to block out telepaths and even send warning shocks to anyone who tries to enter your mind without your consent," he then said. "I understand you have been on the recieving end of such a thing."

Master Elanessë walked around Daniel. "Good, good," he said. "So far, the thoughts I am recieving from you have lessened slightly." He stopped directly in front of the young Jedi. "That is useful against a low level telepath."

Overhead the black dragon appeared and circled above the mountains.

"As you are a Jedi, I will teach you how to use the force to block out telepaths and even send warning shocks to anyone who tries to enter your mind without your consent," he then said. "I understand you have been on the recieving end of such a thing."
"Yeah, twice, actually." A wan smile appeared on my face.

Master Elanessë chuckled. "To do that, think of electricity," he told him.

"Think of electricity? Master, that's my specialty!" I laughed, and closed my eyes again, this time envisioning the blue sparks of electricity.

"Remind me to hook you up to my hut then," Master Elanessë joked. For a moment, he paused allow the sound of a certain dragon flying above them to be heard. "It may be your speciality, but you have to know when someone is connecting to your mind before it is of use. Tell me Master Masaki, what do you feel?"

"Remind me to hook you up to my hut then," Master Elanessë joked. For a moment, he paused allow the sound of a certain dragon flying above them to be heard. "It may be your speciality, but you have to know when someone is connecting to your mind before it is of use. Tell me Master Masaki, what do you feel?"
"I, I feel...right now, I don't feel anything." I said. "Just my surroundings and the sparks."

Master Elanessë began to probe Daniel's mind, he wasn't searching for anything nor was he trying to make his pressence felt.

"What do you feel now?" he asked.

Master Elanessë began to probe Daniel's mind, he wasn't searching for anything nor was he trying to make his pressence felt.

"What do you feel now?" he asked.
"Yeah! Now I feel something." I said, sensing Master Elanessë's presence.

"That would be me," Master Elanessë said. "Now try using what I told you."

"That would be me," Master Elanessë said. "Now try using what I told you."
I began to think of electricity, arcing from my mind to his, creating my first-line defense against telepathic incursions...

Master Elanessë felt nothing, but reading Daniel's mind he knew he was trying.

"Focus on the force, try to make me feel that my mind is in pain," he told him.

Master Elanessë felt nothing, but reading Daniel's mind he knew he was trying.

"Focus on the force, try to make me feel that my mind is in pain," he told him.
I began to channel the Force as instructed, channelling it into a mental form of my powerful lightning. In my mind, a storm began to grow, flashes of light flickering within the 'clouds'. I directed a mental bolt of lightning towards the intruding presence, the unwanted presence in my mind. Out! Out or be fried by the fury of the lightning! A sudden bolt of psychic electricity lanced out, and struck the Master's mind, using the link between us as a conduit.

Master Elanessë grimaced. "Good, good," he said, cutting Daniel off and withdrawing from his mind. "You can make it as strong as you want, but to be safe always start off weakly."

Master Elanessë grimaced. "Good, good," he said, cutting Daniel off and withdrawing from his mind. "You can make it as strong as you want, but to be safe always start off weakly."
"Thanks." I said.

Master Elanessë rubbed as hands as he smiled at the young Jedi. "Now we just need to teach you how to protect your mind from invasion in the first place," he said. "As young Master Silvercelt would put it, to 'install a firewall for your mind'."

Master Elanessë rubbed as hands as he smiled at the young Jedi. "Now we just need to teach you how to protect your mind from invasion in the first place," he said. "As young Master Silvercelt would put it, to 'install a firewall for your mind'."
"I'm ready." I said.

"Right, close your eyes again and think of yourself in a yellow shield," Master Elanessë told him.

"Right, close your eyes again and think of yourself in a yellow shield," Master Elanessë told him.
"All right." I said, and closed my eyes. I began to envision a yellow shield appearing around me.

"I can feel a low level wall blocking me already," Master Elanessë said. "Just the right level to avoid passing random thoughts to a telepath who isn't trying to get into your mind."

"I can feel a low level wall blocking me already," Master Elanessë said. "Just the right level to avoid passing random thoughts to a telepath who isn't trying to get into your mind."
"How about..." I began, and focused, making the shield stronger and brighter.

"Much stronger, but not nearly strong enough," Master Elanessë told him. "To block a telepath trying to enter your mind takes months of training. However in most cases a Jedi can sense their pressence."

"Much stronger, but not nearly strong enough," Master Elanessë told him. "To block a telepath trying to enter your mind takes months of training. However in most cases a Jedi can sense their pressence."
"Yeah, no problem there." I said.

Master Elanessë smiled. "And I am told you are strong in the force," he said.

Master Elanessë smiled. "And I am told you are strong in the force," he said.
"So I've been told, I guess." I grinned.

Master Elanessë looked up to the sky to where that certain black dragon was still circling the mountains. "I would have to guess that someone is bored," he said.

Master Elanessë looked up to the sky to where that certain black dragon was still circling the mountains. "I would have to guess that someone is bored," he said.
"Yeah." I said. "Well, maybe next time, I'll bring my dragon Ryujin."

"Your dragon?" Master Elanessë said, shaking his head. "I'm afraid we frown upon any kind of 'owning' a dragon."

"Your dragon?" Master Elanessë said, shaking his head. "I'm afraid we frown upon any kind of 'owning' a dragon."
I shook my head. "Silver Dragon, age one and a half. He's my partner, not a pet, but doesn't always travel with me since he's still a bit young. You see, we've just begun matching up humans and dragons with a plan hatched by my father and the King. It's working well, I guess, but we'll need a few more years to be sure. Like you said, different dragon societies..."

"Interesting," Master Elanessë said. "I apoligise for thinking that you meant my as in owned."

"Interesting," Master Elanessë said. "I apoligise for thinking that you meant my as in owned."
"No problem. I see where that would be misinterpretated." I shrugged.

"Well its a form of slavery," Master Elanessë told him. "If people found out about us we would be treated just the same."

"Well its a form of slavery," Master Elanessë told him. "If people found out about us we would be treated just the same."
I scowled at him. "Master, with all due respect, Ryujin and I are equals in every way. Don't ever think any less of us just because of a different custom."

"You misunderstand me, ownership is a form of slavery, you yourself said you do not own him but are partners," Master Elanessë replied.

"You misunderstand me, ownership is a form of slavery, you yourself said you do not own him but are partners," Master Elanessë replied.
"That's true." I said. "Sorry I snapped like that."

Master Elanessë smiled and silently nodded. "Well I must be getting back to the academy now," he then said.

"Alright. I'll see what's up with Eamonn." I said, looking up, still seeing the dragon form.

"I'm told him to come down," Master Elanessë told him before vanishing into thin air.

The black dragon quickly came into land, his claws digging up large chunks of earth. Eamonn reverted to his human form and grinned at Daniel.

"So what's up, Eamonn?" I grinned back.

"Not much," Eamonn shrugged. "Well other then keeping an eye out on you anyway. So I heard he told you I'm not really human."

"Not much," Eamonn shrugged. "Well other then keeping an eye out on you anyway. So I heard he told you I'm not really human."
I shrugged. "Doesn't matter to me."

Eamonn placed his hands behind his head, his grin had gone. "It's a little weird sometimes because I always feel so human," he said.

"I guess you've been in human form for quite a while..." I said. "before That Incident.

Eamonn nodded. "It is easier to blend in when you look human, less likely to be hunted by pachers," he said.

"Indeed." I nodded. "Luckily, you're a Jedi as well."

"Yeah!" Eamonn agreed with a wide grin. "Meaning I'd have to be in human form more, who'd believe a Jedi dragon."

Kurt and Quatre sat on the steps of the academy as a few students walked out after their lesson and smiled at him, he smiled back. The number of students made him wonder.

"There are alot of students here and they are very loyal towards my family," he told Quatre.

The blond boy nodded. "I know what you are thinking, but they are too inexperianced," he warned him.

"I know," the prince sighed and lay down on his back to look at the sky. "I wish their parents weren't so afraid of my grandfather."

The boy Daniel had seen earlier juggling yellow balls of energy came running out of the academy like he was on fire. Kurt quickly lept up and grabbed him by his t-shirt.

"Whoa where's the fire Akira," he asked.

Akira caught his breath, "The Elders..." he began to say. "The Elders are coming, they're on their way right now."

Kurts eyes widened, he knew something big had to be happening if the elders were coming.

"Where's Master Elanessë?" Akira then asked.

"Out by the mountains," the prince told him, letting go of the boys t-shirt.

Akira wasted no time and ran off in the direction of the mountains.

"Yeah!" Eamonn agreed with a wide grin. "Meaning I'd have to be in human form more, who'd believe a Jedi dragon."
"I would, but that's me!" I laughed. "Let's go back."

Master Elanessë nodded and was about to walk down the path toward the academy when he saw Akira running towards them.

"Master Elanessë!" he called towards him. "The Elders are coming."

The headmaster raised an eyebrow. "The Elders? Hmm," he said, looking very calm. "Then they must think it is the right time."

"Who are they?" I asked.

"The Elder dragons," Master Elanessë said. "They preside over the affairs of dragons, they come from many cultural backgrounds. Some Japanese, some Chinese even."

"The Elder dragons," Master Elanessë said. "They preside over the affairs of dragons, they come from many cultural backgrounds. Some Japanese, some Chinese even."
"Hmm. Sounds like the Dragon Council back home..." I said.

"More then that," Master Elanessë said. "Some of them are exiles from earth, they still represent cultures from there."

"More then that," Master Elanessë said. "Some of them are exiles from earth, they still represent cultures from there."
"If that's true..." I started, then I heard a familiar screech-roar. A large golden-brown dragon and a similar sized silvery-white dragon flew down from the sky. I grinned. "Just as I thought. Right on time, too!"

The two dragons circled around the mountains before descending. They kicked up dust like helicopters as they landed, making me shield my eyes for a second.

"Master Elanessë, meet His Royal Majesty King Sarinoth of the Core Dragons and his son Prince Ryujin!" I announced with a wide grin.

Master Elanessë smiled. "It is good to see you King Sarinoth," he said.

"We'd better get ready," Akira said.

"Yes we should," the headmaster said, "If you'll follow me, I'll lead you to the academy."

"And it's good to see you too." The King said, growing smaller at will until he was just taller than the average human. Ryujin did the same, but at my height. "Lead the way, if you please."

Master Elanessë nodded. "Right this way," he told them and led them down the path with Akira at his side.

Once they had returned to the academy, the students stopped where they were to see the visitors. A few murmured between themselves as they watched. Kurt walked from the steps to see what was going on.

"It's a nice school." Ryujin commented as we arrived.

I nodded. "Yeah. Though kinda loud at times."

A small explosion occurred somewhere.

"See what I mean?" I chuckled.

"I could understand that." Ryujin smiled in his dragon way. That is, with a toothy grin.

"Have my colleagues arrived yet?" Sarinoth asked, idly swishing his tail back and forth.

"Not yet," Kurt told him. "We don't know when they will arrive, only that they are coming."

"I'm early, then." Sarinoth chuckled. Then he turned to the headmaster. "I request a tour of this Academy, if that's appropriate now."

Kurt smiled, "They come in their own time," he said.

Master Elanessë nodded, "Yes, if you wish," he said.

"Good, good." Sarinoth said. "If you will, Prince Kurt?"

Kurt nodded. "Well I guess you've already recognised what building the academy is based off of," he said.

"If you don't mind, I will have to await the Elders arrival," Master Elanessë told them.

Kurt nodded. "Well I guess you've already recognised what building the academy is based off of," he said.

"If you don't mind, I will have to await the Elders arrival," Master Elanessë told them.
"Yes, it's rather recognizeable, very Taj Mahal." Sarinoth said. "Interesting choice for an Academy."

The two of us trailed behind the King.

"--and so we finally managed to defeat the Dark Lady's ship." I said, recounting the latest events to my friend and partner.

"Quite an adventure you had there. Shame I wasn't around to help you out back at the "Norn planet" you called it?"

"Yeah, well, you had to take care of that demon infestation, right?" I asked.

"True." Then he lowered his voice so that only I could hear, knowing that the others will frown on what he'll say next. "The Dragonriders have done well, despite you not being around all the time with your Jedi duties. There's also a new squadron being formed. Kohaku and Cornelius have begun the training session."

"Very good." I nodded, just as low. "Any problems so far?"

"Other than Sarah and Jessica's banter every day? No." We chuckled. Those girls are good friends, noted by their constant good-natured arguments. Yeah, the Dragonriders are working out well, it seems.

Kurt led them inside the academy, he stood beside a door. "This is Master Elanessë's office, he'll show you inside in his own time," he said before pointing towards the the stairs. "And up there are the student and guest rooms." A grin crossed his face. "The guest rooms aren't bad, it's the student room you'll want to avoid going near."

Kurt led them inside the academy, he stood beside a door. "This is Master Elanessë's office, he'll show you inside in his own time," he said before pointing towards the the stairs. "And up there are the student and guest rooms." A grin crossed his face. "The guest rooms aren't bad, it's the student room you'll want to avoid going near."
"Ah. Warning noted." Sarinoth rumbled a soft laugh.

"The classrooms themselves can be at times very dangerous places with students learning their dragon powers," he said, pointing to a young girl who was scrubbing black marks off the wall. "That'll teach you Allana."

The blue haired girl just scowled at him.

"The classrooms themselves can be at times very dangerous places with students learning their dragon powers," he said, pointing to a young girl who was scrubbing black marks off the wall. "That'll teach you Allana."

The blue haired girl just scowled at him.
"Isn't it better to do the training outside? Unless that is, you're concerned about the exposure to human eyes..." Ryujin asked.

"We do it both inside and outside," Kurt explained. "We of course do all the flying outside. We have theory lessons to better understand each others dragon powers. Then there are the usual school lessons like history and languages etc."

"We do it both inside and outside," Kurt explained. "We of course do all the flying outside. We have theory lessons to better understand each others dragon powers. Then there are the usual school lessons like history and languages etc."
"Ah. That makes sense." Sarinoth said. "Carry on..."

Kurt nodded and led them down a corridor to the classroom area. Looking inside they saw a class learning Japanese.

"One of many languages we can learn here," the prince explained. "Since some of the Elders are Japanese most of us decide to learn the language."

Kurt nodded and led them down a corridor to the classroom area. Looking inside they saw a class learning Japanese.

"One of many languages we can learn here," the prince explained. "Since some of the Elders are Japanese most of us decide to learn the language."
"Good idea." Sarinoth nodded. Other than Basic and Huttese, Japanese and German are our main languages in Coreworlds.

"Basic is like our Draconian, most people would say it's English," Kurt remarked, with a sly grin. "Well they could be right, but we've spoken Draconian for thousands of years."

"I myself prefer Babylonian, but no one seems to speak it these days," came a female voice.

A dark skinned woman appeared from an empty classroom.

"Tiamat," Kurt said.

"The one and only," she smiled.

"A pleasure to meet you." Sarinoth bowed his head.

Tiamat smirked. "Likewise," she said. "I take it I'm first as usual."

Kurt rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, looks that way," he said.

"As always, they're about as reliable as a dead cat," she scoffed.

"Indeed." Sarinoth sighed. "Well, it's been a while, Tiamat. Quite a while."

Tiamat folded her arms and smiled at him. "Yes it has," she said, her eyes turning to Daniel. "Interesting, a human."

Tiamat folded her arms and smiled at him. "Yes it has," she said, her eyes turning to Daniel. "Interesting, a human."
"Uh, hello, ma'am." I bowed. "I'm here as a guest of Prince Kurt."

Tiamat laughed. "Ah like that, I see Kurt still hasn't changed then," she smiled.

Kurts eyes widened. "No not like that," he snapped at her.

Her only reply was raise an eyebrow before she laughed once more.

Tiamat laughed. "Ah like that, I see Kurt still hasn't changed then," she smiled.

Kurts eyes widened. "No not like that," he snapped at her.

Her only reply was raise an eyebrow before she laughed once more.
"Sorry, I'm already taken." I chuckled. I think.

Eam won't like that, Kurt joked. "If you want Master Elanessë then he is outside waiting for the rest of you."

"Fine," she scowled, realising that the prince wanted to be rid of her. "That human kid looks a little young, but I guess you were around his age when you dated that chaos weirdo."

She didn't wait for a reply and disappeared, leaving Kurt seething.

"Does she have to antagonize everyone?" I grumbled. I may be young, but I'm also a powerful Knight-in-training, and don't let anyone else forget it!

"Ahh, she always had her own way with others." Sarinoth shook his head. "Don't let her get you up there."

Kurt bit his lower lip, hoping Daniel hadn't caught the comment about chaos. "You just have to show she isn't getting to you," he said. "She swallowed one God and now she thinks she is one."

Kurt bit his lower lip, hoping Daniel hadn't caught the comment about chaos. "You just have to show she isn't getting to you," he said. "She swallowed one God and now she thinks she is one."
"She what?" I asked, eyes twitching.

Sarinoth just roared in laughter.

"She swallowed a Babylonian God by the name of Marduk," Kurt told him. "Myth says he killed her, but as you can see that is just a myth."

"She swallowed a Babylonian God by the name of Marduk," Kurt told him. "Myth says he killed her, but as you can see that is just a myth."
"How the hell..." I shook my head. "Man, she's dangerous!"

"Yep," Kurt said placing his hands behind his head. "That's why she's an Elder, well besides her age anyway. So do you want to carry on the tour?"

"Carry on." Sarinoth nodded.

Kurt nodded and headed down the corridor past some other classrooms, some empty, others had classes of various sizes inside. The prince led them down into a large room.

"This is the Gym, kind of being refitted at the moment though," he told them.

"I see." Sarinoth said.

"Those stairs over there are off limits," Kurt then told them, "as that leads up to the staff quarters."

"Very well." Sarinoth said.

Kurt then led them through some more corridors, showing even more, mostly empty, classrooms. When they had toured all the classrooms, he led them back outside.

"And over there is of course the spaceport," Kurt said, watching a shuttle decending from the sky. "Strange, they're early, I didn't expect them for another couple of days or so."

"Who?" I asked.

"The ones you get along with so terribley well," Kurt smirked at him. "I recognise the shuttle from the Ayreon any day."

"The ones you get along with so terribley well," Kurt smirked at him. "I recognise the shuttle from the Ayreon any day."
"Oh." I groaned.

"Problem?" Ryujin asked.

"Just a couple of idiotic rivals." I clenched my teeth.

"Well you do have a knack for repeatedly upsetting them," Kurt pointed out.

"I suppose." I sighed.

"Well it is my understanding that what you told young Elrohir is unforgivable," came a voice behind them, speaking in Japanese.

Kurt turned around to see an old man dressed in traditional Japanese clothing, stood behind them.

"It is good to see you alive and well Prince Kurt," the old man then said.

"Thank you," the prince smiled.

"Unforgivable? I won't go that far, old one." I scowled. "But enough of that. You are?"

"You told him the deaths of his family didn't matter because you claim to have experianced the deaths of more," the old man said. "Who am I, you ask? I am Ryujin."

"You told him the deaths of his family didn't matter because you claim to have experianced the deaths of more," the old man said. "Who am I, you ask? I am Ryujin."
"My name as well." My silver dragon purred happily, then he sensed the sudden change in my mood, and smacked his forehead with a clawed hand. Oh no, my namesake did not just push Daniel's buttons...

My voice was a growl when I spoke next. "Let me make this clear, Ryujin-sama. I never told him his family didn't matter, only that I understood what he was going through. All...too...well. Now perhaps it didn't come off right, and maybe I shouldn't be so hot all the time when people think I don't understand things like personal death. But I do understand. I have lost my own great-grandfather to the powers of darkness just two years ago. I was 8 years old when the Shivans came, a young child, but I could still hear their proclaimations of death like it was yesterday." Memories flooded to the fore. Memories I have tried hard to forget since those terrible days of darkness. Memories of blood, of burning skies, of death itself. My eyes threatened to tear up, but I forced myself not to. Not in front of everyone.

"Ryujin-sama. Kurt-san, understand this: I have known, I have seen the death of thousands, of millions. I heard the screams of the dying innocents in the Force as my father and the military struggled to fight off a superior enemy! It was a terrible pain, more terrible than I have ever experienced before, and it nearly destroyed me as it has destroyed Elrohir. I would remember their screams until the day I die, and I'll be damned if I let anyone say I do not understand what Elrohir had to go through, because I SUFFERED the same thing!" I yelled the last.

"Daniel...Calm yourself. Please." The King growled softly. "Ryujin, that was out of line even for you, and you know it! You know better, old friend."

Heat turned to cold. "I'm sorry, Sarinoth. I just wish people would leave me alone about Elrohir..."

I walked away, not wanting to say anymore. My Ryujin grew smaller and flew to my shoulders in an attempt to calm me down as I headed outside of the academy and down towards the forest. I need time to relax since in my current state, I'm very close to using the Dark Side.

"He is growing dark," Ryujin mentioned. "And it will bring those near him to the dark as well. His anger shall lead his friends to the dark path. Currently he is tearing Kurt between his loyalty to his people and loyalty to his ally."

"He is growing dark," Ryujin mentioned. "And it will bring those near him to the dark as well. His anger shall lead his friends to the dark path. Currently he is tearing Kurt between his loyalty to his people and loyalty to his ally."
Sarinoth shook his head. "Ryujin, Ryujin, Ryujin. You accuse when you should comfort, pour salt into wounds when you should pour balm. Is it any wonder young Daniel is angry?"

Sarinoth walked on with the tour (unless it's over now).

Ryujin shook his head. "I see no comforting from yourself," he replied taking a pipe out. He lit it up and took a puff. "It is up to them to put their differences aside, outside interferrence will only expand the gulf of anger between the two boys."

Kurt sighed, "Tour's over now," he said and teleported away.

Ryujin shook his head. "I see no comforting from yourself," he replied taking a pipe out. He lit it up and took a puff. "It is up to them to put their differences aside, outside interferrence will only expand the gulf of anger between the two boys."

Kurt sighed, "Tour's over now," he said and teleported away.
"Thank you, Kurt." Sarinoth said. "It's going to be pretty hard to close the gulf as it is. And the other students don't help, either. Neither does Daniel's current hotheadedness help him either. *Sigh* Sometimes I wonder how they survive each other's encounters."

"Who knows," Ryujin shrugged, taking another puff on his pipe. "Especially when you consider the number of run ins they have had."

"Indeed. I see only two paths for them now. A showdown with fists flying or they somehow learn to trust each other. And I can guess which one is more likely."

"Fists perhaps, but I think they will settle their differences and learn to trust one another," Ryujin smiled.

"You certainly have more faith than I in that department." The King chuckled wryly.

----

In the forest, I found a clearing for just Ryujin and me. There, I sat cross-legged, and began to meditate on the Force, to clear my emotions and my mind.

Ryujin smiled. "I see it coming," he said.

Kurt meanwhile embraced Elrohir in a hug. "Glad to see you're alright," he said.

Elrohir said nothing, causing Kurt to sigh.

"So how did you get here so fast?" the prince then asked.

"Devine intervention," Salazar smirked.

My mind was a turbulent storm of chaos, and I had to work to calm it down, as I went through the last few days.

Kurt quietly led Elrohir back to the academy. Ryujin watched, taking a puff from his pipe. Several other students watched as well.

"Come on Elrohir, I'll take you back to your room," the prince told him.

Elrohir silently nodded.

"Is he alright?" The dragon asked.

----

Little by little, my mind begins to calm, as I push my anger and hatred out into the Force.

"He'll be fine," Kurt said before taking him inside.

"Just so long as the Masaki kid keeps his mouth... and mind shut," Ryujin commented in his native Japanese.

"I could say the same goes both ways, but I won't." Sarinoth said. "How many of the others are still arriving?"

"We await the arrival of three," Ryujin told him.

Eamonn sat on the steps near them and placed his head on his knees.

I purged the last of my anger, and then I turned up my mental shields, as I probably might encounter the telepaths again.

"Are you fine now?" Ryujin asked, just finishing off a mouse he's caught.

I nodded as I got up. "Yeah, I'm fine."

I began walking back to the academy.

Kurt took one last look at Elrohir before leaving the room. The young boy lay down on his bed and went to sleep. Outside, the prince found Quatre leaning against the main door.

"He's gone to sleep," he told the blond.

Quatre nodded. "I don't blame him, his mind took a hefty wack," he replied as the prince took his hand and led him down the steps.

I headed into the Academy itself, tired from my ordeal.

Tiamat came out and whispered something in Ryujin's ear.

"Sorry, I must go, I am needed," Ryujin said putting his pipe away. He then followed Tiamat inside.

Kurt sighed, "More secretive stuff," he groaned.

"Hmm. What else is new?" I asked.

"The fact they're here and being secretive in front of us, that's new," Kurt pointed out.

"The fact they're here and being secretive in front of us, that's new," Kurt pointed out.
"Yeah, the King's inside too." I said, looking around for Sarinoth. "I wonder what they're talking about."

"I can only guess," Kurt said, he looked up just in time to see a water balloon heading for Daniel.

"I can only guess," Kurt said, he looked up just in time to see a water balloon heading for Daniel.
I sensed the balloon, and TKed it straight back where it came from with a glance.

The water baloon split as soon as Daniel used the force to push it up again, drenching him. While Kurt had teleported himself to safety, Eamonn got spashed as well.

"Fuck," the young Jedi cursed.

He looked up to see Elrohir stood at a window laughing at them. A smile then crossed Eamonn's face.

The water baloon split as soon as Daniel used the force to push it up again, drenching him. While Kurt had teleported himself to safety, Eamonn got spashed as well.

"Fuck," the young Jedi cursed.

He looked up to see Elrohir stood at a window laughing at them. A smile then crossed Eamonn's face.
I was drenched, and laughed. "Oh, this isn't the end, buddy!"

I concentrated, sending a blast of water from a hose towards Elrohir.

Elrohir quickly shut the window before Daniel could even react and left the room he was in. Kurt returned with an explosion of purple smoke.

"Good to see Elrohir back to his old tricks," he smiled.

Elrohir quickly shut the window before Daniel could even react and left the room he was in. Kurt returned with an explosion of purple smoke.

"Good to see Elrohir back to his old tricks," he smiled.
"Yeah, I guess so." I smiled. "He's faster, too."

Kurt put his hands behind his head. "To be honest I don't know if it is a good thing or not for him to hide his troubles behind pranks," he said.

"Oh you're just still bitter about the bright green dye incident," Eamonn laughed.

"Am not," the prince growled.

Kurt put his hands behind his head. "To be honest I don't know if it is a good thing or not for him to hide his troubles behind pranks," he said.

"Oh you're just still bitter about the bright green dye incident," Eamonn laughed.

"Am not," the prince growled.
"Green dye?" I grinned. "What happened there?"

Kurt grumbled.

"Elrohir but green dye in Kurts shampoo bottle," Eamonn explained and burst out laughing.

Kurt grumbled.

"Elrohir put green dye in Kurts shampoo bottle," Eamonn explained and burst out laughing.
I laughed so hard it hurt, and went rolling. "No wonder you're looking a little green today, Kurt!"

Ryujin just howled with mirth.

Kurt growled as the trio was hit with another water balloon. Only this time it was much larger and drenched all three. Elrohir quickly dived back inside the academy and ran down the hallway.

"Dammit, he is so dead," Kurt growled.

Kurt growled as the trio was hit with another water balloon. Only this time it was much larger and drenched all three. Elrohir quickly dived back inside the academy and ran down the hallway.

"Dammit, he is so dead," Kurt growled.
"He sure is!" I stood up, calling the Force to me. Time to turn the tables on him! I headed inside after Elrohir and focused on the air around me and began to pull out all the air out of the hallway in question.

Kurt teleported himself inside, but couldn't find any sign of where Elrohir went. Eamonn ran in after Daniel, making sure he wasn't going to do anything stupid.

"Now where did he go?" Kurt muttered.

I stopped it once I focused on enough to form a ball of, well, air. I then went in search of Elrohir...

The sound of a throat being cleared was head, both Kurt and Eamonn knew who it belonged to and stopped where they were.

"Your presence is required by the Elders," came Master Elanessë's voice.

The sound of a throat being cleared was head, both Kurt and Eamonn knew who it belonged to and stopped where they were.

"Your presence is required by the Elders," came Master Elanessë's voice.
I dissipated the ball of air, and it hissed away. "Me too?"

Master Elanessë appeared in front of Daniel and nodded. "Yes, you too Master Jarlath," he said and began to walk off, Kurt and Eamonn followed.

Quatre ran in and quickly caught up with Kurt.

Master Elanessë appeared in front of him and nodded. "You too Master Jarlath," he said and began to walk off, Kurt and Eamonn followed.

Quatre ran in and quickly caught up with Kurt.
I followed the others, Ryujin perched on my head.

Master Elanessë led them to the bottom of the staff staircase where Elrohir was stood with a huge grin upon his face.

"You are so going to pay for that Elrohir," Kurt scowled at him.

"There is a time and a place for that Master Wagner," the headmaster told him before accending the stair. "Now is not the time, now follow me, all of you."

I ascended up the stairs with the others.

Master Elanessë led them into a darkened room lit only by candles. The Elders were all sttod in a circle in their natural dragon form.

A black babylonian dragon, in fact Tiamat, stepped forward. "It has been decided by the elders that you, Prince Kurt Wagner II, is now ready to become the Dragon King of Draconis Nightcrawlis and her colonies," she said.

Kurt was astonished, he hadn't been expecting it, not yet anyway. Quatre hugged him.

"Well done Kurt," he said.

"Congratulations, buddy, or should I say, Your Majesty?" I shook his hand. He's now the equal of the King. There's just one more hurdle to go, before he is truly my father's equal.

"Thanks," Kurt said. "Guess I still have to wait for my coronation though."

"Yes as tradition states the dragon and national coronations are one and the same," the dragon known as Nidhoggr told him.

"Thanks," Kurt said. "Guess I still have to wait for my coronation though."

"Yes as tradition states the dragon and national coronations are one and the same," the dragon known as Nidhoggr told him.
"Indeed." King Sarinoth said to Kurt. "And now you know what you must do to ensure your position. Take control of the throne away from Azazel, and you will truly be King of Draconis Nightcrawlis."

I smiled. "Sounds like a Jedi Trial for you as well, Kurt. Might want to contact the Jedi Council about that."

Kurt smiled and nodded. "Knowing them they already know," he replied. "The tough part will be getting to my grandfather, the Norns seem to have set a date for it already and it's a long way from now."

Kurt smiled and nodded. "Knowing them they already know," he replied. "The tough part will be getting to my grandfather, the Norns seem to have set a date for it already and it's a long way from now."
"Yeah. Well, it seems they gave you the time you need to prepare a fleet and an army." I pointed out. "You have the contacts I gave you if you need to build ships, right?"

"Err yeah," Kurt replied. "Problem is, the colonies aren't all that wealthy, well you been to Hmiel DN, and I don't want to start my reign with a huge debt and a whole bunch of IOU's."

"Err yeah," Kurt replied. "Problem is, the colonies aren't all that wealthy, well you been to Hmiel DN, and I don't want to start my reign with a huge debt and a whole bunch of IOU's."
"Hmm. That's a problem." I said, knowing how expensive a Star Destroyer can be, much a fleet large enough to threaten Azazel's forces. "Aside from asking us for aid (which of course we'll lend), you'd need to buy up what you can with the cash you've got and still have enough for other things."

Ahh, budgeting problems. How I love them...as much as I love Proximo Leeches, creatures native to Caligula that can absorb you if you touch them, suffocating you.

"But still, the Kukai Foundation has promised us some ships and well, we did hijack the Ayreon and a couple of other ships," Kurt then said. "So it's not a complete loss."

"But still, the Kukai Foundation has promised us some ships and well, we did hijack the Ayreon and a couple of other ships," Kurt then said. "So it's not a complete loss."
"Hmm. You could keep trying that, but you'd need another resource of building up forces..." I said.

"Take both avenues," Kurt said. He noticed that the Elders had reverted to human form and were leaving the room. "I think we should do the same."

"Take both avenues," Kurt said. He noticed that the Elders had reverted to human form and were leaving the room. "I think we should do the same."
I nodded as we headed out of the room. "Use both avenues. Since you don't have a big economy, you could get from Kuat Drive ships up to Strike Cruiser-class. They aren't Star Destroyers, but they'll still pack good firepower, and at cheaper prices too."

Kurt nodded before heading out of the staff quarters. "The main thing is to know how to defeat my grandfather himself and to get to him," he said. "I have been close but I doubt he'll leave it to chance again."

Kurt nodded before heading out of the staff quarters. "The main thing is to know how to defeat my grandfather himself and to get to him," he said. "I have been close but I doubt he'll leave it to chance again."
"Well, I don't know how much that I could help you with defeating Azazel." I shrugged. "Depends on what level of power he's at. Since he's your grandfather, I'd assume he's quite powerful in the Force and in draconic magic."

"Doubt he can use the force," Kurt shrugged. "He's very strong with his dragon powers, I think he's been learning about other forms of magic as well."

"Doubt he can use the force," Kurt shrugged. "He's very strong with his dragon powers, I think he's been learning about other forms of magic as well."
"Hmm. Well, some say magic is the Force by other means." I shrugged. "But anyway, I'm wondering just how powerful your grandfather is."

"No one knows truely how powerful he is," Kurt sighed as they headed outside. "Just don't underestimate him."

"No one knows truely how powerful he is," Kurt sighed as they headed outside. "Just don't underestimate him."
"I understand." I nodded. "I hope you find a way to defeat him."

-----

Later on, I felt that it was time to leave. "Hey, Kurt. I need to get to my fighter. Where is it?"

"It's still aboard the Ayreon," Kurt told him.

"It's still aboard the Ayreon," Kurt told him.
"Ok. Stand back." I smirked. I closed my eyes and reached deeply into the Force. I went in search of the Ayreon, and headed 'inside'. There, it's still in the hangar bay. Boy, Rocky's going to be surprised. I concentrated on the X-wing, willing it to appear before me.

That was when Rocky the droid noticed something funny about the fighter. It began to shake, then it disappeared.

"BWEEET!" Rocky squealed in alarm, activating his sensors to try and detect what happened to it. He noticed no smoke, no debris that would denote an explosion, and was confused as to what happened. Then he, too began to shake, and disappeared, reappearing in front of his master and the fighter. "Beep bweep beep beep!"

"Nice trick, eh? I discovered it while levitating rocks, and well, one day, I just decided to try to teleport objects rather than me." I explained to Kurt. "Largest object I've 'ported so far."

It was draining, too.

"Impressive," Kurt smirked. "You look knackered now though, must drain alot out of you."

"Impressive," Kurt smirked. "You look knackered now though, must drain alot out of you."
"Yeah, I am." I sighed, and ate a MRE to replenish energy. Then I noticed the King spread his wings and take flight, as did Ryujin. "Well, it looks like it's time to go, Kurt."

[Music: Throne Room from A New Hope]

Then I grew solemn. "Dragon King and DN Prince Kurt Wagner the Second, remember my words: I, Prince and Jedi Knight Daniel Alexander Masaki will always be by your side when you call, even unto the end! When the time is right, call me in the Force, as loud as you can. If I'm busy in some war or other Jedi mission, I will send help. If not, I'll come myself. But no matter what, I will always be there to aid you, as my best of friends." I climbed up and opened the cockpit, putting on my helmet. "And remember, May The Force Be With You...Always!"

I TKed Rocky into his socket, and then keyed in the preflight. The repulsarlifts roared to life, and I saluted to Kurt before taking off, and he returned it. Once I took off, I followed the Dragons (who have the Fly in Space and Breathe in Space spells working together; They'll teleport if necessary.) offplanet. The Dragons piled into the Dragonflame, and as soon as that was done, the Firestorm and Dragonflame squadrons formed up and keyed in the necessary hyperspace coordinates for home.

5...4...3...2...1...Jump! I jumped first, followed by the rest of the fleet, straight towards the wormhole connecting this galaxy with ours, and soon, we headed home.

Kurt smiled to himself and headed inside the academy. He had a long journey ahead of him, one that would test him very hard and he did not know how long it would take. However, the one thing he did know was that the journey would finish with him upon the throne as King of Draconis Nightcrawlis.