#dreamdragon drau

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Fluffember 16 Item of Importance - DD Dark Rider AU

She stared down at it for quite some time, willing her emotions to stay under control. It was for the best to put it away, it would only hurt more if she lost it. As she brushed her thumb over the horse hair band of the old stetson Az felt the first tears start to prick at her eyes. Memories flooded back to her, of all those days brushing Eversong’s mane and tail, gathering ever so carefully each strand she used to finally braid it. Her fingers gingerly spread across the worn leather, the hat that had served her so well and once belonged to Mississippi Jones himself. And now it had become her signature. She rubbed away the tears before they fell and tried to not think about the day Mrs. Holdsworth had given it to her. How the older woman was more of a grandmother to her than anyone else in her life and she would never see her worn face beaming up at her.

A sob wracked her body as she hugged her arms, her emotions flooding out as the dam broke and she couldn’t stop all her memories from filling her mind. She moved a hand to tightly clutch her pendant, not caring for how it bit into her palm. Lisa’s beautiful face filled her mind’s eye, how she looked to Az with such adoration. How she had felt when they first kissed…

Slowly she pulled the pendant off her neck, holding it up to her eyes to stare at the beautiful silver compass etched upon it. Lisa should have kept it… she didn’t deserve it. It was her guiding star, not Az’s.

After letting out a soft hiccup the dark rider rested the thin chain around her old hat, letting the pendant lay at the front. Finally with a heavy heart she shut the metal box closed and tucked her most important belongings away. Safe and sound.

#my writing #fluffember #fluffember 2020 #dreamdragon #dreamdragon drau #drau #dr au #ddfic

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Fluffember 5 Cry - DD Dark Rider AU

(The Dark Rider AU has mature themes not suitable for younger readers.)

Despite everything it still broke Lisa’s heart to see Az in such a hopeless state. She hardly spoke, hardly ate and hardly looked alive. Judging by what the redhead had told her and what she had heard from the druids, it seemed as though Lisa was the ex-dark rider’s only visitor. The soul rider sat quietly across from Azalea as she mirrored Lisa on the edge of the bed. Even Eversong looked worried and glanced between Az’s face and the musician. She looked like a lifeless doll, the only sign she wasn’t being the rise and fall of her chest, occasional blinks and her hand slowly and methodically caressing the foal’s head in her lap.

“Az you know you can talk to me…” She said softly, trying not to grip too tightly at her jacket. “I just want to see you heal… I know you’re hurting more than you show.” Lisa bit her lip, watching the other for any sign of reaching past the walls she had built up. Eversong gazed up at her as well, looking worried but hopeful at his companion.

The first sign was a deep sigh that brought with it extensive exhaustion. Dead green eyes flicked up to look at Lisa, causing the soul rider to flinch slightly at the sudden shift. Az’s lips drew into a tight line before she shut her eyes and took in a deep breath, letting it go slowly.

“I know.” She swallowed and let her fingers curl gently in Eversong’s soft fluffy mane. “I… it just hurts Lisa, it hurts to be back here. It’s better than the first time but is it really any different? I’m just in a gilded cage.” Neither rider could meet the other’s gaze, both looking anywhere but at each other.

“I… I suppose not.” Lisa said after a moment, uncertain what would be safe to say.

Az looked back down at Eversong and her lips twitched in what almost looked like a smile when he nuzzled against her free palm. “He’s the only thing keeping me sane...” She said softly.

“I’d imagine...” Lisa frowned, worry gnawing at her for the ex-dark rider. She couldn’t understand how the others just passed Az off as a hopeless and dangerous case. She wished Linda and Evergrey could visit to prove Azalea wasn’t alone but it was fruitless. Linda was rightfully scared after what they went through and Evergrey was still under secure watch. Lisa knew it wasn’t smart of her to come visit, she knew she was putting herself in danger especially going alone but Az had still loved her. Despite everything she cared, she couldn’t lay a finger on her when they fought. It gave her courage but more importantly it gave her hope. “Az please, I know you’ve been through so much but I can’t understand if you don’t talk to me.”

The lifeless rider looked back at her, chilling Lisa to the bone with her gaze but she stayed strong and forced a small hopeful smile on her lips. Az lifted her free hand to rub her face, Lisa having noticed she hardly ever lost contact with Eversong.

“I’m scared Lisa… I’m afraid if I tell you the things I’ve been through, the things in my head… I don’t want you to fear me too.” Az held back the choke threatening to rise in her voice. She had gotten good at hiding her emotions but now with the one person who still gave two shits about her sitting across from her, Azalea was finding it suddenly much harder to maintain her composure.

Lisa didn’t have the heart to tell her she was honestly terrified too. Az was inhuman in a way that no one could understand. Something had gone wrong on the oil rig with Garnok and the image of the eldritch dragon rising up over her would likely haunt her for life. Lisa was already having nightmares, ones where Az didn’t stop at the sight of Eversong, she swallowed both Lisa and Starshine whole before everything went black and she woke up screaming. A shudder ran through her before she collected herself and looked back at Az. The expression of sincere worry instead of apathy made Lisa’s heart drop.

“I promise I’ll still be here.” She whispered softly, scooting closer with her chair and taking Az’s free hand. “I don’t want to lie to you about how I feel but I promise, I’ll still be here.” She squeezed Az’s hand and gazed into her eyes. She felt that emerald gaze searching, it was intense and Lisa held strong as she hoped she could prove to the ex-dark rider her intent.

After a moment Az’s tight lips released into a soft sigh and she nodded. Neither had noticed how tense she had become until her shoulders slumped and she released her tighter grip on Eversong’s mane. “Okay.” Was all she said for a moment before making herself more comfortable on the bed.

Az tried not to go too deep into detail, making sure to leave out the worst of her experiences. She started off softly speaking of the horror she felt since that fateful day she disappeared from Lisa’s life. How the druids had abused her, let Eversong die and left her feeling hopeless. She had given up until Katja and Sabine broke her out and then she stopped suddenly, nearly choking on her words and the memories that returned.

Lisa listened silently except for the occasional encouragement to go on. She watched as Az stumbled and struggled with the Valedale fire. She held her hand, feeling as though Az was clutching onto her for dear life as she quickly recounted the horrible night. Once it was done she almost gasped for air, releasing the memories and returning to the present reality. She moved on quickly, telling Lisa of how she joined Dark Core but not the Dark Riders at first. How hopeless she felt, how lost she was without Eversong or any of her friends and family. She had nothing to live for after Valedale and nowhere she could go. Slowly they made her feel at least useful and then they almost became like a family. It wasn’t perfect, it wasn’t as good as what she lost she admitted but it was all she had.

Az spoke viciously of Sands, how she felt he twisted her mind and pushed her to become an assassin. She hated the work and she hated everything he directed her to do when she was so vulnerable. Her voice softened as she spoke of Cinders, the mare that opened her eyes to how far she had fallen. How by working to heal her Az realized she was beginning to feel again and in fact was healing herself. She pauses and flushes as she realizes what part she was at and shares an almost smile with Lisa.

“Then I met you again...” She murmured. “And I felt like I had a second chance, if I could just… fix everything then I’d be able to live again. Maybe even move on.” She swallowed and felt her emotions rush up like a tidal wave. Az rushed through the last of it, explaining quickly and in as little detail as possible how she planned and finally removed Sands from leading Dark Core. How she took it upon herself to manage the company and steer it away from the more nefarious work they had focused in. Lisa sat rapt in her attention to Az's words, never having even guessed so much could have happened since she disappeared.

Azalea finished it off, explaining she was desperate when she went to Ydris for the runestone that would summon Garnok. She thought she had everything under control and never imagined she could have even merged with the creature. Then how peaceful things were once Aideen was gone and how elated she was to be reunited. Once her whole story had spilled out, left for Lisa to pick through and consume she sat there gasping for breath as though she had been running. Slowly she sat back from her tense hunched position, still one hand on Eversong and the other holding Lisa’s hand. Az let her eyes fall shut as she tried to hold in the flood of emotions threatening to spill over.

She didn’t realize she had started crying until she felt Lisa’s thumb gently brush away her tears. They were spilling down her cheeks and sobs wracked her body. Soon she found herself wrapped up in Lisa’s arms and she tried to move her free one around the musician in turn. She clung to her ex, letting her voice go hoarse in her wailing at the injustice and stress she had endured. At how hopeless everything once again was and at how weak and broken she felt. Eventually she cried herself to exhaustion and would only vaguely remember later how Lisa helped her lay down, tears finally dry before drifting off into a dreamless sleep.

#my writing #fluffember #fluffember 2020 #dreamdragon #dreamdragon drau #drau #dr au #ddfic

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Jorvik Divined Rune Bingo Hosted by @jorvegiancollective

Drop: What do you think is between the worlds?

Carefully the pair traveled along the strangely cobblestone like path through what could only be described as a sort of in between of the worlds. Azalea rubbed at her hand holding the reins, trying to stave off the itchy sensation that kept rising up. The closer they got to Pandoria the worse it got as soon it felt like her whole body was tingling. She winced as she scratched a bit too hard at her arms, feeling like something wanted to poke through her skin. Eversong glanced back at his companion, ears flicked back as he gave Az a concerned look.

“Hey it’s okay, look it’ll just be a quick in and out… I hope.” Az frowned as she looked ahead to where the portal to the other side was coming into view, feeling uncertain about their mission. The path they followed felt like it had been ripped from somewhere in jorvik and infused with what she could only imagine must be parts of Pandoria. Massive pink crystals covered the stones and any flora was tinged a similar purple or pink with wisps of grass and mushrooms peeking out of the cobbles as they ventured further. Some parts felt downright alien like the rune covered columns and archways that looked nothing like what the Keepers had crafted in Jorvik. They crackled with magical energy and the pair carefully avoided touching them.

#jorvik divined #jorvikdivined #jorvikdivinedrelease #sso #rune bingo #drop #my writing #dreamdragon #dreamdragon standard #dreamdragon drau #drau #standard #ddfic

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Jorvik Divined Rune Bingo Hosted by @jorvegiancollective

Tear: What would you do if your soul steed was separated from you?

As the pain momentarily subsided Az stood up right again, still heaving for breath. She felt so incredibly hot all over and her head ached horribly. It wasn’t until she heard Eversong’s shrill whinny that she spun around and saw Rhiannon’s lariat around his neck. She stared in horror as he calmed and stopped fighting almost immediately. She rushed forward but froze and screamed as she found her hands were bright red scaly claws.

Before she knew it she was suddenly dowsed in freezing water and the druids had rushed in to bind her. By the time she finally realized what had happened, recovering from the shock and shivering like a leaf in the wind as Eversong was almost out of sight. She screamed and kicked, legs transforming to match her arms and breaking her boots apart. Claws scraped across robes and some of the druids swore as she drew blood. Az struggled as hard as she could but chains bound her tight and all she could do was scream her voice out as they were separated and dragged away.

#jorvik divined #jorvikdivined #jorvikdivinedrelease #sso #my writing #dreamdragon #dreamdragon drau #dr au #rune bingo #tear #ddfic

[pandoriasbox]

A Dark Horse of a Different Color

(The Dark Rider AU has mature themes not suitable for younger readers.)

It was supposed to be an average scouting mission; there had been reports of Pandoric activity up by North Link and given her history working with the druids it made the most sense to send her. Az warily wandered the wooded area just beyond the pass and left her hand hovering over one of her throwing knives. Her other hand held the small device she was supposed to use for detecting the unique radiation the rifts often gave off.

Despite being on edge throughout most of the night it was right when Az was beginning to let her guard down at she heard a snapping noise of brush behind her. Whirling around she had her knife drawn and ready to throw but was met with pure darkness. She dipped behind a tree, keen eyes scanning the woods surrounding her for threats. She internally cursed the timing of her mission as the new moon left even less light filtering past the tall pines to the valley’s floor than usual. Suddenly she felt the device still in her hand begin vibrating as it responded to abnormal energy readings. She held stock still as she heard a soft snorting and sniffing noise behind her, one that was all too familiar. Soon it was replaced with the sound of her bag falling over and she turned her head to see a tall elegant horse with a coat like the night sky less than a dozen feet away. Slowly she began to turn her body, still clutching the knife but trying to make herself look as least threatening as possible.

The horse, seemingly a mare as best as Az could tell in the darkness practically glowed with a mane and tail that shimmered with dull embers and hooves that blended in with the night surrounding them. She was breathtaking and her eyes were like softly glowing embers that had now trained themselves on the dark rider. Lifting her head she pinned her ears back and immediately stepped backwards. It was nearly impossible to not notice the limp in her step as the mare huffed angrily at the close proximity of the human before her.

“Hey, hey… it’s okay, I’m not gonna do anything to ya...” Az spoke softly, earning a curious flick of an ear catching her words as the mare backed a little further away. Az took a step forward and the mare took yet another step away. Az slowly crouched, tucking her blade back away and turning the device off before she moved to her bag. Her eyes never left the stunning starry horse before her as she rooted around for what she knew the mare must have been attracted to. She produced a bright red apple that glistened even in the minimal light of the night. Immediately the wary mare’s ears flicked forward in interest and she pawed lightly.

Az held perfectly still, the apple nestled in the palm of her outstretched hand. Despite her own numbness she felt pain and terror practically radiating off this poor horse. Another few steps forward and the dark muzzle brushed against the apple, sniffing it as those bright fiery eyes stared back at her. A primordial part of the dark rider reached out to the fearful equine as she soaked in the mare’s fears. Tears pricked at her eyes before they began streaming down her cheeks and the pair shared a shudder. The stars across the mare’s coat rippled before slowly her muscles relaxed and she took a bite of the succulent fruit offered to her. Another step forward and she stood with her neck barely outstretched. Az slowly lifted her free hand as the mare ate the last scrap of apple and brushed her fingers gingerly against the midnight hair on the mare’s cheek. She seemed to calm and to Az’s surprise even leaned into the rider’s touch slightly.

Something felt different, this wasn’t like what she shared with Eversong so long ago that it felt like a different life. Yet she knew the feelings flooding her were not her own. There was a pure terror about this mare that came from deep seated trauma induced by humans. Fresh tears fell to the grassy floor beneath them and Az lifted her other hand to gently stroke the mare’s face as comfortingly as she could. This earned her a soft snort and slowly she watched as the tense muscles beneath the starry coat began to unwind and relax at last.

Azalea lost track of time and it wasn’t until the sun hit her face and her phone in her jacket vibrated enough to wake her that she realized she had fallen asleep beside the strange mare. She looked at the missed call, finding several from earlier in the morning and sighed before dialing a number she knew by heart. In her lap lay the mare’s head as she slept peacefully, laying down to get off her injured limb.

“AZALEA WHERE ARE YOU?!” The dark rider had to pull the phone from her ear and winced, eyes glancing down to slumbering mare whose ears shifted in response but seemed content to remain laying down. Sighing she waited until the voice on the other line had calmed before speaking. “Still at Northlink, hey I got a uh… situation here-” she paused and waited out the telling off she received for not getting back sooner. “Yes, yes I know but look, Sands isn’t gonna do shit at this point okay? I got my readings, you won’t believe what was causing it.” She chuckled and explained the strange mare she found. “By the way she’s mine before you guys start trying anything. You owe me that, got it?” She smirked darkly at the huffy voice on the other line but grinned as she got the answer she was looking for. “Look… no look, seriously, if you want someone to study her let me do it okay? She’s got… something going on.” 

Az looked down at the mare, concern etched in her features for the first time in a long while. It was then that she zoned out slightly and realized that the starry midnight coat and fiery mane the mare had was gone, replaced by a dull and dirty brown coat. It reminded her of cinders after a forest fire. She swallowed and ran her hand over the mare’s neck, watching as an amber eye opened to stare up at her.

#my writing #my lore #dreamdragon #dreamdragon drau #dr au #ddfic

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Reset (DR AU) - Dreamdragon Drabbles

(The Dark Rider AU has mature themes not suitable for younger readers.)

Katja’s words echoed in Azalea’s ears as she stared blankly at the village. A village of murderers. She could feel that sensation from earlier, that uncontrollable power raging within her and the nape of her neck grew warm. She barely saw the two dark riders edging away from her out of the corner of her eye and how they were now bathed in a warm flickering light.

She took a step forward out of their hiding spot, glaring at the panicking village and how druids ran to and fro. They cared not for her safety, her feelings, her soulmate. They only cared for their precious goddess and her own horse while she was a mere obstacle between them. They sacrificed Eversong’s life to free Aideen and Nimbus and they would pay.

Azalea’s rage consumed her and with flames held tightly in her fists she threw herself at the village, burning and wiping out all who stood against her. It all came to an abrupt halt as one of the druids caught her from behind, the pain shooting through her as she looked down at the bloody sword that had made its home in her chest. Her flames flickered out and darkness creeped at her vision as she saw a remaining figure approach. Her long strawberry blonde hair ran down her shoulders and her face was filled with sorrow. The elder woman’s words fell on deaf ears, only the faint image of her lips in the shape of an apology was all Azalea could make out.

Light flooded her eyes as she awoke with a scream, panting and gasping for breath. The damp dark dungeon filled her vision and she looked over to the dark riders who had fallen away from her. The rage within was momentarily damped as Azalea felt immense confusion at being returned to this moment. Was it real? Was she in some kind of purgatory? She didn’t have long to think about it before Katja dragged her to her feet and they took off once more into the labyrinthine expanse of the druids’ dungeons.

Azalea lost count of how many times she died but each time was different and she could never get used to the pain. It didn’t take her long to realize the gift she had been given and cared not to question what kept bringing her back. She had revenge to complete and a new idea had been sparked in her mind.

#my writing #my lore #dreamdragon #dreamdragon drau #drau #ddfic

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The End? (DR AU) - Dreamdragon Drabbles

(The Dark Rider AU has mature themes not suitable for younger readers.)

The four riders and their precious cargo leap from the ship, their horses’ hooves thundering across the metal grating drowning out the shouts following them. As they returned to the rig their vision was engulfed by the massive red and purple creature thrashing before them. Tentacles splayed out, its many eyes blown wide and it emitted an aura of pure rage. Lisa swallowed as she directed the group to stop before what remained of her long lost love. Standing at the front, she shouted to Azalea as she carefully held the wiggling paint foal still behind her. As soon as the dragon caught sight of the group her head swung around and she hissed loudly. Tentacles slid closer, threatening to snap up each horse and rider before Lisa nudged Starshine so Azalea could see Eversong. The foal let out a whinny at the sight of his other half.

The dragoness’ tentacles froze and her head leaned in closer to examine the little lost foal. Lisa stood motionless as the jaw that could swallow her whole came closer. Her heart thundered in her chest and she could feel Starshine tensing to run beneath her. A massive breath of air sucked in before she felt hot air blow out over her and the others. Slowly she pulled the fragment of Aideen’s light out of her pocket and rested it against the hypnotized dragon.

Reaching out to her sisterhood, mentally holding their hands as she let instinct take over. Her magic and soul wanted to do one simple thing: heal. Aideen’s light shone brightly, lighting up the night and turbulent sea below them. The dragonness glowed so brightly none could look upon her body as she began to disintegrate into sparks. As the magic dissipated Lisa opened her eyes to see Azalea’s body returned to normal and laying upon the wet metal floor. Above her floated a pair of lights that still stung her eyes. From behind her another light began to shine and she had to partially block her eyes to make it out.

The three lights gathered together above the unconscious rider’s body before glowing even brighter and shooting up into the sky and blinking out of sight. Lisa took a deep shaky breath, looking back at her sisterhood and the now sleeping foal on Starshine’s back. She smiled and received equally nervous but relieved grins in return. Slowly Tin-Can walked forward and Alex moved the unconscious Azalea up onto his back. The soul riders walked carefully across the half broken rig to the ship that was still miraculously anchored close by.

#my writing #my lore #dreamdragon #dreamdragon drau #dr au #ddfic

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Visitors & Nightmares (DR AU) - Dreamdragon Drabbles

(The Dark Rider AU has mature themes not suitable for younger readers.)

Something was trying to pull her consciousness from the white noise it was now calling home. Azalea’s mind felt like it was being poked and prodded, as though they were trying to make her think and respond. Her skin twitched as her sluggish thoughts tried to register the response from the pair standing before her.

“Man they did a number on her, she’s hardly there...” Sabine muttered as she kneeled before the bed. Her partner said nothing, staring coldly down at the limp figure. “And he thinks she’ll be helpful? Even if she has Aideen or… is her I suppose, we don’t really have much to work with here.” She sighed and stood back up. “I’m not carrying a limp noodle out of here, she’ll just be dead weight.”

Katja rolled her eyes. “Let me try something.” She pushed Sabine aside and knelt down before the half comatose figure. Lifting a thin hand up she lightly placed her palm flat against Azalea’s cold forehead. She closed her own piercing blue eyes and focused her magic. The young woman’s dull green eyes slowly shut as Katja began to work.

The fog slowly dispersed and Azalea found herself floating in the the void again. She whirled around, frantically looking for Aideen’s golden form to be coming for her but she was alone. Oh so alone. It almost terrified her more than the goddess screaming at her and she tried to move but suddenly felt stuck in place. She jerked her arms and willed her body to move but all she could see now was what was in front of her. A world materialized around her, it looked like Aideen’s Plaza but it felt strange. It was completely empty and she was perched high up, looking out in the direction of where the tram stopped.

Suddenly Azzy realized why she couldn’t move and she wanted to scream and cry but she was trapped. As tears slid down her metallic cheeks she watched as a young woman walked out of a back alley, a far too wide grin on her cheeks. She was the splitting image of what Azalea imagined Aideen would look like and she begged with her eyes for freedom. The woman bowed insultingly low, grinning darkly before she walked past the fountain.

Azzy shut her eyes tightly, trying to curl in deeper upon herself to escape these new nightmares but the feeling of thin hands rooting around in her brain returned. More tears gathered before falling, freezing in their tracks and prickling her skin. Opening her eyes again she found herself somewhere deep in Dino Valley. Shivered desperately, Azalea felt colder than ever before in her life. She tracked her way through the snow, glancing back to see footprints wholly unlike her own. They were large and reminded her of a small dinosaur with three front facing toes and a back claw. No matter where she set her foot down the clawed footprint appeared instead. She began running, afraid of what was happening to her and cried out for her horse’s name. His name… the clouds of breath rose from her mouth but the sounds made no sense. Her panic rose as she realized she couldn’t remember his name and his face was fading. She tripped and stumbled in the thick snow, whimpering and begging for him to come back. Azalea curled up tighter, clutching her hair as she willed herself to remember. You should never be able to forget your other half.

The feeling of a red hot iron pierced her heart and she screamed, tearing at her hair as the pain and anger and loss overwhelmed her. She felt heat prickle at the back of her neck and a soft nicker called her complete attention. Azalea stumbled to her feet in the snow, feeling warmth growing as a torrent of memories were unleashed. The icy trails across her face melted as boiling tears chased them away and she took off running with purpose. The oh so familiar sound of a horse grew louder but also more desperate. She cried out, begging for him to be okay, she was coming for him.

Just as she reached the edge of the snow a piercing cry filled her ears and rickoched in her head. He was gone, he was gone and there was no knowing if he would ever come back. The fire in her heart burned with the heat of the sun as she screamed in anguish and anger, burning away all ice and life around her.

#dreamdragon #dreamdragon drau #drau #my writing #my lore #ended up combining them since the first was really short #ddfic

[pandoriasbox]

Plan G (DR AU) - Dreamdragon Drabbles

(The Dark Rider AU has mature themes not suitable for younger readers.)

The soft swish of fabric made the magician raise his head, grin on his lips as someone entered the fortune telling tent. “Ah welcome, and what fabulous fortunes can I divine for you today… oh, it’s the dragoness!” His grin grew even wider as Az’s emerald glare settled on him.

“Stuff it you clown.” She sighed and took a seat across from him, setting a heavy hand on the table. “I don’t have time for pleasantries, the Keepers are on my ass and I suspect they’ll be attempting some kind of desperate move soon.” She rubbed her temple in frustration, elbows digging into the pink cloth.

“Aw you wound me mon cherie...” Ydris put on a look of hurt, hand on his chest. “But I suspect you have a plan, particularly one I would be in favor of for you to fall back to me.” His frown flipped into a mischievous grin.

Az sighed and gave him a curt nod. “Yes, I do. You want Garnok out of Pandoria, I want access to his power.” This immediately got the ringleader’s attention and he leaned forward. A small dark smile split across Az’s face. “I believe you have a way of thinning the space between our two realities… enough to let Garnok slip through.”

Ydris sat back, genuinely surprised as he contemplated what she was proposing. He remained silent for a moment, mulling it over before he spoke. “You do realize you could be dooming your reality much like mine, correct?” Az gave a slow nod, crossing her arms as she sat back. Ydris hummed softly in thought, tapping his chin. “Yes… I do believe I could put something together...”

“I need it to activate only via my magic, lock it to me somehow. Also easily portable… that clock was a bitch to carry and use.” Az muttered the last part before she let out a sigh and rubbed her face again. “I will deal with Garnok in this world if I bring him into it. We have the book and I’ve been learning more than the druids ever taught me.” She waved a hand dismissively. “The only thing I’m missing is Eversong.” She sighed and she hid her face in her hands, elbows sliding across the tablecloth.

“Fierce dragoness, you will find him.” Ydris let a small smile crossed his lips as for once he felt a genuine twinge of empathy. “I’ve foreseen it cherie, one way or another you two will meet again.”

Az looked up from her calloused hands, raising a suspicious brow. “You’re not fucking with me.” Ydris shook his head, smiling and she sighed, “I hope you’re right” she murmured softly.

#my writing #my lore #dreamdragon #dreamdragon drau #dr au #ddfic

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Healing (DR AU) - Dreamdragon Drabbles

(The Dark Rider AU has mature themes not suitable for younger readers.) 

Since Azalea’s recapture by the druids they had shown no signs of letting the rider and her soulmate go. Lisa tried everything she could to convince them but not even the other soul riders agreed with her. It angered her to see them treating her friend like a wild animal, something that couldn’t be controlled and tamed so she was locked in a cage. Of course Lisa understood why the others didn’t trust her but they didn’t know what she went through. They didn’t want to know. 

Out of all of them Anne should have been able to relate the most after losing Concorde but even she seemed to struggle with reconnecting with the filly. Lisa couldn’t see herself falling as far as Az did but she knew of the pain when she had been separated from Starshine. She remembered how mad it drove her to be locked in Pandoria. Most of all Lisa feared the experience had hardened the sun rider’s heart but she wouldn’t allow that to happen to her. She was the element of the stars, she would heal what was hurt.

Lisa paused outside the newer cottage that acted as Azalea’s prison. It was late, enough so that the day shift was getting ready for bed and the night shift was just getting up. She clenched her fists and made a break for it. The spare key clicked in the lock and she let herself inside. The interior was neat and tidy as always, looking like an average home to anyone unaware of its use. Eversong was looking at her with his huge duo colored eyes, the moonlight shining on the white patches of his fur making them almost shine. Lisa smiled and lifted a finger to her lips to shush him as she quietly moved closer. She let the foal nuzzle her hand before she kneeled at the bedside.

Azalea was sound asleep for once, likely having one of her first peaceful dreams in a long time. The musician smiled and wished things could go back to normal and that Az was back home in Mistfall instead of trapped here. A gentle nudge and the sound of sniffing brought Lisa out of her thoughts as Eversong was inspecting her coat. She pet the foal’s head and gently nudged his nose out of the way. Pulling the fragment of Aideen’s light from her pocket Lisa stared at it, her mind wandering again.

Lisa didn’t think of herself as a miracle worker but something happened back on the oil rig and she knew she was the conduit for it. She just prayed maybe Aideen had one last trick up her sleeve and given enough magic she could maybe make another miracle happen. Taking a deep breath she rested her hand on Eversong’s shoulder and focused on the sleeping young woman before her. Lisa’s heart still hurt for Az and she knew the rider needed to be healed, somehow, someway.

She gripped the shard tightly, ignoring how it dug into her palm she poured her magic, her soul and her desire to heal into it. She felt tears streaming down her cheeks, her eyes shut tight against the blinding light as energy whipped through the cottage. Lisa knew she might not be getting out of here unnoticed but she no longer cared. She opened her eyes and looked down at the small foal beside her, his eyes glowing white like the fragment in her hand. She could feel his innate star magic mingling with her own and their desire to heal, to save the one laying upon the bed directed the chaotic whirlwind of magic.

Lisa felt more than saw Azalea looking at her, looking back she couldn’t really see anything when it happened as the entire cottage was brighter than the midday sun. When her sight was restored there was no sign of horse or rider. The shackles that had held her back were a disintegrated pile upon the bed and she smiled even as the druids rushed in to grab her by the arms and haul her out. Her lost love was safe, she could feel it and she knew they wouldn’t dare do anything to a soul rider. Faintly in the back of her mind she felt Starshine’s panic course through their bond. Things would work out though, Garnok was gone, Aideen and Nimbus released and now Azalea was finally free again.

#my writing #my lore #dreamdragon #dreamdragon drau #dr au #yeaahhhh this is probably gonna get rewritten too #ddfic

[pandoriasbox]

Death (DR AU) - Dreamdragon Drabbles

(The Dark Rider AU has mature themes not suitable for younger readers.)

A scream pierced the quiet northern village, echoing up from the deepest depths all the way to the surface. Birds rose up in a fluttering panic as universal chills ran down the inhabitants’ spines. Even when it stopped it would start up again until its creator grew hoarse, only able to break down into a series of dry heaving sobs.

The last flickering embers died out that night as Azalea sat in a shivering huddled mess upon her ragged old cot. He was gone and she was now truly alone with only the demon haunting her mind to keep her company. The druids grew concerned as their prisoner seemed to be giving up, refusing to eat or drink unless assisted. Her eyes were practically lifeless as she stared ahead, unsettling the guards despite the fact her gaze didn’t follow them.

Many refused to remain around her or even the cell that hosted her as morale dropped like a stone in the ocean. A miasma of despair fell over Valedale as the weeks passed, growing only more dense as winter approached.

#dreamdragon #dreamdragon drau #my writing #my lore #drau #ddfic

[pandoriasbox]

After Thoughts (DR AU) - Dreamdragon Drabbles

(The Dark Rider AU has mature themes not suitable for younger readers.) 

“Of course the druids would get to you first...” she murmurs softly, petting Eversong’s soft foal face as he lets out a small snort. “I mean if I had just thought about it for a second they’re the only cob breeders on the island...” she sighs and opens her eyes back up to stare into Eversong’s duo colored ones. A smile crosses her lips at the sight of his matching emerald green orb, just like her own.

“If you knew what I did to find you...” she sighed and felt tears begin to form. “You’d be so ashamed...” she choked out, a grimace taking over her features as she tried to hold in her emotions. Eversong nickered softly and pressed his small head against her, pulling her back from her dark thoughts. She cupped his face, so small and so different than the Eversong she knew but it was still him. “I’m so sorry… I used you to justify such horrendous things. Anything was worth it to get you back...” She sobbed and leaned down to gently wrap her arms around his neck, careful not to hurt the still small foal. Az felt his soft nose nuzzle against her and smiled as he nibbled at her ears, trying to get her to laugh.

“Ah you cheater!” She finally let out a giggle, moving back so he couldn’t reach the sensitive and ticklish flesh. “Not fair...” she booped his tiny nose but for once a genuine if small smile crossed her lips. “I love you more than anything...” She whispered and watched as he nuzzled against her hand before looking up at her with those big blue and green eyes.

#my writing #my lore #dreamdragon #dreamdragon drau #dr au #ddfic

[pandoriasbox]

Lost and Broken (DR AU) - Dreamdragon Drabbles

(The Dark Rider AU has mature themes not suitable for younger readers.)

Azalea sat on her bed gently petting the small foal’s head laying in her lap, chains clinking softly with each stroke. She looked up as the door’s locks clicked and a druid allowed Lisa in. She smiled and nodded to them before the door shut behind her. Lisa looked over to the imprisoned young woman sitting on the bed, her smile turning sad. “Hey there…”

“Hey…” Az can’t help but smile a bit and she pats the bed, inviting Lisa to join her. Eversong nickers softly and rubs against her leg as she sits down before returning to rest his head in Az’s lap. They remained quiet for a while, it was the first time Az felt awake and strong enough to sit up since the ordeal on the oil rig.

Lisa cleared her throat softly. “I’m sorry you’re stuck here...” She murmured, staring down at her hands or anywhere other than the runed shackles around Az’s wrists. “The others wouldn’t listen to me about trying to sneak you away.” She glanced at Az’s face but her expression was a complete emotionless mask. She opened her mouth to say more but decided against it and looked back down.

Humming softly in thought Az continued petting Eversong’s soft neck, chains still clinking. “I don’t blame them.” She started, “I would feel the same.” She sighed, pausing momentarily before continuing. “I’m surprised you’re still seeing me.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes however and quickly fell flat.

Lisa’s heart hurt as she looked at the imprisoned rider. “I know you better than anyone else… I uh...” she swallowed, not wanting to say she doubted herself now. Az looked away, seemingly connecting the dots regardless. Lisa rummaged in her pocket, pulling out a small trinket. “I know you were lost.” She set the compass pendant down in Azalea’s hand. “You still are.”

Az’s fingers closed around the sterling silver and her other hand gently gripped Eversong’s small fluffy mane. Tears stung at the edges of her eyes and she shut them tightly to try and stop them from falling. Lisa’s hand held her closed one as she took in a deep breath and Az couldn’t stop the sob that escaped. “I’m still a prisoner...” she whispered. “I was trapped in my hate and rage… now I’m just physically trapped again.” She felt Lisa’s arms wrap around her and she never wanted to leave them. Regardless of if their old feelings meant anything she suddenly felt so safe being held by the singer. “I don’t even know how I could return to normalcy after this...” she sniffled, feeling Eversong’s velvet nose pressing against her.

“I’ll find a way Az...” Lisa murmured, squeezing her gently. “I swear I’ll find a way to free you.” Her voice was hardly above a whisper and the ex-dark rider nodded.

#my writing #my lore #dreamdragon #dreamdragon drau #dr au #ddfic

[pandoriasbox]

Separation (DR AU) - Dreamdragon Drabbles

(The Dark Rider AU has mature themes not suitable for younger readers.)

A tug on the string to her soul forced Azalea to awaken, snapping up from the cot she was on as though possessed. Her eyes flew to the druids trying to pull Eversong away from her and his fearful features pushed her back into a blind rage. Her hair lit up into flames and were it not for Lisa grabbing her the druids wouldn’t have left with their lives or faces intact. Carefully she calmed the raging dragoness down and Eversong ran back to his soulmate. Lisa’s hands left her arms as Az embraced the foal, tears falling down her cheeks.

“Should we leave them together?” One of the cloaked figures whispered, flinching as an emerald eye glanced up at him with a look that could kill. The other druid nodded their head and the pair left the room with only a worried glance to Lisa. Said musician looked nervously back at Azalea who had fallen onto the cot and Eversong nudged her worriedly. Lisa approached carefully, not touching the foal just in case it set off Az again.

The life in her seemed to drain as Eversong was safe once more and her head fell back to the rough pillow that had been supporting it. Lisa looked to Eversong who was now gazing up at her. She smiled and held a hand out, letting him nuzzle her as he nickered softly.

“Don’t you worry… I’ll keep an eye out for you two.” Lisa murmured softly before taking a seat again and watching the foal make himself comfortable on a blanket beside his soulmate’s bed. She sighed and picked up her guitar, having brought it with her to help with morale before and hopefully after the mission. Now all she wanted to do was fall back into that good old peaceful place when she used to sing Azalea to sleep back before it all went wrong.

Lisa began with the starting chords before she sang softly to the lonely little room. “I’m passing time… daydream away from it all...”

#my writing #my lore #dreamdragon #dreamdragon drau #dr au #ddfic

[pandoriasbox]

Eldritch (DR AU) - Dreamdragon Drabbles

(The Dark Rider AU has mature themes not suitable for younger readers.) 

The battle between Dark Core and the Keepers of Aideen raged on for longer than Az could ever expect. Of course however, for Az it wasn’t just a single battle each time. Each death meant her coming back from the excruciating pain and trying to outsmart her enemies. Alex might have not been trying to kill her but Az knew all too well how rage could twist your perception. Sometimes it was a blade in the back from one of the druids, ripping her mind back to her first death and reset in Valedale so long ago. She grew increasingly mentally exhausted, each battle, each death taking its toll upon her. Yet her enemies were always renewed, coming at her with all the vigor they had from the start as they never experienced the twenty other times they failed as she did.

Az was losing hope and running out of options especially as she wasn’t willing to go through with killing the soul riders. Their betrayal still hurt but in the end they truly were innocent in this mess. She swallowed as she gripped the small stone hanging from her neck. Maybe it was time, maybe it was worth it. If it went wrong she could just reset after all…

Before she could change her mind Azalea ripped the stone off its chain with a scaly hand and activated it, pouring her magic into its trigger. The battle ceased as a sudden rumbling shook the entire oil rig and the sound of water rushing into a vortex filled the occupants’ ears. Suddenly tentacles flung up around the platform, some slamming onto the rig itself. Az grinned manically, her heart thudding in her chest as she reached out to one.

A light surrounded her as the tentacles withdrew and a massive body began expanding across the rig. Dark Core goons and druids alike ran screaming from the eldritch visage that now covered most of the platform. The druids rushed back to their boats as the Dark Core workers raced for safety of the interior of the rig. Massive tentacles slammed down on the metal, causing it to groan from the stress.

Standing curled around the majority of the rig was a massive red and purple dragon, its body covered in a multitude of eyes and tentacles. Its long serpentine body stretched disturbingly across the metal, shoving anyone unlucky enough to be in the way off the platform into the roiling waters below. The soul and dark riders collectively stared in fear and awe of massive creature. Its head turned towards the assembled soul riders, snorting fire from its nostrils.

“Oh god Azalea… what have you done?” Lisa murmured, wide green eyes staring up at what used to be her lost love. She felt Starshine’s nose against her leg as he pulled her attention back and motioned towards the ship. “It’s crazy but yeah, we should try it...” she muttered, taking a deep breath before the two raced back to the ship with the remaining soul riders not far behind.

#my writing #my lore #dreamdragon #dreamdragon drau #dr au #ddfic

[pandoriasbox]

Confrontation (DR AU) - Dreamdragon Drabbles

(The Dark Rider AU has mature themes not suitable for younger readers.)

The four soul riders and their companions stuck together, knocking aside any goons who dared to get in their way. If they could remember their past lives it would have felt like old times. This plan was madness but without Fripp’s guidance the rebuilt druids felt backed into a corner. Sands was dead and with a new leader the dark riders would be at their weakest. Their last chance at saving the world was on that rig, if they could get the book and deal with some of the dark riders then maybe they’d still succeed.

However as the group of Aideen’s champions came to a halt the last thing they expected was to see a familiar face. Brandishing long silver blades with multiple matching knives along her legs, the new leader of Dark Core faced them. “So nice of you to come visit… too bad you’re too late!” Az allowed her hair to alight in rage, her eyes glowing like the sun.

“Wait! Azalea, please don’t do this!” Lisa cried out, heart breaking at the sight of her lost love.

Az’s burning eyes squinted in suspicion. “Why not? None of you ever came for me! Not like your precious little sun princess...” she pointed one of her blades at Anne, making her horse startle backwards and Concorde whinny in fear. “You all left me to rot in the druids’ hands… THEY KILLED EVERSONG DAMNIT!” She screamed at them, hair flaring up and the horses all shying away.

“THAT’S ENOUGH!” Alex shouted, sending a bolt of lightning right into Az’s chest. She was thrown backwards, one of her swords clattering on the metal floor. Lisa and Linda gasped, looking at Alex with shock.  “We didn’t know!” Alex cried out, circling her ex-friend who was already on her feet, but couldn’t reach the blade between her and Tin-Can now. “They told us you were dead! Both of you!” Alex motioned for the other riders and they took off into the oil rig. Before Az could do anything the lightning rider was again between her and her target. “If you want to get to them you’re gonna have to go through me… Azzy.” She growled out, letting another orb of lightning sizzle in her palm.

Az took the opportunity to grab her sword back, narrowly missing another bolt aimed for her head. “Oh I see you’re not playing around anymore...” She taunted, stepping back from the furious horse and rider. “Well I suppose it’s time for me to stop holding back!” With a flick of her wrists oil streaked down her blades from the hilts and then flames followed suit.

#my writing #my lore #dreamdragon #dreamdragon drau #dr au #this might get rewritten later too #heavily rewritten #not sure how i want her to feel about the soul riders #i don't think she wants to really hurt them #ddfic