Watching Celine retreat into the depths of our den, I rose in silence and made my way towards the cavern wall beside me.
A keen observer might have noted the subtle tremor in my limbs.
Indeed.
I was injured.
It was not, of course, a grievous wound; in the parlance of that other world, it would be termed a mere muscle strain.
I was but a fledgling, newly hatched.
Even if I had seemingly inherited my sire's formidable physical prowess, how could I emerge entirely unscathed from such a transition from extreme motion to utter stillness?
It was simply that I had borne it.
For I could not, would not, permit myself to lose.
Though the others remained unaware, I knew with stark clarity that my initial stratagem had been to contend with all four simultaneously.
Yet, the outcome was that Celine alone had nearly rendered me helpless.
The chasm between aspiration and reality left me feeling adrift and constrained; at the very least, I could not suffer too ignominious a defeat.
What I had not anticipated, however, was that Celine's stamina was less than I had imagined.
Had her endurance matched my own, then I would undoubtedly have been the vanquished.
Musing thus, I reached the cavern wall, my draconic pinions unfurling to completely envelop me.
Observing me in this state, the other three Dragons, who had initially intended to offer some conciliatory words, exchanged glances for a moment and then proceeded towards the den's deeper recesses.
Though possessed of bloodline inheritance, young dragons are, after all, still young dragons.
If others are disinclined to offer them attention, they will naturally disdain to feign enthusiasm, even if the initial fault lay with themselves.
In truth, though I had veiled my form with my wings, I could still perceive the happenings beyond through the interstices.
Loath as I was to admit it, when the three little dragons had been about to approach, a flicker of gladness had stirred within my heart.
Witnessing their departure, my eyes could not help but dim somewhat.
Yet, I clung to the pride of the Dragon Clan, uttered no sound, merely watched them depart in silence, then closed my eyes and offered a silent sneer.
Perhaps this would assuage my feelings.
I, after closing my eyes, remained oblivious to the fact that with each breath, the fire elements in the ambient air were converging upon me, then suffusing my very being.
I could, however, perceive that the tearing pain in my limbs had marginally subsided.
Time ebbed slowly, and I, reclining there, gradually fell into a heavy respiration.
And after I succumbed to slumber, the fire elements congregating around me suddenly intensified considerably.
I know not how long a span elapsed, but my wings abruptly quivered, then slowly unfurled; with eyes still hazed by sleep, I arose.
Suddenly, I froze for an instant, then experimentally flexed my limbs.
"The pain is gone!"
Muttering softly, I attempted a leap, an astonished glint in my eyes.
Not only had the pain vanished, but I sensed that my strength was marginally greater than before I had slept; not by a significant measure, but because I was newly born, my strength was not yet profound, this increment felt exceedingly pronounced.
I rejoiced in my burgeoning strength for a brief while, then my gaze involuntarily drifted towards the depths of the Dragon's Den.
"Hmph!"
With a frigid snort, I compelled myself to avert my gaze.
Then, I regarded my wings anew.
I knew that without magical assistance, if I effected no change, then the tableau of our prior battle would repeat itself endlessly.
Contemplating this, my eyes grew resolute.
Walking to the center of the passage, I spread my wings and then attempted to beat them, not with the intent to fly, but to exercise my pinions.
It was effortless at first, but as time wore on, I felt my wings grow increasingly ponderous, and a deep ache emanated from my back.
Yet still, I did not desist, gritting my teeth and continuing to flap my wings.
Since it is a weakness, then it must be exercised, and when it is sufficiently strong, it will cease to be a vulnerability.
Furthermore, I had pledged to my sire to seek him amongst the stars.
If I cannot even master flight, how then can I journey to the celestial sphere?
Thinking this, my eyes became even more determined.
A pair of milky white wings trembled, and then unfurled.
Celine yawned, her tail lashing behind her, creating sharp susurrations as it cut the air.
After a period of slumber, the energy expended in our previous contest was fully replenished.
She glanced at her belly, and Celine's eyes flickered; hunger gnawed.
She cast her gaze about, and abruptly, a hint of doubt clouded her eyes.
Within the Dragon's Den, besides herself, there were only Billy and the others.
Where was I, who had contended with her?
Just then, her ears twitched; a slightly labored panting sound emanated from the passage outside the Dragon's Den.
After a moment of bemusement, Celine ventured outside.
Soon, a familiar silhouette met her gaze.
Observing me, feebly beating my wings yet unable to achieve flight, Celine was momentarily stunned, then flew anxiously in my direction.
"Are your wings injured?"
Hearing the slightly anxious voice suddenly from behind, I turned my head to look and beheld Celine flying swiftly towards me.
After alighting beside me, she extended her claws and meticulously examined my draconic wings.
I, jolted back to reality, instantly retracted my wings and regarded Celine with a guarded mien.
Seeing this, Celine quickly interjected, "Do not move!
For you, who lack magical aptitude, your wings are of paramount importance.
If their foundation is compromised, you will never fly again!"
Hearing this, I was once more taken aback for a moment, then looked at Celine with a peculiar expression.
"Are you... concerned for me?"
No sooner had the words escaped me than Celine abruptly froze, then she raised her draconic head high and regarded me with an imposing air.
"You are an opponent I have acknowledged.
If your combat prowess is diminished by some avoidable yet unprevented injury, I shall be gravely disappointed!"
I stared blankly at Celine, and after a while, I withdrew my gaze and then reclined upon the spot.
"Rest assured, I shall not make such a rudimentary error!"
Hearing this, Celine looked at the subtly trembling wings behind me with a measure of doubt.
"Then what are you engaged in...?"
I stated faintly, "It is nothing.
I merely perceived that my wings have become a conspicuous vulnerability, so I am training my wings to surmount this failing!"
"Exercise?"
Hearing this, a trace of confusion flickered in Celine's eyes.
I noticed this, was momentarily nonplussed, and then inquired with some curiosity: "You do not comprehend the meaning of exercise?"
Celine shook her head.
"Of course, I comprehend, but we are True Dragons; we have no need for exercise.
Each awakening from repose signifies a transmutation of power.
If I were to articulate it, resting *is* our method of exercise!
It appears your inherited memories did not impart this."
Hearing this, I suddenly recalled that the injuries I had sustained previously had mended after a sleep, and my strength had also improved to some degree.
But then, my eyes grew firm once more.
"Too slow!"