The first rays of dawn stretched over the rugged landscape as Zede and Kylan gathered a small group of dragons, preparing them for a critical mission. With the morning light reflecting off their scales, the dragons awaited their instructions, wings poised for flight. The once-captive girls, looking weary but grateful, assembled in loose groups, anxiously awaiting their journey to the borders of human territories.
Amidst them, two notable figures stood out: a fierce, resolute Centaurus Princess Dyrin, her equine lower body pawing the ground in anticipation, and the Goblin Princess Clia, her sharp eyes glancing around with equal parts caution and curiosity. They approached Kylan, who was organizing the departing dragons.
"What's happening back home?" the Clia asked, her voice betraying a mix of concern and urgency.
Kylan's expression darkened. "Your kingdoms... they're embroiled in war against the humans. With your disappearance, suspicions turned to anger, and diplomacy fell apart. This is our chance to end it—your return could be the key to restoring peace."
The Dyrin gave a determined nod. "Then there's no time to waste."
Without delay, the dragons lined up, offering their backs to the girls who climbed up cautiously. Goblin and Centaurus Princesses, however, had a different plan. With a fierce, loyal gaze, the Centaurus Princess Dyrin offered her back to the Clia, who climbed on with practiced ease. The two nodded in mutual understanding as they joined the procession.
"Keep close," Zede called to Kylan as they lifted off. Both of them had activated their advanced thrust boots, engines humming as they took to the sky in a burst of energy. Jacob, with a beat of his dragon wings, joined them, soaring alongside with practiced control.
In an organized flow, the procession ascended into the brightening sky. The girls clung tightly to the dragons, eyes wide with wonder and relief, as the world stretched out far below. From their vantage, the lands sprawled in a mosaic of rolling hills, rivers glistening like threads of silver winding toward distant mountains. The border, a thin line on the horizon, grew closer with each passing second.
As they flew, Jacob kept an eye on the Goblin and Centaurus Princesses, who galloped across the land below, an impressive display of determination and speed as the Centaurus Princess covered ground with remarkable swiftness, the Goblin Princess holding on, her eyes fixed ahead.
The silence was soon broken by Kylan, who flew up beside Jacob, his face serious. "If we're going to stop this war, it'll be because of what they're doing. Their kingdoms will listen if they return safely."
Jacob nodded, determination solidifying in his gaze. "Let's make sure they reach those kingdoms. They deserve a peaceful world, and if they can bring it, we'll get them there safely."
After an intense, focused journey, the human territories finally came into view, their borders a familiar, yet tension-laden sight. The dragons began their descent, spiraling down gracefully, their passengers looking both nervous and eager to finally set foot on familiar soil. Jacob, Zede, and Kylan followed close, touching down softly as the girls dismounted.
On the battlefield, dust clouds rose as the Centaurs charged, their hooves thundering across the field toward the human lines. Goblin archers rained arrows down upon the human soldiers, who were bracing with shields raised and weapons drawn, pushing forward in determined defense.
From a vantage point, Aayam, overseeing the chaos and strategizing to minimize losses, noticed a figure emerging through the haze. At first, it was a shadow, a silhouette lost amidst the dust kicked up by the relentless charge. But as it drew closer, the figure took form, revealing Princess Dyrin with Clia on her back. They moved at a steady pace, directly toward the heart of the battlefield.
A murmur ran through the ranks as the two princesses became visible, their determined expressions unmistakable. Aayam's eyes widened as he recognized Kylan, Zede, and Jacob following close behind, accompanied by the other rescued girls. Relief and pride filled his face as he caught sight of Kylan and Zede, who had successfully completed their mission.
Cheers and shouts of joy echoed through the human ranks as both sides caught sight of the long-missing royal figures. Soldiers momentarily lowered their weapons, stunned by the reunion and the return of the captives. But as the dust settled, the crowd's joyous expressions turned to alarm, for standing behind the rescue party were dragons—massive and imposing.
A collective gasp swept across the battlefield, and, instinctively, soldiers from both sides raised their weapons again, faces pale with fear and distrust as they braced for yet another fight.
Seeing the tension rise, Dyrin raised her voice, her tone steady but commanding. "Lower your weapons!" she called to the soldiers.
Beside her, Clia joined, raising her hands in a gesture of peace. "These dragons are our allies. They helped free us. They are here to stand beside us, not against us!"
A hush fell over the battlefield as warriors from both sides looked uncertainly between each other, their eyes flicking back and forth from the dragons to the princesses.