A Dragon's Welcome

Kate watched in anticipation as the cracks began to widen on the gold and lilac colored egg.

“Oh, Avis, you’re almost here,” she informed her dragon. The only dragons present were Troi, Riker, Caspian, and Nox.

Nox’s own voice invigoratingly joined the fray with his soothing voice of Avis’ hatching. Kate glanced at the large midnight blue, deep grey dragon with sporadic spots of silver. Nox had been surprised when he had bonded with Avis, but he adored his mate. Kate knew her beloved dragon was in excellent care with Nox as her mate.

The night sky colored dragon, had bonded with Zane, his rider, fourteen years past. Kate vaguely recalled when Zane and Nox had become a pair, the details were blurred as she was only two at the time. Nox was a kind dragon, his heart full of love for Avis. He spent his nights in the hatchery just laying with Avis.

As both Avis and Kate began to fall asleep, Nox would tell his dragon mate stories of his various adventures with his bonded rider. Kate could hear the stories from Avis’ thoughts. Often the pair would fall asleep together, never hearing the end of two adventures that Zane and Nox enjoyed.

“You’ll be be here soon, Avis, keep stretching,” Kate softly whispered as she sat beside her beloved dragon.

Riker and Troi stood not too far from behind Kate, sang softly.

‘Kate, dear, she’s getting ready to hatch. It’s best to take a step back,’ Troi gently warned her Rider’s daughter.

Kate looked up to meet Troi’s gaze, with a sigh she moved away to stand between the her parent’s dragons. Riker’s large crimson tail moved in front of her, to protect her from any sort of shell.

Nox and Caspian joined Troi and Riker in song. All the dragons around the rage were singing aloud, to welcome Avis for her incoming arrival. Newborn dragons, always an exciting event in the rage between the flying reptiles and their riders, since it happened only once a year.

‘I want out, now!’ Avis shrieked. Her egg rocked more violently back and forth in the sand. Cracks grew wider, expanded, and spread throughout the golden lilac shell.

‘Soon, Avis, you’re almost here,’ Nox told his mate. Kate smiled at Nox’s soothing baritone voice, her dragon so in love with her mate. Despite being in shell.

Avis pushed herself harder against her shell. She was desperate to escape her confined space. Eagerness filled her to see her parents, mate, brother, and Kate, her beloved Kate with her own eyes. Desperately, she wanted to gaze at Kate in person, she knew what her rider looked like from the thoughts of the dragons who gazed upon her rider. But Avis was determined to see Kate with her own eyes for herself.

‘I want out, now!’ she cried with a hard push of her front legs and wings.

The shell shattered and broke away from Avis. The newborn briefly balanced on her hind legs with her wings fluttering to keep herself upright. Soon, she landed on all four legs. Her silver-grey eyes scanned her surroundings.

Easily, Avis recognized the brunette female, who stood behind her father’s dark red tail. Her bonded rider, met her own gaze. Euphoria swept over Avis, as she attempted to run to her Kate, only to end up on the ground.

“Oh,” the soft voice of Kate rang through the hatchery. “Avis are you alright?”

Kate’s warm hand rested on Avis’ forehead. The silver eyed dragon, softly huffed but nuzzled into Kate’s touch.

‘Kate, you’re so pretty,’ the newly hatched lilac dragon complimented her rider.

Laughter fell from the sable haired teen’s lips. “Thank you, Avis, what a wonderful way to spend my birthday, with the welcoming of my dragon breaking shell,” she happily remarked as she gently petted Avis’ scales along her neck.

Song burst from Avis’ throat as she nudged herself closer to Kate. Happiness, satisfaction, and delight filled the bond between the pair. The smile upon Kate’s lips brightened before movement just behind her summer sunset colored dragon caught her eye.

“There’s someone you need to meet, my little bird,” Kate gently reminded her dragon. “Just behind you,” she added in a whisper.

With quiet steps, Kate pulled back and moved between Troi and Riker to watch the first first meeting between Avis and her Nox.

-fin

A/N: I'm back in the Avis Dragon 'verse. Please expect a few more pieces these next few weeks. I've been hit in the head by my dragon muse. Finally, she's hatched! Poor kid's been in the shell for nearly two years!

Lunch Time (Star Trek 2009)

Ella Pike sighed in relief once the bell rang, dismissing her Human Anatomy class. It had been an interesting lecture, the class had been informed that they would have a lab assignment with the cadavers, to demonstrate what they learned. The nursing student didn’t fully understand why they need the cadaver, but she wasn’t going to question her teachers. At least not in front of them.

The brunette female made her way out of the building. She grinned as she spotted two familiar faces passing the medical lecture building.

“Jim, Leo,” she called out to get her friends’ attention.

The two males turned to see Ella. She sent them a wave as she moved to cat up with them. Both separated to allow her to stand in between the pair.

“Hey Ella,” Jim Kirk greeted as he looked at his adviser's daughter with a bashful grin on his face.

“Hey, Jim, how was class?” she asked, as they continued moving. Jim led the way to the Academy’s cafeteria.

A snort came from Ella’s right. The female looked at the doctor with a raised eyebrow. “What did he do, Bones?” she asked, if his reaction was an indication, it was going to be a good story.

“He spent half the time, arguing with our teacher. Admiral Archer’s son, Captain Matthew Archer. Literally, they were yelling at each other about the better strategies of preventing or stopping an invasion,” he grumbled as he sent Jim a harsh glare over Ella’s head.

Ella softly sighed before she looked at her blonde friend, “I’m not going to ask for your side. But be wary of Captain Archer, Jim. He’s an excellent Cpatain, and one of Starfleet’s youngest Captains. He was not given his own ship because of his parents. He earned his title, just like my brothers, and they all graduated within a few years of each other,” she reminded Jim with a stern warning in her tone.

Jim chuckled at Ella’s statement. “If I didn’t know any better, Ella, I would say you’re smitten with Captain Archer,” he commented with an impish grin.

Blue-grey eyes widened at the statement that had been uttered from Jim Kirk’s mouth. “I’ve known Captain Archer most of my life. In case it slipped your mind, he is good friends with my brothers and dad. Just like we’re good friends with Admiral Archer and his wife,” she answered with pursed lips and furrowed.

As Jim opened his mouth to comment, another voice beat him to the punch. “Alright, knock it off you two. One of you is going to burst a blood vessel,” Bones loudly ordered as he looked at the two. “Besides, I heard the cafeteria is serving apple pie today.”

Ella and Jim both broke into peals of laughter at Bones’ enthusiasm for apple pie.

Ella shook her head, her brown waves swaying at the motion. “Only you, Leonard McCoy, only you,” she said with a grin as she patted the good doctor on the shoulder.

Leo sighed as he watched the young nurse take the lead, he diligently followed after. Jim just behind her as well, as they entered the building that held various food kiosks of foods from the many galaxies, Starfleet had encountered over the years.

“Let’s get lunch, then meet at our usual table?” Jim suggested as his eye caught sight of Galea, an Orion, her green skin and red hair glowed under the lights.

Both Bones and Ella agreed, as they watched James T. Kirk chase off after the female alien. Ella rolled her eyes before she turned her attention to her other friend. “Come on, Leo, let’s go find you some pie. Maybe we can get a whole one to split between the two of us.”

-fin

Ardeth's Visit (Mummy)

Zarnak stood beside her father, as he waited for the arrival of their visitor. She had heard the rumors of Ardeth Bay, he was the Commander of the First Medjai tribe. His father was the Chieftan of the twelve tribes, but Ardeth was due to inherit the title. Just as Oded, Zarnak’s brother, was set to inherit the title of Commander of the twelfth tribe from their father.

“Remember to mind your manners, Zarnak,” her father advised as they waited for Commander Bay.

“Yes Abu,” she answered, a soft sigh escaped her lips.

Suddenly, in the distance a rider appeared. Zarnak’s golden gaze spotted the black stallion as it fast approached with its rider astride. The female medjai watched and waited for Ardeth Bay.

He pulled to a stop not far from the duo. Ardeth jumped off his horse and moved to the pair. The Medjai Commander greeted his fellow Commander, before his attention turned to Zarnak.

“You must be Zarnak,” Ardeth said as he looked at the brunette female with his dark eyes. “Your brother speaks very highly of you,” the Commander addressed. He reached forward and placed a kiss to her knuckles, his eyes locked onto her own.

“Thank you,” she replied softly, as she pulled her hand away. “Oded has spoken highly of you, Commander Bay.”

She stepped back as her father moved forward. “Come Ardeth, let us return to camp,” Zarnak’s father suggested. He sent his daughter a warning with his eyes.

Zara looked down, her cheeks flushed. She knew she would later be getting a lecture from her abu about her behavior with Commander Bay. Her Umi had hoped that she would leave an impression that would make the Commander desire her, but Zara did not want to be an object. She was a warrior, she had no desire to marry or have children.

The trio walked the short distance back to the camp of the twelfth tribe. Ardeth held the reigns of his horse as he walked beside Mohad. Together they spoke softly with another of the various news and reports of different camps. Zara kept a fair distance from the men to give them some semblance of privacy. While she was a Medjai warrior, her father had often kept things from her, as he felt she contributed little to the tribe.

Golden eyes swept the area, in constant motion as they reached the village. As they reached the stables, Zara caught her father’s eye and nodded towards the training arena. Mohad gave a simple nod.

Zara smiled before she turned and ran to the arena.

Mohad’s eyes followed after his daughter. He hated the idea of his only daughter being a warrior, but Oded had allowed her train. His son had taken her under his tutelage and guided her as she completed her training with the others her age.

Zara was one of the youngest warriors at sixteen, but she still needed some more training. The female was sufficient with sais and the short sword. She grabbed her sais. She easily spotted her friend and fellow Medjai, Mana.

“Mana,” she called out.

“Zara, you’re back,” the brunette rushed to hug her friend.

Zara laughed but returned her friend’s hug. “We didn’t go far. Practice with me?” she asked with a stressed smile.

“Of course,” Mana assured her friend. She patted Zara on the shoulder.

Soon, the pair were looking at each other. Arms raised and prepared for battle. Seht, Mohad’s second-in-command counted off. At his word for attack, Zarnak and Mana moved towards each other.

Zara’s sais clashed with Mana’s. The girls swiped, dodged, and ducked at each other’s coming attack. Zara sank down when Mana attempted to stab her in the face. She swiped a leg out, to knock Mana on her back.

As the fight continued, other warriors stopped to watch the pair. Both knew each others strength and weaknesses. The duo pushed the other to get stronger and better, the crowd watched. Seht kept a critical gaze on Zarnak and Mana, he had easily spotted a few mistakes.

Seht saw Mahod and Ardeth enter the training arena. As the two men joined Seht, he kept his eyes on Mana and Zara. “You should be proud, Mahod, she has shown great improvement,” Seht told his commander.

Ardeth watched as Zara and Mana fought each other. His eyes followed the movements of Zarnak, the female he had heard so much about. Oded’s stories of Zara were full of admiration and fondness. He knew that Oded adored his younger sister, she had willingly defied Mahod to join the Medjai. Her story fascinated him, and he hoped to eventually have patrol rotations with her.

-fin

Sunset on the Nile (Charmed)

A smile crossed Sapphire’s lips as she soaked in the warmth that came for the Egyptian sun. The Nile was smooth and calm, as the Deveraux witch sat on the dock and dangled her feet into the river.

“You’re enjoying yourself, too much,” a voice smugly commented from behind the teen.

Sapphire glanced over her shoulder. She easily spotted and recognized her best friend’s older brother. “Wyatt, what are you doing her here?” the sixteen year old female asked in surprise.

“Mel was worried, she sent me to look for you. Imagine to my surprise that after using the scrying crystal, you were here in Egypt. Why are you here?” a curious expression on his face as he crossed his arms.

The purple haired teen rolled her eyes, “I’m visiting some family with my mom for the month. It’s kinda what we we do. July is spent in Egypt with my mom’s family, August in France with dad’s family. It’s how my summer’s have been for the last eleven years, just after their divorce.

“Next time, Mel asks bring her with you. My aunts and uncles have been wanting to meet my best friend. Especially given the fact that she’s a daughter of a Charmed One. And no I didn’t advertise that information, my Aunt Isis recognized your mom from one of the pictures that I brought to show off some of my adventures with Mel.”

Wyatt chuckled as he sat down next to the teenager, “I’ll ask Mom, but it shouldn’t be an issue. Mel will probably freak out, a little.”

The Twice Blessed Child paused as he took in the scenery around him, the wind blew gently it felt nice to enjoy the warmth of the sun. “So, this is the Nile. It’s pretty,” he admitted as he looked over at Sapphire.

Bright blue eyes met brown as Sapphire met Wyatt’s gaze. “Yeah, I love the fact that our family owns a house by the river. Dad owns a house on the beach in France. I spend most of my summers swimming or soaking in the sun. I love the beaches at home, but there’s something more peaceful or different,” she admitted aloud as her attention moved back to the river.

Wyatt closed his eyes and enjoyed the salt filled air, “Yeah, there is,” he agreed as he bumped his shoulder into Saph’s.

Sapphire laughed at the twenty-one year old’s antics. The pair sat on the dock and enjoyed the brilliant sunset together. A few words were exchanged but the duo primarily watched as the sun reflected off the water.

From the doorway, a crowd of Imar witches watched the duo. All were curious about who was with the Deveraux witch, none dared to interrupt. Both Zara and Isis, Sapphire’s mother and aunt smiled at the sight of the Halliwell male with Sapphire. Isis could easily see the bond between the two. While, it wasn’t a romantic bond, the witch who resided along the Nile could easily tell that this was a precious bond. One that could eventually become romantic if nurtured and taken care of.

-fin

Someone is Watching (Charmed)

Sapphire stopped and looked over her shoulder, confusion on her face as she looked around. Nobody stood out as an obvious stalker, but the twenty year old witch was not going to chance it. She pulled out her phone and called a familiar number, as it started ringing Saph made her way towards the library.

“Sapphire,” Wyatt answered as she sat on the steps outside the building.

“Wyatt, will you come get me?” she quietly asked as she looked around. Her wariness was getting to her, as the unease filled her chest.

“Yeah, Chris and I are a few minutes away. Where do you want to meet?”

“I’m at the library, right now,” she replied as she hugged her bag closer to her chest.

“You’ll be okay, just keep talking to me until we get there. You sound spooked, and I’m not going to leave you on your own. You’re going to be okay, Sapphire, I promise.”

Her bright blue eyes peeked around her, she kept scanning the crowd to see anything. Nothing stuck out, but she knew the person could be invisible or even camouflaged in disguise.

“I keep feeling like someone is following or watching me. But whenever I look no one’s there,” she whispered into the phone.

“Don’t worry, Saph, I just parked the car. We’ll be there soon,” Chris vowed as he spoke up for the first time.

“Thank you,” she sighed out loud. Her eyes flickered around her the environment that surrounded her. Bright blue eyes looked for two familiar faces, one of whom was her Whitelighter.

“Do you want us to run?” Wyatt asked in a playful tone.

“No, but hurry, please,” she said as she searched for the two Halliwell sons.

“We’re almost there, Sapphire,” Wyatt reassured her with a warm tone in his voice.

A few seconds later, the witch saw Wyatt and Chris. She hung up her phone and grabbed her bag. Before, she ran down the stairs, at the last three she jumped. Impulsively, Sapphire threw herself into Wyatt’s arms. She felt safe in his arms as if nothing could touch her.

The honey brown haired male caught his charge and hugged her tightly to his chest. The Whitelighter held her, he gently rubbed his hand up and down her back. He looked over her shoulder and met Chris’ worried stare.

Sapphire was not one to scare easily. If something like this was causing her to panic, there had to be something. Something they weren’t seeing. It was one of those moments, where Wyatt wanted to ask his mom if she knew something or had any ideas.

“Come on, let’s get you back to the manor,” Wyatt suggested as he pulled away to get a better look at Sapphire. Her eyes filled with unshed tears, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and led her back to the car.

Chris stood on her left, he grabbed her left hand between his and gave it a quick squeeze.

“You’ll be alright, Saph,” We’ll help you with this, Mom said something about cherry fudge brownies this morning, when I called earlier,” he commented as he looked down at his brother’s charge and baby sister’s best friend.

Sapphire perked up at the mention of chocolate brownies. When she had first enjoyed said brownies, she became hooked. Piper Halliwell and her mom always baked a batch for her, on those rough days. Piper had become a second mother to her in the four years, that they’ve known each other. Paige and Phoebe, often joke that Saph was adoped into the family. In some ways it seemed true. During holidays, Sapphire and her parents were invited to spend it at at the manor.

She’s grew close with all of the Halliwell family members, including Penny, Prue, Grams, and Victor. The twenty year old had become a family member, one that the Halliwell’s would always help. Her own parents, despite being divorced were close with the Halliwell family.

Together, Chris and Wyatt guided Sapphire back to their car. She felt safer with the two brothers by her side. When they reached the car that belonged to Wyatt, Chris climbed into the drivers seat. While, Wyatt joined in Sapphire in the back as they made their way back to the Manor. Sapphire rested her head against Wyatt’s shoulder.

-fin

Unexpected News (Charmed)

Sapphire glanced at Wyatt out of the corner of her eye. She and the eldest Halliwell son, had been summoned by the Elders. Confusion filled her as she looked at the clouded home of the Elders.

“Why are we here?” Wyatt asked with a frown on his face.

Sapphire could hear the annoyance in his voice. The purple haired knew the Halliwell family did not have a good relationship with the watchers of the magical community. The Elders had given the family a lot of grief, especially Piper and her marriage to Leo.

Many witches got in trouble with the Elders, but none more so than the Halliwell clan. Things were tense on a good day, but most of the time it was hostile between the two groups.

“You are here for your new assignment, Mr. Halliwell,” one answered with a bored tone in his voice.

“Assignment?” Wyatt asked as he skeptically looked at the gold robed Elder in front of him.

“Why am I here, then?” Sapphire asked with a raised hand. She looked around the room at the group of Elders and a few select Whitelighters.

The Elders chuckled at her question, Sapphire crossed her arms with an annoyed expression across her face. She was not amused with the Elders’ humor.

“Oh, Miss Deveraux, you are hilarious. Your are young, Mr. Halliwell’s charge. Enjoy yourself Mr. Halliwell, Miss Deveraux is a handful,” the Elder replied with a wave of his hand.

Blue white orbs surrounded the pair before they fully regenerated back in Halliwell Manor.

Wyatt and Sapphire glanced at each other, once in full form.

“I really hate the Elders,” Sapphire grumbled as she moved past Wyatt to the kitchen.

Wyatt trailed after his charge, he stood in the doorway and watched his mom and Sapphire. His mom was cooking dinner and Sapphire sate comfortably at the island in one of the bar stools.

“So, what did the Elders want?” Piper asked as she stood chopping various vegetables

“They wanted to assign Wyatt his charge,” Sapphire answered as she snatched a few vegetables to snack on.

Piper paused in her task. “Really, why were you there?”

Sapphire rolled her eyes as she thought of an answer for Piper’s question. “Because it’s me. I’m his charge,” she admitted with a sheepish smile. Her bright blue eyes met Piper’s with a wide grin.

Piper stopped and placed the knife down. She moved around the island, and wrapped an arm around the purple haired teen’s shoulders. “Well, at least you spend a lot of time. So, Wyatt won’t have to travel too far, unless you’re in Egypt or France,” the Halliwell Matriarch said with a grin.

Giggles escaped Sapphire’s lips at Piper’s comment. “That’s true,” she agreed with a bright smile.

“I’m just glad my first charge is someone I know,” Wyatt commented from the doorway.

Piper smiled at her son, before she moved back to her vegetables. Wyatt slipped into the room and sat next to Sapphire. The trio spoke about Wyatt’s duties to Sapphire as her Whitelighter, and the details that being a Whitelighter to a witch entailed.

“Wyatt, your dad and Aunt Paige will be able to help you with any questions. While, Saph, you can ask your mom or any of us Halliwell’s. But generally your Whitelighter is meant to be there to protect you from any harm magical related,” Piper explained as she looked at Sapphire with fond smile.

Sapphire peaked at Piper with her blue eyes, through her eyelashes. “Thanks, Piper,” the dark purple haired teen said. She grabbed a few slices of bell pepper to snack on with a bowl of sour cream and bullion powder.

Piper’s smile grew brighter as she turned back to finishing dinner. “Are you staying for dinner?”

Sapphire glanced at Wyatt out of the corner of her eye. She didn’t see any type of discomfort in the idea of her staying for dinner.

“Yeah, if that’s alright. I just need to text my mom and let her know,” she answered with a grin. She pulled her phone out of her jean pocket and sent a message to both her mom and dad. The seventeen year old female did not want panicked parents on her case.

-fin