The air shifted, a gust of wind sending waves through the gathered crowd. All eyes turned upward as a shadow swept over the field.
A dragon descended with grace and majesty, her black and white scales gleaming like liquid moonlight. Aura, the Dragon Empress, landed with an impact that sent tremors through the earth.
Rudra's breath caught. His sharp eyes followed the dragon's every movement, from the fluid unfurling of her wings to the confident way she approached.
He had always known Agni Igris was extraordinary, but Aura was something else entirely.
"She's beautiful," Iris murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her composed demeanor faltered for a moment as she watched Aura shift into her humanoid form. The Empress's regal bearing and gleaming scales seemed otherworldly.
Thor tilted his head slightly, his blindfold concealing his expression. "Her presence feels… warm," he said softly, "but dangerous."
Aura's golden eyes sparkled as she addressed the crowd, her tone playful yet commanding. "Well, well," she began, a teasing edge to her voice, "this is quite the gathering. You've really outdone yourself, Agni. A proclamation and a festival? Without me?"
Agni allowed a rare smile. "The crowd needed softening before you arrived," he said, his voice warm but still carrying its usual weight.
Rudra watched the exchange, noting how Aura's playful energy balanced Agni's stern demeanor.
The air of the open field buzzed with tension as Aura's Ki radiated off of her form like a rolling thunderclap!
Unlike Agni Igris who controlled his power, Aura let her strength and pressure loose with a challenging grin!
Agni Igris thought that she was simply too much as almost all the beasts in attendance were forced to their knees.
He preferred the way of absolute suppression, where he would hide his Ki aura so perfectly that if one didn't know better, they would think he was a regular mortal.
Until they touched his reverse scale that is, and then they found out how much of a demon Agni Igris could be!
Although she protected the kids from her wave of aura, they could all see the effect that her power had on the beasts around them.
'This is the power that I've been seeking, all this time' Rudra thought with a savage smirk as he felt cold sweat appearing on his back.
He had a newfound respect for his new mother, as his sparkling eyes couldn't hide his amazement, nor his lust for her strength!
After seeing that nobody dared challenge her, Aura stopped interrupting as she motioned for Agni Igris to continue.
Nodding, Agni Igris stepped forward, his golden eyes scanning the crowd.
The field fell silent, the beasts awaiting his words with a mix of anticipation and unease.
"Today," he began, his deep voice resonating across the field, "marks a turning point in the history of the Beastly Highlands. For centuries, our kingdom has thrived under the strength of dragons and the unity of the clans. But the world evolves, and so must we. Today, I present to you the future—our heirs. They are human, yes, but they have proven their worth through the Hunt, just as any young beast would."
Rudra glanced at the crowd, his sharp eyes catching the skeptical looks and whispered remarks.
He clenched his fists, fighting the urge to respond.
However, having grown past such temper tantrums in the time since being in the dungeon, he instead, straightened his posture, meeting their gazes head-on.
"Our kingdom values strength," Agni continued, his voice growing more commanding, "but strength is not merely measured in claws or scales. It is measured in will, in determination, and in the ability to rise against adversity. Rudra, Iris, and Thor embody these qualities. They carry the spirit of the Beastly Highlands, and through them, our kingdom will only grow stronger."
Malkor the Horned snorted loudly. "Words are easy, King Agni. If you would permit it, I'd like to see proof of their strength?"
Rudra felt a surge of anger but kept his expression neutral. Beside him, Iris's hand twitched as if she wanted to reach for her brother, but she held back. Thor tilted his head slightly, his body still but his attention clearly focused on the exchange.
Agni's gaze locked onto Malkor. "They will fight as a dragon, just as I have taught them—with action and resolve. And if any here doubt their place, you are free to challenge them or me."
The challenge sent a ripple through the crowd. Rudra's heart pounded as he watched the beasts exchange uncertain glances.
Agni continued, his tone firm but persuasive. "Our kingdom does not stand isolated from the world. Human or not, I have chosen these children and claimed them as my own. They have proven themselves worthy according to the laws and traditions of my ancestors. And they will continue to do so."
Aura stepped forward, her golden eyes gleaming. "And if that's not enough for you," she said with a toothy grin, "you'll have me to answer to."
Her playful tone didn't fully mask the steel beneath her words. The crowd grew quieter, many beasts lowering their heads in acknowledgment.
Rudra, unable to continue staying silent, shouted, "You want proof? C'mon then!"
Everyone looked at his angered expression in surprise!
Rudra saw the looks of ridicule but ignored them as he continued, "We awaken in 2 years' time! At that time, I will fight every beast in this kingdom at the Ki Surging Realm by myself"
Veins appeared on his neck as he glared with a predatory glint in his eyes at all the beasts in attendance, "I WILL PROVE THAT I AM HEIR TO THE STRONGEST BEAST OF ALL, THE DRAGON EMPEROR!"
His passion overwhelmed everyone including his family as they all stared at his fired-up form in silence!
Agni Igris and Aura smirked as they agreed to back Rudra's challenge, "I will carve out a battle arena on Mount Kyko. Any who wish to accept my heir's challenge will be welcome"
"But know this," His tone turned cold and domineering, "These battles will be to the death"
At this point, all of the beast kings were excited by the challenge and wanted to test their new rulers!
Most beasts here had lived long enough to have hundreds of children, they didn't care anymore if one or two runts of their litter died!
They cared about the opportunity to prove their superiority by having their children defeat the supposed heirs of the royal family!
Agni extended his arms toward the children. "Let this day mark the beginning of a new era for the Beastly Highlands. These are my heirs—Rudra, Iris, and Thor. And they are worthy."
Ending the ceremony, Agni Igris took a deep breath and let out a commanding and overwhelming…
*ROOOOoooAAARRR*!!!
The sound of his roar was deep and resonant. The sound filled the air, drowning out any lingering doubts.
The crowd followed in his footsteps and erupted into a mixture of roars, howls, and other cries of acknowledgment and also grudging respect.
Most of them couldn't let go of their prejudice, but with the ballsy display from Rudra, they all felt that at least for now, they deserved their acknowledgment.
Aura let loose her own deafening roar, a display of power that sent shivers through the field.
Rudra felt a strange mix of emotions—pride, determination, and an ever-present undercurrent of doubt.
Beside him, Iris stood tall, her hands clasped tightly in front of her, while Thor tilted his head upward, a small, almost imperceptible smile on his lips.
*****
Later, as the crowd dispersed and the evening's festivities began, the siblings found themselves beneath a towering tree with Aura. Despite the day's gravity, the Dragon Empress exuded warmth and energy.
"So," she began, her golden eyes twinkling as she looked at each of them in turn, "what did you think of your grand debut?"
Rudra crossed his arms, his sharp gaze still scanning the crowd. "They don't trust us. Most of them think we're weak."
Aura chuckled. "And what of it? Let them think what they want. Perceptions can change, young prince, but only if you give them a reason to."
Thor, ever quiet, tilted his head toward Aura. "Did you face this when you first became empress?"
Aura's expression softened. "Oh, child, you have no idea. I wasn't born into this role. I earned it. There were dragons older and more powerful than me who doubted my ability to lead. But I proved them wrong."
"How?" Iris asked, her voice steady but curious.
Aura smiled menacingly, sharp teeth glinting. "Through action. I united clans that had been at odds for centuries. I flew across the Beastly Highlands, fighting alongside those who needed me and earning their respect one battle at a time. And I had a little help from your father."
"What about the other dragons?" Rudra asked, his curiosity piqued. "Where were they today?"
Aura's expression turned thoughtful. "The dragons are scattered, tending to their territories and duties. I was in the northern highlands, overseeing a council of ancient wyrms"
"Cool" Thor muttered while picturing the scene in his mind.
As the evening wore on, the siblings reflected on the day. Rudra's thoughts were a whirlwind of determination and doubt.
T Iris found herself contemplating the complexities of leadership, while Thor remained silent, his blindfold concealing his thoughts but his expression peaceful.
The roars of the beasts still echoed in their ears, a reminder of the long road ahead. But in that moment, standing together, they felt the first spark of belonging in a kingdom they had only begun to understand
*****
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