The Eighth Year Part 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or The Legend of Spyro they belong to their respective owners.
Remember to read the bottom author's notes. PLEASE READ IT FOR THIS CHAPTER IT IS IMPORTANT! PLUS IT COULD ANSWER QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE BY THE END!
Third Person Pov
Quiet rang throughout the very early morning.
The only sounds ringing in the air were the soft chirping of birds who were trying to wake up the inhabitants for the day.
Sakura being one of them.
The seven year old girl lay exhausted in her bed from the days previous training session. Her avus hadn't gone the slightest bit easy on the young wyrmling loving to push her and her brother Flagro to their limits.
So she was so happy to for the present peace.
But of course that wouldn't last long.
In a matter of minutes Sakura had a loud and very unwelcome visitor jumping up and down on her bed.
"Hey, Hey, HEY! Come on sis! We gotta get going don't you know today's the day!" Flagro exclaimed excitedly jumping on his sister's bed with his flame printed pajamas.
Sakura groined tiredly, slowly rising to give an annoyed glared to her overly excited twin.
"Yes…I, I know Flagro. I'm getting up, but could you please tone it down a bit." Sakura groaned slowly rising up from the bed as her brother jumped on her bed and spring-boarded across the room to his bed.
"Shannaro little show off" Inner Sakura said fondly giving a playful glare.
"I can't believe you were even able to sleep this long. I'm so excited I'm ready to explode" Flagro exclaimed with a final bounce.
"Yea…believe me I can tell" Sakura sniggered finally hoisting herself up out of her bed. Her pajama dress had orange floral printed patterns filtering all around it. She turned to face her twin who was still shaking in absolute excitement.
She smiled.
"Well come on then! Let's get washed up and dressed before Tou-chan gets up here!" Sakura giggled racing in her twin into the hallway bathroom. She jumped ahead of Flagro by running on all fours towards the bathroom. She reached the taller step-stool first leaving Flagro with the smaller one so he couldn't reach further back towards the sink counter top.
"Sakura you cheated!" Flagro pouted as he struggled to reach for his toothbrush.
"Hehe it's not cheating Flagro it's called being faster! Maybe if you knew how to run properly I wouldn't beat you every morning" Sakura teased giving Flagro her wide sly smile.
"Hardy-har-har Whatever Sakura" Flagro grumbled his sentence drowned out by the sound of bristles on the enamel of his small sharp teeth. Both of them faced the mirror for the task at hand, and the intricacies of the effects of time on the twins were woven in the reflection of the mirror.
In their seven years of life much had changed. No longer chubby babes. The young hybrids had grown exponentially in the past couple of years. Especially when considering their birth forms.
Sakura looked more and more like her mother each passing day. However personality wise it was clear she took after her father much more. She did have quite the tendency to be extremely sarcastic, witty, and tended to think more on the pessimistic side of things.
Her wings had grown much larger, in fact they were finally at the point where they would be able to sustain flight. Something she and Flagro were both excited about. The inner wings shade of red had gotten darker over the years, along with outer wing layer getting a darker shade of pink. She even had a nub of a claw starting to form on the top of her inner wing claws, quite similar to bats.
She had tiny black nubs that were poking out of the top both sides of the top of her head. Both protrusions back near where the top of her ears were. These were the beginning of her primary horns.
The pink scales on her human skin were even more prominent and new spots even showed up. Now young smooth scales lined the top of her hands to her mid arms, feet, and knees. Along with the ones that were already on her forehead, cheeks, and neck from birth. Her fingernails were long, black, and claw like. Her pink hair had grown to the base of neck, and she tended to keep her bangs out covering the forehead she was self-conscious of.
Her tail was longer as well, with the black nub at the end beginning to turn into a sharper tip. The top of her tail was a darker red, while her underside was pink and black.
Finally her draconic features were now much more prominent on her face. The sclera of her eyes were a light yellow, and the jade eyes she shared with her father had slit style pupils very much like a cat. Her frill fin ears were bigger and more defined. With her inner coloring shifting from a light pink to a little bit of a darker red color. Her teeth now fully in, and much sharper than the average human, the teeth structure looked like a remarkable mix between reptilian and feline.
Her brother shared similar growths, albeit with a few key differences.
One being he was still smaller than Sakura, and having red-ish maroon scales instead of pink.
His maroon hair had grown longer, longer than Sakura's own pink hair. So he wore it in a spiky ponytail. His bangs split into an "M" shape actually accentuating his own large forehead. The tips of his hair were a dark brown in color though.
However unlike Sakura, Flagro had a lot more frill fins lining his body. His ramus bone had two dark brown frill fins sprouting from both sides. His maroon tail also ended in a dark brown frill fin in a shape that looked reminiscent of fire, with the topside of the tail being maroon in color and the underside dark brown.
Head wise Flagro was also very different from Sakura. While his horns weren't coming in yet, he instead had what looked to be the dull chestnut spikes protruding from the top of his head and going down until the base of his neck. Although no one doubted more would be on the way once Flagro got older. Also he had smaller and pointer than normal human ears, but otherwise they weren't too drastically different.
Flagro hands were similar to Sakura as well, but instead of black he had dark brown claws protruding from his fingernails. He had the makings of a pronounced chin showing, and his red, black, gold speckled cat like eyes blazed brightly in the light.
All in all both were turning into fine dragons.
"Man Sakura I can't wait believe your horns are coming in already. Not fair" Flagro pouted as they walked downstairs to get breakfast. He patted his own head self-consciously and anxiously. Both of the siblings now washed up and dressed. He wore a beige shirt with three silts on each side of the sleeves, blue khaki pants, and light brown open toed sandals.
"Yeah, you know a month ago I would've been bragging…but trust me when you start growing your horns you won't be as happy. They really, really, itch" Sakura whined scratching the area where her horns were. She wore a beige blouse underneath a brown button vest, with bluish gray khaki's, and the same brown open toed sandals.
As they rounded the corner to the kitchen they heard a hearty laugh.
"Hahaha yes they will tend to itch Sakura, but hang tight eventually that will fade with time"
The twin's eyes quickly lit up.
"Avus!" Sakura and Flagro yelled as they ran over to tackle their grandpa. They hadn't been expecting him this early so they were pleasantly surprised to say the least.
"Hello little wyrmlings. I know you're excited for our trip, but be sure to pace yourselves and eat your breakfast. You two will need to grow big and strong" Infernus gushed hugging both of his grandchildren close to his body, before releasing them.
They smiled and hopped up to the dining table, where fresh rice, nato, and a side of raw beef were on plates waiting for them.
Being half dragon the young ones were able to eat and take raw meats. In fact Sakura and Flagro preferred it that way. It made their eating habits quite eclectic to say the least.
Tatsuo say across from them watching his children lovingly since, he didn't have an early shift he decided to enjoy the morning with his excited kids before work.
"Hi pater!" Sakura chirped stuffing her face full of nato.
"Gumprh munf!" Flagro responded in turn though heavily condensed due to the amount of food in his cheeks.
Tatsuo chuckled in good nature.
"Hello Sakura, and don't talk with your mouth full Flagro, chew son" Tatsuo smiled as he continued to read the paper and listen to his kids eat. It was the peaceful, happy, moments like this that Tatsuo most enjoyed. He just wished Ardenia was present, but apparently she had important matters to attend to back with the other Guardians.
Fomas, Carbunculous, Glisca, and Cal opted out of the trip as well. As Fomas said "It's rare that Infernus spends time with his grandchildren without one of us around. Let's let them have their fun today"
So the trip was planned a week before the twins actual eighth birthday. The main reason being Infernus knew for a fact he wouldn't be able to attend the twins actual birthday, so he decided it would be best to give them their present a bit earlier.
Tatsuo also stole a look at his father in law during his musings, who stood by across the kitchen. He was leaning on the kitchen counter giving a tiny smile. Tatsuo made eye contact with his father in law and they both gave bigger smiles to each other.
Tatsuo was happy he got along with Infernus just as well as he got along with Fomas. Probably due to the similar experiences with guilt the two fathers had a great kinship with each other now. Tatsuo would even go so far as to say that Tatsuo became the father figure that Senbi never was to Tatsuo.
That and he just happy that his children would have a grandfather in their lives, because even if Senbi had been an ass, he did care for his grandchildren (though more so for Sakura).
"So you two remember to behave and don't give Infernus too much trouble" Tatsuo warned sternly staring down his twins.
"We will pater!" Sakura and Flagro responded at the same time.
Tatsuo smiled satisfied with their answer. He got up from his table and walked over to Infernus, and then handed him a small bag containing snacks, and other such objects for the twins during the trip.
"Thank you son, and don't you worry I'll be watching them like a hawk" Infernus assured walking over to the table as the twins finished their food. Tatsuo put their plates away before giving his children a wave as they headed out the back door and into the alleyway beside the house. No doubt using the cover it provided for a quick teleportation spell.
"Have fun you two!" Tatsuo shouted as they left the door.
"We will pater! Be safe!" Sakura assured as she walked out of the house.
"Yeah pater te habeo! Don't worry!" Flagro said giving his catchphrase and a quick salute.
Once he heard the door Tatsuo let out a small sigh. Before he picked up a spare bento box on the counter. Opening it to check the contents he was relieved to see the food, letters, and money he placed inside was still there. Once he was sure they were Tatsuo headed out.
Sakura always loved teleportation.
Especially teleporting great distances.
The visceral rush she gets in nerves, always made Sakura feel amazing. She felt like nothing could compare. The fast spinning, that stomach dropping feeling. It was something else.
Sakura couldn't help but wonder if this is what it felt like to fly.
She couldn't wait to find out.
"Woah, alright young ones we're here. Welcome to the Land of the Sun" Infernus proclaimed loudly as he gestured towards the larger than life gate that protected and surrounded the city. Sakura nearly fell backwards trying to stare up at the entire gate.
The top of the gate and sky above the gate even looked as though it gave off its own unique glow.
"WOW! So everything behind this wall is the Land of the Sun?" Flagro exclaimed pumping his fist into the air.
"No, no son. Behind this wall is Draportum. The city of dragons and the main capital. But the entire Land of Sun a bit bigger than this." Infernus chuckled good naturedly. Though if one looked closer as he faced away from his babbling grandchildren, one would catch a frown marring his face briefly.
Sakura though along with her brother wasn't one to notice. Finally feeling the excitement her brother felt since this morning,
"Come on let's go!" Sakura cried the excitement seeping in her voice, however as she ran up to the humongous door, intimidation quickly settled in. The golden brass down was even more massive closer up, the integral looping dragon design, and draconic runes that she couldn't quite easily read…
Frightened her, at least a little bit.
"It's okay sweetie I know how imposing this can look" Infernus chuckled walking up to the door. However he said nothing afterwards, he breathed in deeply and transformed.
Sakura and Flagro let out simultaneous gasps of awe, they were always amazed by the transformation process, and they hoped one day they would be able to do it too.
Infernus was a proud and imposing dragon. Size wise he was even larger than Glisca, Carbunculus, and Fomas combined, and a rather dark shade of red, like a blood red. His black and golden speckled large horns curved backwards, similar to an ibex but not quite as long. His back was also different than the typical flame marked affair. He had no visible ears in his true form, and instead had the more common "ear holes".
Instead Infernus had black and gold spots that littered across his back looking very similar to ash dust. Much tinier than earth dragon markings, but looked more refined in a sense. His lower legs became a medium black in color towards his bottom claws. The claws themselves were a deep midnight black. He also had singular upward curved black spikes that protruded from the heels of his back legs.
His very large outer wings were the same deep red shade that his body was while the inner wings had the same medium black shade as his lower legs. Of course there was also tiny gold flecks near the bottom of his wings tips. His wings dew claws were surprisingly a nice golden shade.
His snout was still just a crooked as it was in his human form, and the three claw marks on the left side of his face seemed to become even more prominent and deep. Plus he still had the same stunning golden, red, and black eyes that he passed down to Ardenia.
Although one key difference is now the end of his blood red snout actually faded back into the same black coloring his lower legs had, and that a curved golden spike similar to a rhino stuck out near the end of his snout.
However the most notable trait upon him was his mane.
While fire dragons tended to have the most mixed features of all dragon kind. Manes were still quite the rarity among them.
His mane retained its dark grayish black coloring with the ending tips turning the same blood red as his body. However the mane arched back towards the tip of his body. It was spiky and somewhat disheveled, but it gave Infernus the look of a dashing young rogue.
The mane stretched from the top of his head to the start of his wing joints. He also had inklings of his mane on his forepaw elbows, the ramus bone of his jaw, and on his chin giving him a beard.
Finally his tail ended in a sharp golden spade that had three pronged spike on both sides of it.
Infernus stood in a way that was seemed almost contumacious. Like he was ready for a fight if someone started one, although clearly he would be the one to finish it.
Letting out a deep breath Infernus raised his right forepaw placed it dead center in the door. For a few brief seconds nothing occurred…
Then the runes of the door glowed a nearly blinding white, which caused Sakura and Flagro to cover their eyes. Once it was over and the light receded back into the door, the runes began to move toward the intertwining dragons in the center.
One of the dragon's eyes lit up with the same white glow startling both Sakura and Flagro, both were too shocked to even speak. The picture of one of the dragons then pushed off the wall a bit, basically coming alive and opened its mouth.
"State your name, species, rank, and purpose for entry to Draportum" The dragon bellowed in a deep reverberating tone that echoed in the area.
"My name is Infernus Furibundus Solis, species fire dragon, my rank is former Guardian and Elder, and my purpose for entry is a historical trip for my grandchildren" Infernus stated loud in clear in a clipped tone. Sakura could've sworn her avus appeared to sulk for a second.
The dragon was silent for a moment before more words were said.
"The information has been verified, entry granted welcome back to Draportum Elder Infernus" the bronze dragon painting bellowed before falling back into the door.
The two intertwining dragons then began to unwind rapidly upon the door, giving the door a painterly swirl effect. Once door the two dragon statue were at separate ends of the door away from the center that slowly began to open.
Finally they walked in.
They walked past the two smaller lightning dragon guards behind the gate. Sakura and Flagro were so excited they didn't even notice the looks of awe and disbelief that the two juvenile dragons gave upon seeing Infernus. After all despite coming out of exile seven years ago, he still usually made himself rather scarce around Draportum. This was most Infernus had been seen in open broad daylight in centuries.
Luckily though the twins were also too distracted to notice the sneers on the two dragon's faces as they caught sight of them, or the low very threating warning growl Infernus sent the two juveniles.
Meanwhile Sakura's eyes were growing large at the sight of the magnificent city in all its glory.
The buildings had a style to them that highly favored marble columns, and sharp sometimes even jagged edges as far as Sakura could tell. Nearly every building had columns rolled into their infrastructure. The columns themselves were heavily decorated with lightning symbols or storm symbolism. Colors of the buildings ranged from yellows, blues, green, red, white, and even pinks much to Sakura's delight.
All the roofs of the buildings were domes that had very sharp spears on the tip top. The height of the buildings that were homes were actually quite moderate at least as far as dragons go. Only bit a little bit taller than some of Konoha's biggest buildings. Most likely due to lightning dragons being some of the smallest among dragon kind.
Although the most unique aspect to the district was the tubing. Each and every buildings no matter the type had clear tubing lining directly under the roof. Inside electrical pulses and waves of all colors could be seen flowing from one end to other.
Sakura couldn't help but wonder if it was something similar to the power lines that Konoha had.
Sakura quickly huddled up to her grandfather's paw. Wanting to stick as close by him as possible, the same couldn't be said for Flagro however. As Infernus had to stop him from charging in on his own with one of his wings.
Though despite being wary Sakura couldn't help be slightly disappointed at the lack of diversity, didn't more dragons besides lightning live here?
"Avus…I thought the city would be a bit less "zappy"" Flagro said in a confused but still excited tone as he practically vibrated on the spot.
Apparently her brother had a similar idea.
Infernus let out a big hearty laugh as they moved forward toward the museum.
"Actually young wyrm you're not far off in your observation, although Draportum is much more mixed than it appears right now" Infernus stated proud of his smart grandson.
"Really? What do you mean avus?" Sakura asked her curiosity now letting her overcome her natural shyness.
"Well children Draportum is made up of eleven districts. Five large and six small. Each district takes up after the dominant type of dragon species in that district. For instance the five largest districts are all made up of the five natural elements; so fire, lightning, earth, water, and air." Infernus explained in a jocular tone clearly happy to recite the history.
"See children we came in the northern border entrance, which is the entrance by the lightning district. This is where the Museum of Draconic history that we will be visiting resides" Infernus continued as they trekked along.
"Wow nifty! So where's the fire district?" Flagro asked hoping up and down as he bounded beside Infernus and Sakura.
"In the center of the entire city young one. The fire district is also where most of the law related buildings reside. Although if you young ones look up and over to the far left in the sky you can also see a bit of the air district" Infernus chuckled at his grandchildren's surprised faces as they turned to look in that exact direction.
Sure enough they could just barely catch glimpses of the far off floating precipices in the distance.
"I hope I get to see all the city someday" Sakura thought wistfully a small smile working itself onto her face. Though as that walk continued that smile slowly began to disappear.
Since Infenrus was busy with the much more social and excitable Flagro neither of them noticed the stares they were getting.
But Sakura did.
Many of dragons that they passed would stare at Infernus in either respect or awe before turning their attention to Sakura or Flagro.
Then those looks of awe would turn into sneers of disgust or disbelief. Some of bolder dragons would even let off low growls, which they made sure Sakura saw but Infernus didn't hear.
Sakura whimpered silently at the looks, but at the same time felt immense confusion. Did she do something wrong? Did she accidently offend someone? Mess up some custom? Why were they all staring at her like that?
She gripped onto her grandfather's lower forepaw for an extra feeling of security, she felt his muscles flex, and saw Infernus give her a side "eye" smile before returning his attention to Flagro.
While this gave Sakura a bit more comfort, for her the rest of the trip to the museum was nothing but tense.
When they finally reached the Museum Sakura was a bundle of nerves. She was so wound up that even the idea of learning something she loved to do dearly almost didn't calm her down.
Almost.
The Museum was much bigger than most of the other buildings in the lightning district, no doubt so it could accompany all dragon types instead of one specific one. Though appearance wise it shared the same architectural style as all the other buildings in the area.
Though the most surprising feature to the building was the creature that awaited them in the front.
"Why hello there Arthur. Thanks for allowing my children to have this personal tour." Infernus greeted with a respectful bow.
"No problem Infernus my old friend. After all history is important, and most of the whelplings around here couldn't care less about it. It's nice to see some whelps so interested!" Arthur said enthused.
Arthur the creature in question was a proud griffon. A half bird, half big cat creature, with the front half being the bird, and the back the cat half. Typically pure blooded griffons tended to be half eagle, half lion. Though in recent centuries this has changed, and more varieties of species of both halves have appeared. Arthur was no exception. He was half raven, half Black Panther.
This gave him a nearly all midnight black coating, though if one look closely they could see spots in the panther half. The only other colors on him were his sharp yellow eyes, his light gray beak and front talons, then the white circles around his eyes that gave him the appearance of wearing glasses, the white tips on his wings, tail feathers, and tail. Size wise he was on par with a draft horse. Large but nowhere near as large as the dragons around him.
Arthur looked down at the Sakura and Flagro with an almost sad look, as if he knew something that Sakura and Flagro didn't.
Infernus deeply cleared his throat.
Then as quickly as it came that look on Arthur disappeared.
While Flagro was just a bit confused, Sakrua felt her insides riot. Her grandfather and this Arthur fellow knew something, and wasn't telling them. Sakura didn't like it one bit, but she was too nervous to voice it. If Avus didn't want her to know, then maybe it was for the best.
"Anyway it's my duty as a historian to spread knowledge so come on little ones, and remember don't be afraid to ask any questions!" Arthur chirped happily trying to get the pleasant mood to return.
"Cool come on sis, Avus!" Flagro sprang forward sticking close to Arthur. Sakura instead stayed closer to Infernus much more comfortable with him, than some stranger.
The inside appeared even larger than it did on the outside, the high ceiling allowed the windows to give off beautiful natural lighting. Inside was laden with statues, paintings, and models of all different types of dragons, and other various creatures. There were even dioramas of Draportum, and other well-known magical settlements, as well as different rooms that were diverted to other topics.
Flagro never known for his patience immediately began asking questions.
"So since Avus was being a party pooper, Mister Arthur can you tell us what the other six districts are? Oh! And tell us about all the other types of dragons! Or more about our cool ancestors! Or!" Flagro said rambling excitedly so fast, that even the tense Sakura couldn't help but crack at smile at her brother's antics.
"Woah, woah young whelp one thing at a time now" Arthur laughed good naturedly along with Infernus.
Flagro calmed down as Arthur stopped in front of a diorama of the entire city of Draportum. Sakura couldn't help but marvel at it, the diorama even had the floating islands of the air district present. Most likely being held up by levitation magic.
"I'm sure Infernus or Ardenia already to you two about the five main elements, but I've have you young ones know there are six sub elements as well. A couple of the sub elements are off shoots from the five main, while the origin of some other remain unknown. Not to mention the sub species of dragons too." Arthur began to lecture thoroughly in his own intellectual element.
Flagro's eyes sparkled as Arthur pointed out the smaller botches on the diorama.
"You see the other six are as follows; ice, darkness, light, metal, energy, and finally astral. Ice, metal, and light stems from water, earth, and fire respectively." Arthur explained.
"Dragons with no known origin include energy dragons who are just dragons who can use magic in its purest form, making them the best spell casters. Then astral who also are called star dragons who are the rarest dragons of all and reside well above the exosphere and live in space. Very few stay on the earth's soil." Arthur lectured.
"Then of course the darkness dragons who seem to have strong ties to both the light and astral dragons the-" Arthur began to add before being interrupted.
"Are the darkness dragons evil?" Sakura couldn't help but interrupt fascinated and significantly less tense.
Arthur made a face of contemplation before answering.
"It's hard to explain little one…let's say they're the most morally grey of the group. While not really "evil", unfortunately they can be the most ruthless regarding certain matters. However they understand their place in our world, and typically don't go out of their way to make trouble" Arthur explained as best he could.
"But don't expect them to stick their necks out for you children. They also are relatively unsympathetic to as they say "trivial" plights" Infernus stated gruffly a bit of venom seeping into his voice.
"Trivial?" Sakura questioned startled wary at hearing such malice seep into her avus' voice.
Arthur dodged the rest of the subject though, but not before slipping Infernus a disappointed look. He was hoping his old friend let go of some of his past prejudices.
Then a gasp pulled everyone out of their thoughts.
"Look guys it's Tarandrus!" Flagro squealed running up to a life size model of Tarandrus, and a few other animals in the same exhibit. Though Sakura noticed that behind each individual Legato there was three others behind them.
"Ah yes I see you found the Legato exhibit very nice" Infernus smiled happy to be diverted. They all them turned their attention to the models. Sakura couldn't help but admire and appreciate the detail the model held. Of course though it was nowhere as grand as the real thing.
"I'm sure you children know what Legato's are?" Arthur teased, but phrased his words as a question to truly see if they were paying attention to what their family was teaching them.
"Legato's are the second in commands of their respective guardians. A Legato's job is to take care of the any of the guardian duties, or even diplomatic matters if said guardian is unable too. They also act as rule enforcers if the Guardian is too busy or too far away to handle the matter themselves" Sakura recited beat for beat excitedly and clearly showing she paid attention to what he mother said.
Arthur was actually stunned silently, and Infernus was nearly busting with pride.
"Yeah…what Sakura said" Flagro responded quickly after, though inwardly he was a more than a bit disgruntled at Sakura's quick response.
"Wow! Very good Sakura exactly right! Now I know you know Tarandrus, but let me tell you who the other Legato's are!" Arthur chirped pointing his talon towards each one and reciting their names and who their guardian was.
Each of the other Legato's looked large and powerful in their own right. As Legato's always ended up being bigger than the normal animal of their respective species. However they all shared these traits.
Pure white coats, black markings that matched their elements, and eye colors that matched their element as well.
The first was a large maned lion with striking, bold yellow eyes. He had black electric markings that wrapped around his lower front and back legs.
"The lion over there is Rugio he's with Fulgur"
Both children grimaced at the mention of Fulgur. It was never a fun time whenever he decided to drop by. They both just felt the disdain emanating from him every time, and sakura noted inwardly unlike most of the dragons here he barely even tried to hide it.
Sakura just hoped Rugio didn't share Fulgur's "charming" personality.
Next was an eagle that looked big enough for a grown man to fly on it. The eagle had light teal eyes, and curvy wind markings on the topside on its wings.
"Then this beauty of an eagle is Fluita, she's with Aerius"
Sakura and Flagro softened up at that. Aerius may be a bit "odd" but they loved him and the same and he was a much more welcome sight.
Third up was a large shark, about the size a medium sail boat. The shark had dark cobalt blue eyes, and "splash" water markings on its pectoral fins, main dorsal fin, and tail fin.
"Next up is Vexo here the shark. As I'm sure it's easy to guess she's with Unda"
Sakura let out a happy thrill and Flagro a smirk. They really loved their godmother Unda. She also tended to visit the most, and sometimes she'd even bring them presents deemed too "dangerous" by their mother.
Finally the ram stood tall and proud. With black curved horns that looked particularly deadly. It had juniper green eyes, and earth splotch markings all laid out over its back.
"Then finally of course, we have Validus the ram he's with Montosus"
Sakura's smile wavered a bit at the mention of Montosus. While she certainly didn't hate him, Sakura couldn't help but be intimidated by his size.
"Also take note you two that the Legato's you see behind each of them, were their predecessors and ancestors. As I've told you before that a Legato is an inherited position, just like guardianship" Infernus added bending down to Sakura, as he was specifically talking to her.
Though this caused Infernus, Sakura, and Arthur to miss the slightly hurt look that crossed Flagro's face.
"Now let me tell you something that you might not know. The first Legato's were bestowed their powers by light dragons. The first group were part of a collection of animals that along with your ancestor Calidumacus helped establish and instate the guardianship. As the first legato's noticed how overworked the guardians were, and offered their services" Arthur rambled.
"They were also highly respected in and out of their own respective species. Considered heroes by many each for different reasons" Infernus made sure to add.
Sakura's head swiveled toward Arthur with that former information. Infernus, nor anyone else had told her that yet. Though she thought that probably explained what they all shared similar coats. Plus it was neat to learn a bit more about what light dragons could do.
However Sakura was more interested in why they received their powers from light dragons, and not Divus? As far as Sakura understood, Divus directly blessed the first group of guardians, and supposedly that power is passed down to each generation. Including herself.
This was why no dragon outside the chosen royal families could ever be a guardian. They wouldn't have that power inherited in them. So why didn't he bless the legatos who were just as important, and even sometimes more so?
It made Sakura a bit suspicious…
Infernus however noticed her inquisitive face, and bent down to whisper to her while Flagro and Arthur talked amicably.
"What's on your mind, young wyrm?" Infenrus chuckled at Sakura startled shake. Showing just how deep in thought she was. Though Sakura had always been the more observant of the siblings.
"Avus…why didn't Divus bless the legatos if they're just as important?" Sakura asked quietly.
Infernus' eye ridge rose at the surprisingly deep question from Sakura. It was honestly something he thought and hoped neither sibling would catch. However he quickly doused his surprise, and give Sakura a true, but closeted answer.
"Because it was decided that it was for the best. That the legatos didn't receive too much power, and since light dragons are the closest decedents of Divus, it appeared better for the legatos to get power from them than Divus himself. Dragons were worried they would get "ideas" if they were on exact equal power to the guardians" Infernus replied with a thoughtful stare.
Sakura however despite how smart she is, was still a child. So luckily for Infernus the more unfortunate implication of his statement flew over her head.
"Why?" Sakura asked clearly confused.
Infernus chuckled.
"That is an answer for when you're much, much older" Infernus replied with finality, before walking to catch up with Arthur and Flagro.
Sakura pouted at her question being denied but followed them in the next room none the less.
To which she was greeted by a magnificent sight.
In front of Sakura was a full scale model.
A Calidumacus model was battling a large humanoid looking creature. The creature was large probably around thirty to forty feet tall. It had bronze skin, scraggly blonde hair, and huge pulsating muscles. The figure wore a long brown loin cloth, and had gray arm and ankle shackles that had runes written around them.
However the most terrifying and really only inhuman feature besides the height was the single bright green eye the creature had. The eye held such malice, evil, and contempt that it scared Sakura. It looked so beautiful but soulless at the same time.
"What's this? Who's that big man?" Flagro pointed shivering a bit, no doubt feeling the same malice Sakura felt as well.
"That children is Ispolin. He was the leader of the titan giants, and the dragons most hated enemy. He led the titans in a battle against the dragons in the early days of our establishment when we still lived in Hidden Land. They lost but continued to antagonize us" Infernus growled more riled up than he had been all day looking at the models.
"Even after the great cleansing where nearly all magical creatures were banished by Divus' claws, the Giants continued to seek war with the Dragons and other magical creatures for example griffons like me" Arthur added looking up warily at the Giant.
"What happened to them?" Sakura fretted frightened. After all dragons didn't have too many natural enemies so to find out they had one so terrifying scared her.
"They were rightfully banished, and forced out of the Land of the Sun. No one knows where they retreated to. However the last thing I remember hearing about them is that Ispolin's great grandson Spartak leads them now." Infernus huffed rolling his eyes at the thought of Spartak.
Sakura shivered up at the statue before looking around the entire room to see all the menacing looking creatures. In this room it appeared none of these creatures were portrayed in favorable light.
"This whole room is comprised of past enemies to dragon kind. Such as the karura, and harpies. The most prominent and vicious being the titan giants, however wyverns also tend to be rather malicious in encounters with dragons" Arthur explained pointing to all the different types of creatures.
"And unfortunately they aren't completely exiled yet. They are distant cousins of ours. They only have wings where their forelegs would be. They are significantly smaller, but travel in huge numbers to alleviate this problem, they have clubbed stinger tails, and all of them can only breathe and sting with poisonous sulfuric acid" Infernus warned looking at both Sakura and Flagro.
"Yet it's the acid that actually makes them so threatening to dragons. As that acid they spit is one of the few substances around that can easily burn through any dragons scales with enough exposure. So you can only imagine how it is for the creatures who don't have tough exterior protection" Arthur also warmed looking grave.
Sakura whimpered.
Flagro winced before shaking his head and giving a determined look.
"Well I'll be sure to train extra hard so they won't get me! Te habeo! That way I can protect everyone!" Flagro shouted determined as he glared at the wyvern models.
Infernus gave a proud smile, while Arthur shook his head amused.
Sakura gave a lopsided withering smile internally wishing she was as brave as her brother.
"So why haven't they been completely banished yet Avus? They sound bad enough to me" Flagro huffed puffing out his chest.
"Humph, because Flagro they haven't done anything too overly heinous enough to warrant full banishment in centuries. At the most they act like petty thieves, and are prone to vandalism, maybe even a few assaults. But they haven't straight up killed a dragon in centuries. Those cowards are too afraid to antagonize dragons too much anymore. Especially after they saw what happened to the giants" Infernus smirked mimicking his grandson's pose good naturedly.
Flagro giggled as Infernus poked his chest with a gentle claw, and he fell on his bottom.
Sakura turned away from the happy scene for a closer look her great-great grandfather fighting Ispolin. She had heard multiple stories about Calidumacus and his heroics from her grandfather, and grandmother. Calidumacus stood tall, the face on the model showing no fear against the malevolent giant.
Calidumacus' main color surprisingly wasn't red. No he was a dark orange, however towards his lower front and back legs his colored morphed into the same blood red coloring Infernus had. His chest plates that traveled down to his under his tail were blood red as well.
He didn't have a mane, but instead had white frill fins with gold tips that trailed from his head to his back. The outer wings were dark orange while the inner were the blood red coloring, and he had a white dew claw on both wings.
Calidumacus' flame markings along his back were the same blood red as well. His tail was a gold tipped white frill that resembled a flame. His claws were an off-white color though.
His horns were though were gold with whites tips. The horns were thick and stretched back before crooking upwards giving Calidumacus the appearance of a crown. He also had secondary horns that stuck out straight from above his ramus bone, and the white and gold tipped frill fins coming out of his ramous bone, similar to Flagro. Plus a full face, with a bit of an overbite.
However the most catching feature for Sakura, was the gold, red, and black flecked eyes that Calidumacus had.
Like her grandfather.
Like her mother.
Like her brother.
Not like her.
As Sakura gazed up at the legacy she was supposed to live up to…
She had never felt so small.
She always thought Flagro would make a better heir than her. He was braver, personable, and a good leader. She never felt it was fair for her to be the heir simply because she was born first.
But she kept looking up at her legacy, and thought that for her family…
She would try.
Meanwhile back in Konoha another a young blonde spikey haired boy was having similar thoughts.
Naruto sat on the rusty windowsill in the basement of the orphanage. Normally he came down here to escape the cold stares from the staff, and the teasing from the children. However recently it was for a different reason.
For a couple of months now Naruto had been finding a bento box full of food, money, and perhaps most importantly to him letters on this specific window once a week. At first he thought the weekly delivered boxes wasn't meant for him, that it was a mistake.
Until he saw his name on top of the letters.
The letters usually contained words of encouragement; "Keep on going" "one day you'll prove them all wrong" "Never underestimate yourself". The letters also contained words of love and apologies; "I'm sorry" "I love you" "Your parents loved you too, never doubt that".
"I'm watching you, and one day maybe I can be there for you"
Naruto would keep these letters close to himself, and was fiercely protective of them. He hid the letters and money away from all the nosey prying bullies he had.
He never managed to catch who sent him the boxes. He was almost under constant supervision, and the person who delivered the boxes didn't seem to have a set pattern for day or hour he would deliver.
Though one day Naruto vowed to find the source of these letters, and gifts and thank whoever sent them. He would find this person who loved him, and tell them just how much the box would help during the really rough times.
For that person Naruto would try.
He would try.
Author's Note: Guess who back is again. Once again sorry this update took so long, but my boss decided to give me a summer project to work on so yeah…didn't have to time to type really.
However as I said in my last post that once fall hit my schedule should open up, and so far as of this week that has rang true. So expect more frequent updates now!
OMG this chapter was almost twenty pages…but it's finished. I know I said I was going to release two at a time for this update, but damn this and the next two (possibly three) chapters are just so dense there's no way in hell I could. Besides you guys probably need time to process this information too anyway.
However the other parts are mostly done, I'm just in the process of editing them. So expect another update later this week most likely Saturday or Sunday.
Hopefully this chapter also made some people very happy, as Sakura is finally a character in the story! FINALLY! Believe me I was just as excited to get to this chapter as everybody else. Now "The Eighth Year" as I said in the previous chapter, is literally in my story the MOST important year of Sakura's life so pay attention to every tidbit.
Also due to length instead of two more chapters, the eighth year might actually get three, but one chapter would be much shorter. Though this isn't certain yet, and I won't know for sure until the next chapter but I let you guys know next update.
This was a HEAVY world building chapter, but very important. In this chapter alone I've probably dropped at least five or more major important plot points. So really try to retain all this information.
So now it's time for lore tidbits/ fun facts (yes there's more XD);
-In this chapter if you analyze close enough you'll realize there are two main reasons Sakura and Flagro are disliked. One of them may not be as obvious. So if you can figure it out post it in your review/pm whatever.
-The Land of the Sun is only about as big as the entirety of Lightning country (Naruto map) plus a just a handful of smaller islands. So this explains a bit of the sadness and shame felt by most magical creatures over being banished from living in the Hidden continent. They actually lost quite a bit of land due to that. Think of it like having the entire Naruto universe only taking place in Lightning Country. All of the magical population now only has that amount of space. Not enough to be too constricting or overly punishing, but definitely enough to the feel the sting. Especially for species and families who used to have way more land. However they DO except it's due to their ancestors own foolishness, and they aren't actually too bitter about it. Besides it could have been much worse...
-Metal dragons are not always completely covered in metal. Typically they are mostly earth dragons who enhance certain parts of their bodies with metal (i.e. metal wings, backs, tails, etc.)
-For a while I actually had time dragons. Time was an element in my story, but…yeah I thought in the end I that was WAAAAYY too overpowered for non-deity dragons to have. So time is now relegated to Divus, spells, and Kami (which I assume is the "main" technical deity of the Naruto verse as Kami is part of the most widespread religion in Japan which is Shintoism. Plus Kami didn't actively try to kill who they lorded over soo…)
-BTW I actually cut more lore about the world of the Land of the Sun, the economy of dragons, more descriptions of other sub-dragon species, and even a heftier description of the powers that dragons have. I decided to be more sensible and split it into the next oncoming chapters.
-Dragons outside of the chosen families indeed cannot be given guardianship due to the lack of Divus' blessing and personal choosing of said families. Plus like some humans Dragons are keen to only letting family members inherit anything. They are very traditional in that sense. However it is possible for a carrier of the main bloodline (i.e. someone who was born into the family) to transfer their powers onto a chosen member. Even if that chosen member's only tie to the family is marriage. So if Ardenia never had children she would've transferred a margin of her power to Caldarias. Despite the fact Caldarias is only her cousin on her mother's side and not a cousin from her father's side, which is the side that are direct blood heirs to Calidumacus.
-Titans are from what I researched was the best thing to call a group of giants.
-Also I researched natural enemies of dragons, and though I mentioned harpies, honestly giants, and wyverns stuck out the most too me. Plus I found more mentions of them antagonizing dragons in mythology anyway, giants especially; P. Although a lot of dragons' natural enemies in mythology tend to share two common traits…*gives the readers sly eyes*.
-Calidumacus' horns are modeled after a mountain nyala. Look it up it's a beautiful creature.
- The Lightning district is modeled both after ancient and a bit of modern Rome in building design. The other districts also have influences from other cultures/ethnicities architecture, though I will say now that another district will also take more after ancient/modern Rome as well.
-The ramus bone is the bone that makes the crooked "L" shape that from your jaw to your chin.
-Sakura and Flagro are indeed bilingual. They speak both Latin and Japanese (which what I assume all the Naruto characters speak), and they will unconsciously switch between the two languages as seen in this chapter (imagine the problems this could lead to ;) XD.
-The legato's Vexo and Fluita are based on a great white shark, and a white tailed eagle, which has among the widest wingspans among eagles.
-Originally Vexo was an otter, but I decided to make the water legato an animal that wouldn't have to come up for air. As Unda spends most of her time underwater anyway.
-As stated by Infernus Wyverns are not completely banished, but they are not allowed in Draportum, and many other settlements in the Land of the Sun. They actually are among the few magical creatures left who still live completely in the wild with no set settlement built of their own. Their attitudes reflect this mentality.
-Also this chapter originally began on Sakura's and Flagro's birthday, but I decided to make it a little bit before that for very specific reasons ;).
-Finally next chapter getting ready to see some old friends!
Now here are the Latin/Bulgarian translations for this chapter;
Draportum (Dra-por-tomb-ma) - is a combination of the words "dragon" and "portum". Portum being the Latin word for Haven. So the literal name is Dragon Haven; P.
Furibundus (Fu-ree-boon-deuce) - Is one of the Latin words for "raging". So Infernus' name can literally either be Inferno raging in the sun. Or the direct translation by name order Inferno raging sun.
Te Habeo (Tay-Ha-bae-e-yo) - Is a phrase translation that means something similar to "I got you!" Basically a little catch phrase.
Rugio (ru-joe) - Is the Latin word for roar.
Vexo (Ve-x-o) - Is the Latin word for ravage.
Validus (Val-lee-deuce) - Actually has multiple meanings in Latin, but the meaning I chose for my character is sturdy.
Fluita (Flew-ee-ta) - It stems from the word Fluito. It means drift.
Ispolin- Is the literal translation of the Bulgarian word for giant.
Spartak- Is a Bulgarian translation that stems from Spartacus. However my character is definitely a more…morally skewered version of his namesake. Not that the real Spartacus was flawless either.
So PLEASE READ and REVIEW, REVIEW! Really I mean it. I'm glad people are enjoying my story but I REALLY would like more constructive, encouraging or hell especially even suggesting feedback. Ideas you guys may offer in the comments, or Pms could very well end up in my story if I like it enough, or they work with the flow. More than just a "K that was kewl" would really help guys…I do sincerely love long comments!
Anyway catch you guys later this week FusaoKairi out!