A/n

Well here it is and before summer as I did threaten to do back at the end of the last chapter. Yes indeed the chapter where I get to give you the first look at the douche that a reader created. I admit this chapter is a tad shorter than my average still that is how it goes. I still only own my own characters and thank those who let me use their characters in my story. Read and enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 10: White Meets Gold

"Good morning Lara, are you awake now?"

"W-why did you do that?!"

I shrugged slightly.

"It seemed the best and quickest way to get you up and I thought you would enjoy it; am I right?"

I opened my wings, and then retracted and folded them to my back. Lara though reluctant at first, after a half a minute picked herself up and got off of me. When she had I got to my paws did a quick check of my muscles and seeing they were fine, took a few steps forward.

"So shall we get back to the ruins, to quell the fears of our friends of course?"

Lara thankfully needed little coaxing from me to go back to the ruins. She in fact smiled cheerfully and followed me without any hassle in the slightest. Could her compliance be an effect of the afterglow of us doing the deed? Maybe, maybe not; who can say? I certainly couldn't tell if that's the case! Whether or not it is or isn't; I won't complain about her doing so. It makes my life easier and I'll take that any day! It didn't take long for Cyra, Sen and Fredrick to locate us when we got back to the ruins.

"Yo bro, where ya been buddy?"

I glanced over at Sen, who had just asked the question in the manner he normally does, which confused everyone else and makes me roll my eyes in marginal annoyance. Sen; then paused and sniffed the air. I stared at him curiously as this wasn't normal behavior for Sen; maybe it was his new found draconic instincts coming out? I'm starting to worry at how Sen and these instincts will work out.

"Um bro, what have you been doing that would have you like totally reek of sweat and… I don't know what the other smell is, though it isn't a bad one dude."

What does he mean reek of swe… oh… yeah, that! Sen is likely referring to the smell of sweat from Lara and I as well as the scent of our… hormones and all the things that the body gives off during sexual excitement as we mated earlier this morning, which he didn't know… thank goodness. This situation is awkward enough as it is without it getting more complicated from my friends knowing what Lara and I did earlier. Granted we are mates, nevertheless; what we do when we are alone is our business and not up for public scrutiny! It is to an extent our fault that we still smell like this. Neither of us have had a chance to bathe or anything like that so, we probably do still carry the smell of out activity from earlier this morning. I guess it could give us away to those who know. However, I see no need to announce what happened and especially not to Sen! He wouldn't let me live it down anytime soon!

"Never you mind Sen; it isn't your business!"

I said the statement in a tone that left no room for further inquiry or negotiation. Sen shut his mouth as he got the message that I was giving him.

"So Saber you disappeared for a while right? Why did you leave?"

… I see that I will need to come up with something more to placate in this; for it's not just about this morning. I glanced over at Cyra who had asked me the question. Well the answer to that had been simple to start with. I had woken up from seeing some memories and the vision of the flight to the archives. Then it got much more complicated; what with meeting Bahamut and everything that had followed that. And so comes the time where I would have to answer my question I had to ask myself from early last night. 'Do I trust my three friends here with me at Lagunas enough to tell them about the archives and what happened therein?' I have told Lara about a good portion of it, I have just left out some selected parts that I didn't want to talk about as much as I didn't want to admit the subjects that are in those parts. She had somehow believed me and what I had told her, much to my astonishment. Well…

"Well… I had a lot on my mind, so I went for a walk to clear my head."

I don't think I'm quite ready to get into this subject right now with them yet. Don't get the wrong idea; I trust my friends! It's just my experience from last night is hard to believe even for me! Besides I'm already getting weird enough looks from most that are around me; granted my friends aren't among those who give me such looks, but I don't need to give reasons to get more! Friends though they may be, I don't think they have been around me enough to understand that I really attract the unusual and freaky. I get involved in the unbelievable and things that are thought to be nothing but fantasy; sometimes by choice, yet most of the time not though. I'm literally the standing example of the living being that is in the less than one percent chance of something bad or unplanned occurring to. I may be used to this particularly painful and trouble causing quirk of mine; this trait has contributed my descent deeper into hell down one tier alone. That's before taking into account my bad luck in this!

"If you say so."

Well after lunch, most of the 'archeologists' that were here researching these ruins, or those that were here studying this place; were being gathering to the central part of the ruins. Of course, that also included our group from Warfang. In fact, I was kind of surprised at just how many dragons, cheetahs and moles there were here. There were just so many different beings here all with differing personalities and opinions. If this were with human beings; then there would be friction that some wouldn't let go. Comes from the human view point that can be summed up with one phrase that can prove how dumb one can be. That phrase is, 'I'm right, you're wrong' and it is followed by something to the effect of, 'and there is nothing you can say that will change that'. Human beings can be ridiculously stubborn at times; and I admit I'm guilt of this fault too.

As this gathering was happening; I happened to spot a collection of characters of the ancient script on the wall of the domed structure. I thought, since the process of gathering all here was taking a little while; I might as well see what the script said. It was something to do and right now I really don't want to give my mind the opportunity to wonder into places that would make my standing worse than it is now. So, I need to give the brain work to keep busy with so there is no freedom to do so. Oddly enough, none seemed to notice me staring at the wall that had the characters, nor the action of me sweeping my vision from left to right. I had found that interestingly the ancient script read much like English and followed quite a few of the same rules in grammar and structure.

As I read some of the passages; I found to my surprise that it was recounting the early times of the Great War; the same that Bahamut had told me about. Here in writing, the truth was reaffirmed and I couldn't deny it. The difference as I read the script further was that the script went into finer details that Bahamut didn't get into in his summary. It really didn't change the information I knew; at least the major facts, just added embellishment to them. I can't say that this subject of the war really needed embellishment as there was already more than enough gruesome facts to get the idea across without misunderstanding. I got so engrossed in the factual information I was reading I had shut out the world around me. I kept reading and I was walking as I read the script as it kept going along the wall. The more I read the more gruesome the picture became and it was horrendous to begin with!

I mean, I had already understood the fact that the death toll alone was… well to say high would be an understatement! It had been just disgustingly outrageous! Bahamut had made the horrible figures of the numbers that had died perfectly clear to me even if he hadn't said them bluntly! The script I was reading just reinforced the point home… and that was no joke! I know I should have just stopped reading the script as it was depressing me the further I read, but like a captivating book or story I couldn't stop.

This is… possibly the… time I could have come from… if what Bahamut said is true. I still have my reservations on if it is true or not; still, nothing wrong with learning about the time period. I mean, yeah the Great War was terrible and how. Some of the memories, I could now see were from this particular period and I didn't like recalling them for good reason. All I can say is war is an evil concept and is against the natural nature of living beings. Yes one can condition another or themselves to be able to do such, but to kill another is just not natural. Yet in this kind of concept, many strides are made during it that none ever think possible! It is due to the nature of war, that many closely held views, moral or otherwise which are thought to be unshakeable or unchanging; get pushed aside for the goal of survival. The survival instinct is by far the strongest feeling or instinct any living being has. It can override all others because of a simple reason; 'no one, wants to die'. So when your life is in the balance one can't be picky. War just forces that survival instinct in to active overdrive making it the most important thing in mind.

That was one of the major reasons that all the major species united as one large force; it gave the best and highest chances of surviving the onslaught of the ancient enemy. All other qualms and grievances there were between the races were put aside to survive the war. And in the beginning, the united force had been able to push back the enemy and the victory appeared to be assured. That was until the ancient enemy had gone with a different tactic; that being to undermine the united force from within. They had done this by corrupting some and then later having them turn traitor when the timing was right to cause the most damage; otherwise known in human terms, 'sleeper agents'. The term was clear enough as the definition states; a secret agent who remains inactive for a long period while establishing a secure position. Such just wait for the right moment to strike. The ancient enemy was shrewd that was for sure.

"Saber are you okay? You are looking a little off."

I refocused on the world around me by shaking my head and turning around to find myself facing my friends. Lara had been the one to ask the question of me. I suppose that as I was absorbed in reading the scripted text; I won't have kept my outward expressions as much in check as I tend to normally. So my feelings of depression and sickened understanding would have probably shown. I tried to smile at the four dragons to show that there was nothing to worry about, but it came out to an obvious forced smile. I dropped the smile and sighed.

"Well, that depends; Physically, I am perfectly fine. Mentally I would be okay, as I am just a little overwhelmed from the information I have learned over the last twenty four hours, as it is staggering. Emotionally, I would rather not talk about or even get into at this time as it is a mess, but that is sort of normal, for me anyways. That is the reason I do not show a lot of strong emotions as they tend to go out of control when I do."

"So then bro, what has put a dragging damper on your mood dude?"

I glanced over at Sen, wondering if I should answer his question or just keep my mouth shut.

"Oh… just some depressing reading here on the wall; that's all."

"Oh and what does the ancient language say on this wall?"

I turned along with my friends to my left, their right to see one of the cheetahs I had met earlier at Warfang. As I recall, her name was... Lyla, I think? I cleared my throat before I replied.

"Your name is Lyla correct?"

She nodded and she smiled as she adjusted her glasses.

"It is nice for you to remember my name, white dragon Saber."

I had a double take at the last bit of her reply. The way she said white dragon, made it sound like a formal title of some sort. I will have none of that! I don't like titles as they tend to differentiate one from another; I do that just fine by myself, I don't need any help with that!

"Um... you can just call me Saber, no need to add white dragon in front of it. That just sounds too formal to me and I am not one to stand on formality… or use it much either if I am honest. As to what I was reading; it was nothing very interesting to most that do not know about a particular event from history. And not a very nice event it is, I can guarantee that."

"Very well if you wish for less formality, then Saber is fine; but the reason I am here is Pla-to has everyone here gather and would like to see you."

"Thanks Lyla."

She bowed in farewell and went back to the group that had gathered now. I looked over the growing numbers of dragons, cheetahs and moles then I sighed at the looming prospect. Experience says that I'm about to get a lot of incredulity and skepticism; what fun I get to participate in, don't I?

"Hey Saber, why do you look and sound so glum, huh?"

That came from Cyra and she was being her usual bubbly and cheerful self. I couldn't help a small smile that came to my face.

"Oh nothing much, just have a hunch that I am about to endure a lot of skeptical views and disbelief of me being… well, me."

Knowing that delaying something you don't want to do doesn't help, actually it usually makes it worse; we trotted over to the large group in the large central courtyard in front of the large dome of the ruins. Dragons and dragoness of every color and shade appeared to be in attendance along with cheetahs that reminded me of different breeds of cats as well as the many moles that were here. As we approached I heard whispers and quiet conversation from some; again a time I kind of wish I didn't have as good and keen hearing as I do, but that's how it goes. Some of the things I heard were that of curiosity and others were not, yet there were some lines as follows:

"What reason would Pla-to call all of us here, it is unusual?"

"Rumor is that there is a dragon with white scales here that arrived yesterday, yet that cannot be."

"No; that is impossible! There are no natural white dragons anymore."

That was what the majority of the things I was hearing went with or something along similar lines. Honestly, this is just getting annoying as well as somewhat insulting to me! I have had to deal with crap like this or worse for close to a year now in some shape or form! Whether it was, 'human, there is no such thing' or as I was getting now about how white dragons don't and can't exist. The reason this keeps being the case is rather obvious to me; it's this freaking fracking draconic tradition! It has over time, caused and ingrained skewed view like I have been dealing with, from many around me. Thankfully, my friends aren't among those with such views. Still it gets irritating and tiring to have to hear these opinions repeated over and over! If this is what Asreyel dealt with back as a dragonet… I can understand a little why he would be… as cold and distant from others as he was.

As we got closer to Pla-to, I started to feel the increasing number of stares from some who had taken notice of me. Now normally, I would have no problem with others watching and staring at me; I'm used to it as it has happened throughout the years of my life. However, in this setting… to say I was uncomfortable with the growing number of those staring at me, that would be hugely curtailing my current feelings! I don't mind being the center of attention every now and then, but this wasn't the type of spotlight I like to have on me! It only drives the point of me being different home more than I want!

Can anyone blame me?! I'm under and dealing with an immense load of stress! I think I am justified in wanting a break from being the center of attention like I have been lately. And here I had originally hoped that coming to the ruins of Lagunas would serve as a bit of a vacation for me from the gawking and gossiping whispers that have been going on behind my back. But alas no… it isn't what I had hoped to be. Instead I have been having one of the worst times in my life! First there was the archive and then to have things like the experience with Lara; I'm just so strung out and confused right now. I have never experienced emotions like this before in my life; it is so new to me and so I don't know how to handle this at all!

"Ah, there you are; excellent."

I looked up at Pla-to who had spoken. I took a deep breath and wiped my mind clear of the problems I was trying to manage. I would take care of them later when I had the time and was in a place I would be free and undisturbed. Thanks to my mental discipline and self-control I can do this; it is a very helpful skill I have gained from learning from Master Kai. I smiled slightly before I replied.

"Yes, here I be. Was there something I could do for you Pla-to or…"

I paused and glanced to the multitude that had by now gone quiet, almost silent and were currently in various forms of gaping or gawking at me. It was uncomfortable, yet I didn't let it show! I turned back to Pla-to before resuming my inquiry.

"… Was this to prove some kind of point to others perhaps?"

Pla-to smiled at my question.

"A bit of both as it happens."

I see; must mean that there were some disbelievers among those here. It figures; it's the dang draconic tradition again. It always gets in the way of understanding in my view; along with dragon kind's mentality too. The reason I hate draconic tradition or rather tradition in general, is I'm more liberal in my thinking. I will go with what works regardless if it is socially acceptable or not by those around me; as long as it gets me closer to the goal I'm working for, it is good to me. Still Pla-to says both in answer to my question, meaning he had something else in mind as well; wonder what that is.

"Okay… what is it I can do for you?"

Before Pla-to could answer we were interrupted.

"So then, this is the one you mentioned is it Pla-to?"

I turned to get a look at the speaker who had interrupted, as it was a voice I didn't recognize. It was definitely male; it was kind of gruff, though sharp at the same time, still clear and understandable. I spotted a dragon approaching Pla-to and assumed that he was the one who had put forth the query.

By his size, he was an inch shorter than Pla-to, but he looked to be two inches or so longer. His scales were kind of slight dark cerulean with an amount of grey in them, while his underbelly and wing membranes were a dull electric blue. I looked to his face and he had 'fins' that started just after his ears and went behind from there. I have seen that some dragons and dragonesses have this facial feature; it is an interesting variation I have to admit. Anyways, from the ends of the fins on either side of his head protruded three horns; one at the top, one in the middle and the third at the bottom. Each horn was a decent foot in length. This dragon still had a pair of horns that came out right above his eye ridges and those were a little over two feet, so longer than the other horns he had. All his horns, though I noticed appeared to have ring like sections… kind of like some plants such as bamboo, only his horn's 'rings' were closer together. The rest of his face was hardened from age and just ware overall. I mean the dragon had to be in his late fifties in not older! I had to respect one like this slightly; he was just one who intimidated with his natural appearance even if he didn't mean to. His eyes were an orange-yellow shade and were piercing and at the moment were measuring me.

Down his spine were… well blade like protrusions, each being at least seven inches, maybe eight in length and the line of spines went all the way to his tail. The length of the spines got gradually shorter as they went to his tail. At the end of the dragon's tail was a triangular blade that was much like a spear's head. The one other feature that stood out to me was on his legs at the 'elbow' joint there was a spike that just came out; his fore limbs spikes were about double the length of those on his hind legs and those were about four inches or so I think with my observations. I haven't the faintest clue as to the element of this dragon; it could be quite a few.

"Ah, Wisespire; yes this is the young dragon I was talking about."

Wisespire? Hmm… well that could be a clue to his element; if that's so, I would bet electricity if I had to guess. However, as this is our first meeting; manners are important! I dipped my head a little in a motion of bowing to an extent.

"Hello Wisespire, my name is Saber; it is nice to meet you."

Wisespire gazed at me intently for around a minute. I really don't know what he is trying to see or is looking for. I cleared my throat before asking.

"Um… there something I can help you with or are you just trying to intimidate me? If you are, then let me save you the time and state for the record that I am not one you will be able to intimidate. Still I will not stop you from trying if that is what you wish to do; just going to be pointless."

He didn't answer me right away; he just kept studying me for a moment.

"You are not what I expected from the description Pla-to gave of you?"

… Dare I ask what information or rumors about me are circulating now?! I suppose it can't be much worse than is already going around and still be believable. However, I probably shouldn't ask as I can be proven wrong sometimes.

"Okay… what were you expecting of me? To be some kind of know it all that can tell you about anything you ask of me? Well, sorry to disappoint you in that; I am just like every other dragon in that I do not know everything. I would not want to know everything even if I could; it would be a real pain as then you will be bored silly for the rest of your life. I would rather be ignorant and somewhat dumb happy idiot, than a know-it-all as they have really no fun in life."

I was stating my opinion; you can't fault me for that! I meant what I had said, I would rather be dumb than omnipotent as one can change being dumb by learning and improving yourself. Not more than a second after I finished my reply; I felt a paw on my right shoulder. I glance behind me to see Lara with a reproachful expression set on her face. Oh my… what have I done for her to give me that look?

"Saber, you are being rude."

… Really?! That's her issue?! Oh the things I will get to look forward to in the future! Please Lord; tell me that Lara will not be doing this every time I start speaking my mind and state my view bluntly, like I do at times like this. I don't know if I could handle not being rude, sometimes crude. And I would go through the depths of hell, kill the devil himself and take over hell before I ever give up sarcasm! Add heaven to that idea with the same result to make my point clear! Top that off with the mood I'm in from all the stress and other crap that has built up. … I had been interrupted by Lara in the middle of my venting last night and so I haven't solved my stress issues. Can anyone blame me for being kind of rude? I'm surprised I haven't outright viciously insulted someone yet with the emotional state I have right now. If others do say I am in the wrong; I want to trade shoes for a day and see them live a day in my life and survive it as well as I do! Let's just say I will be rolling around laughing at what happens to them the whole day!

"Yeah, I am being kind of rude; is there a problem with that? I am not being insulting to Wisespire, just stating my opinion. I would hope that saying ones opinion is not forbidden or anything; cause if it is… I will become very familiar with prison cells or something of the like in the near future, that is for sure."

Lara gave me a stern glare. I sighed; it is at times like this I wonder is it worth being with someone for life. Then memories of this morning and the hours before that popped up in my mind. Hmm I got to say, with those perks, it is hard to argue that enduring the bad isn't worth it. Then I suppose her listening to me and believing me does make things better in my life… This card of sternness she is playing is so unfair!

"… *Grumble* Yeah fine, maybe I am being a little ruder than I should be... sorry."

That should've been the end of it; but… Sen just had to put his two cents in didn't he?!

"Gnarly bro, Lara really keeps you in line dude! Thought only Master Kai could have you doing that bro."

Sen that's not necessary! Logic give me strength and help me not to injure Sen right here and now! I took a deep breath before I replied.

"For your benefit Sen; I will pretend to not heard what you just said! I strongly recommend you shut that hole called a mouth, if you know what is good for you."

Thank goodness for wonderful and sensible logic; you are there for me even at the hardest of time! I was trying to be nice and act the part of a caring friend. One that will warn you of an impending danger so you can avoid it; I may not see Sen as a friend all the time, but I try my best.

"I gotta say bro; never thought a girl would have you wrapped around their finger."

Sen was laughing a bit as he said that line. … It is during times like this when Sen is being an idiot and ignoring my helpful hints that it's really hard to see him as a friend and not strangle… I mean hurt him! No, must… exert… self-control; not… worth it to… punish him for this… yet!

"DER… Sen, you apparently didn't hear me before. You should really close your mouth… if you like your face the way it is."

It was taking a great deal of effort to not bellow this at Sen, followed by me launching myself at him and use his tail to tie his maw shut! I was starting to position my hind legs to be better for springing at my 'friend' who was being a fool. It was then felt Lara encircle my midsection and tighten down.

"Saber, do not do this!"

At her voice I was able to realize that I was getting too worked up by Sen's banter. I stopped, took a step back and shook my head and then took a few deep breaths to calm down. This was a sign of too much built up stress on my part; my mental discipline and self-control were slipping badly! So I was having a very hard time just ignoring and letting insults and things of the like go by me. I need to vent; nonetheless, not here, not now! It wouldn't do well for me or anyone else.

"Sorry Lara, you are right; it is not worth blowing up about this."

I spared a glance over at Sen and sniffed.

"You can continue to your detriment Sen, be my guest. However know this, you do keep going and there will be consequences. And they will come when I see fit; so choose carefully what you do!"

I smirked a bit at Sen after saying this; I already had ideas coming to mind of just what I could do. Sen promptly shut his mouth when I had said this. His face paled and he took a few steps away from me.

"Ch-chill bro, I didn't mean anything by what I said man. There is no need to go to such an extent dude!"

Sen's voice was audibly shaking. Not that he doesn't have good reason to be shaking mind you! I had given him a clear warning; if he didn't stop, he was a target for me to prank and prank good! I have done this to Sen once and he had understood the message from that; you don't ignore this kind of warning from me, you will completely regret it!

"Nice to see you understand."

I turned back to Pla-to and Wisespire, who were staring at the spectacle that Sen and I were performing in a fashion to the crowd no less.

"I apologize that you had to witness that, sometimes my 'friend' here can go overboard and cross lines he should not. Please disregard this scene entirely if you would. Lara you can let go of me now you know."

Lara did as I asked of her and released her hold on me, though she still stayed close to me.

"Yes now that… is out of the way, we can proceed."

I nodded at Pla-to in agreement. And so I was introduced to the multitude that was here studying the ruins, officially at least. As I was being introduced I observed the different stares I got from many of the onlookers; these ranged from simple gawking to outright jaw drops of disbelief. Once again, one of the parts of being different from everyone else; aren't I lucky?! I could tell this would be a long day for me.

After about twenty minutes, the multitude broke up into smaller groups and if I was hearing correctly and I normally do; these groups were exchanging information that they had been studying. My friends and I split up and mingled with the groups; Fredrick looked much like a kid in a candy store as he was going from group to group. Cyra went to a group that was the closest to our age range and as best as I could tell… melted into the said group. I would love to know how she does some of the odd things that she does, like that melting into a crowd and fitting in like she has always be a part of it. As for Lara, she stayed with me… and Sen just seemed to disappear into the crowd, though I wasn't worried about him as he can take care of himself as he needs. So… Lara and I walked around; I was listening to the subject matter of the conversations as we passed. Nothing really stuck out to me for a while; that was until we passed a group made up of mostly cheetahs and moles with a light blue dragon and crimson dragoness. Interestingly Lyla was among the cheetahs in this group that made up around half of this group. The reason that their conversation caught my attention was that it involved the writing I had been reading earlier while the masses had been gathering here. I began to listen more attentively to what was being said.

"... The section of ancient script on the wall of the dome, I believe is describing an event of some kind. However, due to the difficulty of translating the script, it is hard to say what the event is."

That came from one of the cheetahs.

"Indeed, that is the major impasses for the work here in the ruins."

That was from a mole. Perhaps that's why Pla-to had been so excited when he had found out that I could read the ancient script; not being able had been a stumbling block for those here.

"Ah Saber, do you wish to join?"

I glanced over to Lyla who had called me out.

"Well, I suppose that would be fine, if no one has a problem with us doing so."

Lara and I found a space in the discussion circle and went to our haunches. The blue dragon looked to me.

"So you are a white dragon; those scales are actually white?"

I sighed softly at the question. Still I gave him an answer.

"Yes, I am a white dragon and my scales are naturally white."

The crimson dragoness giggled at my reply.

"Get asked that often do you?"

I rolled my eyes.

"More times than I wish to count."

"Saber, did you not say that you were reading the section of ancient script on the wall of the domed building while everyone was being gathered?"

I turned to Lyla, pondering her question. Everyone in the circle had their eyes on me at this point, waiting for my answer.

"Um… yes that is correct; I was… rather a glum reading if you ask me."

I received stares and gaping as a response. Okay… I don't get why exactly I'm getting such looks.

"Okay… why are you all looking at me like that?"

Lyla giggled at my inquiry.

"I would guess that you being able to read the ancient language and saying so as if it is nothing out of the ordinary is the reason. You are the only one I know of that can read the ancient script."

THAT'S the reason they're all staring at me like I am something unnatural… well I guess I kind of am, still more so then usual.

"Wait... you sayin Lyla, 'e can actually read 'ose characters like normal writtin language?"

I have got to say; that mole has quite an accent! … Awesome!

"That is not possible. None exist that can read the ancient script like that in present times."

Leave it to a cheetah to be critical about something suspicious. I can understand and agree with that kind of mentality on a personal level. Hmm… doubt they would believe that I could possibly be from the time period from five hundred thousand years ago or so, given an unknown margin either way. Hell I have an extremely hard time comprehending that let alone being possible! Yet… it could be the reason that I can read the script in question; I'm possibly wired for it in a way. That's if what Bahamut says is true.

"Yeah, heard that one already. It is not like I asked or wanted to be able to read the language; I just can. I do not really know why for sure."

Lyla giggled again.

"Pla-to was very excited when he knew. Saber proved that he can; though I am surprised that you cannot read draconic script at all."

Out of habit threw up my forepaws as I would arms if I were human, in a gesture of inability to understand.

"The draconic writing system all looks like random scratches to me. I never learned it and though I have tried to, still makes no sense to me how it works."

One of the cheetahs that hadn't spoken cleared their throat.

"So, as you have read that section of script; perhaps you can tell us what it says."

I thought for a minute of what I could tell them. I mean if they didn't know about the Great War and I very much bet they don't; then what I read will make little sense as it makes references to the time of the war. I understood what was being said, but that's because of what Bahamut told me. I suppose a summary of the war to an extent wouldn't hurt.

"Well… it is not that I could not tell you; more that it would make little sense to you all as most of the script refers to or centers around a particular event of past history that… I would guess almost none know about. At least I have not heard of anything of draconic history that refers to the specific event. So I do not know where to even start."

"Perhaps, if you start with the event 'at is referred to."

Good golly, I should have thought of that! And yet it comes from a mole; I tell you each race has all different types.

"Fine, I could try that. So, a very long time ago there was… well simply put, a war. It was against an unknown enemy and it went on for a long period of time. I cannot say how long as I really do not know, but it was a while, no doubts about that."

The crimson dragoness was the next to speak.

"War? What was it about? And what do you mean an unknown enemy?"

Ah, welcome to the questions I have been trying to answer for a while now miss.

"Um… as for what it was about; that would be survival. The enemy; I really do not know much more than they were something that has never been seen in the realm before the war. Other than that I can only really make educated guesses about them."

Our conversation went on and I found it getting progressively harder to explain what I had read and the subject matter that it was about. My difficulty and new found popularity didn't end there. Over the course of the day and midway through the next; I was tirelessly asked about what one collection of characters meant and what a passage could be referring to. Honestly it was very exhausting to me. That's not to say that being able to be shown the ruins by those who have been researching them hasn't been amazing! The tour had been a preview to what the ruins were really like. Yet I would have to admit that the nicest part was the time I got to spend on the steps of the outer walkways that went down to the water that surrounded the ruins. That place had been peaceful and I had been able to gain a modicum of comfort by meditating when I got some time. It was on the third day of us being there at the ruins of Lagunas that I was beginning to think that it was about time that we, meaning my friends and I get back to Warfang.

-Scene change-

Well long story short, after a kind of lengthy discussion; it was decided that it was a wise idea to start heading back to Warfang. Before we left, we went to Pla-to and of course told him of our intent to return to the dragon city and though he was kind of disappointed that I was leaving; he said he did accept the choice. With all that said and done, everything was in order for our journey back to the dragon city and hopefully a little more normalcy for us all once more. I have nothing against a change of pace; a vacation is needed every once and a while. Still it is nice to have a routine to one's day to provide predictability.

We left around an hour before noon or so on our way. The trip itself was uneventful; I'm just thankfully that in our group, at least Lara and I have a good sense of direction. Lara like myself apparently will naturally pick out and remembers the said landmarks she picked. Fredrick is okay, but as he hasn't been around this area and he had been too excited to take in landmarks on the way here… well he is fine the way he is and I will leave it at that. … Cyra… well… she was being herself just like always; she was more focused on the fun of traveling rather than knowing the route. Then… there is Sen. I wouldn't trust him to be able to get to the journey's ending destination with a GPS without spending a lot of time somehow getting lost along the way. He would get to wherever he was supposed to be going… eventually, just don't count on it being in a timely manner by any means; he won't.

Our group came into sight of Warfang while the sun was still up above the horizon, but was just about to start sinking into it. This means we likely are still before the evening meal! Hey, can you call me out on wanting food after a long flight? No! However, it would be nice to meet up and play a little catch up with those who didn't come with us to the ruins. I mean the information I have now is far more than when I left. We landed down in the ground level tier; Sen had gotten better at his landing by this time… or at least he doesn't do plowing face plants anymore.

Shortly after landing I looked around in, very likely in vain hopes, for any of my friends that were here. It was unlikely that any of them were, but I can hope now can't I. Yet to my surprise and interest; I didn't see just one of my friends, but more than one. Actually I spotted all except Tarra who wasn't in this part of Warfang. I wouldn't have expect her to be; to large of a crowd.

I was about to walk up and approach Spyro and the others, but then I saw another dragon came up to the group that I didn't know. I stopped in my stride and lowered myself to my haunches. He was obviously a male dragon, though he was different than others that I have seen. The dragon looked around nineteen in age so a young adult. His height was maybe an inch less than seven feet and his length was about seven foot nine; so overall he was slightly smaller than me but still in the average size range among my friends and other dragons our age. With me, if Bahamut was any way to measure then white dragons have a tendency to be bigger in size.

The body shape this dragon had made me wonder about his health a bit as he looked kind of frail. He had gold scales that seemed to have a reflective quality to the surface of his scales, almost like a mirror; never seen scales quite like that before. His wing membranes and underbelly were a pale grey which appeared to match his eyes to a degree as they were a steel grey color I noticed as I got a glimpse of them. The dragon's horns… well um… were kind of… well a design you don't see every day. Simply put, they had the same shape as floppy dog ears... seriously that's what they looked like! I focused back on my observations of this dragon. I spotted his tail blade and was intrigued; it was to my view a metal ring that attached to his tail. It was kind of like a chakram disk now that I look at it.

I kept watching this gold dragon; he seemed nice enough. He was respectful of others; at least at first. But still, there was something in me that cried that something was off. I can't tell what, yet my intuition is rarely wrong on people or anything else. As I looked over this 'dragon'; I began to note slight changes in him that seemingly happened without cause or trigger of any sort. The more I watched this difference, the more I began to wonder if I had been seeing some kind of illusion or act before of the nice actions of this gold dragon.

I started to have a… strange collection of emotions. His face that had been nice and somewhat cheerful before; now with the slight confident smirk, just somehow screamed at me, 'please punch me over and over for being like this'! With each action I now saw, the more found myself growing to detest the one who was doing said actions. Rare is it for me to have a natural or extremely quick dislike for anyone. An acquired dislike over time, now that is a different matter entirely! But this kind of a dislike from the start is odd for me. I try to give those I meet the benefit of the doubt to be nice. Yes there are times that doing so gets shoved back in my face and I repay them for that later. However, usually this was a type of situation I haven't been in for a long time. Still as it is, I'm not ignoring the feeling either as doing so ends out like if I ignore any of my other feelings, badly most of the time.

This guy was irking me, plain and simple; from the way he carried himself to how he… flaunted himself for lack of better terms. He was undeniably 'playing nice' to get others to like him. I could see the body language that pointed to that fact. Now I will do that… begrudgingly… if I have to… when it is absolutely needed, but other than that I don't see a reason to present a different image then who I am. I know there will be others who will not like me for who I am and I say to them; your loss, you narrow minded idiot. I like the way I am so I see no reason to paint a false impression! That would be hypocritical and I abhor those who are like that as they the image they present of themselves is nothing more than a lie meant to trick those around them!

As I listened to him speak; he made small things that happened seem much more significant than they really were and somehow, he made it appear that he had a part of bringing to pass such events. I would bet he would take some credit for the sun rising; like it wouldn't if he wasn't there to make sure it would. There were subtleties he was showing that I could see that apparently no one else did, which worried me as much as they rubbed me the wrong way. This dragon… I am quickly growing to thoroughly dislike the longer I listened and observed him! I don't like the type who act all important or high and mighty being better than the rest of us or have a huge superiority complex… who are in reality just like everyone else. You know the type, always thumping their chest; like the rest of us are lucky to breathe the same air? The ones who see to it that they get their way by whatever means are required… and I mean any methods be they dirty or not. Those are the type I used to take pride and pleasure in 'reverse bullying'. However I had to tone down the things I pulled on such for such kinds due to… various reasons I shouldn't get into as they would paint me in a rather bad light.

I kept watching the dragon, trying to get closer to my friends by sweet talking them. I'm fascinated that I am seeing that dragon kind has 'sweet talking', but my attention became diverted as I felt my right eye began to twitch in extreme annoyance, not a good sign for me. I'm normally good with keeping in control and not letting my feelings overtake me and override my usual calm disposition, but there are just some, rare as they are that just get to me in such a way I can't ignore without great effort. It had been a length of time since I have had to deal with one that can affect me in this way.

My mouth morphed from a neutral expression I tend to have; to one of annoyance and current mild dislike, and then shifted into a continual deepening glower of hatred. The longer this went on the more I just want to make him acquainted with misery, as something he knew well and personally! I know it is mean and close to evil to wish that, still it is guys like this that I can't stand! With how they act, it is like they are personally going out of their way to seriously insult me! While I was loathing and brooding on the scene, as well as exuding foul intent aimed at the gold dragon that was irking me so; I failed to notice that Sen came up beside me, studying me for a moment.

"Yo bro, you're lookin really tense dude. What's the dealio?"

I ground my teeth, but I still didn't answer him. I was busy focusing on the… the… arrogant prick! I was quickly growing to not like at all; he was trying to worm his way into my circle of friends! I felt burning anger at watching this and said anger increased more when he approached Lara. I felt burning fury seethe in me with the jealousy of the scene adding fuel to the flames of me wanting to do things to the gold dragon. If emotions show in an aura around a living being and I swear they do in the dragon realm… with strong feelings at least; then I would be putting out a very dark red aura that would've been mixed with black! Let's just say it should be obvious that I was having thoughts of ill intent towards this gold dragon. I was having extreme difficulty holding myself from doing… questionable and rule breaking things to the gold dragon in front of me… horrible and terrible things… and I still haven't even heard his name yet! That is a new record in my book of woes that is my life thus far! Not even IC has done this to me; he hasn't gotten close to this point!

"Dude bro, you're glaring with some serious dark intent man! You met that dragon before bro and haven't told me dude? Is he really that bad a guy?"

I snorted at the dumb question. It was stupid and in my opinion unnecessary.

"No, can't say I have met Goldie scales there that I remember at least and I wouldn't forget a guy like this! I hate the type he is… the douche bag of a phony!"

Ah yes, 'Goldie scales'. That felt like a good nickname for this dragon; have no idea why yet, though I really don't care either, it is just a good insulting name for him! Kind of like how I called Sparx, IC; it felt much the same in this. Sen took a moment to observe the dragon then look at me. Then a look of comprehension appeared on his face.

"Oh yeah, I see what you mean bro. I forgot you don't get along with the bogus type dude."

My face twisted noticeably into a flash of anger at Sen's statement as it was completely true. This was shortly before I took a deep breath and reined in my emotions. No need to get so worked up right now… Not until after I vent completely with the stuff from the Ethereal Archives.

"Yes, I don't like bogus type, or the technical term for such would be a hypocrite; however I feel that there is something more than that to this dragon. I just can't place what it is… and that frustrates me! I'm can't read him completely like I can almost everyone else!"

I wanted to break Goldie scales' pride so badly. It was one of the few things I missed from the days I would seriously reverse bully others; breaking them of their pride just gave a kind of satisfaction that I grew to enjoy. Perhaps that's wrong of me, but everyone gets their kick somehow and that's how I best got mine in my younger years.

"So, what are you going to do about it bro?"

I shook my head to clear the thoughts I was having of the things I could do to that dragon. This dragon tempted me to revive the terrible… no! I wouldn't sink that low if I didn't have to! I have developed better self-control than to sink to the level of a child and seek revenge so readily. And I promised Master Kai that I wouldn't do things like that anymore… in any other way than in self-defense! Moreover, I doubt Goldie scales even knew how to prank anyways; and for me to be the only one pranking just would be kind of… egotistical of me, so there would be no point in the end. It wouldn't feel satisfying at all!

"Nothing for now."

There was more I could have said but didn't. I had many thoughts of the things to do to Goldie scales and some of them… okay most of them are very mean. That's to say… the things I could do to him… he wouldn't be looking so nice afterward; I can promise that… and he wouldn't be walking for a while either at the bare minimum! Just confined to the healer wing for a while unable to… this is a bad tangent of thought to have right now with the mood I'm in. I would likely make some of them reality if I dwell upon these thoughts! That didn't stop me from giving a near murderous glare to Goldie scales by any means! Sen was silent for a moment, studying me.

"Bro… you haven't given someone that kind of glare for a long time. You're not serious thinking about doing things that… go beyond pranking to that dragon… are you dude?!"

I didn't answer just kept staring freaking assassin type daggers at the dragon. Go beyond pranking? Well… that is a matter of perspective Sen; what would be the definition of 'beyond pranking'? What if he just might deserve it! Oh the terrible things I could arrange to happen to this golden boy! And never be suspected to have had any involvement in the events myself! Oh yes indeed, the possibilities! Ah this brings back memories of the days that terrible pranking contests happened from time to time; and I usually won them.

'Indeed those were fun days.'

I didn't miss the whisper from Shae. I couldn't deny that he had… assisted in some of the pranks that were questionable in the fact that they injured the target… usually badly.

"Saber seriously dude; you doing those kinds of things… That's more than just mean man, it's vicious. I mean didn't the last person you crossed that line for bro, um…"

I came out of my musings; and sighed, before finishing the sentence that Sen had started.

"End up in the hospital; starting in the ER then going to intensive care and finally staying there at the hospital in a room for a while. Yes they did indeed. And though I wasn't blamed for the incident; I know I was the cause. That's the reason I don't cross that particular line and do those kinds of arranged incidents anymore... the terrible pranking contest kinds of things tended to go a little overboard. I don't do that without an extremely good and justifiable reason. They can severely hurt someone if not get close to killing them! Still this guy is… getting to me in a way no one has for a long time."

Sen and I had barely finished our talk when I glanced up to my friends to see them approaching me along with… Goldie scales. I took a couple of deep breaths and composed myself. No need to give even the hint to anyone that this gold dragon was getting to me.

"Saber, there you are. We were wondering where you were."

I glanced over to Spyro who had spoken. I smiled slightly.

"Hey Spyro; I have been here for a while as it happens. I just did not want to interrupt… your conversation… with the gold dragon with you."

The gaze of the gold dragon met my own and so the staring match began. Our eyes were giving a clear and unmistakable message to the other; 'We will NOT be getting along with each other'! I forced a smile at Goldie scales.

"Hello, my name is Saber. And you would be?"

It was taking a lot of effort to make my voice sound natural, yet I did so. Master Kai has always taught and drilled that manners are important no matter where you are or who you are with, period! I wouldn't disappoint Master Kai by tossing away such morals even if I already nearly hate this guy! However, his answer really reinforced my dislike of him!

"My name is Neval; nice to meet…"

Neval leaned in and his voice changed slightly as he continued in a whisper.

"… You unnatural white scaled freak."

… Did HE just call me a freak?! Why that little…I bristled at his greeting to me. Ha ha, so he has a bit of a sense of humor then does he? That's like… um… what's a good way of putting it that is plain… ah, that's like Michael Jackson calling the Pope white… I think. In other words him calling me different or a freak as he put it; when he, himself could be considered just as much the same terms, is stupid! No don't think like that… calm down Saber; show your self-control and maturity that Goldie scales, obviously doesn't have! If need be, I can get him back later and show him the consequence of badmouthing me. Just imagine that you're dealing with IC and cope with it in the same manner namely ignoring it!

-Scene change-

-Evening, same day-

I got back to the room that I hadn't seen for days. Ah at last, a sanctuary! The evening meal had been sheer torture! It wasn't the food or the atmosphere of the mess hall; no it was one of the dragon that sat at the same table as my friends and me! I had hoped to get away from him before dinner and get some peace of mind. BUT NOOOO! Goldie scales just had to sit at the same table as us. IS HE TRYING TO DRIVE ME TO KILL HIM!

The hypocritical douche had acted all nice, respectful and even considerate. What was irritating me was his body language was telling me that his actions were honest and true. Yet his action that were mean and made him a douche were true and honest too. However that contradicted what he did before and I couldn't come up with an explanation for how that was possible or why it was the case here. Goldie scales can't be both nice and mean; it isn't possible as you will do more of one than the other, but he did both completely. It didn't make sense!

I had managed to slip away from the mess hall without anyone noticing that I could tell. I needed to make distance between me and Goldie scales, before I do something that would put him in the healer wing tonight! That's when I had the thought that my room in the dragon temple would be the best place to not have to see the gold dragon or hear him. Hence why I am here in my room and am treating it as a sanctuary. And now that I'm alone I can finish venting and unload the stress! For the next hour and a half I went through a tirade to myself; I'm just thankful that no one was around and the walls are thick.

After I had finished unloading, I felt so much better; it was like a heavy weight had been lifted off me. Pardon the phrase, but it fits in this, 'I feel like the weight of the world has been taken off my shoulders'. With that task out of the way I glanced around the room and flinched. It would appear I… got very physical in my tirade to myself… ha ha ha. The room looked like a catastrophic tornado had carved a path through my room… multiple times at that. I smiled at the mess and shook my head before I started cleaning up. It took nearly half an hour to get my room back into a semblance of order, but I did. In the end the mess and then the cleaning that had followed had been well worth it for the stress relief I had gotten.

I made my way to the bed and had just plopped myself down on it when a knock came from the door. I sighed, and here I was looking forward to peace and quiet.

"It is unlocked, so enter if you wish to."

The door creaked opened and Lara came in. She shut the door before she approached the bed.

"I did not see you leave the mess hall. I was wondering where you had gone."

I sighed. I really have been having a hard time getting use to Lara feeling that she needs to know where I am all the time. I need time to myself every once and a while!

"I needed time to… unwind and I do that best when I am by myself. So I came straight here and have been here the whole time. Sorry for worrying you."

Lara smiled softly.

"You sound like you are in a better mood than you were this morning and the last few days."

I nodded.

"The miracle of venting and stress relief; nothing like it."

I scooted over a bit as Lara climbed onto the bed. She cuddled into me and let out a contented sigh. Finally things were settling down after a great upheaval. New issues may have come up with me and here during my time at the ruins of Lagunas, but life happens. Crap comes up whether you want it or not; so I will take this small peace I was getting right at this moment. I only hope that it last for a little while.

Chapter end

A/n

Okay and that is where I will leave off with this chapter. Please write a review and tell me how this part of the story is going; hell if you wish to say I am horrible and never should use a keyboard to write again, feel free. Just don't expect me to respond to such reviews. If you want to be informed when a chapter is up follow this story and favorite it if you like it. Two things; I would like to thank Vulpimaru for use of Neval and his willingness to work with me on one or two things to make Neval the dragon that he is and more the one he will become. Two, I know that Saber is sounding… well whiny as well as just down right mean towards the end. Understand that he is dealing with the built up stress from what he learned at the Ethereal Archives. Then with Neval this is just the first initial impressions and we all know there is much we don't see during those.

Vulpimaru

Once again thank you for use of Neval. If there is something out of place PM me and say so. Keep brainstorming those ideas of yours, they have intrigued me and I would like to hear more of them.

Sandshrew master

You shouldn't doubt your ability of character creation. There is no set process or one way to come up with a character. It is obvious you have the imagination for it. Personalities; I have found don't always come out fully done right as the character is introduced. Most of the time for my own characters, it develops over time and evolves, but I think that is better in a way.

Bryan mccloud

… Hmm Maaaaybe; I have been considering the idea, but not going to decide just yet. I have other plans to get done first.

Keyblader Zen

Well isn't it kind of one of the things one's significant other is supposed to do; cheer you up when life goes bad or in Saber's case, 'to hell in a handbasket'. But I would agree that Saber is VERY lucky to have her; he is just still realizing that. As for Tarra, who knows? Though… I won't tell her if you won't.

… Well… that's a hard and complicated thing. Granted Uncle Douche Bag does contribute to Saber's views of parents and adults in general; but do you blame him? He was whipped beaten often and for things that weren't his fault. Then to be told what he was; well denial is a natural and expected reaction in my opinion. He'll get over it… eventually… I think.

Who knows?

HolyCross9

You have no idea how right you are!

Rayrudan

Well the voices don't stop; they are going to be a part of this story. I just won't bring them up as often for now. … More persistent?! That's a scary thought! Lara is already very dang persistent and clingy too. As for Lara going with him to the archives… I don't know… unlikely in this part of the chronicles; maybe in the next part. I can't say for sure.