Beau: Chapter Thirty-Two

Everything felt so dark and cold… How long have I been asleep? I couldn't open my eyes… But everything seemed so foggy. All I feel is pain… My body is burning… My scales to my claws. Everything burns… I want to roar and scream in pain. But I felt so weak that I couldn't. What did Kaunis do to me?

As my fogged up mind started to clear. I abandoned Myshka! I remember clearly now… It's too late now… All I can do I hope she is safe and forgives me.

I tried to move but the burning sensations all of my body. It's too painful… I am completely motionless. I still can't open my eyes.

As I tried to move as I could hear something. My hearing is returning. It's hard to understand but I can hear Kaunis soothing call. Along with a few others… A low rasping weak voice I can hear. So haunting that easily makes my burning body feel ice cold.

"I'm sorry father… I thou-"I can hear Kaunis talking someone. All I see is pitch black. But with a voice like his, it's easy to tell. He sounds somewhat scared… He sounded excited before he knocked me out. His different tune made me feel at ease. Or should I be frightened?

"You have failed again, Kaunis… But at least you try more than your siblings. To try and fix up the mistakes you all have made."

"But we are so close father I can feel it!"

"You will never be close enough… Since you all decided to go against my orders to kill the gold bloods off. Seeking the closest blood descendants is clever. But not clever enough… Time have past and look, he has gold draconium from his ancestors. But not much of it, black draconium mutation has long taken place. It's useless for my endeavours! I need pure!" And amongst the sensations of my burning body. With me only seeing pitch black a sudden cold surge through me. Someone is touching me!

"Then what should we do then father? What do I do with him? Kill him?" Kaunis sounding defeated.

"You saw throughout the tests that he is strong. Keep him alive. Send him to the dragon barracks, put him under mind control… He can join the forces going south. It will be a waste to kill him. He can be like his brother and work for the Empire. Meanwhile for us… Be prepared you will be coming with me to the south. However, we will go through the teleportation gates. It is time… We have waited long enough. Come!"

"Yes, father."

The freezing cold sensation touching me lift and the burning sensation began once more. I hear a door open and close, silence took over. I am still conscious, I have no idea how long it has been. But the darkness remained. I still struggled to open my eyes. Maybe trying to sleep can help but to no avail.

After a while, I managed to open my eyes. The weight of them, just blinking was difficult. Moving my head subtly side to side. Trying my hardest to regain sight and movement I have never felt so helpless until now. Long gone the days of me waking up underneath the sun.

It must have been a long time before I could lift up my head. My foggy sight began to clear and it looks like I am in a stable. Nothing like the fancy room Kaunis lived. It is small, empty room with nothing except me inside it.

As I moved my body more the burning sensation intensified. Roaring in pain I know will not do me any favours. "You're weak!" I can hear my father saying it now. Screaming like a sad little pup who tripped over. The pain moved all through my body as my blood pulsed in my veins. What did they do to me? Maybe it is a good thing I don't remember it.

Thinking of their conversation I could understand what he said… The human. It was definitely human and not dragon speech. He spoke the human tongue. How? This confused me. I have only basic knowledge of the human tongue, now I can fully understand it. Kaunis even spoke in it… He knows the human tongue. What is this? The pain, the language, the death of nature, humans are the cause of this.

As I tried to shuffle around my movement has started to slowly come back. My eyelids felt light as I can blink normally again. As I shuffled I think about what the two were talking about. South? South where? Waited long enough? What were they waiting for? Whatever it is it's not good.

And me under mind control… This frightens me. To become a mindless slave for the rest of my life. I need to think! I must do everything I can not to become that! Maybe I can prove that I am one of theirs and I can escape!

I looked behind and saw my tail. My patterns looked different! My scales are almost black with purple markings. My tail in looks sharp and spikey. Glimpsing at my back paws the blistered are gone. But in place, my claws are long and sharp. Like mini spears on each of my toes. Even the grey colour now have a purple tinge in them. What do I fully look like?

As I was thinking the door opened. A few humans wearing cloaked robes like before walked in. Still silent they placed their hands all of my body. It stung where they touched. I groaned in pain and with quick movements they left. I was all alone again…

It seemed like time has frozen. I have no idea how long I have been here. But the burning in my blood and scales remained. In a way, I felt like I am getting used to the pain…

I began to walk even though it felt like I had to learn to walk again. Stumbling around the stable walking in circles. All in the meantime I feel like I am losing my mind or about to lose it. I shake my head when a small dragon walks in with human. Nothing like the hooded silent creeps.

"Do you understand human tongue now dragon?"

I nod yes. I can perfectly understand him. Even though I wish that I still didn't.

"Can you speak the human tongue dragon?" The way he is talking to me is complete arrogance. I have only just managed to walk and this ass is asking me stupid questions. But to play it safe I try to speak the human tongue. Most dragons can't do it, but I can now randomly understand how humans speak. But all that came out is a roar. After multiple attempts, it's a clear failure.

"What skills do you have?"

Skills? What does he mean by that? I run, eat, shit. I'm a dragon! I do dragon what dragons do. In other words, be free to do as I please. The small snake looking dragon stares at me impatiently. I answer to her I don't know. And she tells him in the human tongue.

And like that they both leave the room again without a word. If I had all of my strength back I can knock this whole wall down! I need to be out of here!

As I look around the room the stone room door opened once more. This time it was as I feared! The same man with the small dragon. Now have guards accompanying them. And they were holding something dark black and sharp that looks like headgear. I hope it's not what I think it is!

I roar in protest as I used all my strength to try and past them. The guards like the ones that caught me used their powers against me. Draconium abilities! One of them raised their hand and used a mag push. My body slammed onto the back stone wall. As I looked I didn't realise how strong the stone walls here are. Not even a crack! Of course, they would make this place dragon proof. The man pinned me against the back wall with no effort. I struggled but he just pinned me there. The draconium power stream held in place reacting to my burning scales. It is becoming more painful by the second.

He lets go and I drop onto the floor making the floor shake. I screech in pain. The human and the dragon then held my head up. Checking over me for damage. Even though all of my pain is inside me and not visible.

And with another wave of his hand, everything went black.

I opened my eyes. The burning pain still remained. But everything else felt empty. My memories and experiences are gone. I am thinking of nothing… I am blank.

Something is covering my eyes. Instead of seeing clearly there is a colour shade of purple over my eyes. I breathe and walked around, much of my energy has now returned. It's like energy and power is being transferred into me.

I hear something and I see the same people and dragon again. One of the humans walked up to me cautiously and pulled my head down. The way they were looking at me it was as if they were checking something. Tapping my head I hear a unique sound I have never heard of. It is like something is sitting on my head.

"Look up dragon" And without thinking I look up to the human who asked.

"Stick your tongue out." Chuckling as he asked me and I did it.

"Good! It's working! He should be ready to go out today. Join the other dragons to head south. The controller should be prepared for the south trip." The man said gleefully and I stand in the same spot without moving.

"Follow dragon" And I obeyed. I followed them through the long hallways and stairwells. There are other dragons surrounding me. But I did not pay attention to them. I only felt a need to obey orders.

We walked into a large chamber full of a few hundred dragons. Standing all in perfectly straight lines amongst other dragons wearing the same headgear.

"Stay Dragon." They then leave the chamber. I stared forward waiting what to do next.

When another human in elaborate dark grey robes walks out to greet us. He opens his long arms as if he was to embrace all of us. I see humans standing behind him staring at us as we stare at them with blank expressions.

"Hello! Dragons!" He says cheerfully. "Today is a great day for our Empire! From today you shall serve us proud! We have waited patiently for this moment! And like the Gold and Light-Green Empire before we will expand our influences! THE WORLD WILL BE OURS!" And he outreaches his arms once more like he is giving us a hug. As he tries to weirdly embrace us he holds a strange-looking stick and waves it. I felt this temptation just look at where this stick gets pointed at.

His excitement is almost infectious. He then turns around to face his peers as they wish him luck. I could only hear his name as General Azazel. He then turns around points forward and demands that we march forward. His stick glowed and all of us in awe looked at it. We hear his commands through the stick. In unison in the same sort of beat we turned around and we all walked together. The large chamber doors opened and all I see is the wide open sky and the dead planes. We are outside of Inclementia.

We are a sea of dragons without any riders. I see flags bearing the eye symbol of the empire waving around us. Dragons large as buildings walk next to us creating earth shakes. They are the largest creatures I have ever seen. Bull class dragons and large carts being pulled that contain the massive amounts of food that need to sustain us.

We walked through the dark and empty plane. All the dead plants and grey dirt looking like a never-ending sea. The grey clouds still cover the sky, but I did not think much of it.

After the next few weeks, I did exactly what they told me. I can only eat when they tell me, I have to hold onto my pee until they let me relieve myself. I could not speak to the dragons around me. We have been doing nothing but walking bypassing villages and smaller cities. We have finally reached the end of Black Draconium Eye territory. I can see the trees and greenery and some of the grey sky has started to clear.

I have no idea where we are now. I am alone in a sea of dragons. My mind remains foggy as ever. Trying to think on my own is immensely difficult. But I know none the wiser. It seems like I have always been like this.

As we continued walking I see an even larger mass of humans and dragons. It's a military camp. I look to my side and see the generals together discussing what to do next.

"How many dragons have you given us General Azazel?" A short woman asks the general in a concerned tone. Her armour elaborate in pattern design with a unique flat faced helmet design. With horns spiking forward coming out of the forehead. It is battle armour and it looks like it has been used. Scratches and markings are stained all over her armour. The armour coats her entire body it's impossible to tell what she actually looks like. A good thing much of the generals have armour that can be easily distinguished

"Hundred and fifty, General Oleander they are all under mind control. As the Emperor demanded and sent. So you may use them on your behest."

"Good! Unfortunately, many of us have lost our dragons. We stumbled across a herd of hydrags during our journey south. Many of them killed and ate our dragons."

"Wait what? Hydrags? What are they doing so far up north?"

"No idea… We were not expecting them. They came out of the shadows of the dead trees and many were buried underneath ground hidden in the dirt. My poor dragon Medusa stood no chance… She was gone from the first bite underneath her…"

"Sorry for your loss General Oleander. Must have been hard on y-"

"Yes, I know! But for now, I need a new dragon! I will look amongst this rabble a bit later. But for now, we will all rest here and wait for our Emperors next order. He has already gone into Demir to aid Emperor Arman Kaiser. The war will end soon."

"Good!" Azazel says with complete pride. He then turns to us as we stand there waiting for his command.

"Dragons eat!" As he lifts his wand and it glows. We can hear his voice project into our minds.

I walk over to the large bows full of mushy food. We have been living on it for the past few weeks. I eat as fast as I could. I hear no fighting, no roaring no nothing. But I also felt nothing… I couldn't even think. This is food I should despise. But I do as I am told.

I look up and realise it's starting to get dark. And I hear the Azazel's voice in my head. "After food, get some rest". And we all head outside the camp and find a spot to sleep in. It's amazing how peaceful we all act as over hundred dragons find a sleeping spot.

I managed to find a spot where soft dirt is. It's far away from the camp but it's comfy. Night eventually arrives and I can see the fires from the camp. I look at the camp that is still bustling with humans and dragons. I see Azazel and Oleander walking around the dragons. She is looking at each one in detail. Checking their legs, scales, physique. All share the same physical qualities of snake thin bodies with rectangular heads. But like people, they all still have different features such as various scale patterns, horns, fins and voice. None of them seem to be taking her interest as many of them do look similar. It was a while until she and Azazel come across me. Azazel uses his wand to get my attention and I stand up immediately.

"Well, this dragon is interesting!" General Oleander grabs my chin and pulls me closer. She is analyzing every part of me. She checks underneath my feet and underbelly. Feels my back and back legs. Even stroking my tail checking every possible scale. "Where is this one from? There is breed mixture in him."

"I believe he is one of the dragons who came from seer tower dungeons. He is one of the last to join the mind-controlled ranks." Azazel uses his wand and waves it left to right. And I follow it without question.

"You know his stature is eerily like… Never mind. But this one is one of my favourites so far. Lucky me as general I get first pickings! Many of the soldiers need new dragons after that hydrag attack."

"I understand that general. But as an important question. Will you be taking of their mind gear?"

"Yes, Azazel! You know why… Mind-controlled slaves are useful in ways. Such as cleaning your mansions, transportation, spying and pandering to your every little need. But when it comes the time for them to do tasks such as battling. I cannot think for myself and control every step of my dragon. Maybe there will be a time when such gear is invented for it. But it's not now…"

"Oh please! I can control a whole army! I led them here with no issues. They did exactly what I asked. And the mind gear has been updated. This one has it, see it looks different. Azazel then uses his index finger and taps my headgear.

"Oh please Azazel! The Emperor only asked you to bring them down here to show them off. You didn't think he would send you off to fight with these guys?" She laughs right at Azazels face and it is a loud belly laugh. The camp would have heard it. "Didn't he give you specific orders to not attack anyone?"

"No…"

"Then I highly suggest paying more attention! Or your head is on the line. Emperor Arman Kaiser asked us for our help! We are here to help!" Oleander said it in such sarcastic enthusiasm I would have found it funny. But yet I cannot laugh.

She then looks straight into my eyes, still smiling. "I choose this one! Take the headgear off!"

With his wand he then taps the gear five times and it falls directly off my head. I shake and with a massive headache, all of memories and feelings came back. My anger my frustration! I couldn't bear. I roar as loud as I could! Thrashing and jumping. The generals just stare at me as I was acting out. I turn them ready to attack! But then I remember where I am. I remember what I need to do! I am now under no one else's control. Using all of my willpower not to attack them and crush their heads. I stand and stare down at the two humans. They stare at me in return smiling.

"Are you done dragon?" As she smiles, she seems to be enjoying this. "Behave and you can have your mental freedom. Misbehave and you be back in this mindless herd. Understood?"

I nod yes as I can now understand the human tongue perfectly. She asks many of the same questions as the masters in my containment did. What my name is, where I came from, what skills I have. But unlike the master back then Oleander understands me perfectly. No dragon translator… She understands the dragon tongue! Azazel doesn't so she translates my answers to him. I spoke nothing about my herd or anything else I have been through. Just a dragon who was caught alone in the wilds. I hope my family is safe… It has been so long since I have seen them… And Myshka… I am sorry Myshka. I hope she is safe. I need to find them…

"Well, then Beau. An awfully pretty name for a dragon who came from the wilds. I want you to be my dragon! You will ride south with me! You will do as I ask. You obey our Emperor. Obey the League of Eight. You fight for our Empire until you are dead!"

I roar yes in agreement. Maybe I can find a way to run away… But there are hundreds of humans and dragons around. They will catch me with no problem there is too many of them. As I stand there I can feel my burning once again… The mind gear numbed the pain, now it feels fresh and painful… Burning… Just everything burning… My blood boiling and my scales feeling like they will burst into flames. I have to hide the pain! I have to hide it or they will mind control me again…

Oleander then walks to my side and with her left-hand grabs my chin and gently pulls me forward. Saying goodbye to Azazel, we walked through the camp and I see many other humans taking dragons out of the herd. They all seemed as annoyed and baffled as I am. Walking through the camp I see humans playing games and talking to each other. Laughing and mocking each other. I have never seen anything like this. Do humans do this in their free time? It made me feel a bit happy.

As we walked through I see a large fancier tent. This must be Oleanders… I see a specially made pen for a dragon. Soft hay on the floor with a large trough full of food. Even though I have had my fill. Standing and looking around in her soft pen I see her take out a glowing rope. It looks like the whips that they usually use to make dragons obey. I scuffle back at seeing it and she chuckles.

"Relax! This is just a rope that prevents you from running away. And trust me you don't want to be punished for running away."

"What is the punishment for running away or disobeying?" I asked in dragon tongue. Since I have seen her understand dragon tongue I hope she understands this.

"Oh… Many different kinds. You can get whipped, claws being ripped out, legs chained and drag you on the ground, eyes taken out. All shown in a public display! We used to sentence those who disobeyed to death. But the Emperor changed that when we kill so many people and dragons off. Torture has been proven to be a more effective method. I mean what is better? Giving those who break the law a quick death or make them suffer temporarily and give them another chance?"

And like that my small confidence in humans is now completely gone. How about not doing any of that? I would voice it. But it's too dangerous.

"Now go to sleep we will be heading south tomorrow. She ties the rope around my neck and ties the other end on the post. I pulled the rope as a tester it glowed as I tried. Quickly noticing the post feels extraordinarily heavy. I couldn't even make the post budge. I used my magging energy, but as I used it. Seems to be absorbed in the rope. She laughs as she sees me test it.

"Testing the waters are we? Do that again I will whip you. Understood?"

I nod abruptly as she turns around and takes off her armour. Dark brown skin, pale white hair with faded streaks of purple, thin and tall like many people in Inclementia. I have noticed that the majority of the people from there tend to have white tinged hair. Not fully natural as it looks like the colour has been washed out. It's weird…

I see her in her white basic clothes and climbs into her floor mattress. Blowing out her candle. The tent then goes dark as I can still hear the rabble outside.

As the night went on I try to sleep. It is much easier without the mind gear. But as I closed my eyes I can hear distant sobbing. I looked to my right over to the mattress. Oleander is crying… Crying over her lost dragon perhaps? I have heard of hydrags. They are nothing like dragons. I heard them described as large with heads, revealing teeth, yellow eyes. Even heard they walk weird as their legs are spread out and walk side to side. They can't use draconium magic as we do. They hide in the darkness and eat whoever comes across them. I have never seen or met one before… And to be honest, after hearing a general's dragon gets killed by one bite by them. I don't want to…

After a long night, it looks like day is breaking. Even though the sky is still overcast some sun rays can be seen from the opening of the clouds. Oleander wakes up from her sleep and she looks terrible even by human standards. Her face is all blotchy and her eyes look like they're about to fall out of their sockets. She has been grieving…

Oleander cleans herself up as I remain tied to the pole in the tent. A slave refills my food trough and I thank her. Even though she won't reply or understand. Oleander finally comes back in her armour. She approaches me and checks me out once more. By the way, she was speaking last night this camp must be one the move again.

I remain quiet as she unties the rope connected to the pole. It felt good not to have that magical thing attached. But like yesterday I had to suppress my urge to run. Just because I hear a human woman cry at night. Does not mean I am willing to remain here forever. If there is a chance of escape I will take it!

As she untied the rope a slave walks into her tent carrying a large and long object. I quickly notice what that is… It's a saddle! I growl in protest as Oleander looks at the saddle. I see her breathe heavily.

"NOT THAT SADDLE! GIVE ME DIFFERENT SADDLE SLAVE! NOW! I WILL NEVER USE THAT SADDLE AGAIN! THIS DRAGON DOES NOT DESERVE IT!" I almost jumped at such a reaction. Such anger and sadness in her voice. It's obvious that this was the saddle that Oleander used with her dragon. Maybe this means she will ride me bareback. I never want to wear one of those things. Human oppression at its finest.

The slave comes back saddleless and reports there are no more of them left. As many of the different soldiers are needing them since the accident. I can see the annoyance in Oleander. But I hope that she just goes bareback. Even though I don't want her to ride me at all. But it's that or be a slave in a mindless army.

"Fine just go! I'll go bareback, I can't be bothered finding another saddle that I like." Without hesitation, she jumps onto my back. I have never felt to mag so bad. I want this human off me! I feel physically sick. I cannot believe I have sunk this low! Hearing my father knowing that a human is riding me. He would have disowned me on the spot! Even given my circumstances. I am only doing this to survive… I am now officially disgraced from my herd. The only thing I can wish for when I go back is to not tell them.

Oleander gently nudged my sides to move forward. I walk clumsily forward the pain in my body has flared up again. What is causing this pain? It still sears inside my whole body and won't go away. I thought I was getting used to it. Obviously not… I groan in pain as I put my leg forward. One step at a time. One step at a time. I can do this!

She groans in frustration as she slaps the top of my head. "Walk PROPERLY!" She then takes out a whip. I am afraid of no whip… They make a strange cracking noise. But I can't imagine that thing hurting me too much. But regardless of that, I need to keep focused to try and be patient so I can escape. There will one day be an opportunity.

After a while, the burning sensations in my body have softened. Even though it is still there but bearable. I fear it is caused by the blood inside of my body. What did they do to me? My tail, my scales and my claws. What do I look like? What am I?

We walk out and I see all of the soldiers all packed and ready to go. I see Oleanders tent and mattress get moved into a supply carriage. It wasn't too long until we start moving. All of the soldiers on their saddles with their dragons walk closely behind us.

Oleander has a loud booming voice commanding everyone behind her