Slashing Ties

Ember, the young dragon, stood at the edge of the pit, a gaping abyss of serrated rocks and sheer cliffs. It was the arena where dragons of the Inferno Tribe came to exhibit their strength, in order to get the reverence and adulation of their fellow dragons. But for Ember, this was more than a mere assessment of physical stamina - it was an opportunity to demonstrate his capability, to dispel the notion that he was weak, unworthy of his species.

The rival dragon, Shadowfang, loomed before him, a formidable foe with scales as obsidian as night and eyes that glowed like embers.

"You do not belong here, weakling," he sneered, "You are a disgrace to our species. I will terminate you here and now."

"I may be small, but I will not be underestimated," Ember said.

Ember felt a flicker of determination ignite within him. He would not be underestimated, not by Shadowfang or anyone else. He stepped forward, into the pit, ready to confront his rival.

The battle was brutal, a clash of fire and claws. Shadowfang was larger, stronger, but Ember was nimble, agile. They exchanged blows, each one landing with a force that shook the earth, but Ember was no match for Shadowfang, and soon he found himself on the receiving end of a powerful hit, that sent him flying across the pit, his body hitting the jagged rocks with a loud thud.

"You are finished, weakling," Shadowfang taunted.

Ember felt the pain coursing through his body, and for a moment, he thought it was over. He had lost. He lay there, dazed and hurting, the taste of defeat bitter on his tongue.

But then, something stirred within him. He refused to surrender, refused to let Shadowfang win. Slowly, he pulled himself to his feet, his eyes scanning the battlefield, studying Shadowfang's movements, looking for a weakness. He saw it, where no one else would. The overconfidence, the carelessness.

With a fierce determination, Ember launched a surprise attack, catching Shadowfang unawares. The rival dragon stumbled, and Ember saw his chance. The big guy had a huge scar on the side of his chest. An old wound that remained from his legendary fight with Thunderwing, the Great.

He landed a punch right in the scar and the older dragon roared in agony. Ember heard the sound of breaking ribs, immediately before Shadowfang fell, defeated.

Ember stood victorious, but the victory felt bittersweet.

"You may have won this battle, Ember, but you will never be one of us," spat Shadowfang, as he lay defeated.

"You may have size and strength, Shadowfang, but you lack the wit to see what is right in front of you," Ember said, a hint of a smirk on his face. "I do not need to be one of you, for I am my own dragon, now," he said, before turning and walking away from the pit.

He would leave Blazehold the next morning.