The Dragon Chronicles; Aphrodites Fall (Part 8)
A/N: again a short chapter, but the drama is nearly over :P
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At the edge of the city, Canicus was fighting for his life. Titus roared again, a deafening sound, before launching another jet of flames towards Canicus. Canicus rolled over in mid-air, his reactions already slightly slowed due to the earlier blows to his head. Canicus dived towards the ground, Titus following close behind, pulling back up at the last moment, one constantly on the defence, the other not leaving any openings for an attack. Canicus looped around, forcing Titus to face him head on. They both hovered for a moment, their gazes locked, trying to find a weakness in the others defence.
Thoughts were racing through Canicus’ head, fleeting glimpses of Deyanira fighting with Deiaro, half-formed plans and ideas, subtle changes in the surroundings. He fought back the panic, Titus was too strong to be beaten with just muscle, but he was arrogant and careless. If Canicus could keep his head, then there was a chance he could win, or at least get back to his Princess. He looked Titus over, noting the scars across his wings, how several of his claws were broken and that he seemed to be squinting slightly out of one eye, tiny details that only a fellow Dragon would notice. Despite his massive size, Titus was obviously suffering from old wounds that hadn’t healed properly.
Canicus lunged at Titus, lowering his head as he did so, swinging around at the last second and closed his jaws over Titus’ front right leg. Titus let out a low bellow, trying desperately to shake Canicus off. Canicus let go and beat his wings, climbing higher into the sky to try and gain the advantage, but even with a wounded leg, Titus was faster. Canicus flew upwards, but was pulled backwards and Titus bit his tail, using all his strength to pull him downwards. Canicus felt the panic rise once again, this was a move designed to kill. He made a futile attempt to beat his wings, to thrash his tail, anything that might make Titus let go.
Titus was in his element, he had never lost a fight, at least not to a smaller dragon. He levelled out, swinging Canicus around like a rag-doll. Letting go, he watched him hit the ground and skid along, feeling pleased with himself. Deiaro would be happy if Canicus died, thought Titus, maybe he’d reward me for killing him. Titus slowly spiralled lower, landing several metres away from Canicus. He watched Canicus struggle to his feet, grunting with the pain and effort of it. Titus took a step forward, then paused. Caution warned him not to get too close, Dragons were often more vicious when they had been injured.
Canicus shook his head, trying to ignore the burning pain in his tail. He could feel the hot blood trailing down between his scales. Glancing at his wounded appendage, he winced at the sight of his shattered scales. Titus had used every muscle in his jaw to try and rip it open. He shook his head again and gradually turned to face Titus. Every movement of his tail sent a piercing pain racing up his spine. There was no way he would be able to fly now, Titus had made sure of that. The fight was as good as over, the only thing left was how long Titus would drag out his victory.
Canicus stood still, mustering his strength. He had three weapons, his claws, his teeth and his fire. Titus crouched down and rolled his shoulders, stretching the muscles in preparation for his next attack. No time like the present, thought Canicus, and let loose the breath he had been holding, the flames he released extending across the gap and engulfing Titus. As soon as he ran out of air, Canicus stopped his attack, and as the smoke was clearing, Titus ran forwards and head-butted Canicus, hitting his chest and winding him. Canicus gasped and was pushed backwards. He dug his claws into the ground and snapped at Titus’s neck, his teeth unable to find purchase on the smooth scales. Titus lashed out at Canicus under-belly, one of the few weak spots on a Dragon’s body. Canicus growled with the effort to remain standing, and sunk his teeth into Titus extended wing, ripping the thin membrane and snapping at least one bone. It had become a battle to the death.
Part 9