A small story for you, comments appreciated

Puff was a puny dragon, even for his age. He should have grown into his wings at least two decades ago, but no, they were still rather stunted and would not support him in flight. Puff was named so not because of his puniness, but for the simple fact that was all he could do - puff. No flame at all. Never mind the dragon family shunned him as a total failure, that was what he saw himself as.

This frame of mind had saved him many a trouble as the others had long since given up trying to provoke him, it was no fun when he sadly agreed at the vicious barbs and turned his back disconsolately. Only his elder brother, Blaze, had any time for him. He at least had never tormented his puny little sibling; as a noble minded dragon he knew it was his duty to help.

So it was that fateful day that saw both Blaze and Puff wallowing in the hot pool by the smoking mountain that was their home, that Blaze looked at Puff's back and then looked again more sharply. Puff stood up as he noticed.

"I know my wings are not what they should be, Blaze, but please don't rub it in like the others."

Blaze shook his head violently. "No, no, Puff! You know I would never make fun of you."

"Then why the double take? they haven't grown any more."

Blaze belched a ring of smoke as he laughed. "There you are wrong, my young sibling, very wrong! Still not much bigger, but at least two more points from the last time I noticed!"

Puff stood still. The wings still felt small, but he tentatively reached round to where he thought the tips should be. Blaze was right! Two whole new points, and well on the way to a third! They were growing!

He flexed his chest muscles and was rewarded as the wings actually rose into a flight position. They were still not quite big enough to take him off his feet, but he was elated and Blaze clapped merrily with him. He puffed himself up and blew as he knew the others did to make flame. Nothing. He was totally deflated again. Blaze patted his shoulder.

"The wings are coming on, the flame will surely come. Come on, we can let ma know at least."

Word spread quickly and most nodded sagely that the runt seemed to be growing up at last.

Another few years on, Puff was now flying. Not very far nor very fast - he could not keep up with the main family - but he was happy enough.

Then came the day of the big battle. Other dragons were invading their territory. this could not be allowed. The whole family took off as one to the fight, leaving Puff with the old and young. He was still not considered good enough to join the fight.

Puff strode backwards and forwards. This time the snub had angered him for once, and he muttered and belched and blew clouds of steam - but still no flame, which angered him all the more.

Half a dozen green coloured dragons swaggered into view - the enemy! Puff drew himself up as he shooed the rest well behind him.

The howls of derision made something snap inside him, and he felt himself shaking, building up something he had never felt before. He burst into dark red flame, flickering around him but not burning. The sight was mesmerizing as he strode forward, taking a deep breath. No flame came from his mouth as it should have, but the flame around him formed a brilliant lash that leapt forward of its own volition and seared the enemy.

There were more howls behind them, and Blaze led the fighters at the rear. The one enemy that ran towards Puff was caught by another small whiplash of barbed heat and crumpled, both burnt and crushed.

The fighters looked amazed at Puff, who merely smiled back and shrugged.
He had found his flame - but what a flame!

Blaze spoke first. "Can you teach us that, Puff?"

Puff shook his head. "No, brother, no more can you teach me your more normal flame I think. I shall be honoured to remain Puff, the small guardian, if I may; but beware of making me truly angry now, all of you."

Blaze grinned. "See, everyone? I told you he was grown at last! Now Puff the Puny is dead, long live Puff the Protector!"