This week's update sees me in a relatively nice hostel with really crappy WiFi. Thankfully, Fanfiction seems to be working okay. Due to the time difference in Ireland and the fact that I need to update when I'm not sightseeing, you'll be getting much earlier updates until I go back home in a little over a week. After that, things will be more regular again.

This week's dragon spotlight goes to Rhaegal from A Song of Ice and Fire. Admittedly, I stopped reading and watching this series. There's only so much death/torture/rape I can handle in a fictional work. However, I do still follow what's happening with the dragons. I always liked Rhaegal, because he seems to be the least well-known of the dragons. Drogon gets the main spotlight, then Viserion. I never hear about the green and copper Rhaegal, though. When I was at an art show, I saw a portrait of Rhaegal and was told that the portraits of Drogon and Viserion were sold almost immediately. I guess I like the underdog. Also, green is my favorite color next to gold, so there's that.

Anyway, enjoy.

Blake glanced up from her book as three familiar earth dragonets bounded by. Pit, of course, was at the lead. Twiggy was right behind him, with Zircon taking up the rear.

It was a funny group of young dragons, each of a different size. Pit was the largest, bigger than most dog breeds at the shoulder. Zircon was the regular size for a dragon his age, two or three inches shorter than Pit. Twiggy, on the other hand, was about the size of a Golden Retriever.

"Don't be too bossy, Pit," Blake called good-naturedly, knowing that her dragon would pull his alpha act no matter what she said.

"Oh, he's fine," Jaune assured her, glancing up from his notes. "Twiggy doesn't mind. She's used to following Titan around."

"And Zircon definitely gets braver when Pit's nearby," Sage added. "I think he sees him as a secondary protector."

"I'm glad they get along so well," Blake said. "There's still some tension between my team's dragons."

"How so?" Sage wondered.

"I think it might have to do with them not being siblings," Blake admitted. "And the fact that Pit is older. He's definitely the alpha dragon, but it's more because the other three don't really care. Fang doesn't snap as much now, but he prefers Yang over the other dragons. Storm adores Ruby, but doesn't really play with the others. Specter fights with Pit occasionally, but that's it." She closed her book. "I'm a little worried. Aren't the dragons supposed to be close to each other?"

"I wouldn't worry," Jaune assured her. "Some dragons take longer to develop relationships, or even personalities. I mean, Titan still doesn't show much emotion. There have been other teams like yours. As long as they're not constantly fighting each other, I think you're good."

"I hope you're right," Blake sighed. Truthfully, she was feeling similarly about her human teammates. Though they were definitely closer since the fight at the crash site, she still felt as if they weren't as close as they could be.

Before, she would shun being too close to people. Being a Dragon Rider, however, made certain adjustments necessary, such as a rethinking of one's social limitations. She did feel a certain sense of comfort with all of her new friends. Besides her teammates, she was also perfectly able to spend time with the members of Teams SSSN and JNPR. Still, it didn't feel like the kind of friendship that was required of Riders, the kind of friendship that involved risking one's life for another and putting absolute trust in them.

There was a way for Blake to show absolute trust, of course. She could tell her teammates about the White Fang, Adam, and the true circumstances surrounding Pit's hatching. It would make sense, since there was a chance that Adam was involved with the attack on that airship and the attempted robbery of that piece of Atlesian tech.

But, how would they react? Weiss especially would probably hate her for being a former White Fang member. Wouldn't telling cause them to not trust her at all?

"Careful, Twiggy!" Jaune called to his dragon, who had started climbing the trunk of a large oak tree, her claws sinking into the heavily-scarred bark.

Blake turned her attention back to the dragons, feeling herself relax as she watched them. All they need to worry about is getting stronger and eating. Must be nice.

Pit was digging at the root of the tree while Twiggy scrambled higher. Zircon was sniffing at some flowers. His nose wrinkled and he let out a loud sneeze.

Sage chuckled. "He loves flowers. He actually has a little collection of them in his bed."

A scrabbling noise caused them all to jump. Twiggy, who was now several feet off the ground, had just torn a large piece of bark from the tree and was struggling to get a good grip. Jaune stood up and started running toward the tree just as his dragon began tumbling downward.

Then, she stopped. She didn't hit the ground. She just stopped, hovering in midair for a moment, before gently landing in the grass.

Only Blake noticed that Pit was staring intently at the other dragon. She also saw that the silver freckles on his scales had taken on a slight glow.

Jaune blinked. "Huh?" He knelt down and called Twiggy over. "Hey, girl. You okay?" He checked her over for any bruises. "Did you do that?"

"I've never heard of a dragon levitating before." Sage walked over, also examining Twiggy. "Has she shown any signs of earth power yet?"

"I haven't seen anything," Jaune muttered, checking Twiggy's eyes.

Blake coughed, trying to sound nonchalant. "Um, I just remembered. Professor Ozpin wanted to see me this afternoon. I'd better go."

"Okay. See you later," Jaune muttered, still focused on Twiggy.

Sage, however, frowned as he watched Blake hurry over to Pit and urge him toward the main building. She seemed troubled, as if suddenly aware of something desperately important. He would have to ask her about it later.

Blake, meanwhile, rushed to the elevator that took her and Pit to Ozpin's office. There was a slight rattling sound as the doors opened and she was quick to usher her dragon out.

Ozpin answered after the second knock. His brows were up as he looked between Blake and Pit. "Has he shown signs of his powers?"

"Yes, sir," Blake replied.

"Come in." Ozpin beckoned the two into his office and set about examining Pit while Blake recounted what had just happened. When she was finished, he nodded slowly. "It would seem that your dragon's egg was injected with trace amounts of gravity Dust."

"Gravity Dust?"

"Yes." Ozpin stood up. "I was starting to wonder. With these new pygmy dragons, and their tendency to have silver freckles, I had my suspicions. This merely proves it."

"So, what now?" Blake asked. "I won't exactly be able to hide his powers. Someone will guess that he's a hybrid."

"This will be a tricky situation, but we're lucky," Ozpin said. "Gravity is a power closely associated with earth, so it will be possible to explain away certain things. You'll remain under my protection for as long as you're at Beacon. That's a promise. The Council won't do anything to Pit unless he poses a significant risk to anyone. Seeing how well-trained he is, I doubt that will be an issue."

"What about after graduation?"

"That's four years away. We have time to think of something before then." Ozpin sat down in his chair, folding his hands as he looked at Pit. "I've employed several people who the Council wouldn't necessarily want as official Riders. Keep up your studies and continue improving, and I'm sure I'll be able to find something for you."

Blake frowned. Between this and what she knew about that mental implant, Ozpin was starting to sound shadier and shadier by the minute. At least he's pro-dragon, she thought. "What about my friends?"

"That's up to you, Miss Belladonna," Ozpin replied. "I will not divulge any secrets to anyone else. I will say this: Having a few trusted people in your corner is highly beneficial, especially if you're a Rider." He smiled knowingly. "Do with that knowledge what you will. Now, why don't you take Pit off to bed? I'm going to be meeting with Miss Rose soon."

"About the implant?"

"Yes."

Ruby did seem pretty distracted this morning. I guess that explains it. Blake stood up. "Thank you, sir. Should I still keep bringing Pit back for you to check him?"

"No." Ozpin glanced toward the doors. "He's getting a bit big for the elevator. Once he's been moved to the outdoor stalls, I'll check on him occasionally myself."

"Should he be moved soon?"

"That's up to you," Ozpin said. "The other dragonets will be moved in two weeks. If you think he's getting too big for his bed, you can move him a week earlier. Or, you can wait to move him with the others. Since he's only a few days older, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. Have a good evening, Miss Belladonna."

"You too, sir." Blake nodded courteously before leading Pit onto the elevator, pointedly ignoring the creaking noises it made on the way down.

…..

Ruby tried not to fidget too much as she sat on a bale of hay next to Ragnar's immense stall. She tried not to think too hard about her upcoming lesson and the fact that she'd soon have to deal with her dragon having that mental implant back on. Instead, she took the time to appreciate her first look inside the earth dragon barn

Barn wasn't exactly the right word for it, as it was bigger than even the largest airship stations Ruby had ever seen. It was an immense fortress of stone, wood, and clay, and each stall was more than big enough for its gargantuan inhabitant.

Each dragon had a large, hay-covered platform that was walled on three sides. The area at the front was open, allowing the dragons to come and go as they pleased. A long hallway stretched down between each row of stalls, leading to doors that were easily pushed open. These doors led to the deep, fenced-in mud pits. Ruby remembered when Jaune had fallen into one on the first day, and laughed softly to herself.

Storm tilted her head at the noise her partner let out, and butted her head against Ruby's leg, chirping softly. There was something on the human's mind, something bothering her. That wasn't good!

Ragnar walked over and crouched down, gently touching the tip of his great muzzle to Ruby's back. "Ozzz gud," he rumbled.

Ruby smiled up at the old dragon. "I know Ozpin's good, and I know he wouldn't hurt Storm. I'm still worried, though."

Storm perked up at the mention of her name, though her attention was focused on Ragnar. She occasionally heard the older dragons making mouth sounds similar to the humans. Would she be able to talk to Ruby like that someday?

Ragnar shook his gray head. "Nnno fffear. Safe." He tapped his forehead with a long claw.

"You're saying…not to be afraid? The implant is safe." Ruby remembered that Ragnar had apparently volunteered to wear the device. When the earth dragon nodded, she felt herself relax a little. "I guess I just need to get used to this."

Storm tried positioning her tongue in a way that would allow her to speak. "Rrrrrrr. Rrrrrrrrrr."

Ruby giggled, hugging her dragon and kissing her snout. "Good job, Storm. You'll learn as you grow up."

Footsteps punctuated with the occasional tap of a cane caused Ruby to look up. Professor Ozpin was walking over, a gentle smile on his face as he regarded his student. "Are you ready, Miss Rose?"

"Uh, I think so," Ruby muttered as she stood up. "Thanks, Ragnar."

Ragnar rumbled softly in reply.

Ozpin gave his dragon a fond look. "He's a true pillar of sense. I often wonder if he should be running this school instead of me."

"Do you think he could?"

"Yes," Ozpin replied without hesitation. "I think the intelligence of dragons is something sorely underestimated in our society." He withdrew a familiar metal plate from his pocket. "With this, I hope we can start to prove that."

Ruby swallowed loudly. "Um, is the lesson going to be held here?"

"No. We'll go near the fence by the mud pits. Not as many students go near there. Too easy to fall in."

"Oh, I know," Ruby murmured. At Ozpin's questioning look, she explained what had happened to Jaune on the first day.

"I see," Ozpin chuckled. "Perhaps bonding to an earth dragon was already fated for him. Follow me."

The two went to a clear, grassy area near the mud pits. The sun was sinking in the sky and there were few lights in this part of the stable areas. Ozpin turned on a standing flashlight, set it on the ground, and knelt in front of Storm. "Are you ready, Storm?" He held up the metal plate.

Storm sniffed the metal, and her tail started to thump with excitement. This was the metal thing that had the nice voice! She thrust her head forward.

Ozpin placed it on her forehead, watching intently as the metal spread over her brow and down her back. "So, its adjustment to changing size works," he murmured. The light turned green.

Ruby took a step forward. "Storm?"

Storm turned her head toward Ruby. She felt that the metal voice wanted to speak, so let it.

"Salutations. I am the Physical, Emotional, and Neurological Implant. Rider recognized. Name requested."

"Uh." Ruby blinked. "Ruby Rose."

"Ruby Rose. Name now in database." The green light turned yellow for a moment before going back to green. "My initial activation was during a combat situation, making the explanation that is usually required a secondary priority. Would you like to hear it now?"

"Yes, please," Ruby said, glancing at Ozpin, who continued to watch silently.

The light blinked. "My purpose is to protect the dragon subject I have been assigned to, facilitate better communication, and accelerate the learning of the subject."

"Her name is Storm," Ruby commented. She didn't particularly like hearing her dragon being referred to as a subject, as if she was in a lab.

"Noted," the implant replied. "Name of dragon: Storm. Wind dragon. Female. Two months, two weeks, and a day old. May I continue?"

"Yes, sorry." Ruby's face flushed, though there was no hint of scolding in the voice's tone. Actually, it sounded like a friendly, feminine voice. Had it adjusted itself to match its bonded dragon?

"We will now run some basic exercises. Let us start with a conversation with your dragon. My sensors indicate that Storm can understand your words to an extent. Say something to her. I will then read her mental waves and interpret them as spoken words."

"O-Okay," Ruby looked at Storm, who continued to watch her passively. She didn't seem the least bit uncomfortable. "Um, hi Storm. Are you doing okay right now?"

The light turned yellow for a moment before the voice replied. "Yes, Ruby. I'm happy with the good voice. It's nice. Why are you nervous?"

"I'm just worried about you," Ruby explained. "I know this implant is a new thing, and I don't want you getting hurt."

"I am not hurt. I would tell you if I was hurt. Can I have an apple?"

Ruby giggled. "Later, Storm. Once we're done here, we can get a snack."

"Okay."

The light then turned green. "Her thoughts are still very juvenile in nature, but I translated as well as I could. Question regarding your conversation: Is your mind more at ease now?"

Ruby smiled. "I think so. Thanks." She paused, then asked: "So, are you Storm when you're attached to her?"

The light blinked. "No. My creators wanted to avoid direct control over the minds of dragons. Storm's actions are her own. I am merely a facilitator, similar to a servant or assistant. I will only take full control if in a hazardous situation that causes Storm's mental state to falter. Would you like to run another exercise?"

When Ruby looked at Ozpin, he nodded. "One more should do for tonight."

"Okay. One more, please."

The light blinked. "During the last time I was activated, I tapped into Storm's brain and used one of her wind-based powers called 'wing gust.' A second test of that power use would be prudent. Please choose a target and give the 'wing gust' command."

Ruby looked around, finally settling on a bush a few feet away. She pointed at it. "Okay. Storm, wing gust!"

The light turned red and Storm blinked. She turned around, fixing her gaze on the bush, standing on her hind legs and extending her wings. With one firm flap, a gust of wind caused the bush to shake violently.

Storm fell forward, shaking her head a little. She felt a little dizzy.

"Detecting lightheadedness," the device said, turning yellow and blinking. "It is requested that no more strenuous physical activity be attempted at this time. The wing gust was well-done."

Ozpin smiled at Ruby. "When you're ready, tell it to detach."

Ruby nodded, then looked back at Storm and the device. "Um, thank you for your help." She paused. "Do you have a name?"

The light turned green again. "I am the Physical, Emotional, and Neurological Implant. P.E.N.I."

"Then…How about I call you Penny?" Ruby asked. "It'll make it easier to talk to you, since I know you're different from Storm."

The light turned yellow. "Processing. This device's designated title is now Penny." Green again. "Is there anything else I can do to assist you?"

"Not now," Ruby replied. "Could you detach, please?"

Immediately, the metal retreated from Storm's back and traveled back up to her face. Once the small plate was back to its original size, the light went out and the metal fell into the grass.

Ozpin picked it up and nodded. "I think that went rather well." He gave Ruby a curious look. "I wasn't expecting you to give it a name, though."

Ruby shrugged. "I mean, I'm going to be talking to her a lot more, right? It makes sense." She knelt down next to Storm, who immediately licked her face. "Hey, girl. You doing okay?"

Storm chirped, nudging Ruby's chest. She had heard her partner mention the word "snack." She wanted apples!

Ozpin laughed. "Well, you'd better get your dragon back home for some well-deserved treats. That's all for today. I'll let you know when we'll be meeting next."

"Yes, sir!" Ruby stood up, leading Storm around the earth barn and back toward the dorms.

Ozpin watched her go before re-entering the earth barn and walking over to Ragnar. "Things seem to be going smoothly," he murmured.

Ragnar rumbled softly.

"Do you think they'll keep going well?"

Ragnar snorted and tossed his large head.

Ozpin sighed. "Neither do I, my old friend. Neither do I."

A few people predicted Pit having gravity powers, so good job! Next week will see me in an area with better WiFi, so that will be nice. Until then, I'll be enjoying Dublin. (Tip: Don't try to chug Guinness, even if you're being rushed on a bar crawl. I almost spat up my first pint doing that! Not fun.)

If you like what you see and want to show extra support in exchange for rewards, my P/atreon is Solora Goldsun.

Peace out!