A Dragon's Love (Young Justice)

A Day For Celebration

(Chapter 70, people. OMG!!! I'm so happy.)

I woke up early this morning, already knowing what today is. A day that everyone back in the kingdom is celebrating the moment they all wake up. A day that has given us health and good fortune since before my great grandfather's time.

I get up and quickly change into my outfit, hiding it underneath my cloak. I hide everything I need underneath my cloak as well, in the pockets sewn in on the inside. I quickly go to the kitchen, Phyrix bouncing after my trail with each step. Seems he's in a good mood today as well. No one else is awake or here yet. I quickly get to work.

I've made breakfast for everyone by the time they all come into the kitchen, Kaldur being the last one. Everyone seems shocked at the foods placed upon the table. "Good morning, everyone." I state, smiling. I place my mask on the table, where I'll be sitting and turn to face the others. They stare at me, mostly at my face. I've painted draconic markings upon my skin, to help celebrate this day.

"As you can see, I've already made breakfast. I know some of it may look new to you all, but I can assure you that if you try it, you'll like it. If not, then there's plenty more of the normal food for you all to have." I say. "Uh, Emma? What is all this?" Artemis asks. I grin. "Today's a special holiday back in my kingdom. Since I can't be there to join the celebration, I might as well try to celebrate here. Come on, come sit." I say, coming over to pull Kaldur over. Somehow, my outfit stays hidden as I set him down next to my seat, leaning down to place a kiss on his cheek.

The others slowly come to sit down, filling their own plates. Not before long, conversation comes up between everyone, and they all seem to like the dishes from my kingdom. Wally, of course, ends up eating the rest of it once everyone's full. M'gann then helps me place everything into the sink, since there are no leftovers. Someone will do them later. I then go over and place a kiss on Kaldur's lips, much to the other's shock. I giggle at their expressions. Artemis, of course, smirks. "Well, it's about time." She tells me. I grin, before leaving them all to go to the training area. They all follow, curious.

I turn to them, stepping into the ring's edge. "For everyone's safety, I'm going to ask you all to stay outside of the ring, ok? I don't want anyone to get hurt, especially seeing as I'm going to be using fire." I tell them. They're confused, but nod. Slowly, I take my cloak off, setting it to the ground outside the ring. I hear the gasps as I straighten up.

"Emma, what are you wearing? You never show that much skin." Robin says, staring. "What? This?" I smirk. "This is just something I wear for celebrations like today. Besides, I need it if I'm going to be dancing." I say. "It's a traditional ritual that all dragons must do today. It will bring us good health and fortune."

"Esmeralda?" Kaldur asks. I look over at him. He's staring at my gauze-covered waist. "Why is your stomach wrapped in bandages?" I look down at the ground, my expression growing grim. "You know when I told all of you about my banishment, when I told you my real name?" I ask, looking up at them, somber. They all nod. I look back down. "I never told you the full extent of what my punishment was. That day, when my father found me... He did this to me. The next day, he'd decided to banish me." I explain.

Slowly, I begin to unwrap my bandages, setting the gauze on top of my cloak, and taking out my materials I need for my dance. I set them on the ground, next to my feet. I look back up at the others. They're staring at my stomach in confusion. The only thing there is the scar from when I was injured by the tiger. "It's on my back, you guys. Would you like to see?" I question. They all nod hesitantly. I turn around, showing my lower back. I hear the gasps.

"Dragon claws. They're very painful when they cut you. The higher the status, the more painful it is. It's the same with our fangs as well." I say. I feel a hand touch my back and I jump around, a small yelp escaping my lips. I blush, seeing that the culprit is Kaldur. "Please don't touch them. Even after all these years, they're still very sensitive, which is why I have to wrap them in gauze in case anyone touches my back." I explain. He quickly apologizes. "That's alright, Kaldur. You didn't know." I say.

"Hey, Emma. I noticed something black on your back. It was poking out beneath your hair." Connor states, pointing. "Oh, that." I say, turning around again. I pull my hair away to show my upper back.