Unstable World: A New Encounter
Flagship: N/A
Starring: Umi, Honoka, Rin, Nozomi, Eli
Rating: G? T?
Words: 646
AU: A war-torn dimension other than our own
Time Frame: Sometime before the main story
Event: Promptober 2022
Event Source: Idol Fanfic Heaven channel on Discord
Prompt: Bridge
Content Warning: Mild depictions of war and battle
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Author’s Note: Bonus 2nd entry for Oct 11th
Summary: The Pandæmonium Riders encounter something new
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“I’ll make this quick.” Honoka said from in front of her flight. “The Jardin de Verre has been sent to investigate a strange hurricane-like phenomenon. We are to support them, if Paragon activity is discovered.”
“Paragon vessel detected!” Nozomi’s voice came over the comm.
That was quick. Umi thought to herself.
“It’s trying to cloak itself in the eye of the storm.” The ship’s second officer continued.
“We’re going to try approaching from above.” Eli, the captain, added.
“I’m sensing weapons powering up. They know we’re coming.”
“Here we go.” Honoka grinned. “For some of you, this is your first assignment. Just follow my lead. Or Umi-chan’s, whoever is closer. Remember to trust your dragon. And most importantly, come back here safely.”
“Kotori is cooking for us tonight.” Umi added. “She’s expecting all of us to be there.”
That earned an enthusiastic reaction from those gathered.
“Pandæmonium Riders!” Honoka shouted. “To the skies!”
With that, dozens of dragons and their riders flew out of the hold of the airship Jardin de Verre. Immediately, they found themselves enshrouded in thick clouds and buffeted by shifting winds.
“Keep descending!” Honoka called. “Nozomi-chan said there’s an eye somewhere down there.”
Eventually, the flight burst through the belly of the clouds, into the eye of the storm.
“What is that, nya?” One of the flight’s newest members, Rin, asked. “Looks like a jellyfish.”
Sure enough, as the riders continued past the upper dome, large tentacles could be spotted hanging below. And just as many ocean-dwelling species of this world, much of the foreign sky creature was translucent, allowing the Paragon moving within to be seen.
However, this was no ordinary sky giant, corrupted by the Paragon and repurposed for war. There were weapons, yes, that were starting to fire on the flight. But Umi could see what looked like the research equipment used by the URS, a nation that was known for reverse engineering salvaged Paragon technology.
“This is not a battleship.” Umi thought aloud. “This is a reconnaissance vessel, sent to try to spy on us.”
“Well we’re not gonna let them do that.” Honoka declared. “Everyone, attack! Send it to the depths! Don’t let them gain anything important!”
The dragons began to swarm, launching a myriad of breath attacks ranging from fire to ice, acid to explosive compounds, and wind to sand. And of course, Tempest’s lighting.
However, Umi frowned as her dragon sent another bolt, only for it to skitter, seemingly harmlessly, across the surface. Not good.
“Umi-chan!” Honoka cried as she guided Pandemain near her second in command. “Our attacks aren’t working! What do we do?”
Umi watched acid slide off the side, and explosions and winds just cause ripples. Solids like ice, sand, and the projectiles from the riders’ weapons seemed to scratch the surface, but at least had a lasting effect. Perhaps…
“Umi-chan?”
“One moment.” Umi said.
Where? She studied the layout of the vessel. Where…? There? Maybe?
Umi drew her bow, gathering as much magic as she could muster and concentrating it in the arrowhead.
Breathe.
Aim.
Release.
The arrow flew true. And punched through the jellied armor.
“Tempest, follow my arrow!”
The dragon loosed a bolt with absolute precision through the hole and into a bank of equipment. Immediately, explosions ripped through the room, spreading to others. And out through the armor, leaving massive tears.
“There are our openings.” Umi ordered. “Attack through those!”
The dragons swarmed again. This time however, they were able to make short work of the enemy, sending it, as ordered, to the sea below.
“They used to be invaders like the rest.” Rin said. “Until they took an arrow to the bridge.”
Honoka burst out laughing. “Good one, Rin-chan!”
Wait… was that a joke? Umi didn’t get it. Well, no matter. She decided as the storm subsided and the flight made their way back to the airship.
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Author’s Note Continued: While I’m having fun writing about the dragon riders, I really should get around to writing at least some Queen Nico and Grand Star Maki at some point.
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