The Chronicles of the White Dragon Part 2: The Crossroads of Time

by Blackshadow999

When things of history thought lost begin to be seen once more; fear grips many, none can choose how events will turn out in the end. What is left from an ancient war is rediscovered by Saber, but he finds more than he bargained for. An enemy long forgotten returns! and intends to finish wha they started. A tale traversing and transcending even the bounds of time itself. Part 2of3

6. 6 Haunted

White Dragon 2-6

A/n

Okay all you readers! This chapter is what some might call a 'filler' chapter. In a way it can be slightly. Mostly it is a bit of an explanation and introducing chapter in my view. I ask you cut me a bit a slack with this. I do not like making chapters for explanations, but to set up for the arc I am planning; it had to be this way. Still in exchange I got this chapter done earlier because it was a tad shorter. Anyways, enough from me; on with the story!

Chapter 6: Haunted!

Have you ever had a scene or a dream keep playing over and over again in your mind? And no matter how many times you see it you can't understand why it is important to the point that such becomes as frustrating as it is relentless? Well, I was having one of those experiences rare as it was for me to do so. Last night at the end of reliving some memories; I went through that weird walk through the ruins and then the journey to the door in the crystal cavern. Actually I had gone through the sequence four times during the night. The dream or whatever it was ran the exact same way it had last night. Every detail the identical to the first time; from my movements that I couldn't control to as far as I could tell the route I took to the crystal cavern. Even the writing on the wall looked no different at all. So, is someone or something trying to tell me some fact that I don't know or is this meant to drive me completely crazy?!

I opened my eyes to find myself staring at the ceiling of my room. That would confirm that I am in my bed, meaning I got back last night after… well the stuff I did with Sen was done. It had been a blast and would likely show soon enough; I'm looking forward to seeing the results! I will admit to trusted parties and confidants; that I enjoy setting up pranks on those who deserve it. In IC's case, he had more than earned what was set up for him curtesy of myself and Sen. Oh! I can already feel the anticipation of poetic justice!

The sunlight was coming dimly through the curtains over the window; signaling that it wasn't too long after dawn. Even though I had gotten back to my bed the previous night, I still had the time apparently to see some of the memories before waking up a tad later than I normally do. I laid there for a period of time mulling over the memories I had seen the night previous. I was by now used to seeing good memories as well as gruesome ones as well; the acceptance doesn't make them easier to see, but that's how it is.

I didn't have all that much time to sort out my thoughts as a familiar warm weight against me made its presence known as it did most if not every morning now. Said presence did this, by sliding from spot it had been snuggling into me shifting their position. I felt the pleasant tingle from my scales rubbing against my bed companion's scales. I felt the one with me, how had been snuggling against the lower area of my neck and my right side. She shifted so that she was on top of my underbelly, laying herself against me, literally on top of body now. As I was still not fully awake yet, so I was unable to perceive what was going on precisely. It takes my mind a little bit of time to get running full steam in the morning after waking up.

My bedmate's weight set themselves on top of me completely, grinding against me a little as they did so. Because of this, I was unable to move from my position. So as that's the case I lay there just using my sense to tell what was going on. The first bit that happened came from me hearing a shuffling. The next thing I'm able to register; there were lips I had become acquainted with being pressed onto mine own. The feeling of Lara's lips being pressed against mine changed to grinded and kneaded against my lips. I was sinking into a bit of a daze from Lara's action.

That acted as my brains wakeup call. I was snapped out of the daze quick and I became fully aware of my surroundings and my situation. My eyes shot open, to be met by the sight of Lara still kissing me in a loving manner and with passion! I keep forgetting that Lara is one hell of a kisser and dang was she proving her natural skill! The comical point to this unexpected morning event was that Lara is, as far as I could tell, still FAST ASLEEP while she's sucking my maw! A few seconds after this realization; Lara, to my further surprise slipped her tongue into my mouth and started to swirl it around. I was feeling the stirrings of the urges I have with Lara.

I also felt Lara doing far more than just kissing me! Of course this dragoness was embracing me like she typically does while we sleep like a child might a teddy bear. No, that wasn't what was making it hard for me to ignore the rising urge to take Lara and bang her, this very minute! It was things like her tail brushing and entwining with mine in a way that was rather hard to believe wasn't being done on purpose. The point of the motions being to get me interested in the activity I was resisting the urges screaming at me to do. Yes, Lara was 'turning me on' and it was getting to be near torture for me to not insert my tool and start mating! What can I say other than tails are sensitive! As humans don't have tail I only now comprehend this fact.

Back to what Lara is doing to me. She… um… her lower body caressing my own and was… very suggestive! Let's just say that my friend in the basement was out and was saying he was ready to go. … Either Lara is seducing me into taking her right now or she is having a vivid… erotic wet dream and is likely acting it out with me without knowing it! Whichever the case really is, I'm seriously hoping the reason is the ladder and she stops! Lara wouldn't be stimulating me and messing with me… she doesn't do that often unless she is in heat and she isn't… yet! If it isn't trying to get me to pound her… then she seriously needs to rethink her methods of captivating and enchanting me! This is just confusing and torturous to my mind and body. I don't think I can resist this much longer… No, I won't let the miasma submerge me below its surface and take control; Draconic Instincts be gone!

A/n

No, there is no lemon though there could be, I don't really write those.

After what felt like some very long and torturous amount of time which I would guess was about a little less than an hour; Lara had settled down and her arousing motions stopped. She then settled her head next to mine so that she was in contact with my cheek and there she parked herself. I was breathing hard, trying to calm myself down and cool the heat burning in me specifically down with my loins. That had been way too close! I had just about lost control and got it on with Lara.

My eyes flicked down and though I couldn't clearly see my bedmate… well thank goodness for peripheral vision! It is wonderful and so useful. With it, I was able to observe that Lara had a very gratified smile on her face. I was still doing what I could to slow down my heart beat by forcing myself to take in great gulps of air so that I could keep in control! I doubt that Lara would mind were I to have taken her. Well, I guess I'll be here for a little bit longer then. Not like I have any real right to complain about the position I'm in!

I'm in a bed with a genuinely beautiful girl who is embracing me affectionately. Although, she is a dragoness in technical terms but still, she is a female or girl so it's the same point. This girl is alluring, attractive and in all honestly, drop dead gorgeous! However, I will not openly confess that I see Lara like that and have for a while… for a few reasons. Not like I think she would develop an ego or has one that I can inflate.

Back to my situation I find myself in; this girl has in essence, devoted herself completely, in mind, body and soul. All of that devoted to me and she will be faithful to the point of being zealous! She will literally at times, throws herself at me with displays of affection towards me and wishes to receive the same in return. To give an example of this; were I to say to her, I wanted to get busy and have some fun… Or if I'm blunter, feel the need or want to mate and do the activity. Lara would freaking drop whatever she was doing and happily do what I wanted without any regret! Hell, she would be overjoyed if I were to say something to that effect!

Other guys would likely do more than kill to be in my current position, especially at my age! I'm not even twenty and I already have a girl that wishes to please me and asks so little in return from me. All she wants is for me to be with her; yes, she would enjoy more, but she just wants to be by my side. I would even bet some of them would even become serial killers if that's was the price to get into the place I am now!

Since I have the time to think about current events, trapped as I am; might as well. That was the plan I was going to go with; that's until I heard the sound that I had been anticipated hearing. A loud snap sounded; that was shortly followed by a whooshing of cord rubbing against metal being heard. The splashing and soft poofs were humorous and nice as I knew what was happening with the sounds. Yet the noise I was treasuring this morning was the screams of IC throughout all of the other sounds that were resounding! I smirked in satisfaction at hearing all of this. Let this be a lesson to him; I don't take his ranting lightly. If he insists on ranting about me; then he should prepare for the retaliation that will come upon him. And there is absolutely nothing he can do about it nor can he tie responsibility to me for the consequence!

Mwah ha ha ha ha! I got him and I got him good! There was no way Sparx would have been able to adequately prepare himself for what Sen and I fashioned last night! But first I want to see him get out of it! HEE HEE HEE! Sweet, sweet music of justly deserved vengeance.

-Scene change-

After I managed to calm down and wake Lara up; we left my room and started making our way down to the foyer where we would meet everyone so that we could have breakfast together. Although as it happened, we ran into our friends except Sen was missing on our way down. My gaze immediately locked on to IC who had somehow and I haven't the faintest how he did, had gotten free from the… course of fun contraption that was set up by Sen and myself! I tried not to drop to the floor and roll around laughing at the sight of Sparx's condition. I had to admire the handy work of Sen and I; it was a masterpiece!

You see, what Sen and I did last night was… an old fashion way of getting across a point and teach a lesson to Sparx. A human method used in the medieval to pre-modern times; commonly known and referred to as 'Tarring and Feathering'; yes we adapted the idea for what we made. Still the results clearly spoke for themselves of the effectiveness of our method! Sparx was covered completely in small feathers that were stuck to him by the oil like substance, which he had been immersed into. I may have to start calling him chicken boy… OH NOW THAT'S A GOOD NAME FOR HIM! HA HA HA HA!

I managed to set a straight face at this sight, though I was satisfied at the fruits of my labors! Sparx saw me and pointed at me. Oh this was going to be funny and enjoyable.

"You!"

My eye ridge went up slightly.

"Yes IC, me. Is there a problem with me being here or me being myself? If you find one, then I feel a sense of accomplishment. Irking you is, indeed a pleasure."

The atmosphere grew tense quickly between Sparx and I as it enviably does. But, in this one I was having a blast at tormenting IC.

"You did this to me!"

He wasn't wrong. However, I won't admit it to him without him having solid evidence of my involvement. He won't have any! I made sure not to leave any hint of me being there. I cleaned up thoroughly; it's necessary for pranking that's done right.

"Oh my IC, are you really accusing me of your misfortunes? I thought you could not sink any lower; but you exceeded my expectations. This is definitely a new low for you, ya Light bulb with wings. So… what exactly happened to you for you to get to this state?"

"I know you are the one who did this to me!"

I couldn't help the smirk that came to my face. I know that I set up with Sen's help, the wonderful series of… 'Unfortunate accidences', but I would like to see him prove that. I went to great lengths to make sure there was no hard evidence linking me to the actions. So let's see IC try and prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that I did it!

"That so IC? Then let us see the hard evidence you have to link me to this act and that I am the one responsible. I was in bed this morning as Lara can testify that I was. So how could I have done whatever caused this to you? Please continue, I actually want to hear your reasoning in this instance."

"You are capable of making something like that... that thing!"

I snorted in response, before I gave my verbal answer.

"I am not the only one IC; you will have to do better than that to prove your supposed accusation. Strike one!"

I said this all in a sing song voice. I was thoroughly enjoying this chat! This argument is extremely entertaining!

"You would do this to me!"

… True, though that's circumstantial evidence against me, so that isn't good enough.

"Yes I admit I have the reason and motivation to do something to you; yet I am certainly not the only one who does! Not solid evidence ya ghastly gossip; strike two."

There is no way he will beat me at this; I guarantee it!

"You threaten me, to do something like this."

… Dear crapping goodness me, he is right that I have threatened him… on multiple occasions. Oh… touché IC, yet I'm not going to lose to you!

"Granted, I have threatened you, and well-earned those threats were by you. However I, unlike you, have and do practice self-restraint the majority of the time. So I may threaten, but I do not follow through unless I have extremely good reason. Again, spotty evidence, strike three! You are out!"

"Come on you two enough!"

Both Sparx and I looked over at Spyro who at the moment looked non-too happy at us.

"Very well if you say so Spyro."

I decided to play the nice guy and relent… IC on the other paw…

"He started it!"

Oh boy, Chicken Boy arguing with Spyro works in my favor as it gets others to believe me more!

"It does not matter who started it; it needs to end."

That came from Cynder and I agreed with her. Cyra was the next to speak up.

"Well I am hungry. Does anyone else want to join me for some breakfast?"

Most of us nodded in agreement and followed her out; all but myself, Lara, Cynder and Seth. Cynder gave me a look.

"Saber whether you did set up what Sparx got caught up in or not is not the point."

I gulped hard. I think Cynder might suspect me and rightly so. I hope that this proverbial bomb isn't about to blow up in my face! I looked away from her not answering or replying.

"Let us just hope that nothing like this happens again please."

I nodded. I would agree to that for the moment!

"I will do my utmost to try to help prevent such things from occurring in future."

I was off the hook! That was an amazing bit of work on my part; now I am home free! I was patting myself on the back for a prank well done. That ended when Sen enter the hallway we who remained were in. So it was Lara, Cynder and Seth at the moment. Sen gave a yawn as he came up.

"How's it hangin with ya bro?"

"Just fine and dandy like it normally is Sen. About time you got up. But then, you were a late riser."

I wasn't really listening that much as I had moved on to thinking of what would be for breakfast. At least I was, until Sen opened his mouth once more.

"I gotta say bro, we had some gnarly fun last night dude."

I froze on the spot my eyes going wide. Cynder glanced over at Sen at his declaration.

"Fun last night?"

No, my innocent status was about to be revoked! I can't let him say anything more about last night or both of us are going to be in something deeper than any bog, swamp or quagmire! Within less than three seconds I had closed the distance between Sen and myself, placing myself behind Sen.

"Oh well we (Hmhm)"

I used my forepaws to clamp his maw shut and prevent the previously mentioned proverbial bomb from blowing up in both of our faces, my own face more than Sen's most likely.

"We had fun reminiscing about some past escapades we've been in, right Sen?!"

Okay I admit… not my best idea to get others to drop a subject, but cut me some slack here! I was at high risk of being found out and proving that the light bulb with wings had been right on the money with his accusation! And just after I had 'cleared' myself of possible blame… why does the man upstairs and the one down below like to use my life's misfortune for entertainment purposes?! … Wait… why am I making such a big deal out of this? This one stray thought quickly disappeared and I forgot it. I was back to trying to cover myself from being found out.

Yet to my surprise and peace of mind my three friends seemed to accept what I had said to be the truth and after I told them that Sen and I would catch up with them shortly they left down the corridor. When they were out of earshot I rounded on Sen with a cold glare. I know he didn't mean to nearly get me into serious trouble; however, I thought he would remember that such activities like the one we did last night aren't something you bring up in normal conversation! He has done them enough with me back on earth. My feelings of anger and frustration rose in me.

"SEN! What were you thinking?!"

Sen had an expression of bafflement on his face. I was rather ticked at how reckless Sen just was. My mind unbeknownst to me began to become 'fuzzy'. My normal reinforced titanium like mental disciple I had on my emotions; went crashing out the window. I was mad! All focus of my mind was on my anger of Sen.

"Uh bro… like what kind of drift are you trying to send me, dude. You look ticked off about something man; chill out. It's all good man. It's just like getting up from a wipeout and just keep surfer dude."

I lunged at Sen and we both collapsed to the floor with me on top. I wrapped my forepaws around his neck and started to squeeze. There began to be a tint of red in my field of vision, but I was too busy to really think about this oddity.

"Do you have any clue how close you got to divulging my involvement with what happened to that stupid fly?!"

I was breathing in heavy gasps as I wasn't even trying to control my emotions at the current moment; in fact I was blind that my emotions were running rampant. Sen was trying to get my paws off his neck as he was beginning to have difficulty breathing.

"Bro… (gasp) sorry man… (gasp) ease up dude!"

I didn't really hear him. I was too focused on venting. My vise like grip continued to tighten on Sen's neck. The tint of red had darkened becoming crimson.

"I just cleared myself of any part of the incident, free as a bird and then you come here and just about condemn me! Are you trying to betray me?!"

As I heard myself, I was able to wonder what was happening in this situation. Wait… betray? Why did I say that? I was starting to wonder what the bid deal was about this. I have been caught in things like this from time to time and I have never blown up like this! My emotions overrode my logic partially, so it was harder to figure out why I was even doing what I was. It was then that I noticed that my vision was more crimson in the coloration than it should be. I started thinking that something was off and wrong. But the feelings of anger and frustration were still strong and hard to say no to.

Sen wasn't able to answer now as he was rasping hard as he attempted to breathe air for dear life. His forepaws were flailing around trying to get my grip to go away. However, I had practically closed off his wind pipe, so he wasn't doing so well in the task. It was the rasping and a female voice I responded to instinctively. That snapped me the rest of the way out the storm of my emotions that had blinded me and I realized what I was doing… what I was about to do! I instantly released my choke hold I had on Sen's neck and backed up several steps. Sen was coughing as he drew in deep gulps of air and held his neck.

As he was doing this, my breathing was quickening and was becoming slightly panicked as I processed what had just occurred. I had lost the firm handle I keep on my emotions and I have no idea why. I had gotten alarmingly close to seriously hurting Sen… no it was worse than just almost hurting Sen. I had nearly suffocated him! If I hadn't heard Sen's rasping and that female voice when I had… I could have really… killed Sen!

"(hack) What's your (cough) deal bro?! What's the matter with you man?! Are you trying to kill me dude?!"

I heard Sen, yet I was too lost in my thought processes to respond to him. No… I was terrified to answer him right now; for I don't understand why I had just about killed a friend. My breathing sped up and shortened as my mind raced to come up with a plausible conclusion. Why did I even become so mad at Sen?! It wasn't a big of a deal at all! My emotions shouldn't have gone out of control like that! I may have high stress levels lately, but this shouldn't be happening!

Why is this happening and… no… this cold feeling of déjà vu… no! How could he have affected me after all this time?! I shut him out of my mind! So how?! No! I can't give into the violent tendencies or the murderous intent he exudes! I was panicking to an extent I haven't since the last time he gained control for a brief period. If not for Master Kai's actions and interference at the time; there would have been casualties and not just injuries!

"Bro… what are you doing man? You're freaking me out and that doesn't happen often dude!"

It was as I was trying to restore order and keep myself together. While I was doing this; out of oblivion, the dark voice I have gone to great lengths to block out of my head came clear as if he was standing right behind me! It was as if the world around me just faded away and I was trapped in darkness. I heard a cold laugher from seemingly behind me, before I heard him speak to me.

"Well, well; so here we are again seeing each other. It has been a while."

I looked over my shoulder to be met by glowing red eyes and a crimson smile!

I felt the trickle of fear start in me as I say the eyes and mouth. My reply to him was in a barely audible whisper.

"Shae."

"Aw, you remember me. I thought you had forgotten me as you shut me out so long ago."

"You tricked me… you used me. I won't listen to you."

I still spoke in a very quiet voice. In all honesty; I was still scared of Shae, for the things he did and made me do! I had trusted him and he had done horrible things! But as this was only seeming to prove; I can't escape Shae so easily.

"Well, as you apparently have no interest on reminiscing about the past. Let's get to the present, shall we? That guy who is always around you; that talks in the stupid way he does, with dude and bro. He has betrayed you like others before! Why do you not KILL HIM!?"

No… Sen didn't… he didn't mean to say what he did! He wouldn't do that to me! Shae was lying to me again!

"Ha ha ha ha; why would he not? Because he is your 'friend'? What a joke that is. I have told you already; it is only an illusion to tell yourself that. You are attempting to deny the truth of those like us again!"

I tried to shut out Shae's voice as I had done at the really low times in my life. Nothing good ever came from even listening to Shae! My fear shot through the roof when I felt the pressure of what felt like a paw on my shoulder through the darkness. It wasn't a hand I could tell, but I don't understand how this could be occurring at all!

"Oh wish to have this conversation again do you? Fine then, you think you really have friends? Have you forgotten how you were treated? The others around you who hurt you, wanted to be you friends at first as they said. So let me spell out the truth for you once again! You have no friends!"

I clutched my head and curled into a ball. Shae was wrong! I desperately was trying to drown out Shae's voice! Yet Shae's voice seem to get closer to my ears.

"You have never had any friends!"

Shae is just trying to confuse me and take control! He is lying! I started shaking my head from side to side.

"You have no need of friends!"

I don't… I don't believe him! I began to whisper denial to what Shae was saying. The next line came right at my ear.

"In the end, all they do is betray you!"

That's not true! I had closed my eyes, so as to not have to look at Shae's red eyes and mouth.

"I am the only one that can understand you and can help you Saber. All you have to do is trust me."

"NO!"

The world reappeared and I found myself breathing hard as Shae's voice faded into the oblivion from whence it came. However, it had not been before he had gotten the last word.

"You know I speak the truth. Deny it as much as you like; but you know we are different. Others will never truly accept us, HA HA HA HA!"

Only when Shae's laughter faded, did I unconsciously reached a paw around to feel the place that had been touched during the talk I had with Shae. There was nothing there, nothing wrong, still that had been the first time I could recall something like that happening. Shae had only spoken to me before; never touched me! I was brought back to awareness of the world by the two who were in the corridor with me.

"Bro! Are you okay dude? You are seriously worrying me man!"

"Yes, me as well. Are you alright Saber? What happened to you?!"

I slowed my breathing rhythm as I began to calm down somewhat.

"Um… I will be fine Sen. Sorry about nearly strangling you."

I turned noticing that Lara was indeed here and her voice wasn't a figment of my imagination.

"… Lara what are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing! Why were you hurting Sen?!"

I looked away from her. What could I tell, if anything about this?! Only Master Kai even knew of anything about Shae and I haven't told him much at all! Sen took a step forward and spoke up.

"Dude, what happened to you bro? It was like you became someone different for a bit there dude."

The second sentence that Sen had said hit me hard. For in a way I had been, since I would bet Shae had something to do with me blowing up like I had. I shook my head.

"Sen… don't ask about it… better yet don't mention this to anyone."

I looked over at Lara and she still looked worried.

-Lara's POV-

-moments ago-

Seth and Cynder and I were walking down to the ground floor to then follow the road to the meal hall. Yet I got the feeling that I should not have left Saber with Sen. I do not know why I had this feeling, but I think it would be better if I go back and get the both of them and we all go to have breakfast together.

"Um Cynder, Seth; go on ahead. I am going to go get those two and then we will meet everyone at the meal hall."

Both nodded at my suggestion; yet Cynder did ask a question.

"Do you want any help?"

I shook my head.

"They are just two dragons with a little too much imagination to work with that is all. I will be fine."

I turned and began to make my way of the stairs. I was going up the stairs to the third floor where Saber and Sen had been when I started to hear voices.

"Bro… (gasp) sorry man… (gasp) ease up dude!"

…Was that… Sen's voice?! And was he gasping?!

"I just cleared myself of any part of the incident, free as a bird and then you come here and just about condemn me! Are you trying to betray me?!"

Ancestors! What is going on?! Was that Saber?! But that does not sound like him! He is shouting in fury and he is saying things he would not normally! He has never done that before that I know of! I rushed the remaining distance up the stairway. I was horrified at the sight I beheld. Sen was rasping on the floor while he was struggling and flailing around… and on top of him… was Saber? Was Saber choking Sen?!

"Saber what are you doing?! STOP!"

Saber seemed to hear my voice and he instantly let go of Sen and he then backed up. Sen collapsed to the floor coughing and wheezing as he was drawing in air. I approached Sen and looked him over. Seeing he was okay my gaze returned to Saber. Why would Saber do anything like he just did? Saber at the moment was breathing rapidly and as I looked into his eye I saw they were glazed over, almost like he was not seeing the world around him. It was then Sen regained use of his voice.

"(hack) What's your (cough) deal bro?! What's the matter with you man?! Are you trying to kill me dude?!"

I kept staring at Saber; oddly Sen did not apparently notice I was here. Saber's face had an expression I have never seen on him before… it was fear of some kind. Saber's breathing speed increased again and it worried me.

"Bro… what are you doing man? You're freaking me out and that doesn't happen often dude!"

If that is Sen's way of saying this is different for Saber, I agree and this is concerning me a great amount. I looked back at Saber to see him… glance over his shoulder? His actions do not make sense. As I kept watching Saber; he began to shake and tremble. After a half a minute; Saber to my growing vexation clutched his head and curled into a ball. I moved forward towards him only to be stopped by Sen. I swung around in question his action.

"Well dudett, I don't know what is happening to my bro here, but waiting may be the best we can do you know."

I looked back at same as observed that he had started shaking his head from side to side. As Sen and I continued to watch this sight; Saber started to whisper words I could not hear clearly enough to tell what Saber was saying. I was panicking at what Saber was doing! I was going to hug him in hopes that it would help him calm down. I was a few feet away when Saber shouted.

"NO!"

"Bro! Are you okay dude? You are seriously worrying me!"

"Yes me as well. Are you alright Saber? What happened to you?!"

He slowed his breathing rhythm as he appeared to calm down somewhat.

"Um… I will be fine Sen. Sorry about nearly strangling you."

Saber then turned to me.

"… Lara what are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing! Why were you hurting Sen?!"

Saber looked away from me. Why did he not want to tell me what was going on?

"Dude, what happened to you bro? It was like you became someone different for a bit there dude."

I glanced over to Sen. … like someone else… yes it had seemed like Saber was not himself when he was attacking Sen. So what does that mean? Saber shook his head.

"Sen… don't ask about it… better yet don't mention this to anyone."

Saber then looked over at me. I was still worried about this whole situation, more than when I first came in on it!

-Scene change-

-Saber's POV-

After breakfast I was trying to slip out of the meal hall without anyone knowing and I thought I had managed it, until I heard a voice behind me.

"And where are you off to now Saber?"

I rotated on the spot to see Lara. I really didn't want to see her or anyone else for a little while! I needed to sort out this morning's fiasco! Shae popping up was bad news and I needed to prepare in case there was a possible repeat!

"Lara can we talk later I… Really need some time to think. And I do better thinking when I have the least amount of distractions."

Lara didn't let me out of her sights as she followed me.

"Are you saying I am a distraction?"

Huh? What was she…

"What… no you are not a distraction… well at times maybe… but… I…"

Lara giggled and came up on my right side and nuzzled my chin.

"You are trying to escape again; just like you used to back when we were dragonets."

I tried to get some space between me and Lara, however she would have none of that from me. What was she saying; me escape?

"What are you…"

"Every time you disappeared, Umbra would worry about you. Then she would ask Koren or me to find you; since only Koren and I could ever find you when you escaped from the other dragons around you; get away. And after all these years you still are trying to escape from those around you so that you do not worry others about you."

Somehow Lara was keeping up with me and I couldn't figure out how she was! I needed to get away… No I'm not escaping like she says I am… okay maybe I am but… I'm not helping myself!

I hadn't really through all of this watch where I had been going or steering. So I missed the tree root and tripped over it and prat fell forward to the ground. I somehow managed in the process of falling to flip over to have my underbelly facing upward. I would assume this was instinctively done so that when Lara went down after me; I was there to catch her. Now our faces were inches apart as we gazed at one another and she had me pinned.

"I will give you this Lara; you are a persistent dragoness."

Lara smiled and giggled.

"I think the better way to say that is determined Saber."

I sighed at the implications she was making.

"I take that to mean you are going to make sure I am not alone until at the very least I tell about what happened this morning. That sound about right?"

Lara took a moment to think.

"I do not plan to let you be alone no. At times such as this Saber, you need a friend more than anything else."

Oh man, when she puts it like that; it is hard to refuse her logic! I would haven't had too long ago said her idea of needing friends was irrational. I know I would have been wrong, but not having had good real friends… well I, kind of brought that on myself.

So now with my standing dilemma; how do I tell Lara about the dark voice 'Shae' in my mind? Do I just come out and say, 'Lara, I have a voice in my head that is named Shae. He tells me to do horrible and evil things. Shae also seems to have a personality of his own and can take control of me and make me do the acts it tells me to do.' … I don't think that would go over well.

Actually an explanation like that makes me glad dragons don't have anything like the subject of psychology or a psychologist. I would be diagnosed with an array of mental disorders that I don't have! Foremost among those disorders that would be assigned to me would be schizophrenia for many things I do. Definitely would be told I got dissociative identity disorder; to say the voices in my head are not real. I have no idea how they would explain having memories that aren't mine. But this current tangent is not really helping me.

"Well Lara… I… what happened to Sen…"

"Yes, I was wondering about that."

I think someone who didn't wonder about an event like that after seeing it; would have to be totally mad and certifiably nuts. Either that or they have been smoking something STRONG! If that is the case… I'll have whatever they've been having! If it can make you that much of a blockheaded lame-brain, then wow… must be nice to be that dumb sometimes. Dope me up with that stuff occasionally!

"I would not doubt it sounds strange, yet I… was not myself. I was being manipulated by another."

"Another?"

I thought for a bit on how to tell her about this issue of Mr. Sociopathic Seral Killer or I gave Shae the nick name of 'SSK' due to that being what he is like. I do keep him in check most of the time, though Shae does get 'out' when I am at a very low or stressful time. Last night would fall under very stressful times; so I guess I should have been on my guard of him.

"You believe that I hear voices of others in my mind like I have told you and the others?"

Lara nodded slowly.

"Yes, but I do not understand what you meant by those how are gone."

"Not the important for this. Early, when I was on earth; I started to hear a voice. This is before I turned back into a dragon; it was just one voice. He called himself Shae. Maybe I noticed this voice because I was alone and I was desperate to have someone, anyone to talk to and to be listened to as well. And Shae listened to me while I was miserable. At first I did not have any reason to worry, but after almost a year had passed things began to change."

It had been as I said; at first SSK did listen and when no one else around me, did I didn't care that Shae didn't say much. My uncle had been just getting into drinking thing at the time this began. I had started to spot a difference not too long before I had found Master Kai and the dojo. It began in small ways; SSK would say how I had been wronged. On the night before I met Master Kai, had been the one, now that I look back started to disturb me.

-Flashback-

"I hate my miserable life! … Maybe the boys are right… maybe it would be better if I wasn't here."

"Now, now; Saber, you shouldn't give into them. They don't understand you."

I thought about what Shae had said; I still wonder why he listens to me, but I am glad he does.

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

"Yes they are just like the adults; only caring about themselves."

"That's the truth."

"They should be taught a lesson! Do you not think?"

A lesson? What did Shae mean by that?

"A lesson; what kind of lesson are you talking about Shae?"

"They should feel what you have, been in the place you have. That sounds fair does it not?"

… I didn't know what to think at hearing that. Something in me told me that what Shae said wasn't right. Yet Shae has never… lied or said anything bad. So maybe I was just missing something Shae was saying.

"What do you mean?"

"Is it fair that you feel miserable and they do not?"

"Well not really."

"Then they should feel what you have so they can understand what it is like?"

-End flashback-

He had sounded right at first, but he was twisting the reasoning to get me to want revenge.

"Shae tried to convince me that I should get revenge in the end. Thankfully I met Master Kai shortly after this started and he helped me overcome Shae's influence. However, at extremely stressful times or ones that are low points; he surfaces. It never ends well!"

Lara and I talked for a bit, until another dragoness showed up.

"Oh um… Saber, Lara, what are you two doing here?"

I twisted my head around and saw Tarra. Well, this is unexpected. … HOLD IT! I just had a wonderful idea! This is an opportunity to get these two mending their standing with each other. I'm not one to refuse opportunity! I mean, I had been trying for last two weeks to get these two in the same place first of all; preferably a room as then they couldn't leave until they were done. However, I wasn't going to be picky on location right now. Not when the whims of fate work for me instead of against me, since that's rare! These two dragonesses needed to talk and settle their friendship problem! It didn't just affect them, and it probably affected me the most as I'm in the middle! These women will be the death of me eventually!

I had been seriously tempted to tie up Lara during the night and throw her into the room Tarra slept in. Then I would use the materials necessary to bar the door and keep them in there until they come to terms with one another! And yes! I would do that if things didn't change! I would be driven to that… fairly soon! If they were guys, then this would already be in the past. We guys either duke it out or settle it in some other way and be done with it. But NOOO, with girls it has to be a freaking DRAMA! AND I HATE DRAMAS!

"Oh hey Tarra fancy meeting you here."

I smiled at her, trying to make her feel comfortable.

"Lara and I were just chatting. Why not have a seat and join us?"

Tarra blushed, still she took a step back. … Is she backpedaling already?!

"Oh no, thanks for the offer though."

While she had said that, I had gotten up and gone over to Tarra and blocked her exit route. She wasn't getting out of this and neither was Lara! She and Lara needed to talk and their method of avoiding one another wasn't making progress!

"Come now Tarra, I insist that you join us and I will not take no for an answer."

I was still smiling as I walked forward and Tarra backed up towards where Lara was. It didn't take all that long to get Tarra to the tree Lara was under. Step one of getting Tarra and Lara to be friends again, SUCCESS! I got them in the same place!

Now on to step two of this plan; get them talking. The problem was even though both were under a tree, almost next to each other so to speak; they weren't talking to one another. No they weren't even looking at the other; they were facing away from each other. … This may be harder than I originally thought it would be. However, that won't stop me from trying to get these two making up! No siry!

"Nice weather we are having, is it not girls?"

… Okay… awkward silence hangs in the air. … This may be a bit more difficult to negotiate. Neither of the two dragonesses replied to my ice breaker question. I would it get more of an answer from a wall than I would from these two at the moment.

"So… out of curiosity, what do you two think of Sen?"

I received silence again. I'm beginning to think I would have more success waking the dead in a graveyard and having a party with them; then getting these two talking!

"Um… I think I need a drink. I will be right back."

I got up and walked over to the fountain and took a mouth full of water. Well my efforts to get Lara and Tarra back on more friendly terms are not going so nicely at the moment. What do I try next?

I sauntered back to where the dragonesses were, to see them appearing to be talking to one another?! Maybe there is hope for this to end well after all! I sat a small distance away from them and listened to them. Unfortunately the more I listened the less hope I had that this drama was going to end. They were speaking to each other, but by what I was hearing; Lara and Tarra were avoiding the issue that started this mess in the first place… their feelings about and for me. I sighed at this development or lack thereof.

"Hey bro, sup?"

My gaze flicked from Lara and Tarra over to Sen who had just troughed up; then back to the Dragonesses. Sen came and sat beside me. We both watched the exchange between the two; I grimaced, Sen just seemed to zone out a bit.

"So bro, what is with this totally tense vibe here dude? Are they uh… talking about something serious man? Like a sick surfer would plan how he would tackle a killer wave and its barrel dude."

I didn't face Sen when I gave him my reply.

"The feeling or vibe as you call it Sen; is due to the drama involving those two and no they aren't talking about anything serious. That's the problem! There not settling anything by avoiding the subject!"

"Whoa, that's a real bummer dude. Anything that can be done bro?"

I shrugged in answer. We continued to watch the scene play out of Lara and Tarra talking.

"Bro… if I can ask; what are they like supposed to be doing dude?"

"Well… If you must know, the two girls here are supposed to be making up and patching up their friendship at the moment, though I'm not seeing a whole lot of advancement in that… in either direction, good or bad."

We sat there for a few minutes longer in silence, watching the dragonesses. That is until Sen spoke up again.

"Yo bro, doubt you want to hear this unradical line out loud, but still dude…"

I sighed in resignation. Whatever Sen was about to say and I convey this tentatively… I can't see that his delivery can do anything that can make this worse.

"Sen if you're going to say something, then just say it."

Sen took a deep breath before he gave his address. I was only partly listening to Sen. I really didn't see how things could get any worse, so I wasn't prepared for Sen's comment.

"Can I get a Mary Sue for the turn out dude?"

… I did a draconic equivalent of a face palm in response to Sen's statement. Once again Sen has outdone my expectations! For him to say a line like that! It wasn't like I didn't see what he was getting at by saying that particular line. It still it didn't change the fact that it did not help. I grant you that if things continue as they stand, then we will indeed be seeing a 'Mary Sue' with these two. I continued to stare at the two dragonesses, noting that they apparently hadn't heard Sen's insinuating comment. Although I doubt they would understand the reference or connotations of it. Thank you fate for slapping me and proving to me just how wrong that I can be!

Well by the look of things, this is going to be a complete waste of time; even after I had gone to the trouble of setting this up and the good set of circumstances that happened today and tried to get things rolling. I couldn't help the sigh that escaped me. I saw within my peripheral vision, Sen gaining a smile on his face. I took a deep breath much like Sen had and had one thought come to mind. 'If you can't beat them, join them!'

"Can we get a Mary Sue here?!"

Sen and I said this at the same time. I couldn't help but add the line I did after our synced comment.

"And also get our check here please!"

-Scene change-

I had left Lara, Tarra and Sen back at the middle tier garden. I had enough of the failing attempt that Lara and Tarra weren't really putting much effort into for repairing the friendship. So I had left them there and snuck away. I had headed back towards the temple, thinking that maybe I can use the time to do another research session. … At least I might get something out of it; more chances of that then Lara and Tarra making up right now. I couldn't stop the exasperation of how things have ended out, burst forth out of my mouth.

"I swear, I will never understand girls in my lifetime!"

I had tried to help and play the peacemaker and Arbiter between Lara and Tarra. A lot of good that did! I got awkward silence and they still were awkward with one another and the hurt feelings still remained. It was like nothing had happened at all between them; hell they might as well not even have met today for all the progress it made for the both of them. I sighed in frustration at how those two dragonesses were acting towards one another. Once again, I hate dramas!

"Oh hello."

I turned in the direction the voice had come from to see a dragoness a little older than me. It was after a few seconds I realized I have met a short time ago, specifically when Lara and I had got back to Warfang along with Sen. Oh what was her name... Voltlyn I think it was; the daughter of Volteer... I still don't see the resemblance between the two but that is just me.

"Hey there Voltlyn, what are you doing around here?"

"Oh well..."

"Oh my, who might this young dragon be, Voltlyn? A friend of yours? Or perhaps more?"

My head snapped to the right and I observed that Voltlyn had too. We saw from behind her came a much older adult dragoness. She was I would guess somewhere in the range of her late forties if I judge her appearance was accurate. The dragoness was approximately fourteen and a half feet in height and a bit over fifteen feet in length, given a margin of a couple inches either way in length and height. She had the same shade of gold with her scales as Voltlyn; along with her dark blue wing membranes and underbelly. The odd thing about her appearance I did note was she had what looked like purple tiger like strips from head to her tail in no apparent pattern and these strips are all over her body. It certainly stood out, that's for sure.

Let's see where was I on describing this dragoness? Oh yeah, she had dark purple eyes; can't say I have seen that particular shade of purple. It was a cross between the solid color of purple and a midnight blue was I to trying to describe the color. Her 'horns' looked interesting, as she seemed to have two separate pairs and not two horns coming out of the same base. The first pair, grew out of a spot just behind her ears and were like the pictures of lightning bolts I have seen painted before. The said set went out and pointed in the backwards direction and upward way as well a bit. The 'second' pair of horns were small than the other pair. The two smaller horns appeared to grew out pretty much the back end of her jaw; whether that was the case or if they grew out of somewhere near her jaw, I couldn't tell from where I was standing. The lower horns did curved up a tiny bit, which was I will admit kind of neat in a way.

I glanced at her tail to see what kind tail blade she had. What I saw was a half crescent shaped blade, coming out and it look fairly sharp from where I was standing. The blade itself was sharper on the inside of the crescent than on the outside. The blade also curved in an upwards direction, so that the blade was… I would say vertical myself but that's me. I must say all in all a very unique dragoness this one.

Now did she just infer a relationship between Voltlyn and myself?! Not happening! Lara would give me hell to pay were I to even try! Plus if what we did this morning is any indication; we're good and the relationship isn't going to end! I like to be alive and having life somewhat peaceful. That requires that I keep Lara happy. Voltlyn looked embarrassed at the indications.

"Mom! It is not like that!"

Yeah… I think it better I state the truth in a calmer and clearer manner so the meaning cannot be mistaken. I wouldn't want anyone to believe there was something between me and another dragoness. It would be bad for my reputation; I would rather not damage it in that way.

"No, it is not. She and I barely know one another; met yesterday in fact. Plus I have a mate, no offense intended to Voltlyn. Would not doubt she is nice, but I am spoken for and I cannot imagine my mate giving me up or to any other dragoness. So who are you?"

"My, my, where are my manners; my name is Zindy. And you… are the white dragon I have heard about, if I am seeing correctly. Unless you have had your scale color changed. I hear that is becoming rather popular with the younger generation."

I sighed at all but her first sentence of the comment as it is what I'm getting quite a bit as late and it is tiresome. The only thing about this comment from Zindy I'm even mildly interested in is that scale color changing piece. I didn't know that could be done; but of all colors for one to choose… why would any go with white?! With all the attention, positive and negative; who would want to get that wherever you go?!

"Yes I am the white dragon everyone is gossiping about; thank you for reminding me of that fact. I am sorry if I come off as rude, but with how others have been gossiping about me lately, I get agitated like this. Most think I do not hear what they are saying about me, when in actuality I hear most of the rumors that amount to more or less, piles of crap."

Zindy chuckled a bit at my reply to her.

"You are rather a different one, yet also amusing."

I started for a moment at Zindy. The last one that found me humorous other than my friends had been Salena. This was a different feeling for me… it was nice.

"How nice, another that can understand when I make light of a situation to make it easier to deal with. That is a rarity I have found out since I have been here."

Before this conversation, which was actually going okay, could continue I heard another voice.

"… Oh but this is not the time to make light of a situation. Oh no it is not at all..."

Oh no! I know that voice a little too well! It ranks number two on the list of voices I don't like to hear. Volteer's voice wears me badly… not as bad as IC's oh no! Still it does grind my mental faculties' ability to function properly! I looked to the right and saw Volteer walking up. Why do I attract the chatty ones?!

"Dad… you are putting your snout where it does not need to be again and you are rambling as well!"

I glanced over to Voltlyn, silently thanking her and would have done so on bended knee… if I had them right now; haunches just aren't the same as knees… There are things I miss from being human. Not saying that being a dragon is bad, just differences between humans and dragons that I notice of.

"Voltlyn be nice to your father. He worries for others and that is a good quality of his. And dear, you are beginning to get a little long winded."

I gaped at what had just occurred! Zindy had just handled silencing Volteer like a pro and also stopped any chance of a fight or disagreement between Voltlyn and Volteer! Did… she just call Volteer 'dear'?! Now that I think about it, there is a resemblance between Zindy and Voltlyn, in physical attributes and mannerisms. Now I see where Voltlyn gets parts of her personality. I guess they're mother and daughter then as her statement infers that she is Volteer's mate. I would disagree about Volteer worrying about others and like Voltlyn say he is nosy. This just gets more complicated as the time goes on. It was then I looked over to my left to see Cyril coming up to the scene we are in and he was followed by Salena. Oh joy a couple additions to the peanut gallery and yet another who I don't always get along well with. However, without Terrador here that shouldn't be as much as a problem as it usually is with the guardians. So, as long as Terrador doesn't show up I should be okay… hopefully.

"Well it seems we are lucky to find you here Saber. We have been looking for you."

I glanced back over at Cyril. I wonder what Cyril wants with me. … Have I done something to tick off the guardians without even knowing it?! I wouldn't be surprised, nor would I put it past myself to do that either. So then, what am I being accused of now? I would rather know what I'm being blamed for; so if it is something that I don't mind I can take credit. Hell if it's about what happened to IC, I'd be tempted to say I had a hand in that… though I had more than just a hand in it. More like planned and carried out the idea, but the Guardians need not know that. If I'm be accused of something I dislike, then I can deny any involvement!

"Lucky you say? I can take that comment in different ways; insulting is the way I am leaning towards currently. But that is because I am in a not so nice mood right now. Please do not ask why; I would rather not go into details. So then Cyril, what is it you want with me this time."

"Now Cyril, be nice; you are sounding like he has done something wrong. Saber, you have done nothing wrong. We were looking for you because there is someone who would like to meet you."

I looked over at Salena who had just spoken. Well, if I haven't done something to get this attention; then why am I receiving it! The more I see Cyril and Salena together the more I'm curious how Cyril got a mate like her. Yet, I could ask myself the same question concerning Lara as well now that I think about it as they kind of remind me of Lara and myself. A pair that somehow works together that by most accounts shouldn't. I glanced over to Cyril and smirked slightly.

"I have to tell you Cyril; you have yourself one heck of a mate, you lucky dragon you."

Cyril… seemed a tad embarrassed by my comment… that's amusing. I looked behind Cyril and Salena to see who was with them for they weren't alone. There was a dragon, male by the figure with them as well as a cheetah.

"I assume Salena that the one you were referring wanted to meet me would be one of the two behind you then, correct?"

The dragon looked to be slightly older than Cyril himself, so that likely put him in his early fifties maybe fifty two or three. He was a little taller than Zindy by four of five inches putting him at around fourteen foot ten or so. Also he was a little longer than Zindy as well, I would guess somewhere in the neighborhood of fifteen foot five or six. The dragon's scales were a granite grey color; with his underbelly and wing membranes being a sky blue color. His eyes were a light blue, which seemed to compliment his scale color in a way I couldn't put into words. It worked well for him.

Now there were a few interesting things about this dragon I noted. First, most dragons and dragonesses I have met thus far have an even number of horns, normally two to be precise. This guy had three horns as it happens. He had the usual pair that came out of the back of a dragon's head behind the ears like most dragon the majority of dragons have. Although, the two horns behind his ears were shorter, around six inches were I to give a guess and they were straight. The odd third horn came out of the upper section of his crest of his head. The said single horn that started at the just above the center of the crest of his head; had slight 'U' shape in the middle of the horn then arcs downward a small amount. The horn had to be a foot and a half… maybe closer to two feet long from base to tip. It made me think of a unicorn in a way, the single horn out the front of the forehead and all.

If that wasn't enough to make this dragon to stick out, the other feature on his face did in my book! Now before anyone claims I am bias in any way; I have nothing against any kind of facial features! But come on! This dragon had a mustache… yes I consider those tendril like appendages that come out on either side of his snout close to then end a mustache. His 'mustache' could put any other human male's mustache that I have met to SHAME! With one and only one exception… that of Master Kai of course!* Each tendril was between three and four feet being closer to four feet… and the waved slightly like there was some sort of freaking nonexistent breeze! THAT IS AWESOME!

… I'm humbled once again by the awesomeness and might of the power of the 'stache'. The power of the stache exists no matter those who would deny such a power! Master Kai has it! I can't explain how it gets people to respect you or for others to do what you tell them, but that's one of the powers of the stache. I learned long ago… you don't MOCK the power of the stache! There are DIRE consequences to those who do… and they are not to be joked about! Not if you value your life as it is currently!

I got a view of his tail blade and it was an intriguing one. It looked like a talibon sword, which is sort of like a thin Machete. It was around a foot and a half in length and much as a machete had a curved blade on one side and the other side was straight and blunt.

So I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that the element he can wield is wind. On the simple level, dragon's scale color is a fairly accurate giveaway to the element that a dragon can use. Then there was that 'wavy thing' he had going on with his tendril mustache; it may have nothing to do with being able to use the wind element, but I have a hunch it does have a part in it.

Still I haven't seen this dragon around here, at any point that I can recall in the recent weeks or months for that matter. So the question on my mind is; who is he and what is he doing here?

My gaze moved from the dragon to the cheetah with him. The cheetah was also male; thankfully it isn't all that hard to tell the difference between male and female with the cheetah tribes. There are enough similarities with humans and cheetahs you can use the same basic criteria for telling gender. The male cheetah was to my best estimation six foot one in height. He had light grey fur with black stripes and splotches with no apparent pattern that I could discern. Then again some cats have fur like that where there is no pattern at all. His eyes were a dark yellow, close to a bronze hue I think, but I couldn't get a very good look to be absolutely sure. The clothes he had on appeared to be the same style that Hunter and most other cheetahs wore. The coloration was not the same as ones I have seen however; the long tunic was a deep red in color with tan embroidery. He wore a red-brown cloak that was attached by a red-orange broach at the inside of the left shoulder. He also sported green arm guards and leggings. This was topped off with the brown belt at his waist.

As I was processing my observations of the two newcomers; the grey dragons saw me and spoke up.

"So this is the one you spoke of? Hmm… by the ancestors… does he have white scales?!"

… Really, do I have… isn't it blatantly obvious that I… You know what, never mind. I won't even go into the idiocy of that question or the pointlessness of it being even a rhetorical question either! I am getting tired of these reactions and following stupid questions, I was receiving from others on me being a white scaled dragon. Nonetheless, I kept firm control of my annoyance and frustration in this as I gave my answer.

"Yes, I am a dragon that has white scales. No, my scales are not dyed, painted or have been changed in any way to make them white; they are really white naturally. It is getting really annoying to be asked if my scales are white when they obviously are! Now who might you be and the cheetah with you that has yet to even say a thing."

The grey dragon smiled at me.

"My apologies young dragon; I would not doubt you have been asked such self-answering questions quite a bit. My name is Pla-to."

… Plato like as in the same name of the philosopher?! Ha ha fate… very funny! Now seriously what is the deal with messing with me lately?! I shook my head slightly and then turned to face the cheetah.

"And you would be?"

"Quick paw."

Well… that was short and to the point… that's a cheetah for you. I'm not saying that cheetahs are not talkative. If you can get them talking it is hard to get them to stop! The difficulty is getting them talking. I turned back to Pla-to as the dragon seemed to pronounce his name.

"You seemed rather interested that I am a white dragon; any particular reason why? Other than rarity of course."

"Well, you are the first actually living white dragon I have ever seen... it is astounding to me."

I blinked at that. I processed the information that came from the line Pla-to just said. I had a double take at the second half of his answer to me. Did he say I'm the first living white dragon? As in he has seen or read about white dragons somewhere else?! I was about to ask him that very question when we were interrupted.

"I hope I am not interrupting anything here am I?"

We all turned to see Spectra.

"Spectra what brings you here?"

That was from Cyril.

"Well I came across a very distraught cheetah and they seemed to be lost. She said she came with a group that was visiting and then she said your name Pla-to."

From behind Spectra came a shorter cheetah than the other one here and one that was a female obvious from her figure. I say that because I have found through observation that Cheetahs out of all the races that I have met in the dragon realm are the most similar to humans. I know that sounds like bullcrap, but it's the truth. She started forward towards us.

"I am so sorry Master Pla-to…"

The poor girl never completed her sentence as she seemingly trip over either something invisible or just tripped over nothing. There was no stumble or attempt to catch herself; the female just did a terrific pratfall that proceeded a marvelous face plant. Even I was impressed by just how smooth and natural this scene appeared to flow. It was so seamless in the execution! I would know what I am talking about when it comes to prat falling, face planting and the flow thereof. Having done it enough and do it fairly regularly due to my bad luck and some other things.

The female cheetah picked herself from off the floor and looked around at everyone, smiling sheepishly while she did so. As I had seen before, she was shorter than the guy cheetah; although it was by almost half a foot. Her fur coat's color was that of white sand, so not white completely; though pretty dang close without being technically pure white. Yet her ears were black in contrast to the rest of her fur coat along with the area where her nose was. Her eyes were a light blue. Actually looking at her, she reminded me of a Siamese cat; just in a more humanoid form. Overall she had a general hourglass figure; meaning it kind of resembled the shape of an hourglass, but not the best resemblance. I don't know if that's due in part to her stature, though I think it may play a part.

I had to say it took me around thirty seconds to get a complete view of her clothes as they were divergent from the norm among the cheetah tribes I have seen. She had a tan tunic with a high 'v' neckline. It was long much like the male counterpart, though as it was; it was short sleeved where the guy version usually is sleeveless. The sleeves on this cheetah's tunic ended just above middle of the upper arm. The length of the tunic went down to being two inches above her knees. I wonder if the length of fabric that goes beyond the waist is to imitate a skirt or if it's just a coincidence. The female also had a cloak like most cheetahs I have met. Hers was blue with hood that covers majority of the face. The cloak also didn't look as travel worn as some that I have seen. So perhaps that means that this female cheetah hasn't traveled much?

She had leg wrappings of sorts like cheetahs have a habit of having; hers were brown. Unlike the male cheetah her arm bracers color didn't match her leggings; the ones she wore were grey. And they went from her mid fore arm down to cover her whole paw but the fingers. So it came out to look like fingerless gloves or something like that. The most notable feature about her, and there were quite a few to choose from; was that she had glasses. They were the first pair I have seen other than the spectacles the moles have. The lenses were of an oval shape. Hers looked like normal human glasses… weird in a way to see such common normality here in the dragon realm. I have apparently become so used to see the unusual and unexplainable that it's odd and uncommon for me to see the things and ideas I once called normal.

She brushed the dust and dirt off herself and took the time to straighten her glasses as they had gone askew likely from the fall. Then she faced the grey dragon "Pla-to" as his name was given.

"I am sorry Master Pla-to that I got lost sir."

She bowed to Pla-to after apologizing. Pla-to looked like he was about to reply to the female cheetah when Quick Paw made his voice heard.

"Lyla, you were supposed to stay with us; not go off on your own! You were told not to wonder off."

'Lyla' stared at Quick Paw for a moment and just adjusted her glasses back to how they had been previous to the fall, before she responded.

"Actually Quick Paw, Pla-to's exact words were 'it would be wise to stay together'. There was nothing about wondering said at all."

Pla-to chuckled at the exchange.

"As she normally is Quick Paw, Lyla is correct."

The rest of us here other than myself had been talking among themselves and had lost interest in this. I on the other paw was fascinated by these three and the interchange between one another that was occurring. As I have had proven to me time and time again; you can learn much about a person by reading their body language… usually far more than listening to what they say. That's why I believe it is said that seventy percent of communication is nonverbal.

Thus far Pla-to is the one of this group who is the leader; or at least he's the one the others listen to. He also is much more opened minded then the majority of the dragons and dragonesses I have been around. It is a welcome change I can tell you. The male cheetah Quick Paw was strict; much like some type of military person might be. He also showed quite a few of the symptoms of OCD, but can't say for sure if he has the condition as I'm certainly no expert in diagnosing the condition. He could be for all I know just showing some of the symptoms that happen to be personality traits and quirks.

Then we have the female cheetah Lyla… two words… big klutz and oh boy is she ever! Lyla fit the ideal image of the klutzy girl with glasses to a T! The two cheetahs were literally in my view outright opposites of one another… and that's why it was funny to me. I acquiesce in this… the situation was; whimsical, even laughable, ridiculous in many ways! Yet it was remarkably entertaining to watch the scene in front of me! More so as I'm not being force to be in an active role in said display… all that is missing here is the drink and the popcorn! It was then that Pla-to seemed to notice that I was watching.

"Is there something you find interesting then young dragon?"

"Well first, my name is Saber; and yes I find watching you three interact very informative."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

That came from Quick Paw. I keep forgetting that cheetahs tend to be wary of me at first as I can read them fairly well and accurately. They don't like that for some reason.

"Oh yeah that is right; I forget cheetahs are not fond of my ability of reading the actions and meanings all living being give off without knowing it. The only one who did not seem to mind my doing this was Pathren… actually laughed about it."

"You know Pathren?!"

I turn in time to see Lyla spin to face me a little too fast and that resulted in the collection of papers she was holding to spill out of her hold and go flying everywhere. There was an awkward silence as the paper settled to the floor. I cleared my throat.

"Um… yes, I know Pathren. I visited him a couple of weeks ago. Nice cheetah him; by far one of the nicer of the cheetah chiefs I have been around. I would take it that you know him as well by your tone?"

"Um... yes I do, he is a friend"

Lyla and Quick Paw began to pick up the pages that she dropped, which had been quite a number. I took a quick glance at the page that was closest to me; then I had a second longer look at the same page. The writing on the paper looked rather familiar to me and that doesn't happen often. My trips to the temple library proved that to me; most languages in the realm are unreadable to me. On closer inspection I found the characters were of the ancient script. That was a surprise to me! I rarely see the ancient script at all and I should know the rarity of the script as I have been searching for a good amount of time in the temple library and anywhere else I can think of. And now a page with the ancient script literally lands in front of me. I wonder on days like this if fate is just unable to make up its mind on being nice to me or mean to me. It's either that or it's having a ball screwing with me… and laughing all along the way!

As I began to read the page I noticed that not all the writing was in the ancient script; only every other line by the look of it. The format of the page and the position of the lines of ancient script would infer that this page and probably the others are attempts at translating the script. If you go along that logic, then it would follow in the structure of one line in the ancient script and then would be a line of what is my best guess the draconic style of writing. However, that is mere guesswork, as I can't read draconic writing; I don't know how well it has been done. The ancient script was clear for me:

'There was such peace and harmony between all the races of the realm.

The Apes with their understanding of agriculture and working curious artisanship of wood and other material.

The cheetahs with their knowledge of the land and arts in song.

The moles and their knowledge of metal and the things of the ground.

The dragons and their magic and knowledge of the skies.

All was right in this golden age.'

Hmm... You know, I swear I have come across these lines somewhere before. It's like I have read this before... can't remember where or when at the moment. I know I either heard or read something like this or very similar. I'll debate and look into this issue later when I have the time to do so. I picked up the page gently and went over to where Lyla was desperately trying to put the pages back in I assumed the order they had been in before.

"Oh thank you; I am sorry for about this!"

"Do not worry about it Lyla, it is okay. I was just wondering; what does that page say?"

Pla-to came up next to Lyla and looked at the page.

"Ah that section. I believe it was iterating about a golden age. Unfortunately this language has proven a difficult one to translate, but that is what the ancient script is most known for. It has been and continues to be a conundrum that we scholars have yet to solve."

Pla-to sounded sad as he said this.

"I do not mean to sound insultingly insistent; however, I was wondering specifically was the characters on this page of the ancient script look like some have been translated. I was wonder how and what they say."

Pla-to mood brighten at my reply.

"Oh, have an interest in history and ancient language do you? A good interest to cultivate."

Interest… not exactly, more like I want to know where this came from and what others think it means. Pla-to took a look at the page before he continued.

"A few characters in on the first line, balance."

He pointed at the character that represented 'harmony'. I guess balance could work, though the character for the word 'balance' is somewhat different that this one.

"This one here is knowledge and this one is works."

… Uh, that's one way of seeing it… I suppose. The character he pointed to first that Pla-to said meant knowledge, actually meant understanding. Those two words don't exactly infer the same idea. Knowledge is more about information; understanding is applying knowledge to gain wisdom. So they're similar, but not exactly the same. The second figure he pointed to was really read as artisanship, so that is similar enough.

"In this line, we could not translate any of the characters. This next line, this is earth"

That's fine; earth and ground are again, close enough.

"The last part has been argued about the meaning. This character is above and this is time."

… I know that the skill of translation isn't easy at all really. Still this isn't the best job that I have seen done. I thought about how I could break it to Pla-to; that he and those who had translated these few line had done it wrong. Plus the fact that I can read the ancient script isn't common knowledge, which I have made sure of. So what do I do in this situation?

"Well Pla-to... I do not know how to tell you this except in the plain and upfront way…"

Pla-to looked at me and paid attention to me more than before.

"Your translations… some are okay though not totally accurate; yet most are off. But in your favor, the subject matter you believe this is about is right."

Pla-to stared at me baffled. Quick Paw harrumphed at me. Lyla on the other paw looked rather excited at what I had said.

"Saber, was it not?"

I nodded and gestured for her to go on. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect from her.

"You asked what the lines that were not written in the ancient script; can you not read draconic writing?"

I shook my head in answer. The tangent of logic this female cheetah is going on is alarmingly close to the truth. She is smart; I can no longer deny that! I mean, think about it; Pla-to had with others been trying to translate what this language means. And here am I, the one and as far as I know the only one can read the language. I don't know where this will exactly go.

"Then you can read ancient script?!"

There hung a tense and awkward silence in the air as now everyone was waiting on my answer. Even the three guardians who were present were paying attention and waited for my answer. I'm not one who likes to be in the spotlight, yet here I was unwillingly under one! As I said before, I'm against lying outright and avoid it as best I can. I've been a question that I can't step around; the cursed yes or no question!

"… Yes I can."

I said that in a quieter than normal voice then I would use most of the time. Nevertheless I might as well have shouted my answer, for the effect it had. The guardians gaped in shock at my statement, which… I must confess felt pretty dang good honestly. To surprise and stump the guardians is a joy and a pleasure for me always! In fact most of the dragons were in shock as I glanced around. Quick Paw raised his eye brows and yes cheetahs have them; they are just hard to differentiate from the rest of their fur. Lyla expression was one you would see on a child that's in a candy store and was just told they can have as much as they wanted.

Pla-to though, took the cake over all; his was that of complete awe and as if he had just seen the man upstairs… or I guess here it would be the Chronicler. Who could blame him?! As a scholar and one who is researching history; he had just found one who proves some theories have validity. And then if that weren't enough to give the guy a heart attack from the shock; to be told that said one can read the language that no one else can that is supposed to be older than old, older than dirt kind of idea. That is the find unlike any other; the ultimate one if anything!

"Hey Lyla you mind if I can see that page for a minute?"

She instantly rifled through the stack of papers and once she had found the page I asked for she gave it to me. I took the page and began to read it.

"There was such peace and harmony between all the races of the realm. The Apes with their understanding of agriculture and working curious artisanship of wood and other material. The cheetahs with their knowledge of the land and arts in song. The moles and their knowledge of metal and the things of the ground. The dragons and their magic and knowledge of the skies. All was right in this golden age."

I looked up after I had finished reading the paper. … I heard more noise in a graveyard at midnight that I was hearing right now.

"That is what it says."

Well now the phrase, 'there goes my peaceful life' comes to mind. I know my life isn't exactly what you would call peaceful. Still that is what comes to mind at this time. Why is it I'm forced to

"Do you understand what you have just done?"

I looked over to Pla-to with deadpan expression.

"That depends, which context would you prefer? The insulting, the nice or the logical?"

Spectra chuckled at my question.

"Why not say how you see the same question in three different ways."

… Okay Spectra, I hope you understand what kind of 'can of worms' you have asked to be opened. I cleared my throat before I took the plunge.

"Very well, since you asked so nicely; in the order I gave them in then. I insulted you by blatantly took you that you were wrong and that the work I assumed you spent years doing were wasted. The truth hurts, deal with it and move on. The nice way of saying that would be to say I helped you by translating the rest of the page. At least I think some could see it that way. The logical, would be to point out I increased the accuracy of the meaning of the translation. As more than one pair of eyes can get more accuracy, this proves the point."

And the responses…

"Now see here Saber…"

That was Cyril. What I had expected that.

"Oh my what rudeness..."

That was Volteer. Again, I had expected that both he and Cyril would react as they are. Spectra, Salena, Zindy and Voltlyn had varying magnitudes of amusement. Salena was holding her laughter to snickering quietly next to Cyril. Spectra wasn't holding in hers, but she was loudly laughing at my reply; now that I hear Spectra's laughter, it is quite infectious. Zindy was chuckling, which was louder than Salena's snickers, but much quieter than Spectra's laughter. Voltlyn was laughing like Spectra, just not as loudly as her.

"Would you be interesting and willing to help in the translation?"

I looked back to Pla-to. It was a nice idea and a change. Maybe it is a good time to welcome some change.

"Well sure, but just to tell you; I doubt my friends will let me go alone."

I could think of at least one that wouldn't let me out of her sight for however long I would be gone doing translations.

"That should not be any problem."

With that agreement with Pla-to done it would appear that I will be off on another trek; to a place Lyla calls, the ruins of Lagunas. I'm finding out that I'm good at getting the females here in the dragon realm to laugh and the males to disapprove. So… the women like or love me and the men either are friendly or hate me! But both the love and the hate are bumped up to the nth degree! I fear to ask the question, but I will anyway; what will happen to me next?!

Chapter End!

* I refer to Master Kai being the only exception to having a mustache like Pla-to. I say that because Master Kai has a mustache that I haven't brought up in my description of him yet. His mustache is long and full and goes to his waist to paint you a picture.

A/n

That is it for chapter 6. I hope this wasn't too much new information for anyone. I mean four new characters, tormenting IC a little, near character death and violence. It is a lot to get through let me tell you. Let's just say Saber is having a bad day to an extent, but don't we all. If you like this story; follow or favorite it; if you have comments or questions for me or simply wish to say something to me, please review. Peace out all!

Zerox

I hope this is going the way that is makes the story progresses nicely

Keyblader Zen

I think I answered your points in the PM. If I missed anything or need to clarify something just tell me.

HolyCross9

Thank you for the long review. I like those they are fun to read. It helps me improve my writing and my story

Vulpimaru

An interesting idea. We will see how such things turn out; if they come up at all.