Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Somewhere in NYC, NY- Time: 2:15 AM-June 3rd

Somewhere in NYC, on top of a random building, a black blur dropped down. Coming out of their crouch, the blur appeared to be dressed as a stereotypical ninja with red lining on their suit. The now-so-called ninja walked to the middle of the roof, away from the edge, looking at the lights of the city that never sleeps.

“We don’t have this in Norrisville,” the ninja softly commented.

"Eh, I personally prefer Amity,” a glowing, ghostly teen appeared out of nowhere, right next to the unsuspecting ninja. “But I am a bit biased,” the ghost finished with his toxic green eyes flashing.

With a yelp, the ninja tried to shove the ghost but instead went through him, causing the ninja to fall to the ground. Grunting, the ninja looked up and said, “Ya know, you could’ve shown up normally.” Dusting himself off, he got to his feet, “jerk.”

“Yeah, yeah.” A ray of moonlight burst out, illuminating the ghost, showing his snowy white hair and toxic green eyes, along with his outfit, which looked like a hazmat suit? “Well, where is he?” “I can’t leave Amity alone for too long; bad things happen."

“You’re not the only one with a city to protect, ya know."

“Whatever,” the ghost grumbled, “he just needs to show up."

And then, out of the shadows, appeared another teenager, but his appearance was stranger than his two companions. The teenager looked like a cross between a dragon and a human, simply a mix between his two forms, with scales running up and down his arms and face, sharp canines, abnormally sharp fingernails, and the most striking thing: his glowing, slitted, golden eyes.

“Gentlemen,” the dragon said, "thank you for meeting with me here and on such short notice too.” With the next sentence, his golden eyes were flashing: "Well, it seems that the aliens are invading."

———————————

“Oh my God, come on!”

“I’ve already had to deal with a Ghost Invasion, don't tell me I have to deal with an Alien one too!”

“Wait when did that happen?”

“Not important, Rand.”

“You spill, why is this coming up now?” Questioned Danny annoyed.

“And haven’t we’ve known about aliens for a while now?” asked Randy. “Does Superman ring any bells, Jake?”

Jake sighed, “Yeah, but this time it’s a different alien race.” “Two actually, a race called the ‘Reach’ and another called ‘Kroloteans’. “They’ve been kidnapping alleged runaways and homeless teens for weeks now.”

“Why didn’t you say anything about this earlier, Long?” Danny said, voice dripping with anger.

“Look I’m not like you guys, I didn’t know that aliens were behind the uprise in teen kidnappings.” “Besides, as soon as I did find information detailing that aliens were behind it, the Council forbade me from interfering with so-called ‘Human Affairs’.”

“Then what changed,” Randy questioned, “why now?”

“They kidnapped three wizards/witches and one half-fairy child.” “The Council’s scared that this incident will lead to the aliens, whether on purpose or not exposing us to the humans.”

“Sigh,” What can we do to help, dragon-boy.”

Jake smiled a toothy grin, coming over to Danny and Randy and slinging his arms over both of them. “Thanks, Danny.”

“No problem,” he said while going intangible, letting Jake’s arm fall through.

“Hey!”

“HAH!”

“Don’t laugh at me, Rand!”

“Back on track, what are we supposed to be doing?”

“Well, the Council made a suggestion but you guys aren’t going to like it.”

“What did they order?”

“I said suggestion not order, Cunningham.”

“They’re basically the same thing with your Dragon Council”

Jake tilted his head as if considering it and a beat later responded, “True.” “Well anyways the Council suggested that we involve the Justice League and the Young Justice team.”
“Really, your paranoid Council full of old farts suggested that?”

“I know, surprised me too, I think they might be planning something.” “In two days they’re going to be calling a meeting and summoning all magical creatures to the Isle of Draco, to discuss the aliens and our further actions against them.” “From what I’ve heard they’re going to be inviting the founders of the Justice League.”

“The main seven?”

“Yep, the Flash, Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman.” “Of course, the last two would have been invited anyway to represent the Amazonians and the Atlanteans.”

“Wow, well have fun with that.”

“Yep, glad me and Danny won’t have to attend that.”

“Haha…. Funny you should mention that.”

“Jake?”

“The Council kinda requested both of you to be there.”

“Uggh,” Randy groaned, putting his palms over his eyes, “I can barely handle school, what makes you think I can handle some stuffy old meeting.”

“Uhhh, You’ll get to meet the original seven of the Justice League?”

“Really, Long?”

“What!? “The only reason I’m going to this stupid meeting is because I have to!” Jake said while swinging his arms around wildly, “and if I’m going down, you two are coming with me!”

“Sigh what time and where do we have to meet to get to your stupid island.”

“Hey, the Isle of Draco is not stupid.” “Besides I won’t be the one taking you.”

“What!” Randy cut in, “Then who’s taking us, Jake?”

“Woah Cunningham, calm down give me some space dude,” backing away Jake added, “Gramps will be taking you and if I’m not mistaken, I think you’ll be going the way I did, at least the first time.”

“If you’re not taking us then where will you be Jake?”

“Aw, Danny are you worried about me?” asked Jake while leaning closely into Danny with a sickly sweet expression on his face.

“Hah ha,” pushing Jake’s face away, Danny added, “Very funny Long.” “But seriously, where will you be?”

“I have to go pick up the Justice League and show them the way to the isle.”

“Can’t you get out of it?”

“I wish, but because the Justice League is primarily based in America, apparently it’s up to me to guide them or whatever,” Jake grumbled.

“The time?”

“Right, sorry Danny.” “Anyways, just meet Gramps at the airport tomorrow at 6 pm.”

“Um, sorry to interject here,” Randy said while raising his hand, “but what exactly am I supposed to tell my parents?” “Sorry Mom, I’ll be out of state for the next few days because a magical Dragon Council requested my NInja presence.”

“Don’t worry G’s got us covered.” “Both of your parents should receive an email in the morning giving the perfect excuse.” Jake looked to his left like he was remembering something, “or at least that’s what Fu Dog said.” Jake shrugged, “I’m sure it's fine.”

“Hey it's three am, I need to get going if I’m going to make it to Amity before my parents wake up.”

“Yeah, same,” Randy agreed while checking his phone.”

“Okay, and don’t forget to pack at least two days' worth of clothes.”

The other two teens looked at each other and responded at the same time, “Okay.”

And with that final remark, the two non-NYC superheroes left, returning to their own respective cities and states, leaving the Guardian on his own. The Dragon Guardian looked out on the New York skyline, taking in the sight of his city.

Looking up to the sky he commented out loud,

“I really hope nothing bad happens.”

And with that he was gone, leaving only the New York City skyline behind.

Chapter Text

Amity Park, Minnesota-Time-6:30 AM-June 4th

“Beep” “Beep” “Beep”

“Uhh,” A hand quickly shot out searching for the alarm clock to stop the infernal beeping and after a few attempts the hand was successful. The body connected to the hand finally sat up groaning and rubbing their eyes.

“6:30 already,” the boy groaned, he flopped back down, “can’t I just sleep in?”

“DANNY!”

“Guess not.” “WHAT MOM?”

“YOUR FATHER AND I NEED TO TALK TO YOU!”

“ABOUT WHAT?”

“DON’T SASS ME, YOUNG MAN!” “GET DOWN HERE!”

“ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT.” “I’m coming,” Danny grumbled getting out of bed and making his way downstairs. Danny walked to the kitchen to find his parents discussing something and Jazz was there too.

‘This must be the email Jake was talking about,’ Danny thought.

“Danny,” said Jazz noticing her baby brother had entered the room, “Mom, Danny’s here.”

“Danny?” said Maddie Fenton looking up from her laptop on the kitchen counter, and seeing her son was now in the kitchen. “Danny why didn’t you tell us you applied for an internship in New York?’

“What?” said Danny confusedly.

“Didn’t you apply for an internship with some company called ‘Draco & Tech’?”

“I did?” “I did!” “I can’t believe it, I got in, I actually got in?” Danny said while running over to the laptop and checking the email for himself. Looking over the email and realizing the fake excuse actually looked very real and believable.

“So why didn’t you say anything bud?” Danny’s dad Jack Fenton said finally, popping up.

“Dad, since when have you been here?”

“Your Father’s been here the whole time sweetheart,” Maddie said cutting in, “but let’s get back on track.” “Why didn’t you tell us about the internship?”

“I didn’t even think I was gonna get in the first place,” Danny said, stalling for time while trying to think of a reasonable excuse. “Umm, you remember Jake?”

“Jake Long, your little friend from New York?”

“Yeah!” “Jake told me about this internship, apparently he and Randy both applied for it.” “He wanted me to apply as well, so on the chance that we all got in we could do it together and if only one of us got it, oh well,” Danny said shrugging his shoulders hoping his parents would believe his excuse.

He could tell Jazz didn’t believe him the moment he brought up Jake and Randy. ‘I’ll have to tell her what’s really going on later.’

“That’s great Danny-boy,” said Jack while clapping Danny on the back, “did your friends get accepted as well?”

“I don’t know, I’ll have to ask Dad.” “Why don’t I go do that right now and I’ll start packing too.”

“Packing?” asked Jazz. “Why would you start packing, Danny?”

“Did you not read the email, Jazz?”

“It says I have a flight at 2:45.” “Well anyways, I’ll be going to my room.” “Bye, love you.”

__________________________________________________

Random airport at NYC,NY-Time-5:45 PM-June 4th

“Wooh, New York, Randy Cunningham is here!” “Now Jake said his Gramps was picking us up, I wonder where he is?” “And I wonder if Danny’s here yet?” “I still can’t believe my Mom believed the email was actually re-”

“Ahh!” “Oof!” Randy, not paying attention to where he was going, tripped over a person and is now sprawled on the ground.

“Young man are you alright?” said an elderly voice.

Randy got to his feet not yet looking at the source of the voice, “Yeah no worries here, I’m sorry for running into ya though ma-”
“Hey you’re Jake’s Grandpa!”

“That I am, Mr. Cunningham.”

“I’m really sorry for tripping over you, sir.” “I’m not usually that clumsy,” Randy said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

“Yes he is, Mr Luong,” said Danny, appearing out of nowhere and coming to stand across from Randy, “don’t let him fool you.”

“Hey!” “Since when have you been here?”

“My flight just got in, I had to go get my bag from baggage claim,” Danny said while gesturing to the duffel bag he was carrying.”

“I’m glad that the both of you could make it, I hope your flights were enjoyable?” said Jake’s Grandfather.

“My flight was good, Mr. Luong, thank you for asking.”

“You’re welcome Mr. Fenton.”

“Call me Danny please, Mr. Luong.”

Mr. Luong nodded, “Then you two can also call me ‘Gramps’ as Jake does.”

“Will do, Gramps!” said Randy, cutting in. “Anyways, how’s Jake?” “When is he going to go pick up the Justi-” “Er-um the people….?”

Snickering, Danny commented, “Nice save, Cunningham.”

“Hmm,” Said Gramps, looking at his watch, “he should be arriving any minute now.”

______________________________________

Mt Justice, Happy Harbor, RI-Time- 6:00 pm- June 4th

A crowd of heroes could be seen outside of Mt Justice. Most notably the original seven of the Justice League and what appeared to be all the current members of Young Justice. The crowd of heroes seemed to be deep in conversation, the younger ones wondering why their older counterparts were there. As if in sync, Superboy and Superman both looked straight to the sky.

“What is it, Superboy?” Asked Miss Martian, stepping slightly forward.
Superboy frowned. “I don’t know, it sounds like a bird but bigger.”

Wonder Girl raised an eyebrow, “A bird but bigger?” she asked sarcastically.

Superboy glared slightly in her direction, “If you have a problem with my description, describe it yourself.”

Nightwing placed a hand on Wonder Girl’s shoulder before things could get physical. “Calm down guys,” he said with a smile, “Superman gave a similar description as Superboy here.”

“Hmmph,” said Wonder Girl as she crossed her arms and looked away.

“Uhhh Guys…” chimed in Beast Boy nervously, “that ‘bird’ is getting closer.”

The crowd of heroes watched as what was previously described as a ‘bird but bigger’ descended. Looking nothing like a bird but instead a…..

“Holy crap!” exclaimed Bumblebee, “is that a f#cking Dragon?!”

“Uhh Blue?”

“What is it Bart?” asked Jaime.

“How come the main seven aren’t freaking out?”

“What?” Blue Beetle looked at the seven older heroes, noticing they didn’t seem bothered at the Dragon’s appearance at all. Sure, Batman looked disgruntled, but he’s pretty sure that’s just a default expression for him.

“The Impulse is right, Jaime Reyes the ‘Original Seven’ as you call them, aren’t surprised to see the Dragon here.”

‘Did you know Dragons were real?’

“I had my suspicions.”

‘What the heck is that supposed to mean?!’ ‘Scarab?’ ‘SCARAB?’

“Blue, look,” said Bart gesturing towards the league and the Dragon. “They’re talking.” He said disbelievingly.

__________________________________________

As Jake got closer to landing, he could hear the younger heroes freaking out. ‘Did the main seven not say anything?’ Jake mentally shrugged, ‘Oh well, it’s not my problem.’

Wonder Woman and Aquaman stepped forward followed by their respective proteges, bowing respectfully to Jake in his dragon form. “Guardian Dragon of America,” greeted Wonder Woman coming up from her bow, “It is a pleasure to meet you.” Wonder Woman gestured behind her to her protege, “This is Cassie Sandsmark or Wonder Girl.”

“The same for me as well, American Dragon,” added Aquaman. “This is La’gaan of Atlantis, my protege.”

“”Lady Diana of Themyscira,” Jake nodded in acknowledgement, “and Sir Arthur, King of Atlantis.” “The Council gives their regards and expresses their gratitude at your acceptance of their invitation along with your protégés.”

“We would be fools to turn down an invitation from the Dragon Council themselves.”

Jake considered the Atlantean King before and huffed amusedly, causing a trail of smoke to come out of his mouth through his smirk. “Well said, King of Atlantis.”

Jake turned his head around, confused. “Where is the Champion of Magic?”

“Do you mean Captain Marvel?” Superman hesitantly asked.

“Is that what he’s going by these days?” “Also where is Lord Fate?” “Both of them should be here, especially the Champion of Magic.”

Gruffly Batman asked (demanded), “What do you mean?”

“Huff, This is why I don’t deal with non-magical heroes or people,” Jake grumbled.

“We can’t leave until at least one of them gets here.” Before any rude hero could interrupt, Jake added, “They were supposed to help with your transportation to Draco Island.” “I could do it, but my talents don’t lie with teleportation magic.”

Suddenly a crack of lightning appeared, it was gone as soon as it disappeared and in its place stood the Champion of Magic. Or how he’s most commonly referred to today, Captain Marvel.

“Champion of Magic, glad you could finally join us,” Jake dryly greeted.

Respectfully Captain Marvel greeted Jake, “American Dragon.” Then more sheepishly he added, “Sorry, lost track of time.”

“Sigh, whatever dude, it's just we’re on a schedule.” “Do you think you could open the portal now?”

“Of course, Draco Island right?”

“The meeting place has not changed.”

“Geez just asking, no need to get snappy with me.”

Jake looked at Captain Marvel’s grinning face unamused, “That was a stretch and you know it.”

Captain Marvel shrugged, “You still got it.”

“Just open the portal.”

“Aye aye, Dragon.”

“I will burn you.”

After Jake’s remark Captain Marvel set to open up the portal to Draco Isle. With a chant of Ancient Greek and a spark of lightning followed by a boom of thunder from Marvel’s fingers a golden portal opened up. The portal was round in shape and seemed to be made of lightning.

“Alright everyone let's get a move on, I can’t hold this portal open forever.”

“Yeah Heroes, we’re on a tight schedule.”

With that, the main seven of the league loaded into Wonder Woman’s invisible jet, followed surprisingly by Zatanna, Wonder Girl, and Lagoon Boy. Zatanna gave a sheepish shrug to the team, promising to give an explanation once she got back.

Jake looked over the crowd of Heroes and Vigilantes, “Alright is that everyone?”

Captain Marvel responded, “I think that is everyone.”

“Alright,” Jake nodded, “By the way, Champion, where is Lord Fate?”

“Ah, Fate said he would meet us there,” Marvel then shook his head, “something about not wanting to deal with the League’s reactions.”

“Lucky,” grumbled Jake. “Anyways we need to get going.”

Jake then flew through the portal followed by Captain Marvel and Wonder Woman’s jet.
The portal spit them out over an undisclosed place over a certain ocean; they flew for ten miles before an island appeared on the horizon. The closer they got to the island the more Jake seemed to speed up; to the League it seemed as if he just wanted to get rid of them. (Which was true.) But to Captain Marvel he could tell that Jake was excited. Every Dragon no matter they’re age would always feel like they belonged at Draco Isle. The closer a Dragon gets to the Island the stronger the pull they would feel. That’s why there is a World Dragon meeting at least every three months. Though every Dragon was free to visit the Isle at any time, which is why one of the highest punishments any Dragon can face is to be banished from the Isle. Though that punishment is only issued for Dragons deemed unredeemable.

Jake put in an extra burst of speed, his heart beating in excitement. As he crossed over the bay, he felt himself pass through an invisible barrier and he knew he was home.

_________________________________

Location:NYC, Grand Central Station- Time- 6:00 p.m

“Uhh, Mr. Luong, I’m not trying to question you but why are we at Grand Central Station?”

“It’s okay, Mr Fenton, this is how we will get to Draco Island,” Lao Shi glanced slyly at Danny, “discreetly.”

“Here?” Asked Randy,” In a train station?” “According to Jake, you Dragons are highly paranoid about exposing the magical world to regular mortals.”

“We are, which is why we’ll be going to a less crowded area.”

Danny and Randy exchanged looks of confusion, neither understanding what Lao Shi was talking about. They shrugged in unison and continued following him.

The two young heroes followed Gramps down two different hallways, a flight of stairs and another two hallways, where he stopped, looked around and started to fiddle with what looked like an elevator button. Then where there had been a blank wall, a glowing elevator door appeared.

With a ding the doors opened and a short, green goblin creature in a bellhop uniform greeted the confused teens and the amused Lao Shi.

“Welcome to Enchanted Elevators, where service always comes with a smile.”

They entered into the elevator, where the goblin bellhop secured their luggage to the wall and then stood at the entrance, “Please prepare for departure.”

“Uhh, Gramps, how did that little dude stick our bags to the wall and why?”

“The answer is simple Mr. Cunningham,” began Gramps sagely, “Magic.”

“Going Down,” the bellhop cut-in.

Randy looked confusedly at Lao Shi, “Okay but that doesn’t answer my queSTIOOOON!”

“AAAAHHHHHHHH!”

Chapter Text

Location: Draco Island, N/A Time: 6:10 PM 

“AAAAHHHHHHHH!” 

Then just as quickly as the elevator started to move, it stopped. Sending both Danny and Randy crashing to the floor. Right next to an unruffled Lao Shi and an uncaring goblin elevator operator. 

“Thank you for choosing to ride Enchanted Elevators,” the operator said in his monotone voice, “We are aware that you have other options to choose for your travel choices, and your patronage is appreciated. Please travel with us again.”  

While the goblin gave his clearly rehearsed speech, he had been unsticking their bags from the walls. Mostly ignoring the two groaning teenagers on the floor of the elevator. 

“Come along boys, if they were not delayed Jake and the Heroes should be arriving any minute now.” 

“OoHh, Gramps, that is one crazy elevator,” Randy said while helping Danny to his feet. 

“Uhhh,” Danny rubbed his head, “I feel like I got run over by Cujo.” 

“Dude?” Randy started confused. 

“He gets very excited sometimes,” Danny responded. 

The trio made their way out of the elevator where it had appeared on the edge of the island. 

“Welcome to Draco Isle, young ones.” 

The two teenagers couldn’t help the gasps of awe that left them. Draco Isle was way different from what they had imagined. Sure, Jake had described the island to them, rambling about how safe he felt there, how it felt like home, and generally just how it was the best place on earth hands down. 

Jake had described it, but words could not do it justice.  

Chuckling Lao Shi commented, “You should have seen Jake’s reaction when he visited Draco Isle for the first time. You two look almost as dumbstruck as he was.” 

“Yeah,” Danny nervously chuckled. 

“Man, this place is the cheese, it’s so bruce. ” 

“The….. Cheese?” 

“Yeah Gramps, this place is the cheese! ” 

“He means this place is great, Mr. Luong,” Danny cut in. 

“Ah, I see.”  “Oh, Mr. Fenton and Mr. Cunningham now might be a good time to ‘Go Ghost’ and ‘Ninja Up’ as you do.” 

“Did Jake tell you that?” 

“Yes, why?” 

Shaking his head Danny responded, “Nothing, it’s just your grandson is a troll. Alright let’s do this,” rolling his shoulders Danny started his transformation. “Going Ghost!” 

Within seconds two beams of light starting at the middle of Danny’s torso appeared and then the two rings headed up and down respectively. Where a normal teenager stood with black hair and blue eyes, a ghost with white hair and green eyes was in his place. 

“Did someone order a ghost?” 

“Ha hah, very funny Phantom,” Randy cracked his knuckles in anticipation. “I’m going to show you what a real transformation looks like.” Randy reached into his pocket where he had stuffed his ninja mask on, “Time to be a Ninja!” 

The second the mask hit Randy’s head black strips of fabric lined in red struck out and started to wrap around Randy’s body. Randy lept in the air doing a roundhouse kick before landing in a crouch, The Ninja now in his place. 

“And that is how you do a bruce transformation,” Randy then started bowing, “please, please, hold your applause.” 

“Young ones, always quick to show off,” began Lao Shi stroking his beard, “Perhaps I should ‘school you fools’ as Jake would say.” 

Before either boy could get a word in blue fire surrounded Jake’s grandpa completely blocking him from view. The fire grew and grew until a giant blue dragon floated in the place where Lao Shi once stood. 

“Well?” 

“Woah...” both heroes breathed in unison. 

Lao Shi smirked, a little smug from the reactions he had received. “While this form is impressive, I have an easier one to assume while we meet the other Heroes.” 

The blue fire appeared once more but this time it shrunk until Lao Shi was back to his human height. Except this time his form was humanoid with draconic features, pointy ears, slitted blue eyes, and blue scales covering his visible skin.  

Overall, this form reminded Danny and Randy of how Jake would look in his ‘half-dragon’ form, that he would sometimes take. Usually when his full dragon form would be too cumbersome. 

“Hey Mr. Luong, what are we supposed to call you when you're in this form?” Danny asked.  “I’m assuming you don’t want the Justice League to connect,” Danny gestured to Lao Shi’s whole self, “yourself too well, yourself.” 

“Good question, Mr. Phantom. Hmm, I suppose you may call me Cāng lóng or Gramps.” 

“Yo,” began Randy with his hand half-raised, “What does that mean Gramps?” 

“It means Blue Dragon in Chinese,” Lao Shi said slyly. 

At that statement, both boys burst out in surprise laughter. Before either teenager could comment a pink blur then crashed into Lao Shi. 

“Gramps!” 

Upon closer inspection, the pink blur turned out to be a young Asian girl with pink draconic features.  

“Yo, Haley, wait up!” A talking gray Shar Pei said, putting a name to the young girl. 

“Phantom,” Lao Shi hesitated slightly, not sure how to refer to Randy, “...Ninja, this is Haley my granddaughter and Jake’s sister.”  He gestured to the young girl who had extracted herself from her grandfather and was now politely standing next to him. 

Haley gave a small curtsy. 

“And the Shar Pei is Fu Dog, mine and Jake’s animal guardian.” 

“Yo, what’s up?” Fu Dog raised a paw in greeting. 

“Haley, have you come up with a code name for the meeting?” 

“Mhmh,” Haley nodded, “Yep, I want my code name to be Longnu .” 

Fu Dog raised an eyebrow, “Dragon Girl, really Haley?” 

“That’s Longnu to you,” she sniffed. 

Before Fu Dog could give another comment, the group felt a shadow pass over them. Looking up they saw Jake fly overhead followed by a Jet and a flying hero. Those who possessed dragon sight recognized the flying hero as the Champion of Magic. Just as quickly as the shadows were there, they were gone. 

“They’re here, Gramps!” 

“They are, Longnu , they are.” Lao Shi clapped his hands together calling the attention of the group. 

“Jake, is probably leading them to the landing zone, let’s go meet them there.” 

“Okay, Cāng lóng , lead the way.” Danny said floating, having switched to his ghost tail. 

The group made their way to the landing zone, a little stretch of land that is used by a lot of the dragons who fly to Draco Isle. It is also used by the occasional plane or helicopter, by some dragons who were either bringing human guests or were too lazy to fly or find other means of transportation. 

By the time they made it there, the Heroes were exiting the jet. 

“Hey, Am Drag, glad you could finally make it!” Randy shouted, gaining the attention of the Justice League members. 

“Aw, shut up man!” Jake whined, “Don’t start with me!” 

“ Sūnzi, when are you going to switch forms?” 

Jake didn’t respond, in a flash, the fire covered his entire form and started to shrink with him. He shrunk from his full dragon to his half-dragon form. The non-mystical members of the Justice League stood in shock; Superman had seemed half-ready to use his cold breath on Jake when he saw the first licks of fire. Thankfully, Wonder Woman stopped him before he could. 

Jake rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck, “Better, Gramps?” 

“Don’t sass me, young man.” 

Jake turned his back to his grandpa, rolling his eyes. He looked to the group of Heroes and said with pride shining in his voice, 

“Welcome to Draco Isle.” 

Chapter Text

Location: Draco Isle, N/A Time: 8:30 PM 

“Ugh,” Jake flopped onto the bed, “It took forever to show the Justice League where they would be staying.” 

“You’re telling me.” 

Jake propped himself up on his elbow, narrowing his eyes at Danny, “What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“Nothing, Long, I’m agreeing with you!” Danny rolled his eyes, “What’s with you?” 

Before Jake could respond, Randy walked into the room drying his hair with a towel. “Dudes, the water pressure in that shower is amazedingles!”  

Randy stopped taking in the mood and expressions of his two friends, “OK, are you two fighting?” 

Danny threw his hands up in the air. “I don’t know, ask Jake,” he said with a pointed stare. 

Jake let out an annoyed snarl before getting off the bed and starting to pace on the rug beside his bed. 

After showing the heroes to their guest quarters, the Long family plus Randy and Danny were shown to the suite for the American Dragon and their family/guests. Every world dragon had their own suite to stay at on Draco Isle. When Lao Shi was the Chinese Dragon, he stayed in the Chinese Dragon Suites when visiting Draco Isle. 

Currently, the boys were in one of the rooms that had two queen beds, a pull-out couch, a TV, and a private bathroom. It had been decided the boys would stay together, while Haley and Gramps would share a room, and Fu Dog would get the connecting living room. 

The half-ghost and the ninja watched the half-dragon pace on the rug for a few more minutes. The angrier Jake got, the more he “burned” with anger, literally. 

“Uhh Jake?” Randy started. 

Ignored. Jake kept pacing angrily. 

“Dragon-boyyy…” Danny trailed off. 

Ignored. Jake was pacing and now starting to clench his teeth. 

Danny and Randy looked at each other and nodded. 

“JAKE!” 

“JAKE!” 

Jake jumped and then whirled around to glare at his two friends. “WHAT!” He snarled with smoke coming out of his mouth and his hair on fire. 

“ Sigh , you need to chill out, man,” Danny said, sending a cool breeze towards Jake. 

At Jake’s confused look, Randy added, “Your hair is on fire, dude, and smoke is literally coming out of your mouth.” 

“Uggh!” Jake threw his hands up in the air in exasperation.

Randy made his way towards Jake, his hand hovering over his shoulder for a few seconds and then being placed down when it looked like Jake wouldn’t turn the contact away. Before Randy asked his question, he made sure that Jake was looking him in the eye. 

“Jake, what’s wrong? You hardly ever get this angry or worked up. Was it something Danny or I said/did, one of the heroes, the dragons?” 

Silently with furrowed brows, Jake stared back, not saying a word. 

Randy continued, “You know that you can come to me and Danny with anything, right?” 

“Yeah man, we’re friends,” Danny added, “we have each other’s backs and look out for one another.” 

Jake stayed silent, staring at the floor refusing to meet Danny or Randy’s eyes. The smoke from his mouth had stopped and the fire on his hair had gone out. 

Randy sighed moving his hand off Jake’s shoulder, “Alright, dude, if you don’t want to talk about it that’s fine. Just know that we’re here if you need us.” 

A silence permeated the room. Randy had made his way to the pull-out coach, having pulled the short straw, and was now checking texts on his phone. Danny was sitting on the balcony outside, covered up with a blanket and watching the stars. Jake had gone from standing by the bed to lying on it, staring at the wall. 

The silence continued. 

Danny had just shut the doors and was about to turn off the light so the trio could go to sleep when the silence was finally broken. 

“I’m not upset because of you guys.” Jake continued talking, not looking at either of the boys whose full attention was on him, “I’m sorry that I took some of my anger out on you, neither of you deserve that.” 

At this point, Jake had got up and was sitting on the edge of the bed. 

“Do you guys remember how after we got the League settled, I told you guys that Gramps and I had to go talk to the Council.” 

“Yeah,” Danny nodded, “It was before dinner got brought to the rooms. Mr. Luong had Fu Dog and your sister bring us to the rooms.” 

“...the Council informed us who the kidnapped kids were.” 

Danny and Randy made eye contact with each other and then back at Jake. 

“I know one of the kids, he’s the wizard that got taken.” 

Jake took a deep breath, pained and worried for his supernatural friend, 

“His name is Nigel Thrall.”  

Chapter Text

Location: Draco Isle, N/A Time: 10:05 PM 

“His name is Nigel Thrall,” Jake started, “and he’s, my friend.” 

Randy watched from his spot on the pull-out couch, as Jake sat at the edge of his bed, staring at his hands. Not looking him or Danny in the eyes. To anyone who knows Jake, they would be able to tell from his posture alone that he feels guilty.  Probably doubly so, first from being Nigel’s friend and second from being the magical guardian sworn to protect the magical. 

“He’s also probably feeling guilty because that’s just who he is,” Randy mused to himself. 

“You guys must be pretty close,” Danny ventured carefully. 

“And awkwardly,” Randy thought. 

“Yeah,” Jake sighed. “Look, I don’t really want to talk about it...” 

“That’s fine, Jake,” Randy said, “we’ll be here when you do.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Are you boys ready?” Gramps or Cāng lóng, as Randy was supposed to be referring to him  as, called from the other room. 

“Almost G!” Jake yelled back. 

Randy watched amusedly from the couch, already in his ninja gear, as Jake and Danny rushed around the room getting ready. Or well, more like Jake was, Danny was standing in front of the mirror changing his ghostly outfit(?) into different ones and occasionally asking for opinions. 

“Okay,” Danny turned to Randy, not even bothering to ask Jake who was rushing around looking for his shoes. 

“Does this make me look official or like a kid playing dress up?” 

“Hmm,” 

Danny was in his usual color scheme of black and white with some neon green but his costume? outfit? looked completely different. A green undershirt under a black vest with white lining on the edge and a green button with a black hooded cloak lined with white fur at the hood. A gray chain connected the cloak together and he wore a matching chain belt. White gloves, black pants with neon green lining down the sides, and white boots completed the look. 

Randy smiled, not that it could be seen under the ninja mask and sent Danny a thumbs up. “You look totally official, dude.” 

“Whew, finally done,” Jake breathed out. 

“You clean up nice, Am Drag,” Danny teased, floating beside Jake’s head. 

Randy smiled, happy that the tensions from last night hadn’t bled over into the morning. Allowing Jake and Danny’s banter to become background noise, Randy focused on what Jake was wearing.

 A red shirt with matching pants, that Randy thinks he heard Jake call a “Tang Suit.” On second glance the shirt was subtly embroidered with dragons over it. Randy was cut off from further observation by the sound of his name being called. 

“Randy!” 

“Yeah, dude?” 

A concerned frown passed over Jake’s face, but it was gone as soon as it was there, “It’s time to go to the meeting.” 

“Ah ‘bout time,” Randy, feeling restless and wanting to show off, did a backflip off the couch, “I thought you guys would never be ready!” 

Danny and Jake rolled their eyes in unison. 

“Whatever you say, ninja-boy,” Danny commented, “whatever you say.” 

~~~~~~~~~~

“Okay guys,” Jake said to his friends, briskly walking to the meeting hall, “this is what you need to know.” 

Lao Shi, Haley, and Fu Dog led the group with Jake, Randy, and Danny in the back. They were setting a brisk pace but taking the scenic route.to make sure, there was enough time to fill in last-minute information to Danny and Randy. 

“There are four Dragon Council members. There used to be five but,” Jake winced, “we can get into that later.”  At Randy and Danny’s looks he added, “It’s a long story.” 

Jake waved his hand. “Anyway, first off you have Councilor Andam he’s the Guardian Dragon of Africa, the de facto leader of the Council,” Jake looked to his companions with an excited smile, “and get this he’s a lightning dragon!” “Lightning dragons are super rare!” 

“Okay, the leader is the African Lightning-type Dragon,” Randy said, and Danny nodded, “got it.” 

Jake cringed at the simplification but continued, "Next is Councilor Kulde the Guardian Dragon of Norway. I’ll give you two guesses as to what kind of dragon he is,” Jake commented with a smirk. 

“Kulde means cold in Norwegian….” Danny trailed off, “Is he an ice dragon?” 

Jake pointed at Danny, “And we have a winner!” 

“Dude,” Randy asked, “how do you know Norwegian?” 

Danny shrugged, “Can’t a guy have a hobby?” 

“Ugh,” Jake groaned, running a hand through his hair, “Okay we’re almost there so speed round.” 

There are two more Councilors, Councilor Kukulkhan and Councilor Omina. Councilor Kukulkhan is the Guardian Dragon of Central America, doesn’t talk much, fire dragon, and has one of the coolest dragon forms I have ever seen!” 

“And last but not least is Councilor Omina. She's a water dragon and get this,” Jake started with an awe-filled grin, “She’s the Guardian Dragon of Atlantis! Atlantis!” 

“Woah! That’s so Bruce!” 

“I know,” Jake said smugly. “That should be all there is to know, am I missing anything G?” 

“Hmm, just remember to not speak unless called on by one of the Council Members or during the open discussion time.” 

“Open discussion,” Danny asked, “what’s that?” 

“Basically, there’s an allotted time in every meaning for concerns, debates, and suggestions to be brought up. Don’t worry you’ll see.”  

Jake paused, then added, “And remember code names only, so from here on it's American Dragon or Guardian Dragon of America, okay?” 

“Okay.” 

“Okay.” 

“Sis,” Jake started, and Haley turned to look at him, “what are the code names again?” 

Haley smiled, happy to be included in the conversation, “Gramps is Gramps or Cāng lóng, Fu Dog is Fu Dog, I’m Longnu, the ghost is Phantom, the ninja is ninja or the Ninja of Norrisville, and you’re the American Dragon.” 

“Are your worries soothed?” Haley asked primly. 

Jake laughed, “Hah, sis!” Jake ruffled Haley’s hair, “Yeah, they are.” 

The group stopped having reached the doors to the meeting hall. Jake looked at his family and his friends, not letting his anxiety show, and asked, “You guys ready?” 

“Died ready,” Danny punned. 

Randy snorted, “Bad puns aside, we’re ready dude!” 

Jake nodded towards Gramps, “We’re ready.” 

With a wave of Lao Shi’s hand, the door opened, leading to the inside of the meeting hall where hundreds of different magical creatures were waiting. 

Jake sighed, put on a cocky grin, and then looked back to Danny and Randy, 

“After you.” 

Chapter Text

Location: Draco Isle, N/A Time: 9:45 AM-June 5th

“Woah,” Randy breathed out as they entered the meeting hall taking in the different magical creatures from all around the world. 

The meeting hall was a cross between a stadium and an ancient temple. The hall, like the rest of Draco Isle, reflected the different cultures that the different dragons came from. The most dominant influence on the architecture of the hall though seemed to be Ancient Greece and Rome. 

“Yeah,” Danny agreed, “I didn’t even know half of the creatures here were real.” 

“Hmm, yeah a lot of people have that reaction,” Jake said. “Ooh,” Jake pointed out, “Those little guys over there are Brownies.” 

Danny and Randy looked to where Jake was pointing, seeing what looked like very tiny and angry people. 

“Watch your fingers around those guys they’re not afraid to bite.” 

Jake continued, “Those people sitting near the entrance are the Wizards, Witches, and Sorcerers. Even though they all do magic, they’re completely different from each other and are not afraid to hex you if you get it wrong or offend them.” 

Danny raised a brow, “You sound like you speak from experience?” 

“Yeah,” Jake started with a laugh, “you don’t know how many times I got hexed because I would call Nigel a sorcerer….”  Jake trailed off, opening his mouth and closing it, his eyes blinking rapidly. 

“We'll find him.” 

Jake just shook his head and remained silent while they made their way to their seats and stayed that way. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Please rise for the honorable Dragon Council of Draco Isle.”  

A hush fell over the room the minute the voice rang out, echoing in the massive chamber. The crowd of different magical creatures rose from their seats, paying respect to the Dragon Council who oversee the World Dragons who protect the magical creatures. 

Jake, Gramps, Haley, and Fu Dog got to their feet quickly followed by Jake and Randy. 

“Uh, dude” Randy started, “do we bow?” 

Jake looked at Randy, “Why would we bow? And SHHH!” 

“Geez, just asking a question,” Randy grumbled while Danny snickered under his breath. 

The Dragon Council filed in making their way to their raised seats in a semicircle facing the crowd.  

Jake whispered, “The one in the middle is Councilor Andam, on his right, is Councilor Kulde, next to Kulde is Councilor Kukulkhan, and on Andam’s left is Councilor Omina.” 

“Please sit,” Councilor Andam said to the crowd, while the dragon council remained standing. 

“We know that many of you are wondering why an emergency meeting was called,” began Councilor Andam. 

  “We know that many of you are worried, annoyed, and perhaps panicking,” continued Councilor Omina. 

Councilor Kulde grimly looked at all of the people present, “The reason that we have called a council meeting is because four of our own have been taken…. children were taken.” 

Gasps ring out from the crowd of magical beings. Murmurs began to rise, and the murmurs turned to shouts. Shouts of disbelief, anger, and dismay. 

“How could this happen?” 

“The humans took them, didn’t they!” 

“Is the Huntsclans back?” 

“It’ll be the witch hunts all over again!” 

The shouts continued with the crowd getting more and more frenzied and scared. The trio watched on, Jake with grim acceptance, Randy and Danny with bewilderment. 

“I knew something like this would happen,” Jake muttered. 

The trio watched the chaos, but they weren’t the only ones. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Watchtower, Somewhere in Earth’s Atmosphere  Time: 10:15 AM- June 3rd 

“Hey Hal, wait up!” 

Hal aka Green Lantern looked back at the sound of his name being called by his friend. A blink later and suddenly the Flash was standing right next to him, a sudden wind accompanying him. 

Hal blinked annoyed, “Barry, how many times have I told you not to superspeed to me when you are literally less than ten feet away?” 

“Heh,” Barry replied with a sheepish smile. 

Hal sighed before smiling at Barry. Barry smiled back knowing that Hal wasn’t as angry as he was pretending to be. 

With that settled the two Heroes continued on their way to the mid-tier emergency meeting called for the founders of the Justice League.

“Sooo,” Began Flash, “any idea what the meeting is about?” 

“No idea,” Hal replied, “but I guess we’ll find out.” 

The two friends made their way to the meeting room, finding Diana and Clark already there along with, surprisingly, Captain Marvel and Zatanna.  

Flash and Green Lantern sat down in their official seats. Barry looked at the back of his chair and couldn’t help but smirk, true to his word he had painted his symbol on his seat and Hal followed his example with a grin of his own.

 Bats had been pissed when he saw the chairs or maybe he was amused? Bats doesn’t show much variety in facial expressions. His angry face and pissed-off face look pretty much the same. 

Barry was cut off from his musings when Batman entered the room, dramatic entrance and all. The chattering of the Heroes in the room came to a stop. 

“So Bats,” Flash started drumming his fingers on the table, “why’d ya call a meeting? Ya know some of us actually do have to work.” 

This had been the fourth time this week he called out of going to work and it was only Wednesday. He’s good at his job, both his jobs, but being good at his job wouldn’t protect him from getting fired. Not for much longer anyway. 

Bats stilled and gritted out, “I didn’t.” 

Barry stilled, surprised, while Hal let out a shocked noise beside him and asked, “Well if you didn’t then who did?” 

“I did,” Dr Fate’s voice rang out. Appearing out of thin air. 

Couldn’t have he just used the door like a normal person? 

But still, Barry felt his eyebrows raise. Dr Fate had never called a meeting before. Before anyone could ask why, he started his explanation……… 

...

Chapter Text

Location: Draco Isle, N/A Time: 8:20 PM-June 4th

“Alright,” Zatanna started nervously, sensing the tension in the room, “I’m going to go get some sleep. I’ll see you all in the morning.”  

Green Lantern had already left the room with the excuse of needing to charge his ring, Martian Manhunter was trying to sleep, and Captain Marvel had disappeared somewhere on the way to the rooms.

After saying her piece Zatanna scurried off to her room, quickly followed by Lagoon Boy and Wonder Girl.  Leaving only Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Aquaman, and Flash. 

“Now look what you did, Bats, ya scared away the kids,” Flash admonished teasingly. 

Batman didn’t reply.  

Superman sighed, “Do you want to tell us what’s wrong?” 

“This whole thing is suspicious, why are we catering to the whims of an unknown Council full of Dragons?” asked Batman. 

“The Guardian Dragons have been protecting magical creatures for millennia, Batman,” said Diana almost angrily, “do not speak of what you do not know.” 

“Yes,” agreed Aquaman, “The Guardian Dragon of Atlantis is a trusted advisor and a personal friend. I will not let anyone speak ill of someone who has helped protect Atlantis and all of its citizens.” 

“You’re biased,” Batman stated, daring either of them to disagree. 

“And you’re paranoid,” retorted Diana. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Location: Draco Isle, N/A Time: 9:30 AM-June 5th 

“Hey guys,” greeted Captain Marvel cheerily, “Ready for the meeting?” 

Marvel’s greeting was either returned or ignored by the (anxious) Heroes. 

“Hey, Cap,” started Wonder Girl, “where were you last night?” 

Captain Marvel turned to look at Wonder Girl, surprised, “I thought I told y’all where I was going last night?”  

“No.” 

“Huh, ok,” Marvel continued, “I was asked to speak with the Dragon Council last night.” 

That sentence quickly got the attention of everyone in the room.  

“You did!?” Wonder Girl asked, shocked. 

Captain Marvel, confusedly, tilted his head, “Well, yeah, it’s not that strange.” 

At the looks of almost everyone in the room, he continued, “I am the Champion of Magic, and the Dragon Council do oversee the protection of Magical Creatures and Magic-related things.” 

“Explain,” Batman grunted. 

“This is one of my duties,” Captain Marvel said confused. 

“Yes, the Champion of Magic acts as an advisor from time to time for the Dragon Council,” agreed Aquaman. “Oh, Captain Marvel, Councilor Omina says that you will be joining us for tea this week?” 

Marvel nodded enthusiastically, “You bet! Do you know if Councilor Kukulkhan will be joining us? He has the best stories,” Marvel explained. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Location: Draco Isle, N/A Time: 9:50 AM-June 5th 

“This is where I’ll leave you, the meeting will be starting shortly.” With those words the Justice League’s guide made their exit, leaving the Justice League to their seats. 

Hal sat down next to Barry with Martian Manhunter on his other side with Superman next to him and Batman sitting next to Superman. They were at the very top, in what he could only describe as box seats. Well, only the non-magical members of the Justice League were sitting here.

 Zatanna had gone to sit with the Magicians, Wonder Woman and Wonder Girl had gone to sit with the Amazonians, Aquaman and Lagoon Boy with the Atlanteans, and Captain Marvel had once again disappeared to wherever he was. 

Not to mention, Dr. Fate was around here somewhere although the Lord of Order hadn’t shown his face since the emergency meeting that he called. 

 “The meeting began with little(?) fanfare, or maybe this is big fanfare for the Dragon Council?” Hal mused. 

When the real reason for the emergency meeting was revealed, chaos broke out. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Location: Draco Isle, N/A Time: 10:23 AM-June 5th 

“I knew something like this would happen,” Jake muttered. 

The shouting continued for a few more minutes before it was brought to a halt. 

“Enough.” 

That single word said by Councilor Kukulkhan was enough to silence everyone in the meeting hall. 

Councilor Kukulkhan continued, “Nigel Thrall, Katelyn Lewis, Lucille Robertson, and Esme Riggs.” 

“A wizard, a witch, a witch, and half-fairy were taken,” Councilor Andam picked up. “All four of those children were kidnapped, not by humans but by aliens. Aliens we believe to be called the Reach.” 

“We called this meeting because the kidnapping of these children could mean exposure for the rest of us.” Councilor Omina paused, “And we all know how well that has worked out for us in the past.”  

She shook her head, “But that is not the point, the point is that four magical children are missing, and we need to find them. To do so we have invited the founding member of the Justice League to help in the rescuing of our children.” 

“We all urge you to be vigilant and cautious of your surroundings,” Councilor Kulde said. “You can never be too careful, and while we do not believe that these children were specifically targeted, we can’t be so sure for the future.”  

The Councilors all shared a look and then Councilor Kukulkhan nodded, followed by Omina and the Kulde.  

“We will take a sixty-minute recess and when we reconvene, Open Discussion will begin. Representatives meet with your people and have your questions ready.” Councilor Andam continued, “Dismissed.” 

The Dragon Council turned as one and then walked out the way they came. Once they disappeared from view the crowd of magical creatures burst into a flurry. Each representative leaving to go to meet up with their people to know what questions they want asked and their possible stance on any future votes. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jake sighed, catching the attention of his two friends. 

“Okay,” Jake started rubbing the back of his neck, “I’ve got to go meet with the Dragon Region Representatives, get their questions and concerns, and get a sense about which way they’ll want to vote.”  

Jake threw a look at Danny and Randy, “Cause you know that there’s gonna be a vote.” 

“Uuh dude,” Randy started, “What are the Dragon Region Representatives?”

Danny continued, “Yeah, I thought you were the only Guardian Dragon for America?” 

“Wait, I haven’t explained this to you guys yet?” Jake muttered to himself, “I could’ve sworn I explained this already.” 

“Huh, whatever,” Jake shook his head, “Okay I need to get to the conference room, if you walk with me, I can explain on the way.”  

…

Chapter Text

As Jake got up from his seat, Danny and Randy did too. 

“Hey, Gramps,” Jake called out to Lao Shi who was talking quietly to Haley, “I’m gonna go meet up with the Region Dragons, you coming with?” 

Lao Shi stroked his beard, “Hmm, I shall.” He then raised an eyebrow and gestured towards Haley and Fu Dog. 

Jake blinked, confused, before having a realization. “Oh, yeah, Longnu , Fu Dog, you two wanna come sit in on the meeting too?” 

At their nods, Jake then looked back at Randy and Danny, “I guess all four of you can sit in if the others don’t mind.” 

“The Region Dragons?” Danny guessed. 

“The ones and only,” Jake replied. 

The group quickly made their way out of the meeting hall, trying their best to not get caught in the swarm trying to leave as well. Once they made their way outside, Jake once again began an explanation. 

“Okay so in bigger countries, whether it be population size, or land mass, or both they are more likely than not going to have Region Dragons. A World Dragon is a Dragon that oversees a country or nation. A Region Dragon is a Dragon who oversees a specific region or city in a country or nation. What they oversee or if they’re even needed vary from country to country.” 

Jake stopped for a second in front of a hallway junction, before going down the right one which led them inside rather than the outside-covered walkway they were on. 

“So, I’ve covered World Dragons and Region Dragons,” Jake started, “all that’s left is Continent Dragons.” 

“Continent Dragons?” 

Jake nodded, “Yeah Continent Dragons are exactly what they sound like, in fact, I’m a Continent Dragon.”  Jake paused before amending his sentence, “Well I’ve been one for the past year, ever since the previous North American Dragon, he was the Mexican Dragon, retired.” 

“How’d you become the Continent Dragon?” Randy asked. 

“And exactly how many countries do you oversee?” Danny asked, “If you’ve got the whole North American continent then that means you oversee Canada, America obviously, Mexico, and however many countries make up Central America.” 

“Oh actually!” Jake piped up, “Central America isn’t considered as part of the North American continent, at least not by the Dragon Council. Central America is kinda treated like its own continent in the sense that it has its own Dragon that oversees all of it and Dragons that oversees the countries.” 

“Didn’t you say that Councilor Kukulkhan is the Central American Dragon?” 

“Yeah, that makes two Continent Dragons on the Dragon Council, him and Councilor Andam. Also, the Caribbean Islands are treated as their own continent like Central America.” 

“Huh,” Randy mused, “that’s pretty neat.” 

Jake grinned in response, “Yeah.” 

“But how’d you become a Continent Dragon?” Danny asked, wondering. 

Before Jake could respond he was cut off. 

“American Dragon, long time no see,” the Dragon said before nodding to Lao Shi and Haley, “you too Sir, Fu Dog, and little dragon.” 

Haley huffed in response and Lao Shi nodded back, while Fu Dog grinned. 

“Alaskan Dragon!” Jake exclaimed, “Man, it’s nice to see you!” 

The two hugged, the Alaskan Dragon looked to be in his late teens or early twenties and of Inuit descent. He was about the same height as Jake, if not an inch or two taller. His white, almost pearl-reminiscent scales caught the light easily and seemed to have a blue sheen. His scales were scattered across his cheekbones and forehead, almost as if they were a crown of some sort. 

“Who’re your friends, American Dragon?” 

Jake introduced them with a grin, “The one with white hair is Phantom of Amity Park and the one standing next to him is the Ninja of Norrisville. They got a ‘special’ invite from the Council.” 

Jake then turned back to Randy and Danny, “Guys, this is the Alaskan Dragon, he’s the Region Dragon for Alaska.” 

The Alaskan Dragon stared Danny and Randy down, his dark eyes and white slit pupil making it as if he was looking into their very souls, before humming to himself and turning back to Jake. 

Randy and Danny shared a look before each mentally shrugging.  Jake fell into step with the Alaskan Dragon

“So, any clue about what actions the Council plans to propose about the kidnappings?” 

Jake shook his head, “Not in the slightest.” 

The Alaskan Dragon was quiet for a bit before quietly speaking his next words, “I heard them call his name, are you okay?” 

Jake was silent, “.... I’m fine.” 

The Alaskan Dragon leveled Jake a look but didn’t push it. 

They walked in silence the rest of the way. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jake stood in front of a round table full of the Dragon representatives for the US. The meetings for Canada and Mexico were happening in the rooms on the left and right. After having a twenty-minute meeting with the Region Dragons, then they would have a twenty-minute meeting with the World Dragons. 

Danny and Randy sat off to the side on chairs against the wall with Gramps, Haley, and Fu Dog. The other Region Dragons were cool with them sitting in on the meeting. 

The Five Region Dragons in question were staring back at Jake waiting for him to start the meeting. 

On Jake’s right sat the Western Dragon, she sat idly fiddling with her pen looking bored, but if one looked closer they would see the slight tension in her shoulders and the ways her eyes would track every movement in the room. Along with the slight way her navy-colored dragon ears would twitch at certain sounds. 

Next to her sat the Southern Dragon, the only other female Region Dragon. She sat with perfect posture and a barely concealed look of worry on her face. Her green eyes filled with anxiety watched Jake, waiting for him to start the meeting. 

By the Southern Dragon, the Alaskan Dragon sat in his seat with his arms crossed and a blank look on his face. His eye imperceptibly twitched, at the continuous tapping of the Midwestern Dragon’s foot. The teenager continued tapping his foot and occasionally shaking his red, shaggy hair out of his eyes. 

Next to the Midwestern Dragon and on Jake’s right the Hawaiian Dragon leaned back in his seat, reddish-orange scales catching the light, clearing his throat, and then throwing the Midwest teen a look. Slightly flushing he stilled completely or at least he did for a minute before continuing to fidget with his hands. 

Sensing that an argument was about to begin, Jake cut in. 

“Four magical kids have been taken,” Jake started, “I’m not sure exactly what vote the Council will be proposing but we need to get our priorities and questions in line.” 

Sighing he continued, “For obvious reasons, I vote yes for whatever plan the Council has to rescue the kidnapped kids. But this is a sorta democracy so let’s hear it.” 

At the last part, Randy snorted and quickly reddened when everyone turned to look at him. 

Wanting to get going, Jake grabbed everyone’s attention, impatiently gesturing out towards the Region Dragons, “Go on, who’s first?” 

“...I will.” 

Chapter Text

Location: Draco Isle, N/A Time: 10:46 AM-June 5th 

“...I will.” 

At those words, the Western Dragon stood up rolling her shoulders. 

“ Sigh, before anyone gets offended, I’m getting the hard questions out of the way. We need to be realistic,” the Western Dragon slightly paused, “how do we know the kidnapped kids are even alive?” 

Everyone turned to look at Jake wary of his reaction. Jake’s blank face greeted them, gaining an annoyed look at everyone’s stares. 

“Do you not think I haven’t considered that possibility?” He gritted out harshly. Jake sighed, rubbing a hand over his face, “Just continue.” 

The Western Dragon continued, “You all know the statistics, the first 24 hours in a kidnapping are crucial and these kids have been missing for days, weeks!” 

“We owe it to those poor kids to at least try!” The Southern Dragon replied, standing up to look the Western Dragon in the eyes. Turning back to face everyone she continued, “Even if those kids are …dead– we should at least return their bodies back to their parents. So, they can rest.” 

At this point, both the Southern and Western Dragons had taken their seats. A heavy silence filled the room. 

“I agree with the Southern Dragon,” the Hawaiian Dragon said, “For all we know those kids could be alive.” 

“Or they could be dead,” the Midwestern Dragon stated. 

This time everyone turned to stare incredulously at him. 

“Read the room, bruh,” the Hawaiian Dragon said, shaking his head. 

The Midwestern Dragon ducked his head, blushing. 

“But if it comes to a vote,” Jake started, “and you know it will.” 

All the Dragons in the room shared a commiserating look. 

“If they propose a vote on whether or not we should at least try to get the kidnapped kids back, dead or alive, yes, or no?” Jake asked. “I know the council said that they called in the Justice League for that exact reason, but it wouldn’t surprise me if some creatures voted no. So?” 

“Yes,” The Southern Dragon started, “we find those kids no matter what.” 

“Yes,” The Alaskan Dragon said, speaking up for the first time.  

“Same,” The Hawaiian Dragon agreed, “yes.” 

“Only two votes left,” Jake commented. 

“I guess even if the kids are dead the parents will want closure,” The Midwestern Dragon started, “so, yes.” 

The Dragons turned to look at the Western Dragon. “Fine,” she huffed, “alright let's find those damn kids. Sigh, we just can’t be too naive,” she said, leveling a significant look at the Dragons present. Rolling her eyes she continued, “Yes.” 

“I already made my stance clear, but I’m voting anyway, yes,” Jake stated, with a slight grin. “Alright,” Jake clapped his hands together, “that’s settled, any other concerns?” 

The Western Dragon raised her hand with a sly grin, cradling her head with her other one, “I have one, I can’t believe that you finally introduced the infamous Phantom and Ninja of Norrisville.” 

The Hawaiian Dragon leaned back in his seat with a lazy grin, brown eyes glinting with mirth, directed towards Danny and Randy, “Oh yeah, I thought we would never meet.” 

“Really,” Danny turned towards Jake with a shit-eating grin, “Aww AmDrag you do care~” 

“Shut up, Phantom,” Jake grumbled, blushing. 

Randy leaned over on Danny almost climbing over him, “Look Phantom, he’s blushing!” 

The Western Dragon cackled, “He is!” 

The Midwestern Dragon looked on with a wild grin and the Alaskan Dragon with a small one. 

“Now come on, y’all,” the Southern Dragon started smiling, “don’t tease him too much.” 

“Thank you, Southern Dragon,” Jake started, “this is why you’re my favorite!” 

“Ah, but I didn’t finish! Y’all shouldn’t tease him too much, he’s as red as his scales, he might go up in flames!” She continued with a teasing grin, “Why, I think I see a little smoke right now!” 

 The Alaskan Dragon burst out in laughter. The Southern Dragon looked surprised at the Alaskan Dragon’s laughter before gaining an almost smug smile on her face. 

“Now,” Jake started, “If no one has any other concerns… then this meeting is adjourned.” Jake turned to look at the clock, “We have 23 minutes until the recess is over, so go do whatever just make sure you’re in the right section and on time.” 

“Like you were, boss man?” 

“Hey, I was on time. I just sat in the visitor’s section since I had guests, and it was closer,” Jake grumbled.  Jake waved his hands, “Whatever, I’m gonna go see if the others finished their meeting.”  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Location: Draco Isle, N/A Time: 11:31 AM-June 5th 

The doors opened and the Dragon Council filed in, in unison, they all sat down and looked out into the crowd with their faces carefully blank.

 “Open discussion will now begin,” Councilor Andam started, “Witches, Wizards, and Sorcerers, you have the floor first.” 

Three people stood up and made their way to a balcony-type structure at the edge of their section. When the three people, two women and a man, got on the balcony it gave off a faint glow before detaching from that section and floating to the middle of the stadium. 

The woman standing in the middle of the three took a step forward, her ankle-length dress sparkling when catching the light, “I am the residing High Priestess, overseeing all of the known Magical Covens under the protection of the Dragon Council.” She added a coy look, red lips curling in faux amusement, “You can refer to me as High Priestess Hex or Coven Leader Hex.” 

As Coven Leader Hex took a step back, the man on her left took a step forward. He had the look of a businessman, stern face and all, contradictingly introducing himself smoothly but gruffly at the same time, “I am the leader of the Wizard Alliance, Dean Aristo.” 

Dean Aristo took a step back and the woman on Coven Leader Hex’s right took a step forward. “I am the Archmage of the worldwide Cabals of Sorcerers, you may call me Archmage Val.” Her voice rang strong and true, echoing around the hall, her orange eyes burning. 

Archmage Val took a step back, standing in a line with Dean Aristo and Coven Leader Hex. Once again, Coven Leader Hex took a step forward. 

“I will be speaking first, Councilors,” Hex greeted with a nod, “My sisters want to know how you plan to get the children back. What exactly is your plan?” 

“As of right now, the plan is to collaborate with the Justice League, and pool our forces together to get our children back,” Councilor Omina spoke. 

Dean Aristo stepped forward, his cape slightly fluttering, “Councilors, with all due respect that plan is very vague. You say that you know, or you believe that you know who took the children, the ‘Reach’’ but you have no clue where they are? Or even why they were taken in the first place?” 

“That is correct, Dean Aristo,” Councilor Omina started, “and those are good questions. We are exhausting every avenue to find where the children have been taken and will not rest until they have been found.” 

“How do we know that they weren’t targeted?” Archmage Val asked, stepping forward with an almost accusing glare, “Councilors,” she added as if it were an afterthought. 

“We don’t,” Councilor Andam responded, “and going forward we’re going to have to act like we are being targeted. The Huntsclan is gone but we are going to have to take the same precautions we took then, perhaps stronger ones.” 

 Murmurs broke out in the crowd, leaders and representatives quickly conversing out loud and silently. 

“What are you saying?” 

“Archmage Val, what we are saying is that all known kidnappings that have taken place have all been after dark. When the kids were alone or left alone for at least five minutes,” Councilor Kulde shared a look with the rest of the Dragon Council. “We are saying that a potential curfew might be put into place.” 

At those words, the murmurs came back but were joined by shouts. But through all the noise, the question of one Coven Leader Hex cut through, silencing the crowd. 

“You truly believe that it has come to that?” she asked, amethyst eyes staring the Council down, searching. 

“We do.” 

“Then I hope that the Council of Dragons will be extra vigilant, as well.” 

Hex exchanged looks with Aristo and Val, who slightly nodded back. “We have no further questions.”  

The subtly glowing balcony floated from the middle of the room back to where it originally sat. When it locked back in place the glowing stopped and the leaders went back to their seats. 

Councilor Andam spoke, “Fairy Folk you have the floor.” 

Once again, the leaders of the group made their way to their balcony, before it detached making its way to the middle. Except this time, there were four leaders, looking less human and more otherworldly. 

In the middle stood a human-sized fairy with insect wings that lazily fluttered as she stood. On her right, a pixie sat on the banister, and standing next to the pixie a male sprite. Lastly, on the left of the fairy, a pooka bounced up and down, head appearing above and disappearing below the banister every time he jumped. 

The pixie waved her hand and tiny sparks were sent towards the pooka. The pooka twitched once the sparks hit him, his cloth-like eyes slightly bulging, but stopped jumping, choosing to just stand on the banister. The pixie giggled in response, while the sprite rolled his eyes, and the fairy just ignored them. 

The fairy rolled her shoulders, “Council, I am the Queen of the Fairies, you may refer to me as Queen Faye or Your Majesty.” Narrowing her eyes, she stared the Council down, “I will not mince my words, how could you allow one of your precious World Dragons to be so lazy as to allow my niece to be kidnapped!” 

The Fairy Queen’s accusation rang throughout the Hall. Where he sat, Jake winced ashamed and silently agreed with the Fairy Queen on the fact that it was his fault. Not noticing the slight growls let out by the American Regions Dragons, angry on his behalf. When it wasn't even Jake's fault. On the other end, the non-magical member of the Justice League sat, curious as to how the Council would respond to the blatant accusation. 

“We understand that you are upset that your niece was kidnapped, and you have every right to be,” Started Councilor Kulde, “but assigning blame will not bring her or any of the other children back faster.” 

Before the Fairy Queen could respond the pixie flew forward. 

“Council,” The pixie greeted, “I am Lady Sapphire, representing the pixies for today’s meeting. We all agree to help find the children in any way we can.” The aptly named blue-tinted pixie, not even batting an eye, added, “I also know that the Pookas and the Sprites agree with my people too.” 

“Lady Sapphire,” lightly admonished Councilor Omina, “You should not speak for other creatures.” 

“Yes, Councilor,” the pixie intoned. 

“Council, I am King Bramble,” The Sprite flew forward in line with Lady Sapphire. “Even though she should have not spoken for us, my people do agree and are willing to offer our resources and to keep our eyes and ears open.” 

Then as soon as King Bramble finished speaking a very pleasing and soothing voice spoke up. “The Pookas agree!” stated the Pooka with a grin. 

And with that, the meeting continued, magical creature after magical creature spoke representing their race and airing their stances and concerns. They broke for lunch and then the meeting continued and to save time for the emergency meeting, Continent Dragons would be called to speak instead of World Dragons. 

 Finally, it was time for the North American Dragon Representative to speak. 

Jake Long got up from his seat, heart pounding, he had spoken in these meetings before as a World Dragon, but this would only be his second time speaking as a Continent Dragon. He knew that he had gotten consent from both the Mexican and Canadian Dragon to vote yes for whatever action the Dragon Council would propose, but he was still nervous. 

Jake reached the balcony and just like for every other representative, the balcony let out a faint glow before detaching and making its way to the middle of the room. 

“Council,” Jake greeted with a nod of his head, “I am the American Dragon and the current North America Continent Dragon.” Jake took a deep breath to soothe his frayed nerves, “The Dragons of North America agree to help find the missing children in any way we can, for as long as dragonly possible. Thank you.” 

The balcony made its way back, “ Whew !” Jake let out a sigh of relief. Happy it was over and proud he his voice hadn’t shook. Knowing the Council and how these meetings work the last few Dragons would speak and then finally a vote would commence. 

Chapter Text

Location: Draco Isle, N/A Time: 12:45 PM-June 5th 

Flash stifled a yawn as he watched what was hopefully the last representative finish speaking. Don’t get him wrong this whole thing was very interesting, he got an exclusive look at a whole different secret culture and their governmental process.  

But maaan this meeting is taking forever! 

The Councilor in the middle rose, “That was our last representative we will now commence with our vote.” 

At those words Flash tuned back in, waiting to see how this would play out. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Firstly, all those in favor of pooling our resources together to find our missing kids,” Councilor Andam paused after his words, expecting the words of outrage that would follow. He held up a hand, stopping the shouts in an instant. 

 “Let me explain, we will still look for our missing children no matter the majority vote, all this vote decides is which creatures will choose to help with the search and rescue.” He looked out in the crowd, voice and gaze somber, “We will not force any creatures who fear the risk of exposure, to help with the search, that is all, the voting will now begin.” 

The choices appeared floating in front of the Representatives, on a see-through magic screen, appearing blurry to anyone but them, with three choices: 

>Full Support to Find and Rescue 

>Will Help, but not actively search 

>Will Not Help 

Jake stared at the choices in front of him, just long enough to read them before choosing the first option. The screen then turns into a streak of light heading towards the Council and settling into a large glass bowl behind them, having gone previously unnoticed. 

A few minutes later all the streaks of light had made their way into the bowl. With a snap of her fingers, Councilor Omina made the results appear in front of the Council.  They exchanged glances, but none of them gave away the results of the votes. 

“We will now move on to the second vote,” Councilor Kulde announced,” We ask that those who chose not to get involved with the search and choose not to help, refrain from voting, simply abstain.”  Kulde continued, “All those in favor of being involved with the Justice League, again we have decided to work with them regardless, but we will not force any creatures who are uncomfortable with working with them, work with them.” 

The screen appeared again, but with different choices for the new vote: 

>Closely involved in working with the Justice League (Face Appearances) 

>Will share information, but not appear before the Justice League (Anonymous) 

>Abstain from voting 

Once again, after he made his vote (the first one) the screen turned back into a streak of light, heading towards the glass bowl.  A few minutes later, the votes were in. 

Councilor Andam stood, "We are happy to see that a majority of you are willing to help with the search for our missing children. We are even happier that many of you are also willing to work personally with the Justice League.” 

“But that doesn’t mean we do not respect the choices of those who will not,” Councilor Omina added from her seat. 

The rest of the Council rose from their seats and Councilor Andam spoke, “With that, this emergency meeting comes to a close. We thank you all for making your way on such short notice too.” 

The Dragon Council filed out of the room leaving the magical creatures to their own devices. 

“Wait,” Randy started, “that’s it?” 

Jake nodded, “Pretty much, they’ll probably send out a game plan later on in the week or something.” 

Danny looked over at Jake, “...Hey how many creatures do you think actually voted to help find the kids?” 

“I…” Jake looked out to the crowd, “Not as many as we need. …not as many as we need.” 

____________________

“Captain Marvel.” 

Blue eyes flicked over to the Lord sitting beside him, “Dr. Fate.” 

“Are you ready, Champion of Magic,” Dr. Fate rose up from his seat, “We must go see the Council, they have something they want to speak of with us.” 

“I’m ready.” 

With that, the two magical beings left the hidden balcony where they had watched the meeting, unseen by the other magical creatures. 

____________________

“American Dragon,” Jake looked over his shoulder, having been talking with the Region Dragons, before hastily doing a light bow, “Councilor Omina, what brings you here?” 

The Region Dragons copied Jake’s light bow, all of them receiving a nod from Omina in return. 

“The Council would like to speak with you, and your two guests ,” Councilor Omina stressed the last word, “We have a…proposal for you.” 

An eyebrow raised from Jake, “A proposal?” 

“A proposal,” Councilor Omina repeated. 

“Well then lead the way, Councilor.” 

Jake turned back to the Region Dragons, “I’ll catch up with you guys after talking with the Council. Are you all leaving today or tomorrow?” 

“We’ve decided to head back tomorrow as a group,” The Western Dragon offered. 

Jake nodded, before waving bye.  

“You two, ready?” 

Danny and Jake nodded. The three teens turned to Councilor Omina, who was smiling faintly at them. 

“Let’s go.” 

And with that the trio followed behind the Councilor, wondering why the Dragon Council wanted to speak with them. 

Chapter Text

Location: Draco Isle, N/A Time: 1:19 PM-June 5th

The trio walked behind Councilor Omina as she led them to a private place to talk. Each wondered exactly what the Council wanted to propose. 

The group of four turned down into a secluded and windowless hallway, illuminated by torches that burned a soft white light. Coming to a stop in front of a tapestry that looked to be of a European style. The tapestry showed eight stylized dragons, and each seemed to represent something different. 

“Woah...” Randy muttered under his breath; the same sentiment echoed by Danny. On Randy’s other side, Jake’s eyes lit up with recognition. 

Councilor Omina glanced at the two outsiders, with an amused but kind smile on her face. “I see that the tapestry interests you.” 

“Uhm, yes ma’am,” Danny nodded. 

Councilor Omina gazed at the old hanging, her hair shifting from black to turquoise and back again. 

Randy blurted, “Why is your hair doing that?” 

“Dude!” Jake instantly shouted, hitting the ninja upside the head in mortification, “you don’t just say that!” 

Danny snickered into his hand, shoulders slightly shaking as he turned his back to Jake and Randy. Before Randy could respond, the Atlantean Dragon cut in, “It’s fine American Dragon, I know the Ninja did not mean anything by it.”  

Jake nodded, sheepishly looking at Randy. Councilor Omina continued, “And Ninja my hair has always done this, I have to focus for it to stay on one color. I tend to do that during meetings so no creature can claim they were distracted by my hair.” 

“That is so cool!” 

Laughing, the woman agreed, “I think so too.” Shaking her head the Councilor went back to the original topic. “As you can see there are eight different dragons on the tapestry and each has a different symbol above them. American Dragon, I assume that you recognize it?” 

“Yeah,” Jake tilted his head, staring it down, “it’s one of the first stories fledglings are told. Especially when you’re trying to explain the different dragon types.”  

“As the American Dragon stated this tapestry depicts one of the stories used to explain the different dragon types.” The Atlantean gestured to the hanging, “From right to left it is lightning, fire, earth, wind, water, light, shadows, and ice.” 

Danny looked between the tapestry and Councilor Omina, “You said there was a story behind it, what is it?” 

Councilor Omina smiled, “American Dragon, would you like to do the honors?” 

Jake blinked, surprised, “Uhm, sure.” The young dragon cleared his throat, before waving his slightly glowing hand over the tapestry. The tapestry started to glow in response before swirling and the picture began to change. 

A lone glowing iridescent dragon appeared floating and swaying softly. 

“Long ago, when magic first came to be, a dragon was made and he was called Prathama, the first. Prathama was the first dragon ever made and the original protector of magic and all of her creatures. 

When Prathama was first made, they were kind. They saw all that magic had made and vowed to protect it. Prathama was the oldest creature but not the last, shortly after Prathama was made the other creatures came to be.” 

The tapestry changed as Jake listed the magical creatures, adding each around the first dragon.  

“The unicorns, goblins, harpies, fairies, sprites, sphinx, and every other creature that came to be. As Prathama grew into his powers and protected his fellow creatures they began to grow lonely.” 

A divide was shown between the other magical creatures and Prathama. Scenes of the first dragon interacting with the other creatures and being alone. Flying with the harpies, running with the unicorns, talking with the goblins, and dancing with the fairies. But the more the dragon was with the other creatures the sadder they became. 

The tapestry shifted to Prathama curled up in a meadow with a teary expression on their face.

“Then one day, Prathama met a human.” 

A young girl with dark hair and wide green eyes appeared. 

“Two humans.” 

A young similar-looking boy appeared tripping over the girl and face-first in front of Prathama. 

“The two humans were a pair of siblings, twins, that had stumbled upon Prathama. At first, the trio were wary of each other but quickly warmed up to each other, becoming very close friends. Before that day, Prathama had never seen a human up close before. The young twins spent the whole day with the dragon before telling their new friend that they had to leave. Prathama was sad but the twins promised they would come back. And they did.

Prathama spent day after day with the twins, meeting with the other magical creatures, playing games, explaining all kinds of magic and the creatures he swore to protect, the twins explaining humans, napping together in the sunlight, and all manner of things. But Prathama became sadder and sadder every time the twins had to leave.” 

The moments shifted by, the twins growing older and the seasons passing, smiles and laughter all around. 

“Then one day, the twins went back to the clearing where they would spend time with Prathama, only the dragon wasn’t there. Worried, the twins called out his name and a strange-looking boy appeared. He had dark skin and iridescent scales covered the boy’s body in patches. Silver hair that fell in waves to his feet, pointed ears, and slitted mesmerizing eyes that changed colors. The twins saw this otherworldly boy and were in awe, they didn’t recognize him, but he looked familiar.” 

A smiling ethereal-looking boy and the bewildered twins appeared. 

“The boy called out, racing towards his friends, recognizing the uncanny boy’s voice. The younger brother cried out, ‘Prathama?’ 

The silver-haired boy just nodded and laughed in response. 

From then on, the twins and the dragon were truly inseparable for all hours of the day. Now Prathama could follow the twins home and not have to worry about being chased away …..or that’s what he thought.” 

Three children running and laughing on dirt transitioning to cobblestones. 

“But when the trio reached the twin’s village, the villagers began to throw stones at Prathama. They cursed at him calling him a changeling, demon, a monster . The villagers chased Prathama out of the village with rocks and some of the more zealous and fearful ones spears.” 

Prathama running afraid with stones and spears thrown by angry villagers at his back. 

“After the villagers calmed down the twins went to find their friend at their secret clearing. There they found Prathama curled up in his dragon form, looking very similar to how they first met but with injuries.” 

The first dragon curled up with a teary expression and cuts and bruises littering his body. 

“The twins quickly set out to comfort their friend and heal his wounds. After taking care of the dragon, Prathama asked, ‘Will you leave me now too? Do you think I am a monster?’ 

The younger brother replied, ‘Of course not, you’re our friend.’ The older sister added, ‘You’re Prathama.’ Like that was the only explanation they needed. 

Suddenly the brother got an idea, ‘Let’s make a bond, a vow, between the three of us to take care of each other. We’ll be each other’s family.’ Excitedly, the boy added, ‘We can help you protect the magical creatures!’

The sister nodded in agreement and asked Prathama, ‘Is there any way to make a physical or visual reminder of our bond? So that all may see, human or creature that we are family?’ 

And Prathama responded, ‘There is.’ 

The Dragon hesitated and his friends, seeing his hesitation, asked what was wrong. Prathama replied, ‘This bond would be permanent, we would be bound together for life….and your lifespan would be tied to mine.’ 

The older sister asked Prathama what he meant. 

A hesitant-looking Prathama in his dragon form sat next to the curious-looking twins. 

‘If I were to die, both of you would die if not the same moment I did, then shortly after. This type of spell is only meant for the closest of companions … and the worst of enemies.’ 

‘Wait,’ asked the younger brother gesturing to himself and his sister, ‘if one of us were to die, would the other two also die?’ 

‘Only the spell caster’s death would make the recipient(s) die, not the other way around.’ The dragon said, shaking his head. ‘Of course, most magical creatures get around this by having everyone in the bond cast the spell. This … this would be the first time that a human would be a part of it.’  

The twins looked at each other and nodded before looking back at Prathama and speaking as one, ‘We’ll do it. We’re certain.’ 

The Dragon sighed, feeling older than his fourteen summers, ‘Very well, let’s begin.’ 

Prathama shifted to his half-dragon form and held the twins’ hands in a circle as he chanted the spell. An iridescent light shone brightly around Prathama before swiftly shining around the twins as well. The bright light surrounded the trio before concentrating on the twin’s hands. Gradually the light began to die in its intensity before fading completely, leaving behind a glowing iridescent dragon mark on each twin's arm and hand.

The trio-” 

“Wait!” Randy wildly waved his hands, “You can’t just continue on and not address that!” 

Jake gave the ninja a stink eye, “Sorry, no questions until after the show.” 

The ninja spluttered before giving a hopeful look towards Danny. Rolling his eyes the ghostly teen acquiesced, “Sorry, dude, but I have to agree with our ninja friend over here. I thought this story was going to be about how the different dragon elements came to be, not your mortal enemies.” 

“I’m just telling the story how Gramps told me,” Jake said (pouted), “if someone would have let me continue, I would have gotten to that part!” 

Chuckling quietly into her hand, Councilor Omina intervened, “American Dragon, as much as I enjoyed hearing your version of the tale, and your interesting starting point, we have a meeting to get to.” 

The Atlantis Dragon gestured to the wall beside the tapestry where the faint shimmering outline of a door could be seen. 

“Perhaps you could finish the story for your companions another time,” smiling softly she added, “and me as well, I would love to hear you tell the rest.” Narrowing her eyes in thought, the Atlantean muttered to herself, “Hmm, perhaps…” 

Councilor Omina quickly gathered her thoughts and walked through the stone wall where the outline could be faintly seen followed by a nonchalant Jake. Who upon not seeing his friends following stuck his head back through the wall and gestured hurriedly for them to follow. Along with questions of why were they so shocked, Phantom you're a ghost you walk through walls all the time, just come through! 

Danny went through grumbling about impatient dragons followed by Randy. Before going through the door completely the ninja froze and then suddenly whipped his head towards the end of the corridor. 

“Ninja,” An irate (and very stressed) American Dragon stuck his head through, “are you coming or not?!” 

“Geez, AmDrag, slow your roll.” Randy spared one last glance towards the end of the corridor, “I’m coming, I’m coming.” 

After the two made their way through the doorway the glow faded, leaving a regular stone wall behind. But with one distracted by his friend and the other caught up in his worry, neither noticed the eyes watching them or the shadowy figure that disappeared. Leaving only a darkened hallway and a sinister feeling behind. 

Chapter Text

Location: New Orleans, LA. Time:10:05 PM-May 27th

“Great…” A teenage boy sighed, as the first drops of rain fell, “just what I need.” 

The boy trudged along the darkened sidewalk ignoring how the rain began to pick up. A quick glance around showed that the redheaded teen was alone, “ Like a summer sky, keep this person dry.”  

The teen continued walking, now as dry as could be. To any onlooker, the rain hit the boy, but it seemed to bounce/slide right off.  

The boy walked down the sidewalk, seeing less and less people until he reached his destination, stopping just short of the entrance. The sign read; St. Louis Cemetery #1 .  

The sorcerer stared at the sign, before shaking his head and making his way in. 

“I’m here” the teen called out, “I came alone just like you said.” 

The sorcerer walked idly around the courtyard making up an entrance to some of the tombs, running his hand along the stone. The rain slowly turned to a drizzle, before coming to a complete stop.

“You know a note is pretty cliche, and meeting in a graveyard, at night? With the rain as the icing on top.” The teenager let out a biting laugh. “I would’ve thought that as a practitioner of magic, you would have more taste.” 

Step..step…step…. 

The teenager clenched his fist, tensing, a blue glow surrounding his hands, “I know you're there.” Suddenly he whirled around, sending a shovel and rocks toward a seemingly random area, “Stop hiding like a damn coward!” 

The shovel and the rocks were pushed aside, and a look of horror and confusion filled the red-headed boy’s face. 

“Bloody hell…it’s you!” 

Before the boy could say more, he was struck from behind and fell to the ground unconscious. As he collapsed, a note fell from his pocket and fluttered to the ground. 

Two figures approached the fallen sorcerer, one sneered at the boy on the ground and the other watched with thinly veiled disgust, as the thing, the alien , picked the boy up. 

The alien with the boy thrown over their shoulder, had a look of contempt when faced with his allies. “Meat-sack,” the alien sneered at the smaller of the two figures, “I thought your little spell was meant to keep us completely hidden. But somehow this boy was able to sense you.” 

“Hey! I cast a highly advanced invisibility spell layered with a cloaking spell on top, it’s not my fault the bastard was able to still sense us!” 

The taller figure finally spoke up, “Stop whining about the boy being better than you, let us leave before someone gets suspicious.”  

The trio glanced at each other filled with distrust, before the smaller figure grabbed a hold of their two allies and teleported them away, along with their target. Leaving only an out of place shovel, rocks, and a damp note as the only proof they were there. 

Chapter Text

Location: Draco Isle, N/A Time: 1:42 PM-June 5th 

“What.” The deceptively blank American Dragon’s voice rang out, in the decently sized (secret) meeting room, barely hiding his rage from those who don’t know him well or well enough. 

A very pissed off teenage (American) Dragon stared down the Council. His slitted golden eyes narrowed even further and hints of smoke started to curl up from his hair.  

Nervously, Randy and Danny, very familiar with the signs of a pissed off Jake, exchanged looks, ranging from ‘calm him down’ to ‘why me!? YOU have the ice powers!’ to ‘yeah, but I did it LAST time!’  

While the two other members of the secret trio tried to convince (bully) the other into calming Jake down, Captain Marvel who also had experience with a pissed off Jake intervened before his hot-headed (ha) friend could dig too deep a hole. 

With slight intent and not even a murmur, a small but quick rain shower appeared over the young dragon’s head. 

Steam quickly rose when the water came into contact with the pissed off dragon, but before he could retaliate the Champion of Magic spoke, “American Dragon, calm down.” 

Slitted eyes turned towards the champion, daring the pure magical being to test him. 

“I understand why you’re upset, but if you cannot control yourself, you will be taken off this case.” The Champion of Magic stared Jake down, before the teenage dragon let out a silent snarl and shut his mouth. 

Instead, the calming-down-but-still-very-much-pissed-off teenager turned his attention to the note that started this.  

Nigel Thrall, 

Meet at the St. Louis Cemetery #1 in New Orleans, at midnight and come alone. If you don’t,then let’s just say your little dragon friend won't have that great of a time. I wonder how much the identity of a real dragon would sell on the black market?

The Superior Wizard 

Three sentences, three sentences on a stupid note was all it took for Jake to lose one of his closest friends. Someone out there, some wizard, kidnapped his friend and Jake wasn’t there to stop it. He had been used to threaten Nigel, Jake. How could he not feel guilty? 

“American Dragon,”  Jake looked up at bright orange eyes and a kind but firm voice reached him. “It is not your fault, no one blames you. We will find my apprentice and the other missing children and bring them home.” 

“Speak for yourself.” 

“Queen Faye, hold your tongue,” snapped Archmage Val, “Stop taking your anger and worry out on the boy-dragon, when it is yourself that you are truly upset with!” 

The Queen of Fairies bristled, her wings snapping back in agitation, “You dare speak that way to me? You dirty human !” 

Before Queen Faye could continue or Archmage Val retaliated, they were stopped. 

“ Enough. ” 

Everyone in the room turned to look at Councilor Kukulkhan. 

“Stop behaving like children, there are lives at stake. We do not have time for your petty posturing. Behave or get out .” 

Councilor Andam sighed, rubbing his face tiredly, “I agree with Councilor Kukulkhan, we don’t have time for this.” Looking towards the seven members of theJustice League that had also been invited to this meeting he continued, “The Council is proposing that you allow the American Dragon, as well as his two associates Phantom and the Ninja, to work closely with your…covert team on the basis of closer investigation.” 

The Justice Leaguers traded glances, while the trio warily watched on, not sure what to make of the proposal. 

“Not to question you guys,” Phantom started looking at the Dragon Council, “I get why you’re wanting the American Dragon to team up with them but why me and the Ninja? Why would we get involved or even listen to you? Both of us have our own places and people to protect.” 

At his words the Council exchanged knowing glances once again, Councilor Kulde was the one to speak, “Because you are heroes, you will not willingly leave the innocent in danger, and because ...there has been a prophecy.” 

Jake snapped his head up the moments he heard those words, face paling. Around him the other magical creatures in the room let out noises of surprise, dismay, and pity. 

“A prophecy?” Coven Leader Hex, spoke up for the first time, “A true prophecy, not just flashes of insight?” 

“Yes,” Councillor Andom intoned, “A true prophecy, the first since the rise of the Dark Dragon and we all know his fate.” 

Every magical creature in the room side eyed a stony faced Jake at the mention of the infamous dragon. 

“Why should we allow those three to be placed on our covert team just because of the words of a prophecy?” Batman gruffly questioned. 

Wonder Woman shook her head, “The more one tries to run away from a prophecy the more they run towards it.” 

“You can’t outrun a prophecy, no matter what you do,” added Captain Marvel gravely, “you just can’t.” 

Chapter Text

Location: Draco Isle, N/A Time: 2:30 PM-June 5th 

More arguments broke out between the groups, but an agreement was reached. Jake, Danny, and Randy would work directly with the League’s covert team to investigate and find the missing magical teens and the others. 

The Dragon Council and the respective Magical Leaders would provide support and have their own investigations as well. 

Finally, after hammering out the details, the meeting was finished and everyone was dismissed. 

“Thank you all for your time and cooperation,” Councilor Andam started, “collaboration will be solely needed to find our missing children.” 

Batman grunted before dramatically swishing his cape as he left. Superman gave an apologetic look before following his friend. 

The other leaguers sighed in exasperation, but quickly followed the two heroes, not wanting to get left behind or lost. Wonder Woman gave one last look towards the trio before leaving as well, an imperceptible frown on her face. 

Queen Faye had teleported out in a poof of sparkles as soon as the words left Councilor Andam’s mouth. The other Magical Leaders left at a more sedate space, idly talking with their fellow leaders about what had happened. 

Jake stood up with a calculating look in his eye, with one last look at the Council, he motioned for Danny and Randy to follow him, and the trio left. 

The only ones in the room were the Dragon Council and Coven Leader Hex. 

“Councilors,” began the witch, “If you may, I would like to hear the prophecy.” 

___________

“Dude, why didn’t we stay back and ask your Council about the prophecy?” questioned Randy, keeping pace with an almost running Jake. “And why did everyone act like it was a death sentence?” 

Danny, floating by them, asked his own question as Jake took another deliberate turn, “Where are we going?” 

Jake barely spared either of the two a glance, “The reason we didn’t stay behind is because we’re going to the source.” 

Jake came to a stop in front of a nondescript door. He knocked, and just as the door started to open, he spoke, “We’re going to talk with the ones who told the prophecy.” 

____________

The female councilor started, “Coven Leader Hex, while you may believe that you have the right to know, you are not the center of this prophecy.” 

The witch retorted, “I know that, but this is the first true prophecy reported in almost a millennium! You need all the people you can to help interpret it, and I am an expert in prophecies.” Coyly,  the witch added, “Unless you have forgotten just who my nieces are.” 

___________

“Jake!” Sara cried out.  “Kara told me you were coming, but she didn’t mention how cute your friends are!” she giggled. 

Danny and Randy greened and reddened, respectively. Randy rubbed the back of his neck bashfully, “Well, AmDrag didn’t mention how cute you are either.” 

Sara giggled again, slightly blushing, before her eyes took on a golden glow, “You’re so sweet, but you’re not going to remember any of this!” 

Randy paled, but before either of the other two boys could interject, a monotone voice cut through, “Sara, stop flirting. You know why they’re here.” 

“You’re no fun,” Sara pouted, waving the trio inside the room. 

The trio entered the room, which turned out to be a suite smaller than theirs but no less nice. The balcony doors were open, allowing a slight breeze into the room. Standing right before the couch, staring them down was a very similar-looking girl to Sara with straight red hair and way more somber clothes. 

“Sam?” muttered Phantom, rubbing his eyes, “red-headed Sam?” 

The other two just ignored him. 

“Guys,” began Jake as he gestured to the two girls now standing side by side, “these lovely ladies are the Oracle Twins. Sara,” the smiley, curly redhead waved,” the one who answered the door, and Kara,” the sullen, straight-haired redhead just stared. 

“Wait! They’re oracles?” Danny asked, breaking out of his stupor. 

“They can tell the future,” Randy stated. 

“Yeah,” Jake nodded, “they can.” The teenage Dragon took a deep breath, “So–” 

“I’ll stop you right there, Jake,” Kara cut him off with a raised hand and slumped posture, "we know why you’re here.” 

“And don’t worry,” Sara started, slightly bouncing in place, “we'll totally tell you the prophecy!” 

“You’re going to need to know it.” Both twins said at once, with glowing golden eyes. 

“Spooky.” 

Jake turned on Danny, “Says the ghost!” 

“Yeah! I’m a ghost, I know spooky when I see it!” 

Randy groaned. 

Sara grunted, “Well, anyway, it goes like this…” 

_________________

A pale-faced witch stared at the Dragon Council, “Those were the words? The exact wording!?” 

Councilor Kulde nodded, “Yes, as soon as your nieces told us we had it written and preserved.” 

Coven Leader Hex started to pace the length of the room. “And you’re certain,” she started, “that the trio means those three.” 

The Council watched her pace. “Yes,” intoned Andam, “we’re certain.” 

“It names three, a spectre, a ninja, a dragon…” 

“ Will make a bond that will forever last…” muttered Hex. 

“The prophecy even mentions the children being taken!” Councilor Omina interjected. 

Hex continued to mutter, “ Taken under the cover of night...” 

Kulde questioned, “But why would they be given to the light? Is it a metaphor, an organization, a person?” 

“...A duty and promise unfulfilled..” 

“An old enemy,” Andam started rubbing his jaw, “one we believe to be gone…” 

Councilor Omina paled, “You don’t think it’s the… Dark Dragon ..” 

“No.” Kukulkhan shook his head, “Huntsclan.” 

“The Huntsclan was magically all wiped out at once,” Omina rebutted, “it would take powerful magic to undo that.” 

“...make an appearance once more…” 

“A feud ended,” Andam repeated, before looking at his fellow Councilors, “Who else did we have a feud with?” 

Councilor Omina slumped in her seat, burying her face in her hands, as her hair violently switched colors. 

Councilor Kulde watched anxiously, ice starting to creep up his hands. 

Councilor Kukulkhan was no better, even if he hid it behind a stone face; his hair was starting to smoke. 

Coven Leader Hex had stopped her muttering and pacing, taken in the stricken Dragon Council. 

Andam stood, lightning racing up and down his arms, “It’s true, Hex, those three are the trio mentioned in the prophecy. All we can do is hope there is some part we’re missing and that the last line won’t come true.” 

The witch swallowed the lump in her throat, “Those poor boys, they’ll….” 

_____________________

Jake shut the door to their bedroom in their suite, brushing off his family’s attempt to speak with them. 

He looked at his friends, both wearing complicated expressions on their faces, and simply stated, “We’re going to die.” 

____________________

Two almost identical girls lay side by side on the bed in their room, gazing at the ceiling. For once, both had matching expressions: blank and almost dead-eyed. 

The two girls exchanged no words, no back-and-forth, no banter about their day. They stared at the ceiling, the weight of the future on their shoulders. Their eyes looked older than they were. 

They had eyes that no teenage girl should have. 

A slight breeze entered the room from the open balcony doors, reaching the twins’ bedroom and sending all the papers they had stacked on a desk scattering across the room. 

The two red-headed girls paid it no mind. They knew what was on those papers; the words on one of those specific papers were burned into their minds. 

That paper made its way all over the room, from end to end, doing loop-de-loops in the air before resting on the coffee table. 

That innocent-looking paper held no innocent words, only tragedy disguised by rhymes…. 

     A trio concealed in mystery will come to pass 

A spectre, a ninja, a dragon 

Will make a bond that will forever last 

Children taken under the cover of night

Only to be delivered to the Light 

The mysterious three have their part to fill 

When the past comes to haunt 

A duty and promise unfulfilled 

The rise of an enemy thought to be buried 

The Light falls to the shadows 

Their ascension to power unharried 

The First will make an appearance once more 

Before resting on the forest floor 

The duty done and the promise filled 

Will see the end of a feud and a trio killed

                                                                                                               ~~~~

Chapter Text

Location: Draco Isle, N/A Time: 2:17 PM-June 5th

Three young heroes stood off to the side, bored, waiting for their mentors and colleagues to return from whatever meeting they were called to. 

Zatanna glanced awkwardly to the side, “So…” At the sound of her voice, Wonder Girl and L’Gaan looked up, “Was this your first time at one of these assemblies? Either of you?” 

“Oh,” Wonder Girl perked up, “I’ve been to one in the past, right around when Diana took me under her wing, but usually another Themiscryan is sent alongside the Dragon.” 

L’Gaan nodded, “Nah, I’ve been to one or two before with my King, but usually Ka—” He cut himself off, “usually another would accompany Lady Omina.” 

Neither of the two girls acknowledged the slip-up. 

“Lady Omina,” began Zatanna, “The Dragon Councilor Omina, she’s the Atlantis Dragon?” 

“Yeah, she’s been the Atlantis Dragon for as long as I can remember,” L’gaan leaned in closer, smirking,  “Rumor is that she only became a Counselor because she was practically begged to.” 

“Really?” Cassie looked surprised, “Huh, the way Alessia has always made it sound is that when she stepped down, Councilor Omina had fierce competition and was just barely elected.” 

Before L’gaan could respond, Zatanna interjected, raising her brow, “Alessia?” 

“Oh–oops,” Wonder Girl flushed, “Alessia is the Dragon Guardian of Themyscira.” 

“I’m assuming she’s also an Amazonian badass.” 

“You know it!” 

The three younger heroes continued to chat, waiting for their mentors to return and, in Zatanna’s case, her colleagues. The trio started to wander around the hall, taking the chance to explore the building on the mysterious Draco Isle. 

“Wait,” Wonder Girl got the other two’s attention, “What’s in here?” 

Not waiting for her two companions, Cassie walked into the darkened hallway, which opened to a similarly darkened chamber. Squinting, she walked further into the room, trying to make out what the shadowed objects were. 

She reached out and——

“AHHHH!” 

A snarling face of a Dragon greeted her. Wonder Girl brought her fist back, ready to throw a punch, but Zatanna and L’gaan desperately stopped her. 

“Wait!” 

The Atlantean grabbed her shoulders, pulling her away from the statue, and Zatanna cast a forcefield around it. 

Upon realizing that the snarling Dragon was only a statue, Cassie sheepishly turned to the other two heroes, “Sorry.”  She added, “You can let go of me now.” 

L’gaan looked at her skeptically, “Are you sure about that, chum? I could swear you’re trying to get us kicked out.” 

Cassie pouted, “I was surprised! The room was dark, and then that thing was in my face! What was I supposed to do, not punch it? That’s instinct!” 

“Well, you could have taken an extra second to realize that it was a statue, or have waited for the lights to turn on.” 

Wonder Girl looked up, L’gaan having finally released her, and the forcefield was dissipated. “How did the lights turn on?” She turned her head to Zatanna, “Was there a switch?” 

“No, I turned them on.” 

As one (and they would all deny it), the three heroes shrieked at the previously unseen Dr. Fate, standing right behind them. 

“Don’t sneak up on us, like that!” Cassie shouted. 

“Not cool, chum.” 

Zatanna stayed silent, staring at Dr. Fate. 

Not acknowledging the awkward mood, or perhaps he didn’t notice, Dr. Fate turned towards the statue that had started this mess. 

“I see you three have found the Chamber of the Thirteen.” 

Cassie cocked her head, “Chamber of the Thirteen?” 

Staring at the statue in front of her, she began to slowly turn around, taking in the full chamber for the first time. All around her were statues of what looked to be magical creatures, each in a threatening pose or manner. She recognized some from Diana’s stories and others from the creatures she had seen today! The chamber itself was circular, and every state formed a half circle facing each other, leading up to the snarling dragon, which she had thought was real. 

“Yes,” replied Dr. Fate, “the Chamber of the Thirteen houses statues of the top-most thirteen magical threats that plague, or have in the past, the magical community as a whole.” 

The Lord of Order floated back towards the entrance, followed by a curious Wonder Girl, a knowing L’gaan, and an uncomfortable Zatanna. Two statues faced each other. 

“Look at the number inscribed on the bases of the statues. The lower the number, the higher the threat.” 

Wonder Girl looked at the statue with the number thirteen on it, the magical creature’s likeness captured in the statue, and found that she recognized the statue and the name inscribed on it. 

“Pookas?” The blonde raised a brow, “But wasn’t there a Pooka representative out in that assembly?” 

Zatanna hummed, finally speaking up, “The Pookas' threat level kinda bounces around, sometimes they’re harmless, and at other times they cause major damage. Right now they’re in the Council’s Good graces, but two–three or so years ago they caused some trouble in New York. Of course, they were stopped, but still with the Pookas…” She trailed off and made a so-so motion with her hand. 

Cassie darted from statue to statue, reading the name and the number out loud: “Moss Monster, 12, Shade demons 11. " Cassie tilted her head at the next statue: " Avemetrus 10…huh, I’ve never heard of that before.” 

“I’m not surprised,” L’gaan commented. The Avemetrus is old but tends to stick to deep water. It usually avoids the coast, but sometimes Hunters get overzealous and transport it to the surface.” 

Wonder Girl nodded and moved on to the next statue, “Hah! Gorgon Sisters 9, I know these ones! Number 8, Octo-puss, yikes! I wouldn’t want to run into that hell-cat, yeesh.” 

Zatanna chimed in, “Number 7, the Hob-Goblin, I’ve run into those before,” she added, chuckling, “not a fun time. And ooh~ Chimeras, number 6, those can be nasty.” 

“Not as nasty as the Kraken, though, chum," La'Gaan cut in, "ranked number 5. Seas, it’s not even as tough as the Kelpie, number 2.” 

“Oh, c’mon,” Zatanna crossed her arms, “are you seriously trying to start a competition over whether the land or sea has more dangerous creatures?” 

“I don’t think you, Landers, would last a second against the deep sea,” La’Gaan boasted. 

Zatanna raised an eyebrow, “Really? Because for your information I’ve fought against a Krylock, ranked number 3 by the way—2 ranks above a kraken—and won. So, who's to say I couldn’t beat a kraken?” 

As the two continued to argue, Cassie continued to inspect the statues, and once again, the snarling dragon caught her attention. She walked back up to the statue that she had almost pulverized and couldn’t help but marvel at it. 

“Are these statues up to scale?” 

La’Gaan scoffed, abandoning his argument with the magician, “No way the Dark Dragon was that small.” 

“That small!” Wonder Girl shouted, turning to look at her teammate, “SMALL! That statue is huge!” 

“I’m sorry, Wonder Girl,” Zantanna interjected, shaking her head, “but La’Gaan is right, this statue of the Dark Dragon is one of him crouching, his estimated height was around 37 feet.” 

“Thirt—” 

“There you are, little one,” a warm voice reached the unlikely quartet. "I see you have found the Chamber of the Thirteen.” 

“Wonder Woman!” Cassie perked up at the sight of her mentor, momentarily forgetting her train of thought. 

“Zatanna, La’Gaan, Lord Fate," Wonder Woman raised a brow at the last one, “it’s time we head back to our quarters. Our meeting… was most enlightening.” 

The three younger heroes traded glances, wondering exactly what had happened in that meeting. The three heroes followed Wonder Woman as she left the Chamber, but Zatanna paused as one didn’t follow. 

“Da–Lord Fate, are you coming?” 

“I will stay behind, I have other matters to attend to.” 

Sighing, Zatanna left, wondering why she even tried in the first place. 

Chapter Text

Location: Draco Isle, N/A Time: 12:30 AM-June 5th

“Jake?” 

Jake flinched like he had been struck at the sound of G's voice and started to wipe at his eyes furiously. Putting on a carefree attitude, Jake turned to his grandfather and tried to smile, but it came out as more of a grimace. 

 “S’up G? Whatcha doing up this late?” He widened his eyes, “Did Fu Dog’s snores wake you up too? Cause I swear, no matter where we are…” Jake trailed off, forced smile fading, “What’s that look for G?” 

Lao Shi studied his grandson before sighing and gliding past, “Sit. I will make tea.” 

The American Dragon watched his grandfather go through the familiar motions of making tea, something that he had seen him do again and again and a horrible thought came to his mind.  

‘ Will this be the last time I see Gramps make tea?’ 

Blinking away the burning sensation in his eyes, Jake made his way to the couch, trying his best not to think about all that had happened in the last twenty-four hours, or all the things he had to get done. 

‘Has it really only been a day?’  

Distantly he heard the clink of a mug on the table. He looked up and couldn’t help the bark of laughter that left his mouth. 

Giggling, he picked up the mug and turned to Gramps, “What gives, G? I thought you hated this mug.” 

The mug in question had been found on a random shopping spree that Haley had dragged Jake on after a Region meeting, the others ended up tagging along. In one of the many stores that the group had frequented that day, Jake noticed the mug off in a random corner and fell in love the moment he saw it. 

The mug had a red outline of what humans depicted as the stereotypical dragon, on a black mug, with gold lettering reading “Long Fairy Tales”. 

He had instantly gone to purchase it and two fist fights, three angry mobs, and haggling with a goblin–the mug was his and Gramps hated it the moment he saw it. Which made it even better. 

Gramps sniffed. “Poor taste aside, this is your favorite mug and you need the ‘pick-me-up’.” 

Shakily, Jake exhaled, “G, what do I do ?” Jake turned to look at his Grandfather, pleading. “This prophecy says three people are going to die, the Council is sure that those three people are me, Danny, and Randy. Do you think they’re right? Are Danny and Randy going to die? …Am I going to die?” 

Lao Shi looked at his grandson, really looked, taking in the dark circles and shiny eyes. The curl of smoke starting to rise from his hair, the peeking fangs, the sharpening claws, and the spreading scales all pointed to Jake’s mounting distress.

He moved forward, taking the mug out of his hands and setting it on the coffee table. He wrapped his grandson up in his arms, allowing him to fall apart, safe for this moment away from the world and its prying eyes, to forget his responsibilities and be protected in his grandfather’s arms.   

_______________________________________

“ Hey, are you guys awake?” Randy whispered into the pitch black room, having given up on counting sheep. 

“Yes,” Danny replied, “That’s why I’ve been on my phone for the past two hours.” 

Randy sat up to give the halfa a stink eye, “Come on, dude, really?” 

Danny shrugged, sitting up as well. The two teens turned to look at the couch for their host, only to see a crumpled up blanket and abandoned pillow. 

Danny leaned forward, squinting his blue eyes, glowing, “Wait, where did Long go?” 

“The kitchen?” 

The two shared a look and nodded. 

The ghost and ninja walked into the living room and found their friend curled up beside his grandfather, drinking tea. 

To put it frankly, Jake looked like shit and the two teens weren’t any better. Quietly as to not disturb the fragile peace of the moment, Randy slinked off to the kitchen on silent feet to pour two more cups of tea and Danny floated gently above the seating area, nodding in thanks when Randy handed him a mug as he took his own seat in an armchair. 

The silence persisted as the four drank their tea and then—

“Can you finish the story?” At Jake’s confused look, Danny continued, “the story of the First Dragon and how the other dragons came to be.” 

At Jake’s side, Lao Shi hummed amused. 

“Ah, sure,” Clearing his throat, Jake continued, “Now where did I leave off–right! Prathama had just finished casting the spell, and the matching iridescence marks in the shape of a dragon appeared on each of the trio’s arms and hands.” 

Jake held out his hand, fire appearing in his hand and starting to take shape. 

The boy-dragon, the twins, each holding out their forearms. The flames shifted to three matching Dragon marks. 

“The twins and Prathama were content, they knew that they cared for each other and now they had physical proof of their bond. The days passed and Prathama stayed away from the village, the three returning to their previous routine, only this time Prathama had an easier time playing with the twins.” 

Three tweens running around in a forest, a past image of Prathama in dragon form getting caught in a tree in comparison to how easily he could run through it now. 

“While the villagers were the last thing on Prathama’s mind, the villagers never forgot about Prathama. Two years had gone by since his disastrous visit to the twins' village and things were good, great even. Prathama had taught the twins everything he knew about magical creatures, and the twins helped him protect them and care for them. The male twin had taken a shine to healing and the female twin had excelled at protecting.”  

Prathama and the twins are older, talking around a fire. The male twin healing a unicorn's leg, the female twin protecting a Sprite village from a Moss Monster. 

“One day, Prathama was alone in the forest, walking through the woods, when he heard footsteps. Thinking it was one of his friends, Prathama turned around only to be speared through the stomach.” 

The dragon in human shape, turning around and getting stabbed through the stomach with a spear by a humanoid shape. 

“Wait, what!” Danny exclaimed, falling on top of Randy and ignoring the yelp he let out.

“Get off!” Randy shrieked, shoving Danny off. 

“No interruptions,” Jake glared, “Anyways…” 

“More villagers quickly came to help the first to overwhelm Prathama, weakened and afraid he lashed out transforming to his true form. The villagers stared at the Dragon in fright, shouting, ‘Monster!’ ‘Changeling!’ 

Prathama transforms into his Dragon form and lashing out with a paw sending villagers flying back. The villagers throw spears and shoot arrows at him, as he roars in pain. 

“The magical creatures, hearing their protector’s cries, rushed in to aid him.” 

Unicorns rush and charge at the humans, Pixies dive bombing and steal their tools, and Goblins run around and trip them before using their own tools against them. 

“The magical creatures ran the villagers out of the forest before turning back to tend to their injured dragon. In a daze, the magical creatures took Prathama back to his lair, a place he had only taken the twins to once or twice,  the place which housed his hoard.” 

“Wait,” Phantom raised his hand, “I know you said no interruptions, but lairs? Hoards?” 

The flames in Jake’s hand sputtered out turning to smoke. Randy chimed in, tilting his head, “Dragons actually have those?” 

“Hmm,” Lao Shit contemplated, muttering something to himself before looking at the two teens and cutting Jake off before he could say something, “Let me explain. Lairs and Hoards are not the same thing, but they go hand in hand, both are very private things for a dragon and are the signs of a healthy one!” Lao Shi’s voice took a slightly pointed and lecturing tone towards the end of his sentence. Cuing a groaning Jake, “G, I know, I know—I just haven’t had the urge to yet. You know that, and Mom told me it is perfectly normal!” 

Side eying his grandson, Lao Shi continued, “A lair for a Dragon could be anything but in most cases it is either their house or their home. Now a lair is to not be mistaken for territory, to continue using this metaphor if a lair is a house then territory could be considered the property around the house.” 

“Now a Dragon’s lair houses their hoard, which can be anything, “ he added sternly, “If a Dragon were to ever show you their hoard, which is the highest of honors and a great display of trust, don’t touch it unless they give you permission. You should never insult a Dragon’s hoard—it’s the gravest of insults and many blood feuds have been started because of that very thing.” 

Randy nodded frantically, not really wanting to ever start a blood feud with a Dragon of all things. Danny nodded before adding, “So it’s kind of like obsessions for ghosts and how it’s a taboo to ask anything about their human life, unless it’s offered up by them.” 

Lao Shi stroked his beard, “In a sense, it is considered polite to inquire about a Dragon’s hoard; many are very willing to brag about theirs, and if they do not wish to speak about it, they will let you know.” 

Jake popped up, “Oh yeah, Councilor Andam loves to talk about his hoard and his fledglings.” Jake laughed. “I cannot tell you how many times I've derailed the dude by getting him to talk about his hoard or his fledglings or even both! His kids are adorable, though," he muttered before slightly shaking his head. 

Jake scoffed, waving his hands around to get their attention, “We’re getting off track. Do you want me to finish the story?” 

“Yes!” Randy shouted, “Prathama had just been taken back to his lair.” 

Jake nodded, holding his hand out and allowing the flames to take shape as he continued the story, “Prathama had been taken back to his lair where he rested to regain his strength, and as he did, the Villagers began to plot.” 

The flames shifted from the curled-up dragon to a mob of villagers talking heatedly. 

“The male twin watched the villagers in horror as they planned to ambush and kill and capture Prathama and the magical creatures that he protected. The boy hadn’t even known that Prathama had already been attacked, and he ran off at once to warn his friend—his soulbond—about the villagers. Never noticing the eyes following him and the evil grins that formed when they realized where he was headed.” 

The boy stared in horror before running off, not noticing the following villagers. 

“The boy knew there was only one place that Prathama could be recuperating at, his lair, and in his panic, the boy had led the villagers right to Prathama’s doorstep. Back at the village, the female twin had returned with food from her hunt to find an almost completely empty village, save a few.” 

The boy in front of Prathama’s lair with the village mob behind him. The girl returning to an almost empty village with her kills. 

“The villagers stormed Prathama’s lair with the boy trying and failing to stop them, back at the village the girl asked around to find out where everyone was and upon hearing they were going to attack Prathama she dropped everything and left instantly, hoping she wouldn’t be too late.” 

The villagers burst past the boy and stormed into the cave to attack a sleeping Prathama. The girl drops her things and sprints to Prathama’s lair. 

“The Villagers start to attack Prathama with everything they have, in pain from his earlier injuries and groggy from being attacked while he slept. Prathama acted on instinct, not able to distinguish friend from foe.” 

Prathama lashed out, striking with his claws and tail, flailing around to get the Villagers to leave. 

“Consumed by his instinct, Prathama didn’t notice one of the Villagers creeping up on him but the boy did. The lone Villager charged Prathama, and only the boy noticed. The boy called out for Prathama, rushing forward, only to be pierced by a spear and then thrown against the cave's wall.” 

The Villagers rushed towards Prathama with a spear, the boy jumping in the way, getting stabbed and then thrown hard against the wall and collapsing once he hit the ground. 

“Prathama stopped dead in his tracks, feeling his soul bond's pain, both of them. At the entrance of the lair staring in shock—she had seen it all. A blood curdling scream erupted, Prathama and the girl’s screams intertwined until no one could tell who was screaming at all.” 

Prathama and the girl stared at the boy’s crumpled form with a silent scream. 

Jake let the fire in his palm go out, he stared at his two friends with a solemn gaze and steady voice, “It’s said that in this very moment, when the girl saw the lifeless body of her twin she swore that she would get vengeance on Prathama and wouldn’t rest until he was dead. This singular moment created the Dragons and all magical creatures’s worst enemy, the Huntsmen.” 

A heavy atmosphere sat between the group, Danny and Randy stunned at hearing the origins of an enemy that Jake had complained about lengthily in the past. 

Randy’s eyebrows furrowed. “That’s heavy, dude, but how does this relate to the different dragon types?” 

“Not that I don’t like a good villain origin story, now and then,” Danny added, “but Randy’s right—what does this have to do with that?” 

Groaning Jake gave the two of them the most unimpressed look ever. “This is the catalyst for why Prathama created the different dragon types, if that had never happened then who knows if Prathama would have created more dragons!” 

Rolling his eyes and ignoring his grandfather’s chuckles Jake started a different story, one that with context, made more sense. Holding out his hand and summoning a flame… 

“Once again, Prathama spent his days alone with only the magical creatures for company. Except this time he was being hunted by his remaining soulbond and her village, whose descendants and the people they recruited would become the modern day Huntsmen, or were the Huntsmen. All who joined had taken up their soulbond mark as a symbol for their cause to represent their group and their hate for all things magical. A mark that had once brought Prathama joy now only brought him dread when he saw it.” 

Prathama alone, with magical creatures, hunted by the Huntsclan, their precious mark becoming a symbol of hate. 

“Getting tired of being hunted but knowing that if he was gone the magical creatures would be unprotected, Prathama reached inside of him, following a will–instinct—not entirely aware of what he was doing. Suddenly, when there had only been one, eight more dragons appeared in the clearing. Baby dragons, fledglings.” 

Prathama cast a spell, and the flame grew until eight more baby dragons appeared in a circle around him, asleep. 

“Prathama, the First, saw them and instantly he knew them.” 

One by one, as the dragons were named, they appeared with their elemental symbol above them. 

“Vidyut, the lightning dragon with striking purple coloring, and static clinging to her. Agni whose bright red scales could only be reminiscent of fire as he breathed out smoke. Bhumi, who blended right in with the green grass, as the earth responded to his subconscious call. Vayu already awake, listening to the wind’s whispers, her gray scales glinting in the sun. Jala's dark blue scales rose up and down like the waves as he slept on. Kavi, who the light reached for even as she yawned, the brightness of her yellow scales sticking out like a sore thumb in the forest. Chaya stumbles to his feet, trying to hide in Prathama’s shadows, his scales pitch black. Lastly, Hima, who silently watched all of this happening, frost spreading from where she lay, the same light blue as her scales.” 

All of the baby dragons get to their feet and try to walk, but stumble around. All of them trying their best to get to Prathama, who can only watch on in shock and awe. 

“From that moment on, Prathama raised the eight baby dragons, evading the ever-growing Huntsclan, and teaching them how to protect all the magical creatures from whatever harm may befall them, external or internal. Even teaching them how to change forms to walk on two legs instead of four and all that he knew about humans.” 

Snapshots of the baby dragons following Prathama like little ducklings, meeting the magical creatures, learning to use their elements, changing forms for the first time, spying on the Huntsclan and Prathama always making sure the Huntsman never saw them. 

“One day, though the eight did not know it at the time, Prathama said his final goodbyes and had one final confrontation with the Huntsman, with his soulbond. That was the last time Prathama was ever seen. The Huntsclan boasted about his death for years, with the Huntsman declaring war on the remaining Dragons and magical creatures, wearing Prathama’s skinned hide.” 

Prathama saying goodbye to eight dragons he had raised, his figure disappearing from view, the Huntsman confronting the eight with the other Huntsmen, wearing a dragon pelt. 

“From that day on, the Huntsmen and the Dragons would forever continue their feud, each side spilling blood, only for the cycle to continue over and over again. Each hiding in plain sight, a Huntsmen only recognizable by the bastardization of Prathama’s soulbound mark.” 

Dragons and Huntsmen locked in battle, other magical creatures appearing as well. Dragons in human form walking in a crowd, only recognizing the huntsman next to them because of the mark. 

 “Until one day the Huntsman were wiped out, by yours truly,” Jake finished the story with a cocky grin. 

“Ugh,” Danny shuddered from where he sat next to Randy, “that Huntsman gives me major Skulker vibes.” 

Randy shot a look at Danny, “Oh yeah remember that time we were hanging out and he just…” 

Jake smiled, watching his two friends talk, sitting next to his unusually silent gramps, drinking tea. Haley–safe and sound asleep in the other room with Fu Dog right beside her. He breathed a relieved sigh knowing that at least the Huntsclan had been dealt with, he had made sure.. 

Suddenly, a thought came to him, “G! How’d this mug get here? I left it at home!” 

Lao Shi looked to the side, ignoring his grandson's questions as he continued to sip his tea. 

______________________________

Location: Draco Isle, N/A Time: 5:03 PM-June 5th

He knew it was bad practice, especially when trying to make a good impression, but J’onn had decided to roam around Draco Isle, invisible while his compatriots were off doing their own thing. 

He had heard Zatanna talking with the two members of the Team that had accompanied them to this strange meeting of creatures that a majority of this world, he had come to call home, had believed were simple fairy tales. Those three had found a hall dedicated to this society's thirteen biggest threats, or what they deemed the most significant threats. 

Lost in his thoughts as he was, he didn’t notice the young girl staring straight at him, her gold slitted eyes never leaving him. Finally feeling her gaze, he stopped and stared curiously at this young thing before him. 

Clearly, based on her pink scales and the elongated ears this little girl was a dragon. 

“It’s rude to stare, you know, and walk around invisible when you’re a guest.” The little girl spoke up, her voice sounding amused and slightly accusing. 

Becoming visible, J’onn regarded the girl before him, “How did you know that I was here? And I apologize for my rude behavior; I tend to roam around invisible.” He mused out loud, “I believe that Green Lantern called it cultural differences between planets.” 

“Hmmph,” The child turned around and started walking before looking back at him with an expectant stare. 

J'onn could only tilt his head, silently expressing his confusion. 

The girl sighed, “Follow me, I’ll be your tour guide.” The girl continued walking, and when he did not follow, even though he couldn’t see her face, he just knew that she had rolled her eyes at him. “What do you want to see?” 

He shrugged and thought ‘Why not?’ Before deciding to follow the little girl, “I had heard there was a hall of Thirteen Threats, it piqued my curiosity.” 

“Hmmm, The Chamber of the Thirteen, not a bad destination for an outsider to choose to see.” The girl abruptly stopped before changing directions, walking back where they had come, “But, if you want to see that, then we’re walking the wrong way.” 

Despite himself, J’onn found himself growing fonder of the little girl and her actions, ‘Would K’hym have been like this or would she have been more shy around strangers?’ 

“You can call me Longnu, Mr. Manhunter.” The child—Longnu’s voice cut through his thoughts. 

“Would it be wrong to assume that is not your real name?” 

Longnu grinned, an impish one with teeth. He felt charmed. “Is Martian Manhunter yours?” 

He laughed and enjoyed the rest of the walk. 

______________________

“I see, so your brother, the American Dragon, has fought all of these threats?” J’onn tilted his head and re-evaluated his opinion on the aforementioned Dragon’s combat ability. 

“Hey! I helped with some of them too!” 

He did the same with Longnu. Looking at the girl he noticed her darkening expression and followed her gaze. He read her loudest thoughts, he had refrained so far,having been told it’s bad manners, although it felt like she was shouting them for all that he tried to ignore it. 

“Why do one and four make you so nervous, child?” 

Longnu flinched but tried her best to hide it. 

“I know that both of them are gone, but…my brother almost died fighting them.” 

“You seem to dislike number four more than number one.” He stated. 

He felt his eyes widen at the hatred in Longnu's eyes. “The Huntsmen ,” she spat that word like a curse, “are the worst threat any magical creature could ever face and they have–had a personal vendetta against all Dragons. J–my brother, especially. I know they’re gone, that he was the person responsible, but—” 

The girl rubbed furiously at her eyes, tears threatening to spill as she talked about long-dead enemies. Perhaps the Huntsmen were the Dragon’s boogeyman. 

He set a comforting hand on Longnu’s shoulder but didn’t push her. As the child, with great poise, collected herself he stared at the statue of the Huntsman. 

A tall woman, taller than Diana, wearing a fierce expression clouded with hatred. Her hair was held back in a long braid and she wore clothes that must have come from an ancient time on this planet, betraying how long the Huntsmen must have been the Dragon’s foes. But most disturbing of all had to be the Dragon skull she wore as a helmet with the matching hide. 

“Longnu,” The girl perked up, sending him a questioning look, “why don’t you show me one of your favorite places?” 

The girl sent him a pleased smile, “I’ll show you the best place on Draco Isle!”

 And they went on their way. 

Chapter Text

Location: N/A Time: Mid Day-N/A

“Kali, enough.” 

The tall woman whirled around, her dark braid whipping behind her. “ You,” She growled. 

The figure stepped out of the tree line further into the Hunter’s sight, “Me.” 

She sneered, “Finally come to die, have you, dragon.” Using the same tone for dragon that one would for the word monster. 

Sighing, the Dragon stepped forward, walking calmly towards the person he had once called a friend, someone with whom his very soul is still bound. 

“ Kali ,” He breathed, less than an arm's length away, “I’m tired and I miss you and I miss Kiran.” 

CRACK—

“How dare you!” She screamed. “How dare you say his name after what you did! YOU’RE THE REASON HE’S DEAD!” 

Kali tackled the grounded Dragon, punching him over and over again, not even noticing the sobs racking her body. 

“How dare you, how dare you!” Another punch. Blood poured out of the Dragon’s nose. “He’s dead! You took my twin ! We trusted you! ” 

A slap. Another sob. “I wish I had never met you, I wish me and Kiran had never stumbled upon you!” 

Her hands gravitated downwards, towards the Dragon’s throat, throttling him. “ You. May the gods damn you to hell, Prathama !” She snarled, “You and all of your kind! I’ll spend the rest of my days hunting all Dragons until they’re extinct! And then I’ll move on to those beasts! ” She shrieked with madness in her eyes. 

Prathama gazed sadly at the sobbing, seething woman, at Kali, his soulbond. He gently grabbed the hands, choking him, rubbing a thumb over the mark, their mark, as he had done a million times before. Back when they were kids, when times were simpler. 

Kali yanked her hands back as if Prathama’s touch burned her. She threw herself backwards off the Dragon, scrambling to her feet. 

Slowly, Prathama got to his, never taking his sad gaze off of Kali, ignoring his still gushing nose and that he was covered in his own blood. 

“I can’t let you hurt them,” Prathama stated. “They’re only children, they’re innocent. Your quarrel is with me, leave them and the other magical creatures alone, please.” 

Prathama took a step forward, and then another, “Kiran would have never stood for this.” 

At the sound of her twin’s name, Kali grew enraged again, “Don’t you ever utter his name again, monster!” 

The Dragon sidestepped the Huntsman, letting the spear fly harmlessly past him. “Kali, please,” Prathama pleaded, “I don’t want to fight you.” 

“Funny,” growled Kali, “that’s all I want to do to you.” 

Prathama continued to dodge, his silver hair and iridescent scales catching the light. Kali tried to tackle him again, but he stepped aside, letting her rush past. Kali turned the tackle into a roll, conveniently landing near her spear and taking it back into her hand. 

Kali screamed and rushed at the Dragon, “TRANSFORM! FIGHT ME IN YOUR TRUE FORM!” 

Tired and giving in, Prathama complied, a multitude of elements overtaking him as he transformed. Only to roar in pain, as Kali did the unthinkable. 

__________________

“Wait,” a young Kali and Kiran looked at their magical companion. Do you have any weaknesses? Oh, so powerful Prathama?” Kiran jokingly asked. 

A young Prathama shrugged, still riding the high from their bonding and staring transfixed at their shared mark. 

“I’m not really sure,” he remarked, “Ummm, Griffin hair doesn’t feel too good and well…” 

Kali sat up, taking Prathama’s marked hand into hers, “Prathy, come on, it’s us. We would never use that information against you.” She took his other hand and looked into his eyes. “Besides, if we know your weaknesses, we can defend them.” 

Kiran leaned against Prathama's currently unoccupied side, “Exactly!” 

Prathama sighed. “I’ve told you both about my reverse scale, but… whenever I switch forms… I feel vulnerable.” 

“Vulnerable?” Kiran asked. 

“Yeah, I’m not sure, but the whole lightshow thing of the elements, it’s just an illusion.” 

“What do you mean?” 

Kiran cut in before Prathama could answer Kali, “Do you mean, it’s like a threat display? Your body instinctively knows that when you switch forms, you’re at your most vulnerable, so the whole ‘lightshow’, as you put it, is there to discourage others from attacking you during it.” 

Prathama stared at Kiran, blankly, for a second, “T–that’s exactly it!” The boy-dragon tilted his head, “How’d you put what I was feeling into words?” 

“'Cause we felt it.” 

Kali stared at Kiran and Prathama, “We felt it,” she repeated. 

__________________________________

Prathama collapsed to the ground, in his true form, in all his bloodied and injured Dragon glory. 

“ Why ?” He whimpered, betrayed to his core, the one thing he had thought that Kali would never have done. 

No one had attacked him or his children before when they had transformed; none of the other villagers had, so he had thought that Kali hadn’t shared that information with them. He foolishly thought that Kali wouldn’t cross that line, that his and Kiran’s Kali was still in there somewhere. 

Kali—No, the Huntsman stalked forward towards her wounded prey. “Because,” She stated coldly, “You killed my brother, and it’s time for you to die.” 

The Huntsman raised her spear before bringing it down straight through the Dragon’s heart, killing her own feelings in her heart as she did, ignoring the pain and heartbreak that wasn’t her own, as she had learned to do. 

As the dark greeted him, Prathama’s last thought was of the home he longed for. One with his children and soulbonds, one where everything and everyone was alive and happy. 

The light left his eyes and the First Dragon, Prathama the First, The Creator, was dead. And the Hunts Clan Leader, Huntsman Kali, got a new pelt.