As I yawned, I felt a gentle touch on my fangs. I recognized the sensation and carefully closed my mouth, ensuring I wouldn't harm anyone. However, another yawn soon overpowered me. This time, a stronger force pressed on my gums and a playful "Boop" followed. Subsequently, a spray of poison erupted from my mouth.

Upon opening my eyes, I saw the venom descending towards me. I managed to dodge it swiftly, but the others weren't as fortunate. Freya's scream echoed, "Aaaah, it burns. Get it off me!" as the venom sizzled on her scales. With only a few drops on me, I brushed them off and hastily apologized, "Sorry!" In contrast, Siveth was doubled over in laughter, venom splattered all over her. "Oh wow, that’s fun!" she exclaimed. I stared at her in disbelief, "No, that’s not. Wait, Freya, let me help." I proceeded to remove the remaining poison from her and heal her wounds, while Siveth nonchalantly licked the venom off herself. "Ugh, that’s gross. How can you even stand to lick the poison that came out of someone else’s mouth?" I questioned. She shrugged, "It’s a good way to get rid of it. Your poison isn’t different than mine." I responded, "Erm, but it’s mine," but seeing her lack of understanding, I dropped the argument, "Fine, do it your way."

We then turned to Siveth for our equipment's location. She guided us to it and we began to pack, readying ourselves for the journey ahead. Our plan was to travel even further south. Erebus, curious about our activities, approached us. We expressed our gratitude for his hospitality but explained our need to proceed. He shook his head, "If I were you, I wouldn’t. Besides, you still have a lot to learn. You aren’t ready to face the dangers of those lands." I couldn't disagree with him. His words held truth. If a Jungle Earth Dragon could capture us so effortlessly, what other threats could be lurking? The books had educated us about different dragon species, but encountering them in person was an entirely different experience. We decided to heed his advice and extend our stay.

That afternoon, I resumed my training with Siveth. Before we began, I asked her, "What are the rules then? Same as yesterday?" She nodded, "Same as yesterday." Freya and Erebus agreed with her. I steeled myself, "Fine, bring it on." As Freya's voice rang out, "Get ready and go!", we sprang into action.

No sooner had I landed than the slippery ground betrayed me. I barely had time to rise before Siveth cornered me, her menacing fangs bared. I did my best to dodge her relentless attacks, but it was a lost cause. Within a minute, she had me pinned, her teeth sinking into my neck. I steeled myself for the ensuing dizziness, but it never came.

"What? You didn't poison me?" I gasped in disbelief.

Pulling back, she smirked, "Exactly. Today, I thought I'd teach you how." I rubbed my aching neck, muttering my begrudging thanks. "Well, you won this round. Good job." She chuckled, her voice a low rumble, "Of course I did."

Leaning in close, she began to explain, "It's all about how you bite. You can control the venom if you know how to use your fangs." She demonstrated on my neck again, causing me to flinch. "See, if you don't open them wide enough, nothing will come out."

I responded halfheartedly, "Nice, I guess?"

"Next time when you bite me, try to do the same. Return the favor," she instructed. I suggested we first try with a fruit, like last time. She shook her head, dismissing the idea, but Erebus intervened, "It's better if we do it like he suggested. We should avoid unforeseen events today, Siveth."

Rolling her eyes, Siveth went with Freya to fetch a fruit. When they returned, she handed it to me, reminding me of her instructions. I bit into the fruit gently, feeling the venom ready to be released, but I held it back. She inspected the fruit and nodded approvingly, "Good, I knew you could do it."

Eager to move on, I asked, "Can we move on then?" She agreed, as long as Erebus was on board. He shrugged, "Sure, let’s move on with round two."

The second round began, and this time, I managed to keep my footing. After a few minutes of intense combat, I overran her and bit her, following her instructions, before retreating. She paused to check for poison, then complimented, "That was quick and safe."

I pointed out, "If you think it’s safe getting pierced like that, I’m no expert, but I think that’s going to leave a mark anyway." She dismissed my concern, "Nah, it won’t. Don’t worry. Ready for round three? The normal way this time."

"So, poisonous bites?" I asked, to which she confirmed. We returned to our positions, awaiting Freya's starting signal.

As the signal was given, I rushed towards her, flying this time, but she grabbed one of my wings and threw me to the ground. I narrowly dodged her fangs as she lunged at me with a snarl. Despite my best efforts, her size and strength gave her the advantage, and her scales were so thick and hard that I could barely scratch them. I found myself cornered several times, but always managed to escape. Until one time, when she missed me by a hair’s breadth, I seized the opportunity and bit her hard. I didn’t inject any poison, though.

She screamed, thinking I had, then realized my mistake. "What? Did you run out of poison?" she taunted.

"I did it on purpose," I retorted.

She smirked and glanced at Erebus. They were up to something or expecting me to do that. Freya was oblivious and about to announce the fourth round, but we were still in the third.

The battle was far from over. She reverted to her old strategy, employing her tail as well. As I lunged at her once more, she snatched me out of the air and squeezed me with her formidable might. I writhed in agony, pressed against her chest. "Caught like a bird, you’re so adorable when you’re broken," she whispered. Fortunately, she did not bite me. Instead, she held me immobilized against her, and then Erebus spoke.

"Good. How are you feeling, Raphael?" he asked.

"A little shattered but still alive," I answered.

"Well then, what would you do if you found yourself in a situation like this?" He asked.

"I would probably try to escape using my elements or bite her," I responded.

"What if neither option was available?" He pressed.

"I don’t know. I would try to avoid getting into this situation in the first place. I can still use my elements and free myself," I replied.

"Siveth, bite him," Erebus commanded.

I protested, "Wait, I’m sick of being bitten. I’ve already lost this round. Why do I have to be bitten again?" He explained, "It’s a way to suppress your elements, as you have already witnessed. We need to make this look like a complete defeat, and you need to find a way to liberate yourself."

I steeled myself in anticipation of another dose of her venom, knowing he was the one instructing her to do so. I held her gaze and said, “Fine, do it. But, if possible, make it quick and painless.” A smirk played on her lips as she pulled me closer, taunting me with her words. “Of course, my sweet king,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. I felt a rush of fear as she traced two small dots on my neck with her claws. “This is where I’ll bite you,” she whispered. “Are you ready?” I didn’t respond. I simply clenched my teeth and awaited the inevitable. She moved her mouth over the spot, closed it gently, and I felt her fangs pierce my skin, surprisingly devoid of the burning sensation of her poison.

She was indulging in a peculiar act of marking my skin with her mouth, a gesture that seemed to serve no purpose other than to satisfy her own caprice. I protested, “Hey lady, don’t get too comfortable with this, alright? We are on a time crunch.” I tried to sound impatient and irritated, not only to discourage her from continuing but also to conceal any hint of pleasure that Freya might pick up from my expression.

With a sudden burst of force, she plunged her fangs into my throat, piercing my flesh and releasing a wave of venom into my veins. I choked and spat, feeling the burning liquid blend with my blood and trickle from my lips. Smoke billowed from my mouth, shrouding us in a light cloud. She released me slowly, her face smeared with my blood. My neck pulsed with pain, the wounds from her teeth still bleeding.

As the venom flowed through my veins, I began to feel dizzy and numb. I glanced at Erebus, hoping for some advice. “A little guidance, maybe?” I asked weakly. He shrugged and responded, “Free yourself before it’s too late.” His words left me confused. “But she’s nice. Why would I?” I mumbled, feeling my mental clarity slipping away. The venom was stronger than ever, clouding my judgment and reasoning.

Erebus raised an eyebrow and asked, “Since when does the venom affect you like this?” I opened my mouth to answer, but Siveth hushed me. She whispered to Erebus, “I may have used all the venom I had on him in a single bite.” He nodded and said, “Oh, it doesn’t matter. He’ll make it. Keep going.” I grinned and said, “Oh yeah, keep going. Give me another hickey, little mistress.”

Her eyes reflected a mix of amusement and concern. “You’re saying this only because the venom has reached your head, aren’t you?” she asked. I laughed and responded, “Ahahah, who knows?” Freya approached us and asked, “Nox, what is happening?” I slurred, “Nothing sweetie, I’m just fine. Feeling heavenly.” I paused and added, “I can feel your heartbeat. Cutie giant.” Siveth gasped and exclaimed, “What the… do you realize this would normally kill you, right?”

I retorted, “But you don’t kill dragons, you said, hehehe.” She turned to the others and said, “Guys, we lost him.” I protested, “Nooo, what are you saying? I’m still here. Ueeeeh.” She exclaimed, “Shit, look at his neck.” Freya leaned in and said, “Maybe that was a bit too much.” She responded, “Last time he didn’t react like this.” Freya asked, “Are you certain you used the same amount?” She nodded and replied, “Yes, I’m sure. Well, maybe a bit too much, actually.”

Erebus remained silent and detached, seemingly indifferent to my fate. He was still waiting for me to free myself from Siveth’s grasp. But I was too far gone to notice or care. The other two male Earth Dragons from the day before chose that moment to arrive.

A collective gasp filled the air as they saw my state. "What happened? Did she bite you?" they asked in concern. She looked at me, her eyes filled with worry, and admitted, "I fear I may have lost myself in the moment." As she spoke, I felt a peculiar sensation on my skin where her teeth had punctured me, akin to the peeling of dried leaves. My scales were flaking off, crumbling to the ground.

Freya, noticing my condition, implored, "Nox, Raphael, please snap out of it. You need to heal." I managed a weak smile and replied, "But I am healing, my love. I’m in your tender care." She shook her head, countering, "No, you’re in the clutches of another dragon right now. And you don’t look well at all."

I hadn't grasped the severity of the situation. I was too comfortable, too relaxed. This was unlike the last time when survival had been a fight, when I had to find a way to escape and help Freya. I felt safe with her, the pain becoming a distant echo. My reality was drifting away.

One of the other Earth dragons pondered, “Should we try to reverse the effect?” She nodded in agreement, but Erebus intervened, “Don’t worry, it’s not necessary.” Her response was sharp, “Sir, his pulse is slowing down. He’s losing his scales, and his flesh is turning to dust. He’s dying.”

Erebus, coming closer, examined me. He touched my decaying neck, recoiling quickly. "All right, maybe you have a point. Vexus, can you help him?" He replied hesitantly, "I can try, but it's going to be unpleasant."

As Vexus moved to help me, Freya stopped him, "Wait, are you going to bite him again?" He explained, "I have the antidote for Siveth’s poison. It should work." She looked doubtful, and I interjected, "Oh, but only my lady can bite me. You’re not a lady." Siveth urged him, “What are you waiting for? Save him!” He bit me on my neck, where she had bitten me before. I could feel more venom coursing through my veins. He held his bite for several seconds, ensuring he injected the right dose, then released me.

He finally said, “Done. I can’t do more than this.” I felt a surge of heat coursing through my veins. The two venoms clashed inside me, creating a storm of pain and confusion. Freya held me close, and Siveth kept checking my heartbeat. The other two brothers and Erebus watched in silence.

For a moment, I believed I had slipped into oblivion. My eyes were open, but all I saw was darkness. Then life returned, and I felt different than before. If Siveth’s poison had made me feel drunk and dizzy, now I felt alert and energized, as if I had consumed a potent stimulant.

Siveth, filled with remorse, pressed me close, “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for almost killing you again. Please forgive me,” she sobbed. I answered without thinking, “But I can’t die. Even if I do, I’ll just come back.” She shook her head and whispered, “No, my dear, you can’t. If you die, you die.”

Freya took me to a secluded corner. She looked into my eyes and asked, “Nox, is it still you? Do you remember me?” I replied, “Of course I remember you, Freya.” She frowned, “Are you sure you’re not still under the influence of the venom?” I assured her, “I feel normal, well, energetic. I could have another round, actually.”

Erebus overheard this and challenged, “Did you say you could do another round?” I remained silent, but Freya protested, “No, he never said that.” Erebus insisted, “I’m pretty sure I heard that.” He glared at me, “Then do another round. Finish what you started with your opponent.” I refused, “I started nothing. I’m not going to do that.” Freya added, “He’s done enough today. I thought I lost him.”

Erebus then turned into a shadow and dragged me into the darkness with him. He brought me back in front of the Earth Dragons and announced, “The guy wants a rematch.” Siveth looked at me in disbelief and said, “What? Even after what happened? Are you insane?”

A sudden surge of longing swept over me, and I echoed his words. “Maybe that’s what he said.” She eyed me skeptically. “Are you sure?” I felt a defiant spark in my chest. “I won’t let this day end with a defeat. I’ll claim this victory.” She hesitated, unsure whether to agree, then finally nodded. “Fine, but this time, I won’t bite you like that.”

I decided to take a bold step and try something new. “Wait a second,” I said. I locked my gaze with Vexus, and then I transformed into a bright white cloud of light. A second later, I reappeared in his exact shape, a flawless copy except for the colors. He gasped. “That’s uncanny.” I smirked. “I shapeshifted like you. You should feel flattered.” He shook his head. “This looks wrong.”

Feeling a surge of power, size, and potential, I modified my appearance slightly. My fangs were similar to before, but I had more room to work with, so I made them even bigger. “Are you ready, Siveth?” I challenged. “We’ll fight, Earth Dragon to Earth Dragon.” She took me seriously and growled. “I’ll thrash you like one of my brothers. Bring it on!”

Erebus looked excited by this, but Freya flew back to us and shouted. “Where is Nox?” I answered. “Right here, in front of you.” She blinked. “What? He doesn’t look like you,” I said. “Look closer. It’s me.” She was speechless, then Erebus said, “Alright, then prepare for the rematch. I can’t wait.” Both Siveth and I said, “Neither can I.”.

The final duel of the day was bound to be epic. I had never fought in this form before, but I felt a surge of power coursing through my veins. The earth beneath my feet was firm and steady. My scales were like armor, deflecting any attack, and my fangs were sharp enough to pierce the core of any foe. Freya shrank back from me, intimidated by my appearance. She hid behind Erebus, who gave the signal to start. “Fight,” he said, and we did.

We engaged in a tense dance, circling each other warily, each waiting for an opening. She was the first to break the silence, lunging for my tail. I reacted swiftly, whipping my tail around, and sent her crashing to the ground. She sprang back up, silent but defiant, and attempted to replicate my move as I approached.

She reached for one of my horns and yanked, but I stood my ground. I taunted her, “Looks like you aren’t strong enough.” She opened her mouth to retort, but I silenced her by clamping my jaws around her neck and flipping her over. I pinned her down with my weight and sneered, “So this is how one of your brothers usually beats you?”

Her response was quick and sharp, “Ha ha, very funny, hothead.” From the sidelines, her brothers watched in horror. She was far from giving up. To my surprise, she lifted me off the ground and hurled me across the area. Suddenly, our positions were reversed. I was now the one facing the dirt, but before she could take advantage of that, I delivered a powerful kick to her chest with my hind leg.

She shrugged it off and said, “You’ve got to do better than that. You kick like a baby.” I didn’t bother to reply, but I gave her a wicked grin and punched her in the face with my claws. She held on and tried to bite me, but I caught her head before she could reach my neck. In the midst of our struggle, I used my tail to ensnare both her hind legs and pulled her down, even as she fought to free herself with her claws.

Despite the slashes she inflicted on me, I clung to her, exhilarated. My fangs bore no venom. I had no intention of injecting her brain with poison or cracking her skull. I did not wish to kill her - only to defeat her. The struggle continued until I ensnared her neck with my tail and held her tightly against me. Immobilized, her head resting on my chest, I panted slightly from exhaustion.

I asked her, “What do you think? Did I do well?”

“For a newbie, you did admirably. I let you win,” she answered.

“Oh, did you? How gracious of you,” I retorted, still holding her. “Shall we end this then?”

She replied, “Go ahead. I deserve it.”

“As you wish, Miss,” I said, and I bit her near her shoulder, releasing a small dose of poison. Then I waited for her to lose consciousness, and covering her mouth, I whispered, “Shhh, it will be over soon,” just like they had done to me once. She smiled faintly, then blacked out. I had triumphed as an Earth Dragon, relying only on brute force and poison. I turned to her brothers and threw down the gauntlet, “Do any of you want to face me? I’m ready and eager.” They glanced at Erebus, who remained impassive. Vexus said, “No thanks, we’re good,” and Caine added, “Maybe some other time,” before they left.

I turned to Freya and exclaimed, “Did you see? This is amazing.” She seemed somewhat frightened and said, “Amazing? Really? How can you be so cheerful after you nearly died?”

“I’m determined. I feel like nothing can stop me, and no one can defeat me,” I replied. She fell silent. Then Erebus said, “It’s good to hear you say that. Now please take Siveth back to her place, and then we’re done for today.”

I complied, carrying Siveth by myself, and put her back in her hammock. With that task completed, I decided to explore my new form more. I found I could now climb trees effortlessly, and the wings weren't entirely useless. They provided some lift, and while leaping from one tree to another, I could glide.

I wandered too far away from the campsite and soon felt lost. As I tried to make sense of my surroundings, I noticed other earth dragons staring at me curiously. One of them shouted, “Hey, what are you doing here alone?”

“Nothing much, just looking around, brother,” I replied.

“Get lost! You’re trespassing on our territory,” it warned.

“Your territory? Don’t worry, I’m not here to hunt anything,” I reassured.

“You better not,” it threatened.

I didn't reply and tried to find my way back. But as darkness fell and the sun began to set, I reverted to my original dragon form and flew away. Guided by instinct, I eventually found our village.

As I landed, I announced, “I’m back.” Freya’s voice rang out, “Oh, finally.” Siveth was awake too and greeted me, “Welcome back, little dragon.”

“I can still shapeshift like before and beat you, but this time don’t let me win,” I retorted.

“Nah, I’m good for today. Maybe tomorrow,” she declined.

“Alright, your loss. Have a nice evening,” I responded, hiding my disappointment.

Freya looked at me with a newfound recognition and asked, “So… what was that?”

“Me at my best, I think,” I shrugged. She didn’t respond, so I reassured her, “Hey, don’t worry, I’m fine now.” She nodded, “Yeah, I see.”

I noticed her sad expression and inquired, “Why do you look so sad?”

“I don’t know, you looked a lot different,” she explained.

“Maybe I was a bit too stubborn. I can agree on that. I’m sorry. Come on, let’s get some rest,” I admitted. Suddenly, I felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me. I needed to rest. We slept in two separate hammocks, and the absence of her warmth beside me was a poignant reminder of something missing.