Beneath the endless expanse of the ocean, a kingdom shimmered in twilight—a magnificent realm sculpted into coral and volcanic rock. Towers of bioluminescent algae and crystal-clear spires rose in intricate patterns, casting hues of gold and cerulean into the water. Schools of fish, some no larger than a coin and others the size of small vessels, darted around the structures, creating a living tapestry. At the heart of it all stood the Deepward Citadel, the underwater bastion of the dragon prince, General Azarios.
Azarios, the eldest of Arman's sons, was an image of stoic elegance. He stood on the citadel's balcony, his shimmering golden scales catching the light of the distant sun filtering through the water. Around him swirled his division, a unique regiment of dragon warriors and aquatic humanoids who patrolled the kingdom's borders. Among them was a crab-like general, his exoskeleton polished to a mirror-like sheen.
"Your Highness," the crab-man rumbled, his claws clicking with each syllable, "the reports are true. The ocean itself shifted when the roar was heard."
Azarios turned his golden eyes toward the horizon, his expression unreadable. "A roar that powerful could only mean one thing: a dragon of immense potential has been born. My brother, Sly, is the cause."
The crab-man hesitated, then asked, "Should we prepare for visitors from beyond the kingdom?"
"Not yet," Azarios replied, his voice steady. "Our duty remains to protect the borders and the endangered. But I will leave the Citadel briefly to see him." He paused, his gaze softening in a rare display of warmth. "He is family, after all."
A great underwater vessel loomed nearby, pulled by three enormous sea horses whose flowing manes sparkled like liquid silver. Azarios descended the citadel steps with regal precision, boarding the vessel as his division saluted. As the ship began its journey, smaller sea creatures darted away in reverence, and the massive predators of the deep gave the vessel a wide berth, instinctively wary of its powerful passenger.
Far above, under the blazing sun on an isolated, verdant island, chaos reigned within a massive cave. Boisterous laughter and clinking mugs filled the air as dozens of muscular, antlered men reveled in merriment. The largest among them sat atop a makeshift throne—a jagged boulder—grinning as he downed a massive horn of ale. Theros, the second-born prince and self-proclaimed "King of Rascals," was an imposing figure with golden antlers gleaming in the dim light.
"Lads!" Theros bellowed, his voice booming through the cavern. "Did you hear that roar earlier? That was no ordinary sound. That was my baby brother announcing his arrival into this world!"
The crowd erupted into cheers and laughter.
"Aye, Your Highness," one of his goons replied, grinning as he raised his mug. "But what's the rush? Your father's too majestic to bother with us up here."
Theros laughed heartily, his voice shaking the walls. "Majestic, you say? Majestic enough to tan my hide if I don't show up to meet Sly soon! And if I'm in trouble, so are all of you!"
The room broke into laughter, but they hurried to finish their drinks, scrambling to pack supplies. Theros stood, his massive form commanding attention. "Alright, lads! Time to leave. We'll swim faster than ever because I don't fancy getting another lecture from Father!"
The men followed him out to the island's shore, diving into the waves. As they submerged, their bodies began to shift—muscles rippling, scales emerging, and antlers elongating. Within moments, they became dragons, their powerful forms slicing through the water with speed and grace. Theros, larger and brighter than the rest, led the charge with a terrifying roar that made the ocean ripple for miles, his golden scales illuminating the dark depths.
Meanwhile, back in the throne room of the Dragon Kingdom, the mood was… less dignified.
"I look twenty years younger!" an official exclaimed, flexing his rejuvenated muscles. "I may finally find a mate!"
Another official, now sporting a full head of hair, twirled a lock around his finger with pride. "Who knew the prince's roar could be so transformative? We must ensure he roars daily! Perhaps we should—"
"Enough!" Arman's deep voice thundered, silencing the room. He rose from his throne, his imposing form shrinking as he shifted into his humanoid shape, now a commanding yet graceful figure standing 2.5 meters tall. "This court has work to do. Compose yourselves!"
As the chastised officials settled down, Arman turned to leave . "We're going to see Sly. The rest of you—stay here and think about how foolish you've been acting."
leaving behind a room full of sulking but secretly plotting officials.
Under the sea, the dragon princes' paths converged. Azarios' sleek vessel glided through the depths, meeting Theros and his entourage. The golden dragon prince shifted back into his humanoid form, still wet from his swim, grinning widely as he landed on the vessel's deck.
"Brother!" Theros exclaimed, clapping Azarios on the back hard enough to make even the stoic prince stumble slightly. "Miss me?"
Azarios sighed but couldn't suppress a small smile. "Theros. I see your antics haven't diminished."
"Antics? It's called charm!" Theros declared, throwing an arm around his brother's shoulder. "But enough about me—did you feel the roar? Our baby brother's a big deal already!"
"I noticed," Azarios replied, his voice softening again. "Which is why I'm headed back."
"Well, you can't leave me out! Let's go together and give the little guy a proper welcome!" Theros laughed, his good-natured mischief lighting up the scene as the vessel surged forward, cutting through the depths with renewed vigor.
Back in the nursery, Sly lay content in Daenarys' arms, blissfully unaware of the family reunion brewing just beyond the kingdom's borders. His glowing pupils flickered with traces of his newfound power as he gazed at Kayla, who was busy recounting her plans to be his mentor.
"Sly," she said with a wink, "when you're old enough, I'll teach you everything. We'll take over the world—or at least prank Father enough to get away with it!"
Daenarys shook her head with a smile. "Let's not overwhelm him, Kayla. He's already destined for greatness."
Unbeknownst to them, their family was growing closer by the moment, with the two brothers carrying not just stories but the promise of unity and strength in the face of the challenges ahead.
And somewhere deep in the ocean, unseen forces stirred, their focus drawn to the monumental power emerging from the youngest prince of the dragon kingdom.