Shrine Maiden

The Shrine of the Radiant Dragon was one of the oldest dragon shrines in the world, and the shrine maiden who presided over it was revered throughout the world for her connection to the legendary beast that dwelt in the towering mountains around the shrine. People would come from far and wide to seek her counsel or to beseech her aid in earning the dragon's favour. Yet she only ever deigned to help a few of them.

The dragon was not a weapon of war to be used in the petty squabbles of mortal kings, nor was the shrine maiden easily bribed with worldly treasures. Instead, the dragon and her maiden were there to watch over the world, intervening only when necessary.

X X X

"Get up you lazy, overgrown lizard! We're supposed to save a kingdom today," Blake growled, giving the massive golden dragon slouching on the mountainside a stout kick. All that accomplished was stubbing her toe, and she clutched at her foot in agony as the gigantic reptile laughed at her misfortune. "Stop laughing."

The dragon stopped laughing and looked her right in the eye before laughing some more.

"I will hit you." Blake raised the broom she used to sweep the shrine's steps high above her head. "Don't think I won't."

The dragon stared at her and then beckoned her forward as if ordering her to do her worst. Blake obliged the dragon and gave her a mighty whack over the head. She was lucky the broom didn't break. The scowl that crossed her lips only added to the dragon's mirth.

"You know, there's a reason you've gone through so many shrine maidens before me. It's not just because dragons live so long, it's because you're impossible to deal with." Blake huffed. "And don't even get me started on what you did to that poor princess from Atlas yesterday."

The dragon chortled.

"You threatened to eat her, Yang!" Blake jabbed one finger into the dragon's scales and winced. It was like poking a slab of iron. "She was convinced she was going to die."

The dragon rose up onto her haunches. What can I say? She looked tasty. Besides, it's not like I'd actually eat her. Ruby would be mad.

Blake threw her hands up in the air. "I still don't understand why your sister is so obsessed with cookies. What kind of dragon even eats cookies? Where did she even get some?"

We weren't always so big. Yang chuckled. The dragon's golden scales shimmered in the morning sun. I remember when we were little hatchlings, only a few feet long. Ruby stole some from a bakery, and she liked them. It's gotten a little harder for her to find cookies big enough over the years, but she makes do.

"She has basically enslaved an entire kingdom to ensure she has a steady supply of baked goods."

It's not all bad. She does smite their enemies and devour those who would threaten them, so it's not like they're getting nothing out of the deal. Yang flexed her wings, and the sudden gale would have blown Blake off the mountain if she hadn't reached out to catch her in one claw. Besides, people always get suspicious if you offer to help them for free. They're more likely to trust you if you ask for something in return.

"Is that why you asked for your own weight in gold when the ambassador from Mistral showed up last week? Do you have any idea how much you weigh, Yang?"

I'm a growing dragon. Yang snickered and bared her teeth. Relax. They've got at least another month before those drakes become a problem. I'll go help them out, and I'll only ask for the world's cutest cat in exchange.

"What would you even do with a cat?" Blake asked.

It'll be funny watching them freak out while they try to find it… which they won't. Plus, I can then demand enough gold and silver to keep the shrine going for a dozen more of your lifetimes. I could even have a statue put in… maybe in platinum. I think I'd look good in platinum.

"Oh?"

Yang gave Blake what passed for a winning smile amongst dragons. Alas, it came off as fairly terrifying since it showed off her exceedingly large and exceedingly sharp teeth. After all, Yang was five hundred feet long. She could have swallowed a wagon whole without breaking a sweat.

"Yang, that smile is why people are terrified of you." Blake sighed. "But enlighten me. Why won't they find the world's cutest cat?"

Because I've already got her. Yang waggled what passed for eyebrows amongst her kind. Get it?

Blake kicked Yang with her other foot and cursed. Now, she had stubbed toes on both feet!

Heh. Don't worry. We can go fishing once we're done saving the kingdom. I'm sure we can catch plenty of tuna.

X X X

Meanwhile…

"Oh, Great Crimson Terror of the Skies! We beseech you, strike down our foes and lay waste their cities!"

Ruby yawned and waved one enormous claw in the general direction of the petitioner. It's the middle of the night. I'm trying to sleep. Come back in the morning.

The petitioner paused. "Great Crimson Terror of the Skies! Our enemies have raided our border territories and burnt a dozen bakeries! Some of our finest bakers have been captured, and others have been put to the sword!"

Ruby sat up. Her silver eyes blazed, and fire kindled in her jaws. What was that?

The petitioner flinched at being the sudden object of her attention. "Uh… they kidnapped some bakers and killed some others."

Where? Ruby sat up. Her wings flared majestically, casting the land into shadow as they blotted out the moon. Who dares harm my bakers?

X X X

Author's Notes

As always, I do not own RWBY. I'm not making any money off of this either.

Yang and Ruby have slightly different approaches to life as a dragon. Yang has set herself up as benevolent force for good… who demands treasure or else plays pranks, depending on what her mood is. She also has a shrine maiden, Blake, who is very busy.

Ruby, meanwhile, has appointed herself the protector of the kingdom with the best cookie-makers in the world. In exchange for huge quantities of baked goods, she will keep them safe and slaughter their enemies. It's not a bad life for her, actually. And Weiss, who really doesn't want to have to resort to throwing a cookie-addicted dragon at her problems, has decided to ask that dragon's sister for help. Hmm… no wonder it didn't work.

In case you're wondering, you can also find me on Amazon as L. G. Estrella. I have just released a new story. It's called Two Necromancers, a Dwarf Kingdom, and a Sky City. It's the fourth part of The Unconventional Heroes Series. Please, check it out if you're interested or like my sense of humour.

As always, I appreciate feedback. Reviews and comments are welcome.