Hey guys, I'm back. Sorry my Mark of Athena story is on hold at the moment. I've been planning out this one ever since I read Inheritance and haven't had a lot of time to focus on PJO or HoO. Sorry. I'll get back to that soon. But for now, here is my new FanFic: All rights go the Christopher Paolini!
Chapter 1
In Need of a Trainer
Ashira's heart pounded as she spun around, searching for her sword. Smoke rose into the air around her and orange flames danced like shadows along the walls of the surrounding building. Terror rose in Ashira's chest, threatening to consume her. Where was her sword? Did she drop it in the explosion? Ashira crouched down, crawling along the ground, her eyes searching for even the slightest hint of metal. And where were Lark and Fenrir? Ashira paused as she saw a shadow dash by, than resumed her hunt. Did they get trapped in a building by the explosion? Were they hurt? Ashira shook the thought from her head. Lark was smart enough not to do something stupid. And Fenrir…well Fenrir was at least big enough not to let a building trap him for long. In any case, he could easily just fly higher. A glint of metal caught Ashira's eye. Could it be? She moved closer, careful not to breathe in any of the toxic smoke. Her sword's white blade lay deep in the mud, the hilt sticking up in the air at an angle. Reaching out, Ashira grasped the silver hilt, slowly pulling the blade from the ground. The gem on the end of the sword glittered white and sparkled against the smoky backdrop. Looking around, Ashira called out to Lark in her mind. She couldn't sense Fenrir's presence anywhere, which worried her.
Lark!
Ashira!
Relief filled Ashira's body as Lark responded. His voice was weak but at least he was alive. Slowly, she began to crawl forward. Above her, the smoke was becoming heavier and she could already feel its weight pressing down upon her. Suddenly a giant shadow appeared in front of her, also crawling along the ground. At first it had no clear shape, but after a while, Ashira could make out Lark's distinct features. Lark gave Ashira a toothy grin as he drew closer and soon they were side by side. Ashira could feel Lark's thick, silver fur beside her, she feel his warm breath on her back. She tuned and smiled at the giant wolf for a second before they resumed their crawl to fresh air.
Do you know where Fenrir is?
Lark should his great head and growl in frustration. Ashira sighed. In front of the smoke was beginning to subside. Joy filled Ashira's heart as she and Lark dashed forward.
Almost there….NO!
A building loomed in front of them, blocking their path. There was no escape this way. Ashira stared at the wall of stone in disbelief. Then, with a growl, she turned and dashed on four legs along the side of the wall. Lark followed close behind, his silver fur billowing out behind him.
Fenrir! Their minds called in unison, hoping for a response. Nothing. Only an empty expanse of open space. Panic began to rise in Ashira's throat. She called out frantically again, using all her strength to find Fenrir. Tears rolled down her cheeks. He couldn't be gone. Not now he was only a few months old…he…he…
Ashira felt Lark beside her, his long tail wrapping around her.
Fenrir is strong. Do not count him out so quickly. Now come. On my back. We must hurry if we are to survive.
Ashira felt Lark's teeth clamp around the collar of her mail. He swung her around so she was positioned upon his great back. Then he leaped, covering the wall of the building in a single bound. They were above the fire now, running across the roofs of the village, jumping from house to house. Around them, flame danced, kissing the side of the buildings, leaping around Ashira and Lark. Lark yelped as the tip of his tail caught fire. Ashira swatted it out, careful not to touch it.
We're not gonna make it. She thought to herself. Lark's mind filled her own. He did not speak, but she could understand him perfectly. She felt his fear, threatening to consume him. She felt his love for her and his bond with Fenrir. She knew he would die protecting them if he had to. Tears filled Ashira's eyes and she cursed, wiping them away with her free hand.
Fenrir! Fenrir where are you?
This time, Lark joined and together, he and Ashira called out for Fenrir. However, only silence followed. Terror was coming on strong now, wrapping around Ashira like a giant snake. She shook her head and urged Lark to keep going. Lark's fur flew out behind him as he ran. He was at least the size of a horse, but some jumps were harder than others. They were on the last leap when Lark's foot slipped. He yelped as he and Ashira fell toward the flaming ground below. And suddenly…they weren't falling. Ashira stared at the flames below, close enough to feel their heat on her face. She felt whatever was holding her up tighten its grip around her body. A white claw was wrapped around her midsection. Ashira looked to her side. Another claw was wrapped around Lark, who had his ears pinned against his head. Twisting, Ashira looked up and her face split into a smile.
Fenrir!
Hello hatchling.
Oh, hatchling yourself! Where were you?
The white dragon smiled and spread his wings, bringing them higher into the air. After a while Ashira climbed up onto Fenrir's back. She rubbed his neck and he growled softly. Below Lark, who was still in Fenrir's grip, asked if he could come and sit on Fenrir's back along with Ashira.
No. Fenrir replied without a second thought. Ashira laughed and patted Fenrir's neck.
You naughty little dragon.
Oh, so now I have stay in the grip of a dragon while you get to sit on its back? Thanks, you're such a kind master. Lark's thoughts filled Ashira's mind and she smiled. Lark growled.
Where are you taking us anyway Fenrir?
Home.
We don't have a home.
Oh…well then…how about, the mountains.
Hmmmm…Ashira what do you think?
Ashira didn't answer. Instead she only sighed and closed her eyes. No home…no family…
Hey, wait we're your family!
It's not the same, Fenrir. Ashira opened her eyes and gazed out upon the land below them. She could see tiny villages in the distance; she could almost hear the people within talking and being together. The thought of the burning village resurfaced in her mind again. A pang of guilt hit her and she sighed. She couldn't save all those people. She couldn't even save herself. If it hadn't been for Fenrir, she and Lark wouldn't be here right now.
What started that fire back there anyways?
That I do not know. Lark said softly.
Nor do I. Fenrir seemed as confused as Ashira. There was a moment of silence before Fenrir spoke.
Did any of you notice the one human with the orange sword?
Orange sword.
Yes. I was circling above when I saw him. He was helping a few people to get to safety when…he saw me.
He saw you?
Well sorry, but I thought I was covered by smoke.
Lark growled.
Well apparently you weren't.
Ashira shook her head in exasperation. If someone had seen Fenrir, this would be a problem. They would probably start spreading the news that there was a dragon running loose throughout Resangak. That would just cause them unneeded trouble.
It is over and done with now. We cannot change what has happened, only wait for the outcome.
Fenrir and Lark nodded at Ashira's words.
Then let us be off. Fenrir growled and picked up speed. Ashira looked behind them, than closed her eyes.
So much has happened since the attack, she thought miserably to herself. And yet still I cannot defend a single village. Ashira opened her eyes and blinked in realization.
I need a teacher!
