Prompt: "In a prophecy-driven realm, a banished royal must reclaim their throne through a perilous journey, showcasing their bad-ass traits in the face of adversity and forging unexpected alliances. Write a short story that delves into their unwavering determination, unmatched skills, and unwritten destiny."

     Dusc sat anxiously as the Elders of his thunder gathered in the great hall. Whispers echoed off the walls; they grimed at him as they entered. The Weyrleader stepped forward; he perched on his large boulder in the middle of the cave. His voice booms through the room; his eyes coldly fixed on the young dragon in the middle of the room.

     "Dusc, prince of Drakonspire, shadowborn." he begins, his voice deep and booming. "For generations, our thunder has held to the prophecy - that the shadowborn dragon will one day bring darkness to light." He paused, allowing the other elders to agree. "You have been blessed, allowed to stay here beyond the age of hatchling, because you are son to our mighty king, lord Pyrus, and queen, Lady Radia." His eyes gaze down upon Dusc. "Due to your lineage, you have been kept safe; however, that protection can no longer save you."

     "You judge me by my scales, Elder, not by my heart. I am not the sinister monster in your slumberous nightmares." He cried, but the elder's face remained set in stone. Dusc stood taller, showing off his size. His graphite gray scales shone in the light of the glowworms above his head. "I am not the dragon of this ancient tale." Dusc glanced over to his mother, the queen of light; her icy eyes held sorrow. Dusc looked to his father, seeing shame burning in his fiery eyes; Dusc returned his gaze to the Elder. "Go now, shadowborn, be thankful for a banishment. Return to Drakonspire and feel the force of our mighty thunder." Dusc looked over the crowd, searching for any dragon to stand up for him; nothing.

     Drakonspire is situated at the top of a frozen mountain. Dusc placed his claws on the ledge; the clouds blocked his view of the unknown world below his home. He did not know what lay in waiting for him. He took a deep breath, then spread his majestic gray wings, his scales catching the dying light of day. He vaulted off the ledge in a quick swoop, descending into the strange world.

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     Dusc soared above an emerald forest; he then landed in a small clearing by a creek. The woods around him felt ancient and full of mystery. He studied the landscape, making note of all the things he had heard stories about growing up. One thing he was not prepared for, was the feeling of the soft green grass below his claws. He dug his massive feet into the ground and wiggled with excitement. Tall trees stretched high into the sky, creating a canopy over him. The setting sun's rays leaked through the branches, casting light and darkness across the forest floor. 

      He was awakened from his bewilderment by the sound of a fire crackling. He hastily drifted into shadow form and camouflaged himself to match his dark surroundings; slowly edging closer to the sound.

     What is this? He thought to himself as he stared at the small creature who walked on two legs. It was little and slender, with pointed ears. He looked down at his four powerful legs. What a silly thing to do. He watched as the creature sat down beside the fire and added more wood to the flames. It can make fire. How interesting... Dusc studied the creature for a few moments, then decided to make himself known.

     "Greetings, I mean you no harm tiny creature." Dusc spoke softly. He emerged from the shadows and stepped into the warm fires glow. The creature stumbled backwards, his hand flying towards his side.

     "Dra... Dra... Dragon!" The creature's eyes shined bright with fear. "Dragons have not flown these skies since the evil shapeshifter walked the land. Do not come any closer!"

      "Shapeshifter? I am no shapeshifter, I am Dusc." Dusc plopped down on the grass. "What is your name little one?" He asked.

     The creature stood still for a moment, looking at Dusc hind-leg, before hesitantly answering. "Tirillian, and I am an elf, dragon. And I happen to be fairly average for my size."

     "Come." Dusc lifted his large claw. "Sit with me, Tirillian." Tirillian sat back up by the fire. "Ellllfff.." he repeat slowly; attempting to say it the way he did.

     "That's right." Tirillian responded.

     "Elves can make fire?" he asked.

     "Haha... Not the same way you can, dragon."

     "I cannot make fire; I do not have that ability." Dusc settled down into the grass, his long legs bending under him.

     "I thought all dragons could?" Tirillian asked.

      "Drakonspire doesn't work that way, I'm not sure how it works in other thunders." He paused for a moment, thinking about his home; then he continued, "Each dragon is born with unique magic and abilities; no two dragons are the same."

      "Interesting. What is your magic?" Tirillian asked. Dusc looked down at the grass, debating on revealing his shame. "I am a shadow dragon."

     "Is that how you were able to hide in the shade over there, because I could not see you at all!" he said. Dusc was taken aback by this, he never had someone excited or impressed by his ability. Most feared it or looked at him in disgust; he sat up proudly, "Yes, I have the ability to shift into the darkness and camouflage myself."

     "I wish I could do that." Tirillian said. A moment of silence passed between them.

     "May I ask you something?" Dusc tilted his head and Tirillian nodded.

     "What was this shapeshifter you spoke of?" Dusc asked.

       Tirillian's smile fell from his mouth, time passing before he spoke. "Proteus. Many moons ago, he walked the earth. Sowing himself into different forms to emit suffering across the land." He winced. "In the disguise of a noble stag, he led hunters on a chase that ended in the death of two young men. As a lovely maiden, he lured a young scholar into the woods and left him there for days. And as a kindly old man, he persuaded a village leader to make a decision, that resulted in the death of his entire village." Flames cracked in the stillness of the night; a tear ran down Tirillian's face. "One day, a young elf tried to put an end to the dragon; tried to stop his reign of chaos and death; but he only angered him.". He paused.

     "The result of his actions led to the death of the elven leader's daughter and his banishment." Tirillian wiped his face, Dusc whispered a dragon's prayer over the lives lost.

      "I am sorry for your loss, young Tirillian. I was recently banished from my clan as well." Dusc looked towards the creek in shame. Tirillian recognized the look, "I am sorry Dusc, I suppose we understand what it is like to be outcast." Dusc bows his head gently.

      "Well, if it is company you seek, please join me? May we share many glorious adventures together." Tirillian smiled up at Dusc.

      "It would be my honor to accompany you." Dusc attempted a toothy grin.

      "Wonderful, first thing tomorrow, we teach you how to smile; because that is terrifying." The night went on as they spoke of their past, bonding over the flames.

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     "What are you doing silly dragon." Tirillian perched on top of a large rock in the middle of the riverbed.

     "Listen, young elf, we do not catch fish where I am from." Dusc dove into the cold river, sending up a wave of water. Tirillian's hair draped over his eyes like a wet curtain, he scrunched his face and pulled the white hair from his forehead. "Thanks." he muttered.

      "Oh, you are welcome." Dusc grinned, his smile improved from his morning practice.

     "I'm guessing you don't have sarcasm in Drakonspire." Tirillian chuckled.

     "Hm. Is that a plant?" Tirillian shook his head at Dusc and continued to laugh.

     After breakfast, Tirillian explained what he did for a living. "I am an adventurer."

     "What is that?" Dusc asked.

      "Well... I guess it's best described as I help people or find lost things." He paused. "I have to head to the tavern in a bit; so, I'm going to need you to stay here." He replied.

      "Is a tavern dangerous?" Dusc asked.

      "No, not dangerous; but I don't believe the villagers will be as easily persuaded that you are a good dragon." He could tell that his words upset Dusc. "Do not fret, Dusc. Not everyone thinks that way. But for now, you will be safer here; I will return for you when the sun sets." 

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      Tirillian stepped into the filled room of the Rusty Mug Tavern, breathing in the scent of ale and sizzling meat pies; the tables were packed with patrons. He walked over to the bar and squeezed into a seat between two large men. The innkeeper was cleaning a mug when he noticed him. "The usual drink Tirillian?" He asked.

      "Not today, I need to know if you have any jobs available." Tirillian said.

      "I'll take a look." The innkeeper turned around to check his books. As soon as he did, the tavern lit up with commotion.

"What do you mean the beast is back!"

"They saw it! Just over on Greenlock hill!"

"Why would it return? He has returned to bring more chaos!"

       Tirillian left the stool and headed into the crowd to hear them better.

"The shapeshifter has returned!"

      Tirillian panicked, he thought that someone might have spotted Dusc in the woods. He dove through the crowd towards the exit, bumping into a person in a dark hooded cloak. "Watch it!" The person said, but he was not paying much attention. He exited the tavern and raced straight into the woods, back to the campsite.

      Tirillian had an eerie feeling that he was being followed. Instinct kicked in and he dove behind a tree, then climbed up its trunk and perched upon a branch. The cloaked person he had bumped into at the tavern had been following him. Tirillian's eyes watched the stranger as they walked through the forest, their eyes searching for him.

      Once the stranger had cleared the area, he descended the tree and hastily returned to the campsite. Dashing into the opening of the forest, he stopped cold in his tracks. The stranger stood feet away from Dusc, their bow drawn on him. Dusc looked up and saw Tirillian, he nodded to him, letting him know he was alright. Tirillian drew is dagger and slipped up on the stranger, then swiftly grabbed them from behind, placing the blade on their neck.

      "Speak words that will save your life or speak lies that will end it." Tirillian's said. The stranger dropped their bow to the ground, then lifted their hands into the air, showing surrender. "Hm... An outcast elf, aligning himself with the shape shifter. How poetic." The stranger spoke.

      "I would never form an alliance with that monster! This is not the shape shifter, his name is Dusc." Tirillian turned the tip of the dagger towards Dusc, pointing out that Dusc was just a dragon. As soon as the blade left the strangers neck, he was flipped through the air, then on his back. While flipping over the stranger, he managed to take the cloak with him. A young human woman stood before him; she stared at him. Sunlight beamed off her strawberry blond hair. Her gaze left Tirillian and went back to Dusc, stepping over him to get closer look at the dragon.

       "Forgive me Dragon, Dusc, I did not consider that more dragons still roamed these lands." She looked up at Dusc and he smiled at her. "Oh, my that is terrifying." Her eyes grew wide.

      Tirillian stood up and sheathed his dagger, "Yea, we are working on it.".

      "I am Wynn." She extended her hand to Tirillian and nodded at Dusc.

      "This is my new friend, Tirillian." Dusc spoke formally. "Will you join us in our adventures?"

      "Adventures? A dragon, an elf and a human. Oh, the stories that would be told about us." She laughed.

     Tirillian was unimpressed. "What were you doing at the tavern? That is no place for a lady." He huffed.

      "I am an adventurer." Her eyes glued on him. Tirillian threw his head back and laughed, "Women are not adventurers!" he replied.

      "And Dragons don't exist anymore and also don't align with tiny elves."  her tongue was sharper than his blade.

       "I like her, can we keep her?" Dusc and Wynn smiled at Tirillian; both with begging in their eyes. Before he could speak, a dark shadow covered the sky above them in a quick swoosh. They all looked up to the skies, only catching a glimpse of a dark tail flying by.

      "Shapeshifter." Tirillian whispered. "He has returned, Dusc."

        Dusc sensed the darkness in the air, but it was very familiar to him. The presence felt like something he had known his whole life. He shook his head, trying to remove the feeling from his mind. The fear that he could turn to darkness creeped up on him.

       Tirillian and Wynn made eye contact for a moment, nodding in silent agreement of what they must do. They sprinted into the woods, Dusc followed them, blending his body into the shadows.

      They watched the shadow in the sky, as they continued to weave in and out of the brush; until they came to an opening in the woods by a cliff. The sky was open, and they could see all around them. Wynn drew her bow and pointed it into the skies, Tirillian took out his dagger and stood prepared to fight. Dusc stayed in the shadows of the tree line and watched the skies and his new friends. The ground began to shake as large footsteps were heard coming from the other side of the trees. A large dragon emerged, stepping into the light; It was the elder of Drakonspire. "Come out Dusc, I sense your presence." he said.

      Dusc recognized him and stepped out, removing his camouflage. "Elder?" 

      "Yes, Dusc. I came to check on you." He spoke elegantly.

       Tirillian and Wynn did not drop their guard, they stood watching the exchange between the two dragons. Tirillian looked at the dragon and noticed a long familiar scar along its hind leg. "Step away from him Dusc." Tirillian's voice was stern.

      Dusc looked at him confused. "This is the elder of my clan, Tirillian."

      "He is the shapeshifter, Proteus." Tirillian's eyes hardened on the elder. "Show your true self deceiver!"

       Dusc looked at Tirillian then back at the elder in front of him; the elder began to laugh in a deep rumbling breath. His body began to shift, revealing his dark scales and blood red eyes. "Clever elf." he hissed. Dusc shook his head in disbelief, the shifter had been posing as one of his kind.

      "How long?" Dusc asked.

       "Many moons, feeding your clan lies and despair. Making them fear the world outside of their precious mountain. So that I can rule the skies and feed off the terror I evoke on the humans." He snarled. "Why do you think I had you banished?"

      "The prophecy is not real?" Dusc asked.

     "Oh, it is real, you are meant for darker things. Join me Dusc, we can rule this pathetic world together." Proteus extended his massive claw. Dusc looked at it, then looked at his friends, they stood guard and watched. Tirillian looked into Dusc's eyes, letting his friend know they had his back.

      "No." Dusc replied.

      "No?" Proteus laughed. "Then you have a death wish, hatchling." Proteus lunged towards Dusc, snapping his large jaws at him; Dusc darted to the side avoiding the attack. Tirillian rolled under Proteus's belly and began to slash his elven blade. Proteus spun and sent him through the air, slamming him into a rock; Proteus lowered his head snarling and walking slowly towards the elf. An arrow pierced his wing, he howled loudly into the air his pain. Wynn grabbed another arrow but was stopped when Proteus sent a massive gust of wind towards her, sending her over the cliff.

      "No!" Dusc watched in horror as his new friend flew over the side. He leaped into the air, his majestic wings sent a burst of wind to the ground, flattening the grass. He smacked Proteus with his tail, sending the shifter to its back. Dusc flew over to Tirillian and grabbed him with his claws, then flew over the edge of the cliff in enough time to swoop up Wynn right before she met a gruesome death upon the rocks, leaving the shifter on the side of the cliff. A dark menacing laugh echoed through the sky.

     Tirillian woke up, looked down and saw the world passing below the clouds; he let out a scream. Wynn laughed at him, "Calm down elf boy, we are safe." He looked up to see Dusc carrying him, his face full of concentration.

     "Dusc?" Tirillian shouted through the wind.

     "We must get to Drakonspire." He replied. Tirillian's eyes grew large, he looked up and seen they were headed towards a large frozen mountain top.

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     Dusc sat Tirillian down gently and Wynn leaped down from his back. "Wait here." He said to them, but before he could head inside, a voice echoed from the shadows of the cave.

      "Son, you dare bring yourself here, with humans!" A voice boomed from the darkness; Tirillian lifted his hand, "Um, Elf. No human here. She's human, you can eat her." He pointed at Wynn, she crossed her arms and looked at him sternly.

     "Father, I bring terrible news; the elder, he is not who he says he is. He is a shapeshifter, posing as one of us to inspire despair." Dusc bowed as his dad, Pyrus, emerged from the shadows.

      Pyrus stood watching Dusc with disdain, he then laughed. Dragons were heading towards the exit to see what was going on. Pyrus saw them from the corner of his eye, then took his massive tail and struck the side of the cave; stone rained down from above, blocking the exit.

     "Proteus..." Dusc growled, his companions drew their weapons, prepared to fight alongside him again. Proteus smirked and shifted to his original form; he cracked his neck side to side. "Alright hatchling, let's finish this."

      Proteus hissed at Dusc, they began to circle each other slowly, searching for an opening to attack. Proteus let out a mighty roar and charged towards Dusc, his claws extended. Dusc dodged the attack at the last second and swung his tail, hitting Proteus hard and sending him crashing into the mountain. The blocked cave was shaking, the dragons were trying to get out to see what was happening on the ledge. Rage filled Proteus's eyes, he stood up and breathed a dark fire at Dusc. Dusc pushed his wings in front of him to block the flames, shielding himself. Tirillian threw his dagger at Proteus, Wynn shot her arrows into his hard scales; neither of them could distract him from his fiery breath. Tirillian stopped and contemplated everything, "Dusc! Hit him with fire!"

      Dusc spoke painfully from behind his burnt wings, "I can't..."

      "Do it!" Tirillian yelled as he threw rocks at the shapeshifter.

      Proteus had helped banish him, he tormented the humans for years, kept the dragons away so they couldn't protect them from his reign of terror, he took him from his family, and his home. Dusc looked over to his friends, time moved slowly as he watched these small creatures fighting for a dragon they barely knew. All the elders shunned him away, and his family didn't speak for him; but these tiny beings risked their lives to help him. His heart filled with joy, that he finally had friends. With a mighty swoop, Dusc dropped his wings and unleashed a brilliant bright blue flame at Proteus. The flames collided and created a boom that sent Tirillian and Wynn backwards. The ground shook as Dusc spread his wings out and began to flap them, sending gusty shock waves at Proteus.

       The flames died from both dragons, Dusc stared at him with fiery determination. He jumped into the air and swooped down on Proteus, with a thunderous roar, Dusc unleashed a powerful burst of wind that sent Proteus backwards, towards the edge of the cliff. Proteus stood up, disoriented from the attack. Dusc then charged at him with mighty blows from his claws, landing his strike on Proteus's damaged body. Proteus fell to the ground, weakened and bloody.

      "Do you wish to continue shapeshifter!" Dusc roared.

      Just then, the stones blocking the cave wall fell, he turned and saw the dragons of his thunder emerging into the moonlight.

"Watch out!" Wynn cried out. Proteus stood up behind him and slashed his claw through the air at Dusc's head. He ducked under it, then reached his mighty jaws up and ripped Proteus's wing off of him. With a powerful shove, Dusc sent Proteus tumbling over the edge of the cliff, his roars fading into the distance as he disappeared into the clouds below. He looked over the edge, making sure that the shapeshifter was truly gone. Tirillian and Wynn walked over and glance off the ledge with him, the cool breeze moving their hair.

       "Dusc?" A mighty voice spoke from the crowd of dragons that were in shock from what they just witnessed.

      "Father." Dusc walked over to them and bowed his head. "The Weyrleader was a shapeshifter. He has been faking his position amongst us for many moons, to gain control of the world outside Drakonspire."

      "The prophecy has been fulfilled." His father spoke with wisdom. "The shadowborn dragon will one day bring darkness to light. You have exposed the darkness that was within our home. Forgive me son, for doubting you. Please come home." Dusc looked over the dragons, seeing gratitude in their eyes. His gaze then turned to Tirillian and Wynn; he smiled his toothy grin at them, then returned his eyes to his father. "For years the prophecy led to torment and shame over my life. When my banishment was called, no one stood by me. This brave elf and fearless adventurer, whom I just met, fought valiantly by my side." His father nodded in acknowledgment of the past mistakes. Dusc continued, "I believe the time for dragons to return to the world, is coming. I would like to stay with my friends and help remove that fear, so that one day, we may fly the skies with them again." Pyrus bowed his head, the thunder of dragons behind him did the same. Dusc looked at his friends who were on one knee, bowing to him. His father looked back up and his voice boomed through the icy air. "All hail Dusc! Prince of Drakonspire! King of the skies!" The dragons, Tirillian and Wynn joined in with the chant, pushing their fist into the air; Dusc stood proudly. He then knelt down allowing his companions to climb on his back, he looked over his shoulder once more, at what was his home; then dove off the cliff.

       They soared down the mountain, scouring the ground for the shifter's remains. After a thorough search, they stumbled upon a gaping hole, perfectly sized for a dragon's fall. Peering into the abyss, they discovered something horrifying.

It was empty...