A few days passed, and each morning at Blueborne Academy blossomed brighter than the last for Drax. He became more aware of the way of life, but opinions on Drax stagnated.

“This is crazy! I never thought I’d actually enjoy being here,” Drax said, his mouth full of pastry. A warm smile appeared as he watched students spar. Uni yawned and kicked up his feet. "Glad you're liking it so far! But you know, I've heard people still talk about you." Drax shook his head. "That's something I got used to."

Just then, Professor Lyra appeared, her imposing figure cutting through the laughter like a cool breeze. She waved at Drax, signaling him to step aside. Something about her demeanor suggested her discussion would be serious.

“Drax, may I have a word with you?” she said, her voice carrying authority that quieted the laughter nearby. Drax nodded and followed her to a secluded corner of the courtyard, away from prying eyes and ears. “What’s up, Professor?”

“I’ve been watching you closely these past days,” she began, her gaze serious. “And I believe you have special strength within you. There’s an upcoming tournament in Blueborne. I think you should enter.”

Drax’s heart raced at the thought. Competing against others, showing what he could do—it was thrilling. "A fight? Pounding people's faces in? I'm in."

“Hey! What’d the Professor have to say?” Uni asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I'm entering a tournament. To sum it up, lots of face-punching.” Drax replied fiercely, trying to gauge Uni’s reaction.

“Dude! That’s awesome!” Uni leapt from his seat, nearly knocking over the plate. “You have to do it! Just think of it: a dragon at the tournament! The crowds will be wild!” Uni then slowly sat back down. "But... dragons aren’t exactly crowd-pleasers around here.”

Uni got excited again and he teased with a smirk. “Imagine the headline: ‘Fearsome Dragon Dares to Dance with the Elite! Will He Roar or Fall?’” He leaned in closer, his eyes sparkling devilishly. “It sounds like a recipe for disaster! They might serve you as the main course if they don’t like what you bring to the field!”

“Very funny,” Drax replied dryly, with a slight smile. “I want to prove I’m more than just a creature.”

“Well, if anyone could solidify the stereotype of dragons competing poorly, it's you!” Uni howled with laughter, leaning back onto the bench, breathless from his absurdity.

Drax’s expression turned serious. “Laugh now, but you'll see."

"How about if it doesn't work out? Will you put yourself out there, or should I say on display?" Uni asked, twirling his hands dramatically.

Drax leaned back, crossing his arms. “Nobody told me you were a jester. Why don't you put that energy into the tournament?”

Uni opened his mouth for a response, then sighed. "Fine. I will enter! When I win, I'll sit on you until you say uncle."

Drax laughed at that. “Sure, if your hair doesn't burn off.”

Drax ventured into Blueborne the following day. The air was booming with excitement. He felt like people were watching him as they chattered. His suspicions were correct as someone threw a can at him as he walked towards the arena. He ignored it and kept walking. His heart raced as he entered the arena. He knew he had to stay focused if he wanted to win.

“Drax!” A voice broke through his thoughts, jolting him back to the present. Uni appeared, nearly tripping over his exuberant feet, his face alight with excitement. “Are you ready for this? Because it’s going to be epic!”

Drax smiled. “No mercy will be given to anyone.”

As Drax and Uni stepped through the arena gates, an overwhelming sound crashed over them. The air vibrated with cheers and shouts. Drax’s heart pounded in rhythm with the crowd's roars, each beat a reminder that this was it—he was about to appear before hundreds of eyes.

Suddenly, Uni broke free like a firefly, darting around the circular sand-covered arena. “Look at this place, Drax! It’s massive!” His voice rang out gleefully as he dashed up and down the perimeter, his arms flailing in glee. Drax chuckled softly but felt a knot of tension in his stomach as time passed. The ground beneath his feet was packed, dust rising with every step he took. Though Uni's cheerfulness was a welcome distraction, Drax’s mind raced with impending competition.

Several spectators turned their attention to him, and what he saw made his stomach twist. Scowls and narrowed eyes, whispers, and pointed fingers. One, wearing a cowboy hat, threw a can at him. Murmurs of disbelief and disdain swirled around him like fog.

“Drax! Drax!” Uni’s voice broke through the internal storm, snapping him back to the present. The demi-elemental jogged back to Drax, his energy infectious despite the heavy atmosphere. “Did you see that? Did you? This place is incredible! All these people are here to see YOU!" Uni was oblivious to Drax's feelings, despite his facial reactions.

“Yeah, I see it, Uni. But...” His voice trailed off, glancing back at the crowd. “Do they know what I am?”

“Who cares?” Uni replied, shrugging energetically, his spiky hair bouncing with the motion. “You’re Drax! The dragon set to own the arena! They’ll have to reckon with you once the competition starts! Just wait until you breathe fire on them!” With that, he struck a superhero pose, arms raised high, adrenaline surging.

“You’re right.” He squared his shoulders, stepping further into the arena’s center. “I’m not here for them. I’m here for me.”

“Ladies and gentlemen!” the announcer cried, “Welcome to the Great Blueborne Tournament! Get ready for a fierce display of strength and skill! Our first contestant is an actual dragon!" The announcer nearly fell out of his seat. "Talk about a sight to see!"

The atmosphere crackled with energy as the crowd unleashed a chorus of cheers and boos. "But he's up against a formidable opponent, none other than the notorious Professor Reigne!"

Uni fell to his knees, as his legs wobbled. "Geez! I just knew he would enter! He totally gets a kick out of tormenting us!" Uni jumped up dramatically and placed his hands on his hips. "You know, now that I think about it, I'd probably do the same if I were as miserable as him."

Drax slapped Uni's head. "Enough messing around! You got any tips to beat this guy?" Uni rubbed his head, "Ow, and yeah. He's a cyclops, so aim for his eye, it's super sensitive. Also, don't let him get on top of you." Uni nudged close to Drax and whispered. "Between me and you, I think he enjoys being on top."

"Enough anticipation, let the first fight begin!" said the announcer. Across from him, looming high and imposing, was Professor Reigne. His massive stature dwarfed Drax. Sunlight glinted off Reigne's armor, highlighting every ripple of muscle beneath. “Prepare yourself, dragon!” Reigne bellowed, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. “Show me your kind's worth!"

With a swift motion, Reigne charged forward, shaking the ground beneath Drax’s feet. Drax barely reacted as the cyclops swung a massive fist toward him. Instinct took over—he dove to the side, his wings unfurled to catch the air and propel him away from Reigne's lethal strike.

“No more playing around!” Drax roared, adrenaline igniting in his chest. He summoned heat from deep within him, throwing his head back as fiery breaths erupted from his mouth, surging forward like a blazing wave.

Reigne braced himself, raising his arm to shield himself against the flames. The fire danced across his armor, bursting in bright, hot flashes, but he stood firm, taking the heat without flinching. He charged through the flames, in a blur of might and fury. As Reigne closed the distance, Drax sprang upwards, his powerful wings propelling him into the air. From above, he could see every movement

Drax flexed his claws and swiped toward Reigne, aiming for his head. But Reigne anticipated his approach, ducking low and countering with a massive fist that collided with Drax’s side. The impact sent Drax tumbling across the sand, his scales absorbing much of the blow, but stars still swirled in his vision.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Rolling back to his feet, Drax shook off the daze and retaliated. He lunged forward, claws bared, aiming for Reigne’s throat. Each strike met the cyclops’ armor with alarming force, but not enough to penetrate. Reigne retaliated, throwing a powerful punch that narrowly grazed Drax’s jaw.

“Is that all your might, dragon?” Reigne chuckled. With every blow, Uni had a grim expression. Drax dived in again, aiming for a surprise attack. He spread his wings wide before barreling into Reigne’s shoulder, using his inertia to knock him off balance.

Reigne stumbled but quickly regained his footing, swinging a powerful fist toward Drax. With a fierce snarl, Drax narrowly dodged, feeling the rush of wind from Reigne's hand. The crowd gasped as Drax landed behind him. Now or never. Drax lunged forward, using brute force to sink his claws deep into Reigne’s thick, muscular arm. Gritting his teeth, Drax shook his head and launched into another powerful flame breath.

Reigne roared, his eye widening as Drax pressed on with the assault. But even in the searing flames, Reigne fought through the heat and countered with a massive backhand that caught Drax across the abdomen. Ignoring the pain Drax leapt onto Reigne’s back. Planting his feet, he sank his claws into the cyclops’ shoulder and bit, his powerful jaw clamping down on the thick flesh.

“Get off me!” Reigne yelled, thrashing to throw Drax off, but the dragon held fast. "Forfeit or I'll dig deeper, and trust me, I'm so wanting to dig deeper," Drax said in a low tone. Reigne resisted but felt his claws rip more of his skin. "Fine! I forfeit."

Drax stepped back, allowing Reigne to rise. He watched, breathing hard, as he regained his footing. “And with that,” the announcer’s voice echoed, breaking through the lingering tension, “we have a winner! The dragon!”

“Drax! Drax! You did it! You actually did it!” Uni bounded up to him, his eyes shimmering like stars as he hopped in excitement, his spiky hair bouncing with each enthusiastic leap. “I had all my faith in you!" Uni said as his fingers crossed behind his back.

Drax couldn’t help but grin at Uni as he re-enacted the scene, bouncing from side to side while dramatically mimicking Drax’s earlier moves. “And then—whoosh!—you blasted him with fire!” He flailed his arms outward, pretending to breathe flames, his eyes wide with enthusiasm.

Uni crouched low and sprang into the air, perfectly imitating Drax’s winged leap onto Reigne’s back. “And then you sunk your claws in like—GRRR!” Uni made ferocious clawing motions with his hands, eyes narrowed in mock ferocity.

Drax chuckled, shaking his head. “I don’t remember looking that ridiculous.” As they celebrated, it was then that the weather Elemental appeared—a majestic figure cloaked in elegant material. The Elemental’s ethereal eyes, flickering like tiny storms, surveyed the crowd with unmistakable authority.

As soon as it entered, a hush washed over the stands. People instinctively dropped to their knees, their heads bowed and their faces paling with fear and respect. The air crackled, the energy growing thick as the spectators demonstrated their subservience to the powerful Elemental.

But Drax stood frozen in awe, his eyes wide as he gazed at the incredible sight before him. “Uni, look at that! It’s magnificent!”

“Drax, what are you doing?! Bow!” Uni hissed, frantically tugging at Drax’s arm. “Are you trying to kill us? Show some respect! That’s the weather Elemental! He can summon storms with the flick of his wrist!” But Drax was too entranced by the Elemental’s presence to comprehend the danger.

He had never seen such a force in nature, a being woven from wind and sky. He couldn’t help but draw closer as the Elemental hovered above the stands. Just then, the Elemental’s piercing gaze caught Drax, locking onto him with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine.

“Drax! Bow! Now!” Uni pleaded, his voice shaking.

But Drax remained defiant, staring into the Elemental’s formidable gaze. “But if I bow I'd take my eyes off it," he murmured, unaware that his words could be construed as disrespect.

“Do you want him to strike you with lightning?” Uni asked, wide-eyed and desperate. “He will not hesitate! Please, Drax!”

Drax opened his mouth, perhaps to express admiration or a plea, and thunder rumbled throughout the arena.

With an unexpected voice that resonated like distant thunder, it spoke, “You stand as a dragon among mortals, unyielding in your spirit. Your courage is formidable, but do you not fear?” Drax’s heart raced, emotions swirling like the Elemental’s form. “To fear is to be less than you're capable. I have faced many storms, literal and metaphorical,” he replied.

The Elemental seemed almost amused. “You possess might, dragon. I shall grant you my mercy, for few dare stand boldly among the trembling masses.” Uni peeked up, slowly rising to his feet, clearly astonished yet skeptical. “You stand there and talk to him? What if he changes his mind?”

But Drax didn’t waver. “Sometimes greatness requires a bold heart. I would rather face a storm than be lost in its shadow.” With that, the Elemental turned its gaze back to the arena and vanished. The crowd was in awe.

“Did that just happen?” Uni stammered, eyes wide. “You didn’t...you didn’t get us smited by being rude, did you?”

“No,” Drax smiled. “I believe I’ve gained something more.”

Uni shook his head, processing everything. “You really are something else, you know that? Just... promise me you’ll be more cautious. Not everyone is as forgiving."

“I promise nothing,” Drax replied, a playful glint in his eye. “But I’ll certainly embrace whatever comes next.”

As the excitement in the arena revved up again, the announcer's voice boomed across the arena, cutting through the chatter and drawing attention. Drax stepped outside the stadium and noticed another dragon. Then, someone near them, someone with a cowboy hat, who looked like they put the dragon down.

The announcer continued. “Spectators, prepare yourselves for an electrifying showdown!” he declared, his voice dripping with showmanship. “In one corner, we have the fascinating, flamboyant, ever-charming—a powerful challenger boasting thunder! Give it up for Clistern, the Thundersteed!”

“And in the other corner,” the announcer continued, building dramatic tension, “we have the fan-favorite, the vibrant demi-elemental with unmatched earth magic! Prepare yourselves for the wily, the unpredictable—welcome Uni!” Uni bounced into the arena, his presence radiating energy. He waved at the crowd, soaking in their cheers and adoration.

“You ready to lose, Thundersteed?” Uni teased, narrowing his eyes playfully.

Clistern snorted, electricity crackling around him. “I’ll show you what real power looks like."

“Sure, sure! But can you do it with style?” Uni mocked playfully, spinning on the spot and summoning small earthy tendrils that danced around him.

The announcer signaled for the match to begin, and the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. Clistern charged forward, attempting to unleash a burst of weak lightning, but Uni effortlessly sidestepped, letting the bolt sizzle harmlessly into the ground.

“Wow, is that all you’ve got?” Uni exclaimed. “I was expecting something a bit more... shocking!”

As Clistern launched his bolt, Uni sprang forward, utilizing the shockwave for an added boost. He darted around Clistern, earth magic coursing through him enhancing his agility. Leaping playfully, Uni swept underneath Clistern, causing the startled unicorn to stagger backwards.

Uni then trapped Clistern's feet with earth magic and bounced towards him. Uni held his fist back, "I call this one...the big Uni punch!" He rushed the punch towards his face but stopped inches away. "Hold on, that's too much, I'm sorry, how about a regular punch?" With his other hand, he punched Clistern, and his face kissed the floor.

The announcer declared, “And the winner is Uni!”

After the match concluded and the crowd dispersed, Uni basked in victory. As he carefully brushed off the dirt from his jacket, a familiar figure approached with an amused grin.

“Hey, Uni,” Drax called out, his broad shoulders silhouetted in the fading sunlight. The massive earth elemental had an air of strength that was comforting yet commanding. “Congratulations on the win! That was impressive—looked almost effortless out there!”

Uni grinned. "Thanks, Drax! Just having some fun out there!” He mimicked a grand performer's pose. “It’s all about the show, right?” Uni laughed. "But you look off, did something happen?" "I just...saw something. That's all, let's focus on the tournament." Uni nodded.

Drax's expression shifted to confusion. "Why didn’t you use your full earth magic when we chased that speedster in the forest?”

Uni’s expression shifted slightly. “Honestly? The chase was wild! I wanted to see how it played out. I was just there for the thrill of it. A little magic here and there, and the thrill of the chase is priceless!”

“Engaging? Are you kidding?” Drax countered, his brow furrowing in concern. “We needed to catch him. You could have ended that chase with your powers. It wasn’t just a game; it was serious! We hunted down someone dangerous!”

Uni laughed, brushing off Drax's worry. “Yeah, but where’s the fun in that? It’s like making boring soup—how can you spice it up if you know exactly how it’ll come out?”

“But sometimes, the unexpected can put us in real danger,” Drax replied sternly, crossing his arms. “You can’t switch off your seriousness when stakes are high. We’re in this together. Take it seriously.”

Uni kicked up his legs. "Serious this, serious that. Yeah, whatever." Drax studied him for a moment then smiled slightly. “Just be careful, okay? I can't afford someone of your caliber to get killed.”

Uni put his hand on his heart. "Aww, so you care about me. I love you too buddy." Drax shook his head. "That's not what-" Uni interrupted by putting his arm around Drax's shoulder. Drax rolled his eyes but smirked.

The arena buzzed with energy. A symphony of cheers and gasps echoed through the sunlit structure. Drax and Uni watched many duels unfold in front of them.

In one corner, a fire-wielding mage fired off flames precisely, but his opponent danced around the attacks, laughing as he deftly countered each flame with a splash of cool water.

In another, a towering earth magic user slammed his fists down, sending shockwaves through the ground. His opponent, a lithe rogue, effortlessly dodged the blows, landing swift strikes before darting back, much to the crowd's delight.

After a flurry of entertaining fights, Drax finished his latest match. The dust settled around him, and he wiped the sweat from his brow, panting slightly but triumphantly. He won against a fierce opponent with skillful strikes and agility.

Uni bounced over. “Great job, Drax! I thought you had to keep your guard up for that last hit!” “Thanks,” Drax replied, still catching his breath. “But it wasn’t easy. That guy was tough. He had some moves I didn’t expect.”

Uni tilted his head, noticing the strain behind Drax’s cheerfulness. “You okay? You look a little… off.”

Drax shrugged dismissively, scanning the arena, searching for something—or someone. “Yeah, just an odd feeling. It's like there’s something in the air, y’know? That speedster who got away… I feel that he’s plotting something.”

“Oh come on, the guy’s fast but not a genius,” Uni said, winking. “He probably just needs to practice more. Besides, let’s enjoy this moment! You’re on a winning streak!”