Temple Academy

Chapter 4: The Great Feast (Part 1)

Hylok, Parik, Juniper, Elysia, and other OCs belong to me.

Hylok looked out at the forest and greenery after Spyro and Cynder had led away the new students on the tour. He noted every detail. This world was similar to the Brisk Realm. However, he knew better. It still had its differences, and he had to get used to it. He and his older brother Parik had traveled to the Dragon Realm and settled in Gran Haven. He and Parik had been offered jobs at Temple Academy. After the monster attack and leaving their home world, Hylok was learning to adjust to everything – the land, the creatures, the weather.

It's a chance to start over, the yellow dragon thought. As the Temple Academy Security Guard.

"Everything okay Hylok?" a sweet soft voice asked.

A sleek dragon with forest green skin stood behind him. A brass collar wrapped around her neck; floral markings and designs. Dirt caked her claws. Hylok figured they were from her work. She was the school gardener and landscaper from Gran Haven.

"Oh yes," Hylok replied. "Enjoying the scenery, Juniper."

"Do…do you miss your home?"

"Yes. I know the new students do too."

Juniper hesitated for a moment before walking to his side. She sat on her haunches beside him. Hylok looked over at her, curious. Juniper looked away and lowered her gaze. Since he had first met her, she was shy and not given to much socializing. But she didn't mind approaching him. He didn't mind her company at all.

"The Brisk dragons will manage though," Hylok continued. "We're a tough bunch. You all have been welcoming to us and we don't take it for granted. Parik and I are grateful for the jobs too."

"W-We're g-glad to help," Juniper replied. She looked at him with a sweet smile.

Seeing the smile warmed his heart. Hylok smiled back and nodded. He looked briefly at the sky. It was still clear, and the sun was bright and hot.

"I'd better get settled in. I'm going to do my first patrol of the grounds."

"Oh! Of course," Juniper replied. "I'd …better return to my work as well."

With a bow of her head, Juniper turned and trotted across the grounds. Hylok watched her, still smiling. I could get used to this new world, he thought.

Parik marveled at the Infirmary. The Brisk dragon walked through the large room. It had a high ceiling with blue crystal lights, bookshelves, beds, mats, work tables, and wooden cabinets filled with potions, medicines, and medical supplies. It reminded him of doctor's offices, apothecaries, and healer dens back home in the Brisk Realm.

The white dragon picked up a metal pair of tweezers from a tray and grinned. He had always been fascinated with medicine, anatomy, healing techniques, and science compared to his younger brother Hylok. Even back home, before the monster attack, Parik had worked as an apprentice and student under a physician. Tending wounds, making medicine, and helping patients feel better was meaningful and rewarding work for him.

When he and Hylok had been offer jobs at Temple Academy, Parik accepted the school physician position. He knew it would be a major adjustment, being in the Dragon Realm, but he would adapt and learn.

"Careful now to lose those tweezers, doctor," a voice said. "You might need them one day to pull out splinters and glass pieces."

Parik turned to see another dragon enter the Infirmary. The dragon had golden brown skin and scales, horns that curved backwards at the tips, and a white cloth with a red cross tied around her neck. She gave him a toothy grin and trotted over. She took the tweezers and placed them on the tray. Parik chuckled.

"I'll keep that in mind, Elysia," he said. "I'm glad to have you helping me. You're a good nurse."

"That's why I'm here." Elysia giggled. She tapped his snout with a claw. "Are you settling in okay?"

"Just fine. Still miss home, but I'll…I'll manage."

Elysia nodded. She tapped his snout again. Her expression was empathetic, and her yellow eyes bore deep into his. Parik could tell she felt bad for his situation. He didn't mind. He smiled and poked her snout back.

"Don't worry, Elysia."

"You say don't worry, but I worry more."

"I'll be fine. Besides, I'll become a great doctor in this world!"

Parik believed that in his heart. He committed that goal in his mind. He didn't have the chance to achieve such a dream before his home world was attacked. But in this new world, he could aim for it. Elysia giggled and nodded.

"That's the spirit. I'll help you too."

"We'll be a great team."