Defense of the Nest: A Middang3ard Series (Dragon Approved) Read online

  Tribble turned and gestured toward the giant platforms with robotic arms. “This is one part of the stables,” she explained. “Dragons are not horses or cattle. They are not restricted to a small area. If we did that, they would go insane and rampage through the Nest, killing everyone.”

  Tribble smiled, which was an odd look on her face. Her fierce black eyes glowed from behind a wall of white fur, and her sharp fangs glimmered. “They are dignified, majestic creatures,” she continued. “Ours no less so because they were bred in captivity.”

  Alex’s eyes widened as she tried to hold in her excitement. “Wait, you’re saying that you guys bred these dragons?”

  Tribble puffed out her chest, still smiling. “I’m saying that I bred these dragons, and I expect you all to take care of the dragons who bonded with you. Breeding was the only option for the program. A wild dragon hasn’t chosen a rider in centuries, although I heard rumors of one doing that recently. But rumors are rumors.”

  Alex’s heart was racing. She hadn’t known dragons could be bred. And if getting chosen by a wild dragon was such a big deal, she wanted to meet the person who had. “So, if this place isn’t for dragons…doing their business, what is it?”

  “I’ll wait until our new arrivals decide to WALK FASTER AND JOIN US!” Tribble shouted.

  Alex jumped at her voice and turned to see Brath and Gill slinking toward the group. Brath didn’t bother meeting her eyes, but Gill did. He nodded slightly in acknowledgment before standing next to her. Brath stood on Gill’s other side.

  Tribble paced up and down the line of new recruits. “Glad to see you felt like finally joining us,” she snarled. “I’m guessing you missed the memo about promptness.”

  Brath sneered and said, “We didn’t get here early to suck up to the instructor. Where is he, by the way?”

  Tribble reached down and grabbed Brath by his shirt. “She is right here, Your Highness,” she said before dropping Brath on his butt.

  He scrambled to his feet and brushed off his clothes. “I’m sorry, ma’am. Didn’t mean anything by it,” he hurriedly apologized. “We got tied up talking to Myrddin. Won’t happen again.”

  “I’ll check on that story, but you better make sure it doesn’t. Now, as I was telling Alex and Jollies, these are the dragons’ stables. They are likely different from any stable you’ve seen so far. You will be cleaning up dragon waste, no doubt.”

  Alex felt the air depart her lungs as she settled back into reality. Maybe there was no way around cleaning up crap.

  Tribble motioned for the cadets to follow her around the platforms. There, Alex could see that the robotic arms were actually attached to empty mechs. Each mech had a glass container on its backside.

  Tribble climbed into one of the mechs and pushed her arms through the integration panel. She moved the mech’s arm and picked up the glass container. “The cybernetic augments and armor that have been attached to the dragons create a kind of biological runoff,” she explained.

  Tribble shook the glass, and Alex could see it was filled with a clear liquid. “It is imperative that you take care of the health of your dragon,” the yeti commanded. “They are sacrificing a lot for the sake of you riders.”

  “The augments provide stronger psychic connection for dragons and riders. They also enhance the dragon’s speed, strength, and reflexes. And, since you are psychically connected, they improve yours as well. Now, these implants cause a lot of leakage, mostly blood and bodily fluid.”

  Tribble placed the glass on the ground and motioned for the cadets to step back. “The fluids are volatile and dangerous,” she said as she cracked the glass with the mech’s foot.

  The liquid erupted into a green flame that shot into the air. “This will kill you if mishandled, but more importantly, it corrodes the dragon’s armor, burns their skin, and harms them. So, first thing you’re going to learn is how to take care of your mech. Suit up.”

  Alex went to the mech farthest from Brath and Gill. Manny followed a few feet behind her as she climbed inside. It felt snug when she slipped her arm into the integration panel.

  A warm sensation flowed from the back of Alex’s head, not unlike when she’d been connected to Chine. She didn’t move the mech until she was ordered to by Tribble, though.

  Tribble walked over to the cadets, holding two containers in her hand. A third container was attached to her back. “All right, each of you grab two containers and follow me,” she ordered. “We’re going to get rid of these before your dragons get back and we work with the real thing.”

  Alex did as she was told. Moving the mech wasn’t difficult. It responded to her unconscious thoughts as if she were moving her own legs. She went to the two closest containers, picked them up, and lumbered after Tribble.

  Tribble led them to a vat that was the size of a crater. Scientists were flying above it and taking notes, some of them flashing lights into the liquid. “This is the Stew,” Tribble explained. “A collection of all dangerous fluids. Used mostly for incubation. We’ve also been researching dragon-blood-based weaponry. Should be ready by the time you’re flying. Now come on. My babies should be getting back any moment.”

  Tribble dumped her containers into the Stew. Alex watched as the rest of the cadets did as well. Once they were all done, Alex moved over to the Stew and stared into it. The liquid looked like it was alive, sloshing around and almost reaching out for her. She opened her containers and dumped them.

  She turned and jogged to rejoin the rest of the cadets. Brath was sneering at her as usual. “For someone who doesn’t like me, you sure spend a lot of time looking at me,” she chided.

  Brath said nothing but scoffed loudly as he walked faster to catch up with Gill, who glanced over his shoulder at Alex but said nothing before turning back around.

  Jollies pointed to the ceiling, which had peeled back so the sky could be seen. The dragons were coming. Alex could hardly contain herself. She wanted to jump up and down with excitement. Seeing the dragons flying toward her was magnificent. She held in her excitement, though.

  Tribble walked past the cadets. The legs of her mech extended as she rose to the level of the pads. “All right,” she said. “Get ready to greet your partners.”

  Chapter Four

  Alex walked to Chine’s landing platform as she watched the dragons dance. Dancing was the only word to explain it. They looked as if they were playing a game with each other in the clouds.

  This was another reminder of how different the dragons of this realm were. Everything Alex had ever read about dragons stressed their serious nature and the dignified regality of their species. These dragons looked like teenagers joking around.

  She scanned the area to see if the other cadets had gotten to their dragons’ landing pads yet, which they had. Jollies was also staring at the dragons. Gill was exploring his mech, obviously unconcerned. Brath, on the other hand, was fussing with his mech quite a bit.

  Chine shot a black jet of ether fire, and the rest of the dragons followed suit with their own elemental fire until the sky was filled with an explosion of color. After a moment, they raced toward their individual pads.

  Alex had a sudden desire to run away. She’d seen dragons making this freefall dive in-game, and she’d always relished it as a chance to show off for the crowds around her. This time, it was apparent the display of power had nothing to do with her. It was all for the dragons’ entertainment.

  Chine led the charge toward Alex. At the last moment, he opened his wings and sent a gust of wind that almost knocked her out of her mech. Flapping his wings, he hovered above his landing pad for a second before touching down.

  Mechanical pieces and armor covered the dragon’s body. His head had been outfitted with something like a helmet, with a scanner stretched over one eye and tubes running from what looked like a dragon HUD into his mouth.

  The rest of the armor was mostly weaponry. His shoulders were outfitted with plasma cannons, and his hands and feet were covered with
energy claws. A crystal chest piece was also fitted with a cannon, and there was a spinal cover.

  He looked like a frightening amalgamation of flesh and tech. Alex was glad the tech could be removed since the idea of a cyborg dragon made her queasy for some reason.

  Chine’s thoughts cut through Alex’s. Glad to see you made it to the first day of training, Dustling. It appears you are still adjusting to my sight. I must admit, I was very surprised to see you scream and faint. I assumed you were tougher.

  Alex started to say something but caught herself. Chine’s voice hadn’t been mocking. He was talking about her reaction in a very matter of fact way. Perhaps that was just the way dragons spoke. Maybe they didn’t see the point of wasting time tap-dancing around feelings.

  Alex coughed awkwardly as she tried to think of how to answer him. She looked around at the other cadets. All of them were silently staring at their dragons. Guess everyone’s doing introductions, Alex thought before turning her attention back to Chine.

  The dragon yawned lazily as he laid down and spread out his wings. This will be the first time anyone other than my technician has unloaded me. Please be careful of my scales. They are…tender, to say the least.

  Alex took a step toward Chine but stopped when she heard Tribble’s whistle. She turned to the yeti, who was still in her mech. “All right,” Tribble shouted, “let’s start with the basics. First, we’re removing the ocular devices. You’re going to find a lot of leakage there. Do NOT touch it with your bare hands.”

  Alex nodded and grabbed her container as she stepped onto the landing pad. Her mech instantly compensated by extending its legs, and she shot up to Chine’s eye level.

  The dragon watched Alex without blinking. His serpentine eyes noted every one of her movements. You are using the Beholder’s eyes, are you not? Chine asked.

  Alex nodded, looking over her shoulder to where Manny was hanging out. She could see almost anything as long as the Beholder was in the room.

  For now. She thought about how she could see through Chine’s eyes too. And her own. So many options. And to think, a few days ago, I had none.

  She reached out and took hold of the visor. When she tugged it gently, she could see where the tech was trying to fuse with Chine’s scales. As she pulled, she positioned the container beneath the scanner, catching the sticky runoff from the dragon’s scales. Does it hurt? she asked.

  Chine snorted softly. Does it matter if it hurts?

  I just mean, it looks very painful.

  It is uncomfortable at times, but it’s usually unnoticeable. It all depends on the technique of the attendant. Removal has the potential to hurt the most. You have the potential to hurt me the most. So, if you will, be as gentle as you can.

  Using the strange magic of the Beholder’s eyes, she checked around her to see how the other dragonriders were doing with their task.

  Brath had wasted no time with Furi. He had already pulled off the dragon’s headgear and was working on the shoulder cannons. Furi bristled and smoke floated from the dragon’s nostrils as Brath worked on his armor, but otherwise, he didn’t show any irritation.

  Jollies, on the other hand, was having a much more interesting time with Amber. The dragon had shrunk somehow and was a fraction of the size Alex had initially seen. Amber was now roughly the volume of a puma, which was still huge for Jollies.

  Amber had left the landing pad almost immediately after arriving. She was currently zipping around the stables at breakneck speed. Jollies was chasing her, laughing maniacally at this odd game of tag. It seemed like both of them were enjoying themselves.

  Tribble was watching Jollies and Amber and shaking her head, obviously irritated.

  Gill sat silently across from Timber. It looked like they were talking to each other. Gill hadn’t removed any of Timber’s armor but was seated closer to the dragon than Alex had seen anyone approach their steed so far.

  Alex caught some of the fluid leaking from Chine’s temple. What’s the best way to do this without hurting you? she asked.

  Slowly, Chine instructed. As if you were peeling off a scab.

  Alex took Chine’s advice to heart and slowly worked on removing the headgear. She could see why Chine had used a scab as an example. The skin was crusted underneath the headgear from the fluids burning through Chine’s skin. It took a few minutes, but she was able to remove the tech piece.

  She slipped her container next to Chine’s temple and collected the oozing black fluid that seeped out of his cracked skin. You have a knack for that, Dustling, the dragon mused within Alex’s head. None of the technicians are as deft or considerate with their hands. I appreciate it.

  Chine stretched, letting a small amount of smoke float up from his nose. It reminded Alex of the way cats purr for some reason. So, Chime started, you’re having a hard time using the sight Myrddin gave you? Seeing with your own eyes?

  Alex moved on to Chine’s shoulder cannons. She stretched out one of the robotic tools and wedged it between the flesh and tech, slowly prying the two apart. I’m trying to see. Trying as hard as I can. It’s just, it feels like it’s too much. Manny’s eyes are more manageable.

  But Manny won’t be with us always. Hopefully not, at least. I’ve heard Beholders make terrible riders. They have no hands. He let out a puff of smoke as a strange gurgling came from him.

  A dragon’s laugh? Alex wondered.

  Chine sat up while Alex was working, forcing her to extend her mech’s legs to stay close to his shoulders. Perhaps now would be a good time to practice, Chine suggested. You are handling extremely dangerous fluids. Not burning yourself would make a good incentive.

  Alex stared at Chine in disbelief. “Wait, are you kidding me?” Alex yelped. “Why would you—”

  Alex didn’t get a chance to finish her sentence. The world around her was suddenly disorienting. She was looking straight ahead, but where she was looking had nothing to do with her eyes. Then the view slowly turned to the left, and Alex was staring at herself.

  She started to scream but caught it in her throat as she began to lose her balance and fall. She grabbed the dragon’s shoulder with the mech’s hand and steadied herself.

  Chine looked away, laughing again. I apologize. I didn’t think about how disorienting it would be to see yourself through my eyes.

  The wave of disorientation left Alex. She was glad Chine had turned away so quickly. If he hadn’t, Alex might have fallen and dropped all of Chine’s liquids. “Jesus, you need to warn me before you do something like that,” she shouted.

  He blew out smoke as he stretched out. Okay, what about Furi’s eyes? Chine asked.

  What do you mean?

  This time Alex braced herself against Chine’s shoulder and shut her eyes tight. That didn’t stop her from seeing, though. She was looking through Furi’s eyes at Brath, who was petting the top of the dragon’s nose.

  Or better yet, Chine continued, what about Timber?

  Alex’s vision switched again, and she held onto Chine’s shoulder as tightly as she could. She—or her eyes, at least—were zooming around faster than she could follow. It had to be Amber, who was flying as fast as she could, looping through the legs of the scientists and around crystal columns.

  Motion sickness hit Alex hard, and she had to focus on not throwing up. “Chine, stop it. This is not funny,” she muttered.

  Chine chuckled, and Alex forced herself to concentrate on getting back onto solid ground. She directed her mech off the landing pad, and once it was stationary, she jumped out and landed on the stable floor.

  The last thing Alex saw before her eyesight returned to normal was Tribble looking at her, shaking her head. If Alex had seen that through her own eyes, she wouldn’t have thought twice, but through Chine’s eyes, Alex could see the disappointment on the yeti’s face.

  Not knowing what to do, Alex ripped off her blindfold. She had the feeling that if she was looking through her own eyes and not Manny’s, the dragon wouldn’t be able to mess wi
th her perspective as much. She didn’t quite understand why, but as soon as the blindfold came off, she was no longer connected to Manny.

  It was her eyes and nothing else.

  The initial shock of light threw Alex off-guard, but she was relieved to find that she could see what was directly in front of her. She blinked a few times before the pain started to set in, and an idea hit her: she could adjust the HUD to dim the light, so to speak. When she did, it was as if she were looking through thin fabric, which was much more manageable.

  Once she had oriented herself, she said to Chine, How about you stop with the pranks and we just get to work?

  Chine was still gurgling softly.

  Alex climbed back into her mech and sprang up to Chine’s shoulders. Unless you want this to be more ‘uncomfortable’ than when the technicians are working on you, she threatened.

  Chine’s laughter died instantly. Well, Dustling, I’m glad to see you’re not as timid as you seem.

  Was that what this was about? You wanted to see if I’m timid?

  Chine shot a short jet of ether fire from one of his nostrils. Alex jumped at both the sound of the fire and the heat. The dragon looked at her and smiled. Timidity is not an attribute that would help on the battlefield, he mused.

  I’m not timid. Now let’s hurry up and get this over with.

  Alex started peeling off Chine’s armor again. She wished she had something more biting to say to him. Even worse, though, she was annoyed that she not only had to prove herself to the other cadets, but apparently to her dragon as well. Was anyone going to cut her any slack?

  Chine stretched out his arm, making it easier for Alex to get to the shoulder cannons. I mean no disrespect, he explained. I have had many a failed rider. It would be best not to lose another.

  “Maybe if you tried talking to them instead of putting them through a gauntlet of stupid tests, you might be able to hold on to one,” Alex spat.

  Chine laughed heartily as he stretched out a little more. Perhaps. Perhaps.