Jake hated his training for the Dark Dragon. Way, way more than even his grandfather's painful and often disgusting training methods. (Cleaning toilet bowls with his tongue? He still felt like throwing up at the memory.)
None of those had been remotely close to his current training on the disgusting scale, though. None of those involved magical dummies that actually screamed, cursed, and bled. At least they melted into nothing after they 'died'.
And the worst part of all: he was getting used to it. Though he'd never admit to enjoying it, he couldn't say there was no adrenaline or stress relief involved.
Honestly, it should probably scare him that this was becoming routine. No longer did he hesitate to go for the throat to end those maddening screams. No longer did he pay the slightest attention to the shrieks of "Monster!" and "Murderer!" No longer did the smell, taste, or sight of blood and death force him to his knees in crippling sickness and give him nightmares.
It should scare him. It should terrify him how much the Dark Dragon had managed to change him in just a couple months. It should make his master's claims of turning him into a 'real' dragon all the more plausible.
But it didn't. Because any such feelings had been buried deep under ever increasingly deep feelings of hatred.
Now, as he mercilessly tore apart mannequins of humans and 'good' magical creatures, he was effectively deaf and blind to what he was being trained for, to what anyone not knowing he was fighting creations of a powerful dark spell would be thinking.
He moved with grace, instinct, and power only matched by a handful of other dragons. No other creature could possibly match a dragon, the true kings of the ancient world – and, if the Dark Dragon had his way, the future. No longer did a single one of the Dark Dragon's followers or advisors question his choice to recruit the famous (or infamous, depending who you were talking to) American Dragon.
With such great power, which it was a wonder no one had really paid attention to before, it was only a matter of time before the American Dragon's "restrictions" to the contract became null and void. Surely he would make his first true kill, by his own will, any day now. He had already threatened and very nearly acted on such to several of the Dark Dragon's more outspoken advisors.
Like the one that suggested teaching the young dragon (i.e. 'forcing him to learn and practice') dark magic.
Which Jake had turned out to be a natural at. Even now, he didn't even need to come out of his self-induced rage-filled trance to raise his claws and swipe the downwards, sending purple energy charging outwards and erupting into explosive black and blue flames. The extreme opposite of his natural yellow and red flames. Instantly, every one of the magical dolls died, not even given the chance to fight, run, or scream.
The dark wizards in charge of the training room actually exchanged worried looks. The red dragon flew impatiently in circles as he awaited more dolls, which the wizards scurried to provide.
"A natural-born killer, that one," commented one, wincing as the dragon let out an irritated, echoing growl that echoed around the enormous cavern.
"Quite majestic though," replied another. "I'll be proud to call him prince after our victory!"
"Me? I'm actually looking forward to watching him during the war! I wonder if I can request to be in his division?" chatted the last eagerly.
…
Jinx sat smirking on the edge of a parapet on a roof a couple buildings down from the museum. Easily within view were the giant posters advertising the latest exhibit, a giant sapphire claimed to have supernatural powers.
All garbage, of course, which Jinx knew perfectly well. Especially since she was currently playing with said gemstone, tossing it in the air and catching it casually while she waited.
"You have to find a better way of contacting us when you're under surveillance," said a familiar, slightly irritated voice from behind her.
Even though she'd been expecting Robin to pop out of nowhere, she still gave a bit of a jump and almost missed catching the rock on its way down. Naturally she tried to play it off, acting like she'd heard him a mile off.
She smirked and tossed the sapphire to Robin, who caught and stashed it in a hidden pocket inside his cloak in a rather masterful sleight of hand.
"I've got a big one!" she chirped cheerily.
The leader of the Teen Titans folded his arms over his chest. "Of course you do."
Jinx scowled. "Why does that sound so sarcastic?"
Robin sighed and shook his head, forcing his posture to relax somewhat.
"Sorry. It wasn't meant to. We've just got a big case and haven't gotten any real leads yet. Was actually planning to call you in on it, but if you're serious about something big, then…"
"Not just 'big', Robin! This is BIG, as in HUGE! I'm sure it blows whatever you're working on out of the water!" She was absolutely giddy with excitement.
Robin waited instead of playing her game any more.
After a couple seconds, Jinx couldn't hold it in any more. "I was recruited by the Dark Dragon himself!"
"… Who?"
Jinx's mouth dropped open. Well, okay, yeah it wasn't exactly common knowledge, but she'd been sure Batman's protégé would know! The look on Robin's face wasn't mocking though, but completely serious. Knowing this must be serious.
She took a deep breath.
"Okay, I guess this sort of knowledge is more geared to those with connections to the magical community. For a long time, literally decades, it was thought the Dark Dragon was dead. He's considered the greatest, strongest, most purely evil dragon to ever exist, and there are legends of his evil going back over four thousand years…" She launched into a quick summary of the Dark Dragon's reign of terror, his vow to exterminate mankind, his belief that dragons were superior beings that deserved to rule the world, and his recent reappearance within the last year.
Robin frowned, his arms folded across his chest. His fingers tapped against his arm as he processed all that Jinx had told him. There was no reason to doubt any of her intel, and less reason to doubt her character given recent events, so indeed… this was huge. And going on right under their noses, and possibly under the Justice League's as well. Regardless of how deep a trap and reason Batman needed this Jake Long kid for, surely a universal , multi-dimensional, magical war between good and evil – with evil's goal being the eradication of humankind – trumped a 'search and locate' order. This most assuredly would become, should become, top priority for all heroes globally.
Jinx was sitting on the parapet again, legs swinging. Seeing she had Robin's attention again, she nodded and continued her story, now going on to her 'recruitment'.
"I made contact at the big party on 7th Avenue – or rather, he made contact with me. They were looking for me, and others like me, must have a list or something. Anyway, this cute Asian-looking guy waved me over and I recognized a job offer immediately, so I…"
Robin raised a hand to interrupt. His ears had pricked at the mention of an Asian teen. An Asian teen that girls would label 'cute' and would fit in at the craziest party in a big city.
"Describe him, please."
Jinx frowned at Robin's interest, but complied. She held a hand about chin height. "Not very tall. Spiky black hair, green tips, black eyes. New York accent, red jacket…"
Robin interrupted her again, this time by flipping out a photograph from a hidden pocket in his cape.
"This him?"
Jinx's eyes widened, the answer obvious even before she spoke. "That's him! That's the red dragon the Dark Dragon sent to contact me! Why do you…?"
"Batman told us to locate this teenager, top priority. Locate, but not contact." He frowned. "Said absolutely nothing about dragons, though now I'm fairly sure the Justice League isn't as ignorant of your information as we might have thought."
"I knew something was up," thought Jinx aloud, staring at the photo that couldn't be more than a few months old. "He seemed… forced. So angry." Her fingers went to the face of the boy in the photo, the bright smile, the sparkling eyes, the magnetic personality that shone through. She never would've dreamed the dragon she'd met earlier today could smile so happily. Look so… normal. Human.
"We better get back to the Tower," said Robin firmly, seriously. "You'll need to deliver your report to Batman before continuing your recon."
Jinx nodded and the two slipped into the darkness.
…
Jake felt the ache in his mind accompanied by the pull from the direction of his master that meant he was being summoned. He growled deep in his throat, a monstrous sound that would've made his master proud, and reluctantly leveled his aching draconian body off the enormous mattress that served as his bed.
He'd been curled up like a dog, and his stiff muscles cracked as he stretched before stalking away in the direction of the summons. His mind grumbled and cursed, having been stirred from a deep sleep he much needed after his exhaustive training session. What could the master want now? And why couldn't he wait until tomorrow or at least a couple more hours!
Not that he really expected such consideration from the Dark Dragon. He was just a slave after all. This was all just some twisted form of revenge for the few times Jake had bested him, and maybe an insult to his gramps for the Dark Dragon's near demise so many decades ago.
He turned the last corner, knowing and sensing his master's presence without needing to lay eyes on the beast, so familiar he was with that incredibly dark aura.
Without needing to be told, he respectfully knelt, lowering his forelegs and bowing his great head nearly to the ground. It just wasn't worth the fight. He'd just be forced to kneel or bow anyway.
He heard an approving rumble from the Dark Dragon, strangely not mocking, but almost proud.
Jake didn't even have it in him to frown, simply waiting patiently for whatever orders he was to be given. Which he'd be forced to do anyway.
" [Blood Prince Fire Dragon], welcome," began the Dark Dragon.
Jake's ears twitched in confusion. He slowly raised his head slightly, and sure enough the dragon was addressing him.
Jake's confused eyes met his master's, which gave away no hint, but were obviously waiting for a reaction.
Then it hit him. Ah, man. Now that's just cruel, though Jake. It's an ownership thing, isn't it. Change my identity, make me his.
"Do you have a question, [Blood Prince]?" asked the Dark Dragon, his voice emotionless, but obviously waiting.
Waiting for Jake to explode in anger, to rage that he already had a name, a perfectly good name, given to him by his parents, carrying the legacy of his family. As well as a title. Jacob Luke Long, the American Dragon. He had a name!
But Jake stilled his tongue and temper.
He took a moment to compose himself, which wasn't so hard considering his exhaustion and depression at the moment. Then he asked only one question.
"What does it mean, master?"
"[Blood Prince Fire Dragon]. Blood, for you shall be a spiller of that of your enemies. Prince, for you shall be my greatest general. Fire, for that is your essence and your element, and those who know your name shall not forget it."
Jake wasn't sure whether to be bewildered, enraged, or genuinely curious.
"A murderer," he finally growled softly.
"A warrior," corrected his master.
"A general?"
"My general."
"And how is my flame any different than any other dragon's?" asked Jake, finally giving in to his habitual sarcasm. Not believing for one second that he was really special in any way other than having once been a thorn in his master's side.
"Lao Shi never explained the heritage of a true red dragon? Tell me, [Blood Prince], how many red dragons do you know?"
Jake hesitated as he thought that over, his initial retort of 'How could that matter?' dying when he realized…
"None," he replied, confused.
"Have you ever realized the correlation between the color and strengths of a dragon? Or did Lao Shi also keep such knowledge from you?"
Jake growled, but was ignored.
"How the darker colors are vastly more powerful than the lighter. How the elemental magics are related. Blue dragons favor water and ice and are known for breathing underwater. Yellow dragons favor the wind and are exceptionally quick flyers. Brown dragons favor the earth, green favors vegetation, and purples – such as Lao Shi – have an unusually acute affinity to non-elemental magic, such as spell crafting, teleportation, and fortune telling. The red dragons are the only ones able to claim a true affinity to fire."
Jake stared at him, startled but not disbelieving, for it truly made sense with what he'd observed himself. So why had his gramps never told him?
"As for why Lao Shi never mentioned such, would've doubtless have lied if you'd ever asked about colors and strengths… I'm quite sure he was afraid."
Jake wanted to deny it fiercely, but something inside him had frozen.
"You see, [Blood Prince], the greatest of [Fire] Dragons inevitably become Dark Dragons."
"Liar!" hissed Jake immediately, claws suddenly digging fiercely into the ground.
"Have you truly not noticed your own change in color since mastering the dark arts, [Blood Prince]? You are truly a Fire Dragon now, a bringer of hell and damnation to wicked humanity. A god."
"No!" shouted Jake angrily, denying it even as he lifted his claws to glare at them – eager to prove his master wrong – sure he would see his favorite cherry red scales. The bright, cheerful red that matched his favorite jacket, his skateboard, his very identity as the spirited and occasionally rebellious American Dragon. He often thought of himself as 'fiery' before, but it had always been meant as a compliment. Feisty, determined, energetic, strong-willed…
Instead, he found himself staring at a deep maroon, the color of dried blood. And his mind blanked.
"Th-This… this i-isn't…"
"No, Fire Dragon. A deepening of color is not reversible," said the Dark Dragon, this time the deep humor clear in his voice, mocking and victorious. He voice confident and sure.
And part of Jake, a core part of who Jake Long was, died.
The Dark Dragon smiled as he watched the younger dragon's eyes grow dull and hollow in shock at the loss of identity and the realization he would never regain what he'd once had. That he would never again be the innocent, bright, spirited, likable hero. That any elder dragon, maybe even any magical creature, would know at a glance that he'd been tainted by dark magic.
He decided to deliver the final blow, rising and sauntering over to the young dragon's side. The dragon didn't show any signs of even noticing, still staring at his foreclaws in horror.
"The American Dragon is dead, [Blood Prince]. Jake Long is no more. You are a Blood Prince, the Fire Dragon. And you belong to the darkness."
"N-no!" shouted Jake, spinning and back stepping away, shaking his head. "I didn't agree to this! I didn't - !"
"You did."
"I did NOT!"
"You partook of the contract. You've learned the dark arts. You have abandoned your guardianship of magical creatures and betrayed the trust of the Dragon Council."
The young dragon was physically shaking from the shock.
"I had no choice!" he tried, one last, dying protest.
"According to your own spirit, [Blood Prince], you did. You dragon soul has already chosen its side. You belong to darkness. To me."
"NO!" roared Jake, jolting out of his frozen shock and lunging forward in rage, claws crackling with power, extended to swipe at his master.
Which the contract forbade, so it was with the greatest of ease that the Dark Dragon grabbed both extended claws with his own and held them, watching the crackling, black energy with knowing pride.
Jake looked down at what his master, his enemy, was staring at, and a sob broke from his throat. He rear legs gave out and he fell weakly to the ground, held up only by his master's grip on his claws. His claws, blood-colored and with wicked black flames swirling around them, flaring with the same dark aura as the monster before him. That disgustingly familiar, monstrous, bloodthirsty, evil aura.
The Dark Dragon eyed him appraisingly. The huge eyes staring at his own claws, staring even after the black flames dwindled and faded to nothing. The visible trembling. The boneless limbs. He let go and the young dragon collapsed to the ground.
"I called you here to discuss your next mission, [Blood Prince], but I believe it can wait some hours. You have much to meditate on."
…
Author's notes:
Honestly, guys, I did not expect to include that last part until much later in the story – but it just seemed to fit so well right here! Hope you agree with me and don't think I'm taking things too fast!
THE NAME: I'm having some trouble with Jake's dark name [Blood Prince Fire Dragon], and would love some help from you guys! Should I just leave it in English, or try changing it to a different language? I thought maybe Chinese, in honor of Jake's heritage, and it came to Xuè Wángzǐ Huǒ Lóng according to online sources – which might not work, since then he'd still have the same surname, which the Dark Dragon would surely take from him to remove his connection to his family and especially his grandfather.
Basically, you guys can vote for three different choices here. 1) Different language, and please give me a translation. 2) Leave in brackets, assume some dark draconian tongue, or maybe some ancient dialect. Or 3) remove brackets and just leave in English. THERE IS A POLL UP FOR THIS ON MY PROFILE!
Thanks for reading, and please review!