In a far-off land known as the Cardinal countries, were four kingdoms each named after the four cardinal directions. North, South, East and West. Across the countries lived many mystical creatures and of course, normal humans. But lots of the creatures that lured in the mountains and forests weren't always friendly.

So, in order to combat against them and protect innocent lives, the government established a group of warriors to fight them off. A special selection of fighters called the Cardinal Warriors. The group as a whole consisted of two-person teams. One a wizard and one an animal shapeshifter. But there was one catch: despite their power or strength, women weren't allowed to join. As gender equality wasn't a thing in their world.

But one young woman was determined to break that trope. In secret, obviously.

Her name was Erika Kohler. 19 years old. Short wavy blonde hair and large blue eyes. She was taller than most girls but she was quick on her feet and could handle just about any type of weapon a man could. But weapons meant nothing to her, as she came from a long blood line of animal shapeshifters. Dragon shapeshifters to be exact.

So, she would be a great asset to the Cardinal Warriors, as dragon shapeshifters were rare. But she was a girl. Women and girls who were treated as sex toys and baby ovens. Just seen as weak and almost useless.

Erika didn't want to fall into that life. So thanks to one of her guy friends who was apart of the Cardinal Warriors, she was able to train with other rookies and newbies joining the warriors.

"You owe be big Erika."

"Don't worry Ned. I promise to make it up to you."

Erika was changing for the day with her Cardinal warrior friend in his cabin. Ned was a tall, well-built man with dirty blonde hair and pale green eyes. His hair was usually slicking up in a point that defied gravity but kept its shape unless wet.

"Now let me tighten that." Ned walked up to the blonde girl and took over wrapping the cloth around her cleavage. He suddenly pulled it tighter. This caused Erika to cringe and shoot him a glare.

"Do you mind?! I already have to bind my chest to disguise myself as a guy. But I like my breasts, thank you very much. I'd like to nurse my future children one day." Erika hissed venomously.

Ned ignored her and pulled one more time before securing it, "Erika. You've got very defined breasts. The point is not to be discovered. So I need you to look as manly as possible." He rolled his eyes.

"What if I need to bathe and then put it back on?" Erika countered and tugged on her dark red tunic, as well as some brown pants, darker browns boots and a tan belt.

"Be happy, I sewed a cloth that'll button and unbutton for something just like that." Ned cracked a small smirk and tossed her a beige cloth.

The blonde girl pouted and stuck her tongue out at her friend, "I hate you. Why must you always solve the issue?" She muttered.

"I'm your best friend, that's why. I make sure you don't do nothing stupid." Ned snickered and ruffled up her hair, "Alright, let's go meet your partner. Be cool around him. This guy is not one for jokes and foolhardiness."

"Really, my partner is a monotone, stick-in-the-mud?" Erika whined and head butted his chest, "Why do you torture me like this?!"

Ned rolled his eyes and gently pushed her off him, "You've been paired up with him because of your varying personalities. You're supposed to balance each other out."

Erika pouted and poked his cheek, "He better not be too much of my opposite or else I'll fall for him. And that would compromise my disguise. Because then I'll want to flaunt my boobs."

"You're so immature."

"You're no fun."

Erika silently followed Ned through the camp. The Cardinal Warriors have a base in a small grassy area of the forest closest to the Northern Kingdom. The blonde girl looked around at the variety of men scattered around the camp. She was trying her hardest to keep a straight face. Being serious was never her strong suit. Ned had to smack her upside the head and pull her along.

"Rika, focus. Don't stare or make eye contact just yet." Ned held onto her wrist, "You are Mathias Kohler. A dragon shapeshifter from a village based at the bottom of the Eastern Mountains."

"All of that is the truth aside from my gender." Erika muttered, tossing some hair out of her face.

"Just shut up until you meet your partner." Ned groaned and tugged her along. The dirty blonde led her into a small cabin near the edge of the camp and close to the trees.

"Who enters my personal space?" A bored voice spoke softly that was followed by a yawn.

"It's Ned Peeters. I've came to deliver your new partner to you." Ned nudged Erika forward. With the sound of two finger snaps, a few candles lit up the room. A blonde man walked up to Erika. He was a head shorter than her.

"H-hi. I'm Mathias Kohler. It's a pleasure to meet you." Erika smiled sheepishly.

The young man looked her up and down, "Charmed. Well I'm Lukas Bondevik." He spoke solemnly. This man, or Lukas, had straight blonde hair with blue-violet colored orbs. He wore a silver cross shaped clip pinned in his hair. As for his clothes, Lukas was dressed in a white long-sleeved shirt with a blue vest, black pants and brown boots. He also wore a black cloak with a hood.

"What kind of animal shapeshifter are you?" Lukas questioned.

"I'm a dragon shapeshifter. My family is one of a couple bloodlines that has the dragon blood." Erika rocked back and forth on the heels of her boots.

Lukas paused for a moment, "Really? You must be strong, powerful. You're probably more about brute strength aren't ye?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah I'm more act first and think later." Erika blushed, rubbing the back of her head. Lukas squinted his eyes at her.

"You look very feminine Mathias." Lukas held up his right hand and jabbed Erika's forehead. This made Erika panic. Did he already see right through her disguise? Ned noticed her distress and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Mat naturally looks kinda like a girl. Should you really be talking pretty boy?" Ned scoffed. Lukas stared daggers at the taller male.

"Just shut up Nathanial. Go find Matthew and leave me alone to get to know my new partner that you were so nice to bring by." Lukas spat.

"Fine be that way Luke." Ned smirked. Lukas snorted and flipped the dirty blonde off while said insulted man waltzed out of the cabin. Lukas focused his attention back on Erika.

"So . . . what do you want to do now . . . ?" Erika bit her lip and twiddled her thumbs.

Lukas gave her a tiny smirk, "Well I did say I wanted to get to know my new partner. So sit down and make yourself comfortable. We've got a lot to talk about hot shot." His tone only made Erika shudder and swallow thickly. Why did she feel suddenly very terrified?

So this is my first long term fanfic that I do plan on finishing. I don't really have a set few days on when I'm going to update it. I'm just kinda gonna go with the flow. I'll probably update every other day, since I need to find the want to write and then proof read it. So I hope you all enjoyed reading it.

Please comment and review!

~Churro