Ocean and Flame

== Chapter 1 - The Plan ==
Tessalata opened her eyes to the endless blue. The ocean surrounding her home island, waves beckoning her to come into the water, kelp waving at her like distant crowds.
She looked down at her scales. Deep violet and aquamarine and smooth, shining like polished metal. She was a SeaWing, built for the ocean, to swim and eat fish and breathe the water. But, the ocean was not for her.
Lifting her head to gaze at the distant peaks of the Sky Kingdom brought back memories. The chains, the battles in the arena, sand between her claws. Tessalata was once a prisoner of Queen Scarlet and, as miserable as it was, without it she never would have discovered the joys of fire.
Blazing, destructive, glowing with a light that could destroy or create. Tessalata had felt a connection to the flame ever since she first saw it. She loved the heat, the smell of smoke, and the unusual properties it possessed. Ever since she'd been released, she had wanted to study it, to learn what it truly was at it's core. Her family wouldn't miss her if she vanished, would they? She'd be back soon.
She spread her wings and leapt, flying towards the distant coastline, with a plan in her mind. Having not yet figured out how to make fire by herself, Tessalata would have to find a fire-breathing dragon to assist her and, with their kingdom being the closest, it would be a good idea to start with a SkyWing. However, she wasn't cruel enough to take a prisoner, especially after her firsthand experiences, even if it was at the claws of the SkyWings. She'd have to find someone willing to help, which would be difficult.
Very difficult. Even if someone was willing, they'd want to be paid somehow. But wouldn't the benefits of this research be good enough for you? Tessalata realized she was having an imaginary argument in her mind again and shook her head; this happened often, typically without her noticing.
Aside from being captured by the SkyWings, Tessalata had almost never actually left the Kingdom of the Sea before, and all she knew about the cultures of other tribes were either from scrolls or the few observations she'd made in the arena. Tessalata had been told she was a very aware dragon, always noticing things others didn't, but she felt they were very obvious things that should be noticed; for example, she'd found a fault in the iron bands used to keep her locked up on the arena towers, and had utilized it to escape.
Having reached the shoreline, Tessalata flapped hard to slow herself down and landed softly on the sand, feeling it squish between her claws, bringing an odd sense of nostalgia and dread. Despite knowing it was much safer now that Ruby was queen, her ears were still pricked, and she jumped at every sound.
Tessalata walked into the pine forest, feeling a cool breeze flow over her scales, making her shiver. An eagle called in the distance, and audible were the faint footsteps of tiny mammals scuttering through the brush, away from her massive talons. Well, relatively, of course.
---
She'd been walking for a while now, and the landscape had turned much more mountainous, with harsh rock formations and jutting ledges becoming more frequent. Despite how eerie it felt, it was somewhat calming, and the silence helped her clear her busy mind.
The sun was lowering in the sky, washing out the clouds with vivid orange and violet, covering the land in warm dappled light. Tessalata paused to rest, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath of the crisp, chill air. She smelled leaves and petrichor.
I could just live here forever. I could surely find a SkyWing willing to assist me in Sanctuary, or maybe one of those weird hybrids that live there. This is truly a beautiful place.. even with the birds screaming their lungs out, and the footsteps behind me...
Footsteps behind her. Tessalata's head snapped up, her eyes open. She slowly turned around, looking out into the trees. The sense of paranoia came back and she curled her claws in, making a light scraping sound against the rock.
She saw nothing, but that didn't mean there was nothing. Standing up, she began to look around, her eyes locking onto any movement she saw, her heart rate increasing.
It was a SkyWing, with orange and beige scales covered with dark maroon flecks, coming out from behind the trees to her right. He evidently hadn't seen her yet, as he was strolling casually, humming to himself.
A candidate? He seems much more... friendly than the SkyWings I have interacted with, though I can't assume too much from one glance, or the fact he's humming The Dragonets are Coming. With a faint sigh of relief, Tessalata unclenched her claws, blinking at the ground.
How do I approach a stranger to ask for help in a study? It's going to be strange, isn't it? That isn't a good first impression. You should really just stop worrying about it, though. If he freaks out, you can just kill him. She was doing it again. Tessalata rubbed her forehead, considering her options. Keep going? Talk to the SkyWing? Look for someone else in Sanctuary?
The footsteps suddenly stopped, then started getting closer. Tessalata lifted her head again and saw the SkyWing approaching her with a curious expession. She folded her wings in nervously and sat up in a futile attempt to look coordinated.
"What are you doing out here by yourself?" asked the SkyWing with a concerned tone. "Are you looking for someone?"
What an odd question to ask. Why would I be looking for someone? Well, I am, but how does he know? No, he doesn't know... still strange. Perhaps something I can help with.
"Well... yes, I am indeed looking for someone. Someone to help me in my studies regarding fire, preferably someone who can breathe it." She briefly met the SkyWing's gaze and he looked away, at her talons.
He was silent for a moment. I said the wrong thing, didn't I? Guess I'll have to find another dragon...
"Why are you studying fire if..." He looked back up at her, trailing off, his expression now nervous. Tessalata felt a twist of guilt in her stomach; why it was there she did not know.
"It's just my passion. I've had a lot of experience with fire, and I've made some interesting discoveries with it. You can make more than just swords and armor." Tessalata felt it become easier to speak as she felt that the SkyWing was genuinely paying attention, a curious look in his eye. Her paranoia being gone felt like a weight taken off her wings.
He sat down, the tip of his tail swaying. "I can help you. Haven't got much else to do around here anyways. What's your name?"
"Tessalata, but just call me Tessa. And yours?"
"I'm Kiang. I'm interested about these other uses for fire you talk about. I haven't had much use for it, other than lighting torches and cooking food." He chuckled, and Tessalata felt a spark of hope in her chest.
If this goes according to plan... if my theory works... then we can change the world.
== Chapter 2 - Brainstorm ==
Tessalata had spent the entire night explaining her theory to Kiang. It was an odd feeling, being understood so well by someone she hardly knew beyond his name, and it was especially odder that he was willing to run off with a strange SeaWing he'd known for not even ten minutes. I basically did the same thing, though. Heading off into the woods, alone with Kiang.
WIP
Category:Fanfictions
Category:Fanfictions (Incomplete)