Fledgling And YUNHO T-T IM GONNA CRY THE CHARACTERIZATIONS ARR SO LOVABLEE - Tumblr Posts

away with the wind | ii

Pairing: dragonrider!Seonghwa x ex-dragonrider!Reader AU: dragon rider au | strangers -> lovers Summary: A spinal injury forces you to retire from dragon racing, and with it, the end of your engagement to Song Mingi. Park Seonghwa, a rising star in the world of dragon racing and heir to the prestigious House Park, seeks a new dragon after an unfortunate accident on the skyway. As the saying goes, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Word Count: 4.8K

Fic Masterlist

In the opulent halls of House Park, seated on the cliffs of the Auroran coast, where tapestries whispered tales of riders and their conquests, Park Seonghwa was born.

From the moment Seonghwa could walk, his mother, Lady Haerin Park, groomed him with a singular purpose in mind: to become the finest dragon racer in Aurora. The Park family’s honor rested on the wings of these creatures, often chosen from great breeders and their Houses. 

The young lord’s childhood was a blur of rigorous training, iron-fisted instructors, and the acrid scent of smoke and ash. He possessed a natural talent for piloting, and as his skills grew, so did his arrogance. Seonghwa moved through life as if the world existed solely to serve him.

He viewed dragons as tools, not sentient beings. Their loyalty was expected, their obedience demanded as they ripped through the sky, competing with one another to prove centuries of form and function. He mounted them onto the skyway, their roars echoing glory. 

To him, they were extensions of his will.

Seonghwa’s first dragon, Rami, was a gift from House Kim, long-time breeders of the Auroran Wyrm and allies to House Park. While bred for their versatility and sporting ability, the dragon lacked finesse. Her landings were jarring, and at times, her temperament flared unpredictably—a reflection of his friend, the young Lord Kim Hongjoong himself, Seonghwa thought.

His second dragon, Byul, was aloof, distant, and much too independent. Byul’s shimmering pink scales and piercing eyes gave her an air of mystery, but her reluctance to follow commands made her a challenging steed. Though Seonghwa thought of dragons as a means to an end, developing a bond was important as a rider, and Byul could not fulfill that duty. Her haughty nature often left Seonghwa feeling isolated and frustrated.

Then came Runner, Gale, Voltage, and finally, Edge. Runner was swift and nimble, but his skittish nature made him unreliable. Gale was as wild as the storms she conjured with her wings. Voltage, though a strong mover, was more like an overexcited puppy, quickly becoming a source of irritation. Thankfully, Seonghwa’s handler, Jeong Yunho, was more than happy to take on the young dragon as his companion.

And then Edge. With his sleek, dark scales and piercing gaze, Edge obeyed Seonghwa’s every command. Yet, he lacked agility. He lumbered on the skyway, hindering maneuvers. His massive wings, though powerful, seemed to drag against the wind, making sharp turns and quick dives nearly impossible. Seonghwa’s patience waned; he yearned for perfection, especially after the last race.

Seonghwa was in the lead, weaving through the narrow canyons to throw off his opponent as Ajax’s flames scorched the air behind him. Mingi’s laughter echoed off the rock walls, adrenaline surging through his veins as his Longhorn darted ahead, leaving Seonghwa bewildered. Longhorns were an unusual choice for racing and were traditionally bred for war, which only added to his confusion. Edge pulled forward, his wings sparking as they brushed against the jagged stone.

Mingi leaned forward, urging his crimson steed to close in on his rival, pushing Ajax to go in for the kill. Edge faltered, his tail singed by the flames, causing Seonghwa’s heart to skip a beat.

It’s just fire; dragons don’t burn, Seonghwa reminded himself, though his knuckles whitened as he tightened his grip on the reins. 

Ajax surged upwards, twisting back around with a primal roar and breakneck speed, something Seonghwa had never witnessed before in a war dragon. Longhorns, known for their brute strength, were typically used as tanks on the battlefield, their massive bodies serving as formidable defense mechanisms to stave off enemy lines. 

They weren’t known for speed, making Ajax’s agility all the more astonishing. With swift, predatory grace, Ajax’s talons slashed against Edge’s wing, severing its connection from the deltoid with a sickening tear. He let out a pained, guttural cry that echoed off the rock walls, his body slamming against the unforgiving canyon’s jagged edge as Seonghwa desperately tried to regain control.

Despite the dangers of the situation, Seonghwa’s focus never wavered from his dragon. As Edge’s wing was shredded and they began to plummet, his mind could only think of one thing–to stabilize them. With every ounce of strength and skill he possessed, Seonghwa pulled on the reins, trying to steady Edge’s descent. He shouted commands, his voice filled with a mixture of urgency and encouragement, hoping to reach Edge through the pain and confusion.

Though he had gone through his fair share of dragons, Seonghwa respected the partnership forged through countless hours of training and bonding with his dragon. He couldn’t bear the thought of losing Edge, not just because of the race, but because of the deep appreciation he had for him.

As they neared the canyon floor, Seonghwa leaned forward, whispering reassurances to Edge, urging him to fight through the pain. With a final, desperate effort, Seonghwa managed to guide Edge into a controlled glide, avoiding a catastrophic crash.

The moment they touched down, Seonghwa was off the saddle, rushing to Edge’s side. His hands trembled as he inspected the damage.

“Edge, come on, you’re going to be okay.” He stroked Edge’s dark scales, feeling their cool, smooth texture under his fingertips. He could feel the tremors running through the dragon’s body, blood gushing from the disconnecting wing. Edge lowered his head, whimpers vibrating through Seonghwa’s chest, chipping away at what he thought was the impenetrable fortress around his heart.

His heart sank as he watched medics guide Edge back to their base. The dragon’s labored breathing and injured wing was a constant reminder of their defeat. The moment they arrived, Seonghwa’s mother, Lady Haerin, rushed towards them.

“How could this happen?” Haerin’s voice trembled with disbelief.

His shoulders slumped in defeat. “Mother, I—”

“This race should have been a given. You should have easily outmaneuvered Song Mingi. I knew it. War dragons have no place on the skyway…” she droned on about how the Council needs to review their rules and abolish the use of certain breeds. But Seonghwa could only glance at Edge, who lay on the ground, whimpering softly as medics attended to his damaged wing. 

“It’s just one loss,” he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. “I couldn’t have known…” He clenched his fists, his frustration and guilt boiling over. The weight of his mother’s expectations and his own disappointment laid heavy on his shoulders.

“Know what?” Haerin was puzzled, her stern expression softening slightly as she noticed the turmoil in her son’s eyes.

Seonghwa recalled Ajax’s movements during the race. The way he had maneuvered through the air with such precision and speed was unlike any Longhorn he had seen. It was clear that he wasn’t pure Longhorn. His streamlined snout and elongated wings hinted at a hybrid lineage, possibly mixed with a breed known for speed and agility. This combination of brute strength and speed was rare and highly unusual.

“That he was a hybrid,” Seonghwa finally admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and frustration. “Ajax isn’t just a Longhorn. He’s something more. That’s why I couldn’t predict his moves.”

Haerin’s eyes widened in realization, her anger dissipating as she processed the implications. “A hybrid… The Council must be informed! This changes the entire dynamic of the races.”

“Hybrids are allowed in racing, but there could be repercussions for other riders if The Council gets wind of this. Let me look into it. I’ll visit The Institute and talk to Wooyoung about obtaining Ajax’s records.” 

Haerin’s expression softened slightly, but her tone remained stern. “See that you do. Your reputation depends on it.” She glances over at the makeshift medical facility where Edge had been taken to for operation. “You’re going to have to replace Edge first. And don’t forget the Inferno Cup.”

For Seonghwa, the Inferno Cup held deep significance. House Park’s estate, with its grand halls and expansive grounds, had been the birthplace of this legendary competition. The inaugural event had been a grand spectacle, drawing dragon riders from all four corners of the realm to compete in a show of skill, bravery, and honor.

This tournament was a source of immense pride and inspiration for the House. Each generation of House Park was expected to uphold the honor and tradition of their ancestors by competing. Seonghwa was acutely aware of the expectations placed upon him, not just by his family, but by the entire racing community.

It wasn’t just about winning; it was about proving that he was the best dragon rider of his time. 

“Yes Mother.”

The Institute of Dragonology is a renowned establishment dedicated to the study and preservation of dragons. Founded centuries ago by scholars and dragon enthusiasts alike, the Institute has become the foremost authority on all things related to these magnificent creatures. 

Determined to exploit his newfound rival’s weakness, Seonghwa made his way to the Department of Conservation and Preservation, headed by the eccentric Director Jung Wooyoung. The department was renowned for its unparalleled expertise in dragon breeding and genetics. The scholars and researchers there were often regarded as the foremost authorities on dragon physiology and capabilities. Seonghwa knew that if anyone could help him find the ultimate dragon—a steed built for speed, agility, and endurance—it would be them.

“Your Grace! Welcome to the Department of Conservation and Preservation! I’m pleased to make your acquaintance!” Department Head Jung bowed deeply, a playful glint in his eye as he mocked his friend.

“I don’t have time for your eccentricities, Wooyoung,” Seonghwa sighed, his icy gaze sweeping the room, observing the colorful tapestries and bookshelves.

“You’re as forward as ever,” Wooyoung teased, propping his legs onto his cluttered desk. “I know why you’re here, but I’m afraid I can’t help you.”

Seonghwa clenched his jaw. “And why not?”

“You’ve run through every single breed in the entirety of the empire. But if you’re so inclined, our department would appreciate a generous donation to continue funding our research and development of new breeds at your behest!” Wooyoung’s tone was light, but his eyes were sharp, assessing his friend’s reaction.

“I see my mother has made some calls,” Seonghwa muttered, rolling his eyes. Lady Haerin, and Wooyoung’s mother, Lady Eunji, shared a friendship that spanned decades, laying the foundation for their sons to develop their own friendship. Though Seonghwa thinks of Wooyoung as a menacing figure in his life at times. 

Despite being in his mid-twenties, his mother couldn’t help but meddle in his affairs. Her influence was pervasive, and while it often worked to his advantage, it also came with its own set of frustrations. 

“While it’s true I need a new dragon, I also need the records of Song Mingi’s dragon. There’s something about him that doesn’t sit right with me.”

Wooyoung shrugged, leaning back in his chair. “You’ve never had an issue with him before, and now you make it seem as if he’s taken out your entire family. What could he possibly have done to,” he gestured towards Seonghwa, “make you so bitter?”

“Edge was injured because of him,” Seonghwa replied, his voice tinged with frustration. The memory of his dragon’s injury was still fresh. Ajax’s surprise attack, free falling to the canyon’s bottom, and the sight of Edge’s damaged wing were a constant reminder of his failure.

The director raised a brow, his expression skeptical. “Dragons get injured all the time,” he leaned forward, pointing an accusatory finger towards his friend. “I also didn’t think you cared about your dragons like that.”

“I can’t fly with a dragon missing half of its wing,” Seonghwa said, ignoring Wooyoung’s statement. His tone was cold, but beneath it lay a deep-seated worry for Edge’s well-being. 

Wooyoung studied Seonghwa for a moment, his playful demeanor giving way to a more serious expression. “Alright, I get it. You’re worried about your dragon and you want to make sure this doesn’t happen again. But what exactly are you looking for in those records?”

“There’s something off about Ajax,” Seonghwa admitted, his eyes narrowing as he recalled the race. “His movements, his speed—it’s unnatural for his breed. Unpredictable even. I need to know if there’s something in his lineage contributing to these traits.”

Wooyoung nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of Seonghwa’s concerns. “The archives have a record of every single dragon’s pedigree in Aurora. But Seonghwa,” he added, his tone softening, “make sure you’re doing this for the right reasons.”

Seonghwa stood in the dimly lit archives of the Institute, the scent of aged parchment and ink filling the air. Shelves lined with scrolls and records stretched endlessly, each containing the meticulously recorded pedigrees of dragons and their history in Aurora.

The Scribes had always been diligent, ensuring that everything from Auroran History to each dragon’s lineage was accurately documented, a testament to the Institute’s commitment to preserving the integrity of dragon breeding.

“Why are you here?” A voice demanded, echoing through the quiet archives.

Seonghwa remained unperturbed and responded to Hongjoong without looking up. “To take down Song Mingi. Why are you here?”

Hongjoong blinked, taken aback by the bluntness of Seonghwa’s response. “I work here?”

“A far cry from the great halls of House Kim,” Seonghwa retorted, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Why you little–” Hongjoong’s face flushed with anger, raising fists at his friend. “Unlike someone who spends his days gallivanting, I take great pride in bringing honor to my House as a scholar of Draconian History!”

Seonghwa straightened, holding the scrolls tightly in his hands. “I need everything you have on Furies."

Hongjoong raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued despite his irritation. “And why’s that?”

“A little bird told me that Mingi’s dragon is the product of a Longhorn and a Fury,” he replied, his tone serious. He recalled his encounter with you in the hallway, your eyes burning with a fierce determination.

The Historian snorted, shaking his head. “Fury, my ass. Everyone knows they’re protected by law and wouldn’t leave Mount Hala unless there was a climate catastrophe. If anything, it’s probably a Noxtail. No House would be caught dead breeding a Fury unless they wanted to go to prison."

Seonghwa rolled his eyes. “You always think you know everything, don’t you?”

“All I’m saying is that the chances of a Longhorn and a Fury producing offspring can only be the result of a black market breeding,” Hongjoong replied, his voice dripping with skepticism. “And if that’s the case, we’re dealing with something much bigger than just a falsified pedigree.”

Seonghwa’s expression hardened. “You're saying Song Mingi purchased his dragon off the black market?”

Hongjoong sighed, rubbing his temples. “Well no–first of all, where did you get all of this information?

"I never reveal my sources."

"It's Y/N, isn't it?"

“Oh. So that’s her name?” Seonghwa mused, a hint of a smile on his lips. “She mentioned something about being with Mingi when he purchased his hatchling. Didn’t say where though.”

“You didn’t bother to ask?” Hongjoong’s frustration was palpable.

“She kept trying to sell a Dreamwood to me,” Seonghwa explained, shrugging. 

“They do have beautiful dragons,” Hongjoong admitted under his breath, a touch of admiration in his voice. “You should probably pay a visit to their House. Ask about Ajax’s origins, and take Yunho with you. He has a good eye for potential racing prospects."

"That’s what you said about Voltage and he ended up becoming Yunho’s dragon. If he comes along he'll only want to play with them," Seonghwa pouts.

Hongjoong leaned back, crossing his arms with a smug grin. “Well, someone has to keep track of all your misgivings.”

Seonghwa chuckled, shaking his head. “Just get me the records, will you? I need to know if there’s any truth to this.”

Hongjoong sighed, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips. “Fine, fine. I’ll see what I can find. But you owe me for this.” He handed Seonghwa a tattered tome, its leather cover worn and edges frayed from years of use. 

“You’ll want to start with their physiology; it’s the best way to cross-reference some of Ajax’s physical characteristics.” He snatched it back as his friend reached out for the book. “It’s delicate, so be careful,” he warned, stroking the cover of the book.

Often referred to as snow dragons, Star Furies are elusive creatures that dwell in the icy peaks of Mount Hala. These dragons are known for their immense size and graceful movements, gliding effortlessly through blizzards and snowstorms.

Their streamlined bodies and elongated wings allow them to soar through the air with remarkable swiftness, even in the harshest of winter storms. They can reach astonishing speeds, making them nearly impossible to catch or outrun. Their sharp reflexes and keen senses enable them to detect and evade threats long before they come close.

His mind raced with possibilities. If Mingi had indeed acquired his dragon through illicit means, it could unravel a web of deceit that stretched far beyond a single falsified pedigree. The implications were staggering, and the stakes had never been higher.

“Did you find anything?” Hongjoong yawned, after what seemed like a lifetime. 

“Maybe,” Seonghwa replied, his eyes scanning the ancient texts spread out before him. “If Ajax is half Fury like Y/N said, he was probably bred somewhere near Mount Hala. 

Hongjoong’s eyes widened, the fatigue momentarily forgotten. “With all of their gambling dens and nightlife, Halazia would be the perfect place for illegal activities to go unnoticed. If Ajax was bred there, it means we’re dealing with a network far more dangerous than we initially thought.”

The Historian rubbed his temples, trying to process the gravity of the situation. “What are you going to do now? You still need to see his pedigree to confirm your hunch. Otherwise you’re going to be chasing a dead lead.”

Seonghwa closed the book with a decisive thud. “I’m going to visit Y/N to confirm the location. I could care less about uncovering a much larger conspiracy as long as I know how to beat Mingi. The Inferno Cup is just around the corner, and I need every advantage I can get.”

Hongjoong sighed, shaking his head. “You and your competitive streak. Since you’re set on going, consider buying a Dreamwood. All of the other Houses are threatening to blacklist you because of your… standards. They’re not too happy with you returning dragons left and right.”

“I just know what I want,” Seonghwa smirked. Hongjoong tossed a scroll at him, the parchment unfurling in mid-air before landing in Seonghwa’s hands. 

“Here’s Ajax’s pedigree. Y/N might be able to corroborate the dates, names, and Houses. Otherwise, I’m sure Lady Chunja or Sunmi will be around to help. They have extensive knowledge of dragon lineages and might spot something we’ve missed.”

Seonghwa unrolled the scroll, his eyes scanning the intricate details of Ajax’s lineage. The names of dragons and their breeders were meticulously recorded, but there were gaps and inconsistencies that raised more questions than answers.

“This is a start,” he muttered, more to himself than to Hongjoong.

Though not a Great House, House L/N has held their own over the last five centuries as a breeding House for Dreamwood Ridegbacks. Nestled against the backdrop of rolling hills, the estate was surrounded by lush, verdant gardens that seemed to stretch endlessly, filled with vibrant flowers that clash against Aurora's wilds. The scent of smoke and jasmine filled the air, creating an intoxicating blend that welcomed visitors as they approached.

The house itself was a masterpiece of architecture, with its white stone walls covered in climbing ivy and blooming vines. The windows were large and arched, allowing sunlight to flood the interior with a warm, golden glow.

At the highest point of the roof, a specially constructed dragon perch stood out. This perch was a large, platform made of reinforced stone, capable of withstanding the weight and power of even the largest dragons. 

As Seonghwa and Yunho approached the iron gates of House L/N’s estate, the sound of rustling leaves caught their attention. A small figure darted out from behind them, her hair a tangled mess, chubby cheeks and clothing smeared with dirt. Perched upon her shoulders was a lavender fledgling dragon, its large inquisitive eyes glowing with curiosity. She let out a small, protective huff as it surveyed the newcomers.

“Who goes there?” a girl no older than the age of six demanded, raising her wooden spear at the intruders. Her fledgling echoed her sentiment with tiny puffs of smoke escaping its nostrils.

Yunho put his hands up in defense. “We come in peace. I’m Jeong Yunho and this is Park Seonghwa of House Park.”

“State your purpose!” she commanded, her eyes narrowing. The fledgling shifted on her shoulders, its wings fluttering slightly as if ready to take flight at any moment.

“We request an audience with Lady Y/N of House L/N,” Yunho said, trying to keep a straight face.

“There is no one here by that name. I am the lady of this House! You will answer to me!” the girl declared, puffing out her chest. The fledgling mimicked her posture, its tiny chest swelling with pride.

“Why are you negotiating with a child?” Seonghwa whispered, leaning closer to Yunho.

“Because she’s armed and looks like she means business,” Yunho whispered back, trying not to laugh.

The fledgling dragon let out a small roar, more adorable than intimidating, but it was clear that it was ready to defend its young mistress. Its lavender scales glinted in the light, and its tail swished back and forth with anticipation.

“Oi, Sohee! Leave the riff raff alone,” you called out from above. Seonghwa snapped his head up, mouth agape in awe as you swept over the estate on Cirrus. Her scales reflected the sunlight in a dazzling display, each movement fluid and graceful. She beat her wings powerfully, creating gusts of wind that blew leaves and sediment as she descended onto the rook of the house, her landing light as a feather.

Cirrus’s eyes, a deep violet, scanned the area with a keen awareness, ensuring everything was in order before you dismounted. Her wings folded neatly against her sides, and she let out a soft, rumbling purr.

“I see you’ve taken me up on my offer,” you grinned, sliding off Cirrus’s back with ease. “Welcome to House L/N.” You smiled, patting her neck affectionately.

<< i | iii >>