During the era of land, there were people of all varieties on the surface. While mankind had their fair share of troubles the time before their downfall seemed on the outset quite peaceful. As if to follow the peaceful periods prior to it in their sense of progression, it ended abruptly. People who had previously thought the troubles of their world had finally gone from their lives and only will remain history had been rudely reminded that the world gives mercy to none. This reminder came not in the form of a natural phenomenon but instead it came in the form of a monster, a beast that most chalked up to myth and tales of the misinformed people of the past, a dragon. It was at all at once did they emerge, as if brought by a force unknown to set fire to the skies and boil the seas are the intense flames. The following years left scorched lands as the only backdrop left to the conflict at hand. It was a war like no other, in an ironic sense a war that brought humanity closer than any war before if nothing else but for necessity, at least in the beginning.
However, mankind as of the dragons awakening had their fangs dulled, as to emphasize the consequence of an incautious peace. The dragons did not hold any compassion for the former usurpers of the land, to them they were nothing more than a hindrance to their conquest and did not earn their place at the top. Mankind fought the dragons in droves expanding the horizon. However, if anything they only served to slow the dragons, their flesh burnt along with the land they cherished and home they wanted to protect. The war carried on for so long that the children of the first warriors came to continue the fight the previous generations couldn’t finish. From the ashes of repeated defeats came for heroes to emerge, brought together by their wish for peace to return and reclamation of the livelihood they lost or never had the chance to even experience. These heroes held the means to slay the dragons with weapons tempered by the fires of war and experience left to them by their ancestors. They were vast and many in quantity, however by the end they too all slowly burned away with the flames and to those who were left, a fate most unkind.
The dragons who died as perhaps a sign of respect or a sign of resentment sent their magic to the offspring or soon to be offspring of the heroes who slain them. These granted them their features and their strength, destructive claws, scales tough enough to deflect blades and bullets adorned their limbs, horns and tails the signs of any dragon, and eyes that let them see clearer than man could ever achieve. To some however, they ceased being human, they were cursed, bound to the magic and call of the dragons, thus granting them their name Bound. Slowly as the threat of dragons waned, strong they still were, factions all over spread tales true and false on their worries of these children and their potential lineage. Some feared they were destined to grow into dragons, some believed them to be unholy leftovers of dragon's will and some even felt that the heroes were simply making a show and that they were dragons ready to strike from within. Doubt to their fellow man was not unheard of in the past, and these ones had lost their homes, their futures and their past to the dragons. Dragons were monsters, demons, living disasters that have ravaged the very foundation of life. They were not able to even attempt to accept the children of the heroes who saved them, for they too could become just as fearsome. These embers of doubt erupted into a flame of conflict when humanity thought the dragon were no longer of importance.
The infighting caused the war to become a three way deadlock between the remains of the last dragons, the factions of humanity who desired simply to get rid of the actual dragons, and finally those who wanted to get rid of all traces of the dragons, the heroes and their kin included. Humanity quickly realized their blunder; they were no match for dragons. To have brought back dragons so far only made their resolve fiercer. They knew humanities strength and what their fallen brethren granted them. As the dragons were on their last legs their king came to the forefront, a mighty creature who stood as tall even amongst dragons. With him and his kin they turned their loss back and even made for lost ground. Using the now shattered and segmented society humans had to divide and conquer. Although, even with this the king underestimated the sheer tenacity the humans and even the bound had left in them. Eventually leaving only the king to remain.
The war neared its end with humanity and the bound, those with dragon blood, facing the real possibility of extinction. There was no home left for them after this. It had all been burnt away by this time, leaving not even a future if they achieved victory. In the silence of the quite depressing reality settled upon those on the surface, as if by the sound of chimes, the ravaged sky opened up for what only people could describe back then as the mystical Phoenix to come swooping in from the heavens, their brilliance and glow permeated the land below signaling to all on the surface of their arrival. They were called the Astrals, large bird-like creatures whose large soaring wings and affinity for magic, they appeared in various locations led by their king; whose true name was only understood by those native to the air. To those on the surface he was known as Sol for his brilliance was akin to the sun. The humans and bound had a choice of joining his kingdom or staying on the surface to die. Humanity while wary accepted their chance for no other was available to them. With that they were lifted into the realm of the sky, above the clouds and out of reach the place they once called home.
The Astrals were already the rulers of the sky, and as such the surface dwellers were at their mercy however, they were simply left to live in their kingdom, albeit initially at a lower rank of the Astrals who already lived there. These Astrals as well who now acquired new subjects gifted them the power to understand magic. Reasons why are yet to be known. With more subjects also demanded land, something foreign to the realm of the sky, as such the Astrals sacrificed their mythical forms to use ancient magic to bring more land from the surface and terraform them into places for all to live, resulting in them losing their forms. humans, and the bound. The result of that use of magic left them to look like the people they have brought from below, although with obvious disparity. Wings on their backs, feathers took the place of hair for them, and talons for hands and feet. Thus, the people of the land were able to continue from then on, though with scars of what occurred etched into their hearts.
****
“And thus, ends the story to the formation of our new kingdom” a young man said
“Great, wonderful, please tell me more, I insist” said by a bound of similar age yawning all the while
The two sit across one another in their homely dorm. A location on the outer islands of the kingdom. The young bound took a glance out the window, a sea of clouds of varying shades below this land as far as the eye can see. To be cooped up in this room was unbearable even if it’s with his best friend.
“Sharp, come on you got to pay attention, or you’ll never be able to blend in well with historical types up in the noble district” the young man emphasized his point showing the review material he had in his sack. His name was Thomas.
Sharp sighed “Right, like I give a one or two for those guys. As far as I’m concerned they don’t know me and I don’t know them” he said dismissively
“Whaddya mean, it’s the only way to get any change down around here! Sure, the people there are a little snooty” admitted with a sigh “…but we gotta work with what we got” his friend said
“Maybe you do but I got myself a nice cozy little job and everything, even got my own place now you know” Sharp says with a grin “Give me some time and a change will be happening for yours truly”
“Well, that kind of job can only get you so far before you get caught. It’s a miracle you haven’t already” he got up and grabbed his sack “Seriously, a good number of the students' parents have mentioned you via your, ‘business’ title. At this point the whole upper class will be after your hide”
Sharp laughed off Thomas’ concern “No miracles needed,” he said with a smirk getting up as if to prepare to pose “no hide or hair of mine will be caught off of Sca-” Thomas covered up his mouth quickly to stop Sharp’s showboating
“Shut up, not even Madam could keep silent if she heard you were Scales!” Thomas angrily whispered
Sharp tapped Thomas' arm to indicate he made his point, once released he said “Fine, fine. I don’t want her to get involved I guess” he relaxed and continued “Besides, my information selling is through someone else. and that particular business associate really values my, err, goods”
“I wish you didn’t get me involved I get nervous every time I read the daily report” Thomas looks outside if anyone was nearby “And whenever you start talking about that work you know”
“Well the second one shouldn’t be a concern right now. It’s just Madam today, the other kids are in school. Now come on I didn’t come for history I came to help her out around the house”
Thomas relaxed his shoulders “Right but you can’t be too sure”
These two were part of the orphanage in their teens, they never asked each other what happened. They knew all too well whatever the reason the other most likely didn’t want to share. That and the fact they came at similar times is perhaps why they were able to become fast friends. They both left for the Academy at the age of maturity for the kingdom, being accepted despite having no backing other than Madam, the Directress of the orphanage. This was only achievable due to Thomas' extraordinary intelligence and Sharp’s natural linguistic flair. However, the rules of the academy never appealed to Sharp, nor did it give him what he desired. As such he slacked on his academic life and went on to become Scales the thief, though not of just gold or material items, but also of information. He earned quite the reputation selling his information to rival nobles who used their newfound information for blackmail and all the like. Although one may not assume as much seeing as he’s in the gardens behind an orphanage plucking out weeds.
“Been years since our annual trips but this place still has a knack for growing weeds.” Sharp complained. While Sharp was cunning enough to feign Academic prestige and excel at thievery his strength left much to be desired. Not even the benefits of being bound can supplement his lack of natural bulk.
“Well, you’re the one who came up with the idea to come here today, not that I didn’t want to go but thinking on your grand new profession you’d think yourself above it” Tom was much better at this work than Sharp. He kept a strong routine of both mind and body
The orphanage laid upon an island in what's considered the forgotten circle. The outskirts of the ring of floating islands that make up the kingdom. Sharp and Thomas contribute in the fieldwork whenever they can. Separately Sharp helps by sending a portion of his earnings after every successful job and Thomas makes sure the people in the outer circle are reminded of the orphanage so they can get a share of the basic necessities every week.
“I see your point, but it’s been a year since our last visit, it’d be rude not to at least come by sometimes ya know? Plus, regardless of what my life is now this place brings back some pretty good memories”
A woman comes by them with 2 cups of water in hand “I’m very fortunate to have you two come by today, especially in this heat” she puts the two cups on a table
“Don’t mention it” Sharp says as he slinks past to grab a cup “If you need help, call us up anytime, ya know”
“Yeah,” Thomas follows up “We’re forever grateful for you lookin’ after us Madam. And thanks for the water, we could’ve gotten it ourselves”
“You know despite being the head of this place I’m only just a bit older than you, I can very much still take care of this place, also just call me Miss Terra if you have to be so formal.” she says in a exasperated tone “While I don’t have many hands to help with fieldwork, I still feel bad having you work only a day after your graduation.”
“Ah, so five years is only just a bit it seems” Sharp couldn’t help to think to himself only to get a glare from Terra causing him to choke slightly on his drink
Due to her motherly nature, Sharp couldn’t help not to think of her as more of an adult than either him or Thomas despite being the Academy’s graduates. Though Sharp’s achievement in this aspect was more due to Thomas’ help with his studying rather than his own talent.
After a long day's work, they were able to finish up the chores for the orphanage. The kids came back home and were quite excited to see their two role models return home. Sharp and Thomas played with them until sunset. Although after the combination of gardening and the infinite energy required of keeping up with children, they went into the night exhausted.
“Alright Tom, I think that’s where we call it for our visit” Sharp said panting as he sat on the lobby floor near the entrance of the orphanage
“Guess so, but Sharp, you should still catch up on your studies” Thomas said leaning on the wall next to where Sharp was sitting right next to the door
Sharp clicked his tongue “Why have you been so insistent on this today? It’s been 5 months so I assumed you would’ve given this up by now, especially after graduation ya know”
“Well, I was given an opportunity of sorts” Thomas began, causing Sharp’s interest to be piqued “Considering my good reputation at the academy, I’ve been given the opportunity to join the King’s council”
Sharp nodded slowly taking the info in “Well, that’s what one should expect of half of the prodigy tag team I suppose”
“I convinced them to give you the same chance” Thomas said causing Sharp’s ears to stand up straight “I know that you’re not the highest fan of nobles bu-” Thomas stopped talking as he saw the look in Sharps eyes “A no, huh” he sighs “I guess I should’ve expected that response”
“You’re probably right. Still, I see why you were so insistent about this.” Sharp pauses before continuing “But even with this opportunity I won’t go to join up with any noble, for a variety of reasons”
Thomas sighs “Well, then we may need to keep a distance from now on” Sharp gave him a confused look before Thomas continued “Like you I’ve never really cared for nobility but there are many things I want” he grits his teeth “need to do. So if I’m gonna need to be a noble to do that. I’ll do just that”
The atmosphere was still and Sharp stared at the ceiling as Thomas opened up the door.
“We never talked about it much, but I need answers to many things about my life. Answers I would never get on my own, other than being close to the top of the crop.” He turns to look at Sharp directly “If your circumstances were anything like mine, I can see why you go to the lengths you do, and possibly why you hate the nobility, but, I just can’t follow you there.”
“Well you were never cut out for my type of work anyways.” the bounds laughs “too honest for your own good, almost leaked it to Miss that you gave me extra assistance in the Academy a number of times” Sharp looked down at the floor and then faced Thomas head on “Well, I know you as you. Not as one of those nobles.” He takes a deep breath “And you will always be someone I can trust. We may goin are separate ways now but hey” He extends his hand “We’re in this together, through thick and thin”
Thomas grins “Suppose so, huh.” he clasps at Sharps hand and helps him up “Let's make a bet whoever finds out the truth first is the number one of our little duo”
Sharp laughs “You just set yourself up for failure” He walks out the door and turns back towards Thomas “I’m Scales, the Thief of Secrets. There’s no way I will be left in the dark about who our mutual enemy is longer than you.”
Thomas smiles “Actin all cool huh.” He puffs his chest out to Sharp “I’m not gonna be any slouch either. Don’t underestimate Thomas Aegis, unlike you I don’t need any shortcuts” he releases the air he used puff his chest out laughing and walks out. Sharp looks as he walks away now filled with a competitive drive. Though when it came to motivation to find out more about his past he supposes he didn’t really need help there to begin with.
