Chapter 1
Strike loved the sky. He loved to fly among the clouds and feel the breeze whip around him. Today, Strike was doing just that, feeling the warm sun beat down on him. He flew through a cloud and was instantly soggy from the precipitation inside of it. "Ah!" Strike exclaimed, wiping the water off his vibrant red-russet scales. Since he was half MudWing and half SkyWing, his underbelly, horns, and talons were russet-brown and the rest of his scales were red and some streaks of gold. As Strike started to fly again, he heard his mother's voice shoot through the clouds.
"Strike!" Peril cried, all the way from the ground. "Come here, please!" "Okay!" Strike shouted back to his mother, starting to descend. Ten seconds later, Strike was standing at the steps of his family's hut in the the now peaceful SkyWing kingdom. Things had changed after SkyWing rebels had killed Queen Ruby and elected a good leader, Queen Gambit. She rebuilt the old queen's gladiator arena and made a village there for the SkyWings. Strike and his family lived in that village. Then, Peril came outside with Clay, former dragonet of destiny and Strike's father. "Son, there's been a school built for dragonets in Jade Mountain." Clay said. "We want to send you there to meet some other dragonets your age." Strike thought for a moment. " Maybe I should! I could meet some friends, learn a lot, and have some fun! Why not?" Strike thought. "Sure, Dad! I'll give it a try!" Strike exclaimed, having a good feeling about his decision. He knew he wanted to go to school. "Okay, Strike," Peril said."You have to promise you'll be good." "We don't want you causing any problems at school." Peril was right. Sometimes Strike, being the rascal dragonet he was, caused a lot of trouble. "Okay, Mother, I'll be good." Strike said. "School starts in a week, so I'll have to go to Jade Mountain this afternoon to sign you up, Strike." Clay said. Strike was so excited. He couldn't wait. That afternoon, after Clay had left for Jade Mountain, Strike was inside with Peril, having lunch. "Thanks for lunch, Mother!" Strike was chewing on a chicken wing, and Peril replied disapprovingly, "Strike, don't talk with food in your mouth!" Remembering her manners, though, Peril quickly said, "You're welcome, Strike." "I hope Dad's having a safe trip to Jade Mountain, Mom, Strike said. "I don't know what we would do if anything happened to him!" Strike thought about Clay. His dad could dim-witted sometimes, but he was a very kind dragon and very protective of his family. Strike had 3 uncles and 4 aunts but Clay was the nicest out of all his siblings. He had protected them during the Great War twelve years ago when Clay, Uncle Starflight, Aunt Glory, Aunt Sunny, and Aunt Tsunami had saved the world and restored order to all of Pyrrhia. Strike loved his father and hoped he had a safe trip.
That afternoon, Strike headed to the village. His older brother, Granite, lived ten huts over with his mate, Celeste. Granite was a big, strong dragon with all russet scales and with red underscales. He was kind, loyal dragon and reminded Strike of Clay in every way. Strike thought of Granite as kind of a role model. Strike visited Granite a lot. Today, though, he was going there to tell him the great news of him going to school. As Strike walked down the path, he saw small dragonets playing on the ground, rolling and giggling happily. He saw dragons flying above him, hunting for food for their families. Strike finally got his brother's hut and knocked on the door. "Granite!" He called out, hoping to get his brother's attention. After two minutes, Strike was getting annoyed. Then, he slowly pushed the door open and entered the hut. Strike tried calling Granite's name once more, and even called Celeste a couple times, but his efforts were to no avail. There was no sign of his brother anywhere. "Oh no!" Strike thought frantically as he checked the hut for any sign of Granite or Celeste. Then, Strike found a note on the back of the door. Strike read it aloud. " To anyone who is reading this, please help. Me and my wife Celeste, are being held captive by MudWing forces by now. Or dead. If possible, please send help as soon as possible. - Granite. "OH NO!" Strike cried. My brother is being captured by the MudWings!" "I must find help!" With that, Strike rushed out of the hut.
