Ok, having finished chapter two, I want to say something about the whole thing before you read... my favorite parts and insane comments.
This story is so pretty and good! Nothing major physically happens in this chapter, and as a result, it wasn't very long, which makes it very good!!
I like the way the characters contrast against the Shadows cast; neither Ayame nor Sonika is as innocent as Shinta; and Urien doesn't seem semi-evil or horney like Kei.
The only similar-ish characters are Sonika and Daichi, since they're both royals. They should get together, just for the insane fights, it would be beautiful... *^_^*

THROUGHOUT THE STORY COMMENTARY:
I cannot for the life of me remember what's going on. Well, I have a foggy notion.

I want an entourage. Or minions. I think we've been through this.

"and it was all Sonika could do not to ball her hands up in fists and do something very un-princess-like."
^- hehe...

"Now, mage-girl, walk."
^- hehehe... i love the snottiness, it's uber-evil-adorabibly!

URIEN IS HOT!! NEEHEEHEE!! um... yeah.

“Afternoon, Urien. Haven’t spoken to you recently. How are you?”
^- Oh come on... why don't you just say "I come in search of a rock."

Aww, poor Urien, doesn't think his name is appropriate... Let's call him Seth!! or Sean, whichever! ^.^

great job keep writing

Lira~
This is great! I love the discription! The way she feels like she needs to enjoy herself and doesn't is described very well! It's a great beginning to the story! Keep on going!

Clothes!! They wear a lot of COOL clothes!! and I want to turn into a dragon! ^.^ ...Well no... anthro-squirrel is a little more... me... *le sigh* Hey... what does "le sigh" mean? 0.o'

Butbut, I like!! tis purty and sparkly! *pokes the purty place* I don't understand the description of Ayame's clothes though... *slow*

Oh well.. I want to go poke you... It's strange; I'm talking to you, but you're right over there. I can see you. Well, actually, I can't, there's a wall in the way, but w/e. -_-;

hey! yeah, i was gonna comment on a few things that u left out - but looking at your little note at the bottom of the page, well, u probably know what u're doing.
Anyway, great plot so far! it was really interesting. not u're typical princess either. Sonika sounds like an intelligent, eager to learn and spunky heroine with personality! well, since it's only the first chapter, it hasn't really developed yet, but i'm sure, given time, you'll do a remarkable job of it!
so, even though the story's for a contest, will you continue with it? it's very good! don't worry about the lack of reviewers yet, i'm sure they'll come flocking once everyone notices just how brilliant your writing is!
keep up the good work :)

luv, nadia :P

Whoa. Your story is amazing. And you left OUT details!? You should have made more than one chapter then. You have an awesome abillity to go into details, but without being boring or tedious. I love the plot so far, its very unique and it looks like its going to be complex as well. The only thing that threw me off was how after Sonika "became the dragon" (still don't totally understand that) she went right to searching out Ayame? But perhaps thats what you left out *sigh* Please write more, I'd love love love to hear the rest of it!