So... it's been a while...
Splinter and I have been busy with life and whatnot. That's not to say that we've been completely unable to write; we've just been working on our own stories rather than any joint ones.
However, an idea hit me, and after running it with my good friend, decided to try this out.
DISCLAIMER: Neither of us are DC comics or Warner Brothers. Therefore, we do not own Teen Titans.
King of Emerald owns Solor and the dragons of Lair.
Splinter owns Edward.
DISCLAIMER 2: This story does NOT follow the story of the Double Dragon Trouble series, nor does it follow either of the continuities of our individual stories. This is more for people who have read our older stories. If you're new to the story, welcome and enjoy! This is more of an alternate history for the two dragons.
XxXxXxX
This is the beginning of the report of Kiinnum, mortal alias of Edward Barnes.
I've been requested to write down in detail the happenings of the next few months while under my mission. I know that usually a vocal report is more than enough, but considering I have little access to Memory Crystals, I think it'd be best if I hand physical paper copies to the representative that will be checking on me and my charge.
I know you're reading this, Father. Hello to you, too.
Starting today, I will be writing my report of Filkiin, Heir Potential of the Light. He has not yet chosen a mortal alias. It seems his hatred of humans is still quite prominent, even though it has been five hundred years since his last brother has been killed. I know, technically incorrect, since I'm still alive (three thousand and still young), but I'm not sure how I stand with him. It has been a very long time since he and I have been in contact with each other. I still remember him as a hatchling, not the angry young man he's become. I regret not being there for him, to guide him through his anger ... this is my penance.
So, why am I watching over him again?
XxXxXxX
"Hello, Kiinnum."
Edward blinked. He had not been expecting this when he stepped into his one-bedroom apartment; a man that looked like a grizzled war hero sat, waiting for him in his favorite chair. His short hair was combed neatly, but there was some stubble along his strong jaw-line, his piercing blue eyes observing his "host" with great intensity.
Edward couldn't help but sigh. "It's been five hundred years, Dad; I'd think you'd call me by my name."
"I am calling you by your name", the older man said, standing up. "The name that your mother gave you the day you hatched, the day when your multi-colored shell cracked open and you stumbled out. I am more than aware of your wish to be called 'Edward Barnes', but to me you are my son first and an exile second." At that particular word, the older man flinched, realizing what he said. "I mean... well, you know-"
"Yes, Father, I know", Edward said. "As you know it was my choice to live here and not back home with you and your mate and her children." The brown-haired man turned, raising an eyebrow. "How is she, by the way? I haven't seen her since-"
"She's dead."
For the second time, Edward couldn't stop from blinking in surprise, before his face twisted into a look of sorrow. "I'm... I'm sorry. I know you were heartbroken after losing Mom... I can't imagine the pain..."
"Worry not about me, Kiinnum", his father responded. "I am older. Stronger. I can handle this myself. And I'm not here to share bad news alone." He motioned for Edward to sit, and once he was seated, he spoke again.
"I need you to take in your younger brother... I am certain you remember Filkiin?"
"One of the Heir Potentials? Why do I need to take him in?"
"Because... he did not take the news of his mother's eminent death very well. His anger got the better of him, and he made a grave mistake. In lieu of his position, we have decided to give him a chance to redeem himself. Should he find humility in living with the 'creatures' he despises so much, he may return with his status restored... and if he impresses, I may make my decision for Light Heir."
"You're considering him?" Edward asked. "After all this time, you're finally choosing an Heir..."
That made his father frown. "Kiinnum, you know you were my very first choice. I would have been more than happy to name you my heir. But... you know how the Circle works."
"Yes, yes", Edward stated with an angry scowl. "Balance is priority, only a pure Light Dragon can be Heir of Light, hybrid racism, blah blah blah."
That made the Grand Light glare. "It's not racism and you know that. We cannot risk having another dragon as powerful as the Traitor deciding to side against us. The Circle has been incomplete without the Darkness; it would not be stable if the Light was taken away as well. It is not here and now that we should discuss this, either, my son. I came to offer you a mission, nothing more."
Edward thought about it for a few moments, his heart heavy at the loss of his step-mother, before nodding, "Fine. I will take in my wayward younger brother. I will be fair with him, Father, in teaching him about living with the mortals. May I ask why he is being sent here? I know his temper can be as fierce as the noonday sun in the desert."
Sol said, "What I am allowed to divulge is that he is being banished from Lair for Treason. This is a one time exemption to the usual punishment."
Edward raised an eyebrow, "I never thought my younger brother would be charged with such a serious crime against the Circle, but, given his issues, I am not surprised. I'm sure that at some point that he will tell me. He best not display his anger towards me, though. Yes, I have been living among the humans for a long time now, and, I have not shown them what I am. I will help him redeem himself, and should he be elevated to Light Heir, I will support that choice. I understand why the Circle is wary of losing the Light."
The older man nodded, giving a sigh. "Good. I am glad you agreed... I fear what your brother would do if left to his own designs." He spoke in a tongue not known to mortal ears, and soon a black void opened up right in front of them. "Shall you join me? This may be your last chance to visit before your brother begins living with you."
"I think that would be a good idea", Edward said after a moment's pause. "I can visit Mom's grave one more time, and give my respects to Iilahkun. I am certain that Filkiin will probably be there, as well."
The two men entered the void, and for a moment, there was nothing but darkness around them. Edward involuntarily shivered; it had been many years since he felt this void around him. Without a need to open tears of reality to move around, this spell was almost never used by him.
Another moment and they were suddenly within the light. The sound of his father's bones stretching and popping filled his ears, and Edward turned to see his father become a beast of legend. Golden scales covered him from head to toe, with dark horns protruding from his skull. A trail of large, golden spines traveled down his back, showing the perfect symmetry of his terrifying, large wings. A mighty roar ripped out of his throat, and his transformation was complete as his tail hit the ground behind him, forced to stand on all fours once more.
"Ah... much better", the dragon said, shaking his head as his body swayed slightly under the force. His long neck twisted as he turned to look down at Edward. "I cannot see how you can stand being stuck in that tiny form for days on end; you cannot be serious about being comfortable in that body."
Edward replied, "Lair has how many dragons hidden in various cultures? They all have to be as human as possible. However, as I am home..." It was Sol's turn to watch as his oldest son transformed from a human into a dragon. Instead of golden scales, Edward's were bronze. He could have chosen different colors due to his "unique" heritage, but, it was to honor Iilah, his mother, who had a darker shade than his father. His spine ridges flashed in the sunlight as his size increased to rival even some Earth Dragons. From snout to tail, Edward was close to 150 meters long. His horns looked downright deadly as well as beautiful. He rumbled as well, glad for the chance to be himself.
"Our agents only stay in form for fifty years or so with many intermissions to be given a chance to stretch their wings; you've been doing this for over a thousand years", Sol said with a deadpan.
"I do stretch my wings, Dad," Edward replied with a smirk, "I would do so more openly, if allowed to reveal myself. But, the mortals would likely panic if I flew over their cities in my true form unless they saw me actively rescuing people or being one of their heroes. There are areas of Earth where a dragon can be himself without being seen. However, I do understand your point. Maybe I should make more visits back here, since my 'exile' is voluntary.
"Being in such a tiny form reminds me that while I am getting older, that I have to stay humble.
"The humans are interesting to me and, well, at the time, the others here were wary of a hybrid. Knowing that the Traitor is one of my sires has not helped much. Too many dragons can't hide their racism. That no longer bothers me. If they do not like it, they can kiss my bronze backside."
Sol raised a brow at that, but a small smile betrayed the corner of his lips. "Well... let us hope that kind of view can be imparted on your brother." He flapped his wing, signaling Edward to follow with a roar as the two took to the sky. They flew through the mountains, soaring among the peaks as they headed for their graveyard. Several other golden and copper dragons flew through the air, eying Edward with caution as they gave him a wide berth so as to not obstruct his flight. Edward sighed, a puff of smoke escaping.
Even now, they fear me. I'm not going to demand Bloodbath if they look at me wrong. My time with the humans has taught me a great many things.
"As you know, your brother hates humans. I am afraid it is more than simple anger for what happened to the last of his nestmates; I fear he truly despises them, and nothing can bring him back from that", Sol explained. "Do you remember Kreinkin, his twin?"
"Killed by a human raid, correct?" Edward asked, raising a brow. "That was over five hundred years ago, though! Surely he's at least mellowed out over that? I did come back to mourn alongside him. I might not have agreed of your choice of mate after Mother's death, but, I had to respect it as the will of the First."
"I cannot accurately confirm that", Sol admitted shamefully. "He has refused to join any missions to the human world unless it is to fight traitors. He preferred to stay with Iilahkun. I think, even if he was not aware of it, he could sense the rot taking root in her. He clung desperately to the last, closest family he had left... and his loss has turned his heart bitter. Very different from the hatchling that you were praising back when he was ten."
Edward sighed, "He certainly had the potential, even then. Losing Kreinkin to a mortal blade was a blow to all of us, Dad. Then again, there's not many of the children of Feylfil left. Me, Filkiin, Sosfil, and Sahqokrein, correct?"
"Indeed. And with Sahqo gone missing as well, it leaves your brother and sister as the only Heir Potentials left in my lineage. And I know of your disdain at the thought of Sosfil becoming Heir. I don't have to look at you to see you grimace at the thought", Sol said with a smirk, while Edward made a low rumble, knowing he had been caught. "That is why I bargained for a chance of redemption; Filkiin is the only one left with the greatest potential to soar beyond the limits that we lay for him."
"I do not trust her, Father," Edward said, "I sense that she wants dragons to fear her, instead of the proper respect shown to you and the rest of the Circle. To me, I would want the population of Lair to just give me the respect that is due willingly, not because I would unleash my blessings against them or demand a pointless bloodbath. She is driven to be Heiress to the point that I wonder if it isn't a fixation of hers. I know I have no say in an official manner, and, I am sorry for how I feel towards her. With the Circle not wanting to risk losing another Grand to the same ... illness ... that Oblaan has, your logic is correct. I haven't even been able to locate Sahqo, much to my dismay."
"It is not your job to look after Sahqo, Kiinnum", Sol said. "He was an adult when he left; it was his decision to throw his chance away. I hold no ill will towards him, should he choose to return home." He flared his wings, slowing down as they both glanced downward. "Here we are... and there he is."
"I am aware of this, Father," Edward said, "the fact remains that Sahqo is still my brother and therefore, I am concerned for his safety. With their only being the four of us siblings left, we should be our brother's keeper, even if in name only."
Edward looked down to see his brother putting the final touches on his mother's grave, embedding an emerald between a sapphire and an amethyst. The old dragon could hardly believe how much Filkiin looked like their father; if it weren't for the green eyes, he could easily pass as a much younger Sol. The dragon lowered his head, closing his eyes as a low rumble escaped his nostrils, obviously very much in pain. Next to that lay another, long settled cairn of stones where Edward's mother lie in repose.
"Perhaps this is a bad time", Sol said, suddenly doubting himself. "I'm supposed to send him away as soon as he's done with the grave... but... he's hurting so much. I wish that Iilahkun could tell me what to do; she knew him best out of anyone. I do not want to get into an argument with him that may drive a deeper wedge between us."
Edward thought for a moment, "He needs a chance to sing for her. He might not lash out at me. He would certainly lash out at you in his anger. Would you allow this?"
After another moment, Sol nodded, and Edward descended. A mighty thud was heard, and Filkiin's nostrils flared as he took in the scent of the newcomer.
"It has been a very long time, Brother", he said, though he said the name with a bit of a bite in his voice. "Why are you here? To mourn the loss of the mistress who took your father's heart?" He snorted in anger. "I know you weren't too happy when Father took another mate. You barely spoke to her. So why come now?"
"Brother," Edward replied as gently as possible, "Yes, I am here to pay my respects to my step-mother. I regret not taking the time to know her. But, there is something else. I think you know what and why. I know that we haven't been close, but, I am offering you a chance of redemption within the clan. Maybe a chance to repair some damage in our relationship?
"Brother, I have had a long time to think about the disdain I showed Moonlight. I was ... mistaken to think that Father didn't have a right to take another mate. In doing so, I gave you a reason to have an aught against me.
"I am here to visit my mother's grave, but, I am here for my younger brother as well.
"I know that I haven't been around much as I desired to get to know the humans in the outside world..."
"You mean the SCUM WHO KILLED MY BROTHER!" Filkiin said, "Why should I go with you? Why should I degrade myself and live with the lying, sniveling vermin that destroy the world around them without nary a thought of the consequences?!"
"I see great potential within them," Edward said, "Do you remember when you were a hatchling and I told you that you have the potential within you to do great things? I do, and, that opinion hasn't changed.
"Humans are capable of doing great harm, as recent wars have shown. Despite that and their fear of dragons, I hold out great hope. Humans lack the Light to show them the way. I see many stories about one person going out of their way to help others. This is why I see a great potential. I wish I could actively show them what I am, yet, am concerned that someone would try to kill me like our other brothers.
"And, I do not see any other alternative here. It's either come live with me, and I will mentor you to guide you through life. It's either this or the Circle can execute you. I know this is not going to be easy. Just give it a chance is all that I can ask as your brother.
"But, first, let us sing the Sending Song for her and commit her to the loving arms of the First."
Filkiin glared at Edward, but the tears were forming already; most of what he said was in pain. The emotion may have been there, but the pain amplified his anger. It was almost unbearable; he needed a release. With a deep breath, he lifted his head high, and let out a very low roar, which echoed through the land.
Edward joined in harmony, and while the sounds they made were guttural and deep, the roars translated into a song. As they sang, more voices joined, singing the loss of their Grand Light's mate. Even Sol began to sing, from his perch high above them, as the tears traveled down his long neck, flowing freely in this moment of respite.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity to the younger dragon, the song ended, and Filkiin lowered his head, a low grumble escaping. It was obvious he still wasn't happy, but he was much calmer. "I do not like this, Kiinnum. I hate the idea of giving up the freedom this form gives me and being stuck as a weak mortal during my time in the human world."
"It took me a while as well to get used to the life I chose and being in a tiny body," Edward admitted, "But, it is necessary. I have several very secluded spots around the world where we can stretch our wings without prying mortal eyes. I have to abide by the Circle's rules, as do you."
Edward refrained from reminding his brother that it was a bad decision on his part that was costing him that freedom. Edward did it voluntarily, Filkiin had no other options. Yet, Edward found other ways to express his freedom. There were many times he would form a bird and soar on the air currents. There were times he was tempted to fly over to the Titan Tower to check out the Titans.
"We will make the best of things," he mused, "Are you ready to go? It may be a long time before you're allowed to return home."
Filkiin let out a sigh. "Let's get this over with. Where shall our abode be? I will have to find time to learn about the city we're living in."
"It's a place called Jump City," Edward replied, "I've been there for a while and can teach you what is required. They have a team of superheroes as well who have managed to impress me."
The word made Filkiin's nose wrinkle in confusion. "'Super... heroes?'" he asked, the term being foreign to him.
Edward replied, "Well, these five teenagers have some unique abilities. One is a regular human, but, can do almost above human things. Extremely gifted, even though he uses a lot of hair gel...It's a material some humans use to keep their hair in place. His nickname is Robin and was an acrobat, looks like. Above average intelligence for a human.
"Another is a cyborg...part-man, part machine. From what I could find out, he was in an accident that forced his father to fix him with machine parts that are over half his body.
"The third one is a shapeshifter, able to do what Life Dragons can do. Thing is, the boy is green, and, the animals he forms are also a bright green! He is called Beast Boy, but, he is not a beast. Yet, sometimes I wonder why the First overlooked him in the intelligence or common sense department.
"The fourth member is from another planet! She has orange hair and skin. She has the ability to fly and fires energy from her hands. Her name is Starfire and, from what I understand, she is quite friendly once you gain her trust.
"The fifth one is the most interesting. She's grey skinned, flies and is a magic user. Her name is Raven and is half human and half-demon. Yes, she is Dark at times, due to her father, yet, uses that to fight for what's right.
"All of them work together to remove those who break the mortal laws from the street and protect their city. They are agents of Light.
"There was one other for a while who had an incredible gift. Her name was Terra and she had the ability to command the very earth and stones. She disappeared a few years ago, though."
The words his brother spoke interested Filkiin. After a moment, he nodded. "Then let us move. If I am to learn what I must in order to return, then there is no point wasting time. I suppose you'll need to open a Tear to head there."
Edward said, "Either that or I can teleport us there."
"Teleport?" Filkiin asked.
"I will have to show you," Edward replied, "I can mentally picture where I want to go and disappear from view to reappear at my destination. I can also carry people, if needed, or other things."
Filkiin replied, "Let's use a Tear." He looked up into the area where he heard Sol and said, "Thank you, Father. I'll look forward to the day when I can show my snout in Lair again."
Edward chanted the words and a Tear of Oblivion opened up. Edward first went back to his human form as the other end of the tear was at his apartment.
Filkiin, in the meantime, let out a displeased growl before shifting as well. Soon, what appeared to be a teenager took his place, wearing a sporty t-shirt and a pair of jeans. His hair was around medium length, just long enough to style a bit. His emerald eyes showed his annoyance, but he joined Edward without any complaint.
Sol smiled at his sons as they left. "I look forward to the day we meet again... my sons."
Sol was glad that Edward offered to help, though, in deflecting Filkiin's anger. It could have gone a lot worse.