It was a relatively sunny day when Juka decided to go hunting. Grabbing his boots and his late father's crossbow, He headed for the door. He called out to his mother "Mom I'm going out, Do you need anything?" She responded "We need fish and mutton for dinner tonight." Juka was slightly puzzled, They only had two or three course meals whenever they had guests. He eventually decided against prying about it and headed out. He quickly forgot about the matter as he indulged himself in hunting a snow white jackrabbit that triggered the tripwire trap not too far away from him. Meanwhile, chaos ensued in the Council of Dragons, high above most mountains sat a large, edged table with seats that represented each element. Earth, Fire, Water, Storm, Air, Light, Darkness and Ice. There was an argument between Niven, the Ice dragon seat and Veldora, the Storm dragon seat about the humans learning their magical ways and rising up to slaughter them. "Slaughtering them would bring great benefits to all dragons" Niven pointed out "There will be more food, less blacksmith smoke to fly through and less polluted water to deal with. The water hatchlings need clean water rich in mana to grow and become stronger and build their own nest, but how can they do that if the humans keep desecrating our lakes and oceans, the hatchlings might not be aware of it now, but a war is brewing." Veldora stood against such violent acts and preferred peaceful notions. "I disagree, I think that collaborating with the humans will bring us both prosperity." Most of the dragons agreed with Veldora, but Nightmare, the Darkness seat shared Niven's vision of a world without humans, feelings of hatred slowly rekindled within Nightmare's mind.
"Night, what is your opinion on Niven's suggestion to remove humans from the equation as our ancestors did, do you side with her or with us?", Veldora questioned his good friend. Niven interrupted, " Think about this decision Nightmare, Who would you rather protect, humans or your kin?", Repressed memories came flooding back to him, he still questioned himself about what had happened to his father on that day. "I.... don't know," He replied after what seemed like an eternity, "I need more time to think this through." He looked to the others, hoping they would help him figure out what he was feeling, but to no avail, Veldora saw this and dismissed the Dragons Summit earlier than usual. While all the other dragons flew off to their respective elemental clans, Veldora was able to get some one on one time with his childhood friend. "Night, are you okay? ," Veldora questioned, " Is the pressure too much for you?". Nightmare replied, " It's not that, what Niven said." Nightmare paused for a minute while the horrible events of that day rang out in his head, he shuddered, " It.... just really hit home for me". Veldora knew all too well what he was talking about, The Shadow Raid.
Just as there are clans and guilds for each element in the dragon society, there were guilds and clans in the human realm, There was a special night for the rookies of each clan, The Right of Passage ( big fancy words for a test). You would have until the end of the day to have either a dragon's pelt or a dragon's head, Or if you were lucky, the weapon you used to slay the dragon would be infused with the dragon's power. You would be enrolled in the clan and undergo regular training if you had the pelt or head. But if you had the elemental weapon, you would receive upper classes included with the training. While the pelt and head would get you footsoldier training and basic dragon weak points, The elemental weapon would get you footsoldier training, basic and advanced dragon weak points, poison chemistry, and battlefield tactics.
"Well you can put those memories behind you now, You have a seat at the Summit and a chance to change things for the better and improve your clan's reputation, so that it can live up to the DarkWing clan's glory days and possibly surpass them" Veldora said as he and Nightmare walked into his home town Atmos. The vendors and people on the street and in the air all flocked to Veldora as he was quite a famous dragon. "Settle down, one at a time" said Veldora trying to put some order to the crowd that was slowly growing. The thunderous flapping of wings and the stampede of claws irked Nightmare, who enjoys peace and quiet, yet he stuck around Veldora who was always a magnet for dragons of all elements.
"Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever understand how we became friends" Nightmare said quite suddenly
As Nightmare and Veldora navigated through the bustling streets of Atmos, Niven slinked away from the council chambers, her mind consumed by dark schemes. Deep within the shadows of a hidden cavern, she communed with her mysterious master, a figure shrouded in malevolence and ancient power.
"My dear Niven, the time approaches swiftly," the master's voice echoed through the cavern, dripping with sinister intent. "Patience is our ally. The seeds of discord have been sown, and soon they will sprout into chaos. Continue to manipulate the council, and when the moment is ripe, we shall strike."
Niven bowed her head obediently, her icy eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Yes, master. The dragons remain divided, but their weakness shall be our strength. Together, we shall reshape this world in our image."
Back in Atmos, Nightmare's mind churned with conflicting emotions as he walked alongside Veldora. Despite his outward agreement with Veldora's ideals of peace and cooperation, a small voice whispered in the depths of his consciousness, urging him to consider Niven's ruthless proposition.
"I know what you mean, Nightmare," Veldora replied, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "Our friendship is an enigma, forged in the fires of adversity and tempered by mutual respect. But perhaps that is what makes it so special."
Nightmare nodded, though his thoughts drifted elsewhere. The memory of his father's fate, the Shadow Raid, haunted him like a specter, fueling his inner turmoil. Could Niven's radical plan truly be the solution to securing their future? Or was there another path, one of redemption and reconciliation?
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the city, Nightmare's resolve wavered. In the darkness of night, amidst the whispers of betrayal and ambition, the seeds of dissent took root within his troubled soul. And unbeknownst to Veldora, their friendship stood on the precipice of uncertainty, teetering between loyalty and treachery.