By nightfall, after trekking through the woods a bit longer, me, Alex, Dart and Ly were at the treeline, staring at the awaiting village of Stonewater. The village has already been lit up with lanterns that looked almost like fireflies. Standing between us from here to there was a long field, with some food gardens standing several feet besides the well used trail we've been following. Apparently the village was encased in a very wide circle surrounded by trees.

I took in a deep, nervous breath as I kept my wings tucked on my back. Well...We finally made it. And it doesn't appear to be destroyed by dragons. I shot a glance up at the twilight sky. Not exactly as hidden as Dart's home, it's still too obvious to find...But then again, no village is ever safe from a swarm of dragons.

Not that it isn't safe from ME, of course. I don't destroy them.

My heart was beating nervously away in my scaled chest as I went back to stare at the lit village again. So now what? Do I have to go IN one? Or wait out here? I know what my answer is. Going to one considering that I'm a dragon is crazy. I know I was near Dart's before, but that was because I came across it by accident, but this is different. I was going STRAIGHT to one when I plainly know it. I thought I was done with villages, and going inside one is DEFINITELY not what I had in mind.

I hope no trouble comes to me...And I hope I don't go in there with the three little ones standing with me. That's simply out of the question. Deal or no deal.

Ly said in awe, "Wow...Is that what the home of the humans looks like?"

Dart answered while he stood beside me to my right, "Yep. That's how humans always live."

The yellow hatchling commented, "Kinda cool. Not what I expected. What I mean by that is I SOMEWHAT pictured you guys living in caves. I know humans live together like dragon tribes, but like this...It's doesn't look too bad."

Alex chuckled, brushing her hair off her shoulder, "I'll take that as a compliment."

The young human male stated with a chuckle, "What do you think we are, barbarians? We don't live in caves, we live in houses. Sure if we didn't have a home we might stay in one, but those people do." I rolled my eyes. Barbarians is the right term to describe your kind. You act like barbarians when you set your sights on dragons like me. Don't act dumb, human.

Ly stated, "Makes sense. And those weird looking thingies ahead are called houses huh?"

"That's right. They're somewhat like Messina's fortress, but smaller...And they're not dark and gloomy either." Dart then said, "You oughta see what the houses INSIDE look like. You'd be surprised."

"Ooooo...I might be." Then she started her joyful padding towards the village, "Well, we're off to meet the humans! Let's go, guys!"

I gasped, stopping her with a paw around her chest, "Ly! Don't!"

Ly questioned, giving me a disappointed face, "Why not? We're here aren't we? Isn't that the point of coming here, to meet more humans and see if they'll help rescue more humans?"

Dart said, crossing his arms with an accusing look, "Yeah, Celine. I thought you were supposed to be helping us convincing other humans that we are in dire need of some help. Not doing a good job holding your end of our deal. Already backing out of it?"

I cautiously said when I pulled myself away from the yellow hatchling, "Look, maybe this would be different if we met a small group of them OUTSIDE the village. But this...If we walk straight in announcing ourselves, it'll cause a panic and then we'll be in trouble...And then me and Ly will be attacked."

Dart suggested, "Come on, me and Alex can convince them not to harm you guys...As crazy as that sounds."

I gave him a daggered look, "Even with that, you have a point, it is a little nuts. Everyone will think you're nuts and might disregard what you're saying with outright stupid fear. Sorry, I'm in it for the deal, even when I have my own issues..." I shot my eyes at the village again, "But I'm not in it just to waltz inside villages and expose myself. Dragons and villages, not exactly a great combination."

Ly whined, dropping her head down, "Awwww...I can't go in there and see interesting things..." Then she perked up her head, "Wait! I have an idea! Why don't I TELL everyone from right here that we come in peace? If they hear me and see we're not attacking anyone, they might believe me. That might do the trick, let me try it!"

My eyes went wide, my heart jumping in my throat. No! Don't do that!

Before I could stop her, she hastily started yelling at the village as loud as she could, taking a few steps forward, "Hey everyone! Friendly dragons coming to see you! Can you see us?!"

I whispered loudly, "LY, BE QUIET!"

But she ignored me, "I can't see you so that's why I'm hollering, not ROARING cause they're totally different! Listen, we don't want to hurt any of you, we just want to talk to you! I can't breathe fire anyways! Nothing will be burned by me, I promise!"

"LY!"

"Not sure about my big blue bestie though, who is standing right here not threatening in any way! But seriously we are not coming here to kill you! We- OWWW!"

I finally stamped on her tail to get her to be quiet. Ly held a pained look on her face when she sat on her butt, curling her tail around her and started rubbing the pain away with her forepaws. I checked and saw from the same distance that nobody from the village came out to investigate all the noise outisde their home. It was still exactly as it was. Thank goodness! I hissed towards her, "Stop drawing attention to us! That s even MORE nuts!"

Ly said, still massaging her tail, "I was trying to help. You didn't have to step on my tail..."

Alex giggled nearby, "Well...It was a decent idea..."

I told her with a lash of my own tail, "What dragon does that? Haven't your parents taught you anything? You'll get us killed doing that."

Ly apologized, "I'm sorry..."

I huffed, standing firm on my choice, "Look, guys, we're not going in there, it's too dangerous for us dragons. We'll certainly be ASKING someone to kill us."

Dart finally slowly nodded at that, "...You might be right. You guys may cause a panic if you walk in there..." Then he smiled when he came up with something, "All right, then you and Ly wait out here. Alex and I will go in and try to find some supplies, and some new clothes, and then we'll try to find some help. Just don't do anything sinister before then."

Sinister? Give me a break, I never plan to be sinister. Ly proudly, and LOUDLY, proclaimed on her end, standing on her fours again, "AS IF!"

I growled, "LY...What did I say?"

"Oh, right! Sorry!" She lowered her tone to a few decibels, "As if!"

Dart went on, "Anyways, once we do find help, we'll bring them out here so they can meet you, and that'll help convince them that we're not making things up. Pure and simple. If we don't find anyone tonight then we'll find a motel and spend a night there, or in someone's house, then we'll try again in the morning."

I moaned, "I have to spend a night here?"

The little male human remarked, "Hey, it's getting late anyway, so we'll spend the night around here regardless."

I sighed, "...You're right." Then I shot him a very serious look, "But I'm not spending the night in the middle of this damn road."

"Fine. Sleep wherever you want." Then he beckoned Alex as he paced a couple steps towards Stonewater, "Come on, Alex, let's go. Better do what we can before everybody closes down shop. I'm tired of wearing these clothes."

"Uhhhh..." Alex appeared hesitant, "Actually, Dart...I don't think this is a good idea."

That got Dart forming up a quizzical brow. Me and Ly did the same, both frowning. Dart sputtered, "Wh-What?"

"Look, um..." Alex said, "I don't think we should go in there."

"Are you kidding me?" He demanded, "After coming this far? What's got into you?"

Alex shortly answered, "Um...Look, I didn't mention this before cause I didn't want to scare anyone, but it's just that I heard Stonewater holds a bunch of shady characters. People coming from all over the world, some causing trouble. After what happened with us a couple nights ago, I don't think we should go bothering people like that. They might get annoyed and start attacking us." I just stared at her with my frown still upon my face. What is going on with her?

I'm not sure why...But she's giving off this vibe like she's trying to hide herself or something.

What could be bothering her?

Dart said, "I'm not dumb. If I know I'm bothering somebody, I'd walk away and leave them alone." I rolled my eyes at that. Like you ever do with me. He continued, "Look, if it makes you feel safer, I'll go by myself. I won't take long to come and report back to you guys. I'll bring you a new outfit to wear too. You won't be wearing these tattered clothes of yours any longer."

Alex shook her head at that, "No, Dart, I think we should turn around and leave. You can't go in there by yourself, you might get hurt again."

Ly agreed to that, standing to be beside Alex, "I think I agree with Alex. If there are bad humans in there then we better get away from here. I don't want anyone getting hurt again. I swear I think I'm foreseeing that happening. Let's change that, shall we? There are other human homes, right? We can go look for another one. I don't mind the wait to meet more people. I'm a very patient dragon." I snorted, fluttering my wings. Great, that means MORE walking to find another stupid village and MORE wasting my time. Why did I seriously agree to this deal?

Because my own stupid feelings about Dart and Alex and Ly's persistent words will not stop bothering me!

Dart waved that off swiftly, "No way! I'm not leaving till we give this place a try. I don't care what shady characters there are in this place. If there are any tough guys then they could be of big help against Messina." He let out a sigh then reminded them, "Guys, we're really running out of apples, we haven't found a tree like that in ages, our clothes are torn and tattered...We need some help here. Besides, I'm tired of being itchy at night cause of lack of fabric so I'm doing this."

"Wait, I have an idea." Alex suggested, motioning her hand at me, "Celine can go in with you."

I reared back my head, narrowing my eyes, "Excuse me, what? Didn't I say I'm NOT going in there?"

Alex asked, gazing me squarely, "You can perform camouflage, right?"

Oh no...I don't like where this is going... I corrected her, "I can turn INVISIBLE, yes. What are you getting at?"

The silver haired human laid out her idea, "Well, why don't you turn invisible, follow Dart in the village, and keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't get hurt."

Ly piped in with a big smile, "Yeah! No one will know you're with him, nobody will see you, so you'll be safe as well! That'll make me feel better!"

Dart concurred SORT OF with the rest of the group, "I think that's a good idea. Might be crazy to have a camouflaged dragon following me...But I suppose it'll have to do."

I had a gut feeling they'd suggest that. I immediately refused, "You guys are REALLY out of your minds. I'm not going in there all invisible!"

Dart looked down, mumbling under his breath, "You're probably right...I think I am out of my mind..."

I warned, "Anything could still happen to me even while I'm like that. People can bump into me by accident and they'll know something's going on."

Ly pointed out, "Not if you're ABSOLUTELY CAREFUL. It can't be too hard."

I shot her a nervous smile, "You definitely want me slaughtered by a bunch of little creatures, do you."

The yellow hatchling protested, "Not slaughtered! Just want you to look around in there and tell me EVERYTHING you see! I want to know every interesting thing you see about humans!"

I remarked, "I think we know everything we need to know about them, Ly."

Dart groaned impatiently, "Look, it's settled. Either you come with me, Celine, or we all go in together. I'm tired of arguing about this and I'm ready to do this whether everyone likes it or not. And if anyone refuses to come when I choose the latter, which is probably not the best option, I'll drag you by your tails if I have to, and I'm not in the mood for physical labor and get laughed at by dang dragons trying to move one. By the way if anybody does laugh when someone pictures it, I'll kick your butt. Now, big girl, what's it going to be?"

Ly said in a nervous tone, "I do want to meet more people...But I don't want to get hurt by them either. I think I'd rather stay out here and face the scary night monsters." Alex patted her fondly on her scaled neck.

Oh, ancestors... I groaned, tossing down my snout in defeat, "...Alright...I'll do it." Then I pointed a claw right at Dart with a demanding look, "You owe me one for this, Dart. Scratch that...YOU OWE ME A LOT.

Dart shot back, "I know, I owe you crap, now get to camouflaging."

"Ugh...Give me a minute...And don't rush me." I softly closed my eyes, taking in a lot of air with my nose, thinking about calming winds brushing againt my wing membranes. Slowly, I was feeling the familiar feeling flowing throughout my scales, from my tail all the way up to my snout. I opened them up, looked myself over, and saw I was invisible the second time today.

Ly praised with amusing eyes, "Gosh that is still SO cool."

Dart asked my invisible form, "Alright...You still here?"

I confirmed, "Right here, human. Haven't left you." As if I can GO anywhere. I just now turned, when would I have time to move? Ancestors, the thought of leaving of you would drive me crazy.

"Ok then." He instructed Ly and Alex, pointing at the woods off the road we're standing on, "Hide around here and wait for us. We'll be back in a little bit." They both nodded and dashed for the greenery to hide themselves. I let out a breath. Wish I was them... The lone human standing before me said with a beckoning hand as he began pacing for the village, "Let's go." I didn't falter, even when I desperately wanted to. I started padding along behind him, barely not taking my eyes off him while also keeping a bit of an eye around my surroundings.

Dart pressed a few moments later, "Hey, Celine...Where are you? You still around?"

I said in annoyance, "YES, Dart, as a matter of fact I am right behind you. Not like I'm staying behind without you knowing. Ly would scold me if I attempted such a thing."

He stated sarcastically, "Well SOR-RY. It's just my eyes aren't as good as they used to be."

I rolled my invisible eyes, "You're still blind as a bat when it comes to dragons anyway."

"I wouldn't be the only one. Speaking of that..." He looked over his shoulder with a quizzical frown, "How come you haven't done this before? You know, camouflage yourself?"

I huffed, "Still having an issue with my secret trick? I still have the right to show my tricks however and whenever I please. Plus I didn't feel like doing it before till this morning."

Dart clarified, "I was just wondering...How come you never camouflaged yourself back at the dungeon? Instead of having me picklocking your chain you could have tricked a dragon with a key so we would've unlocked it that way."

I replied to that, "You think I haven't thought of the idea?"

He shrugged his shoulders, "The thought would've crossed my mind. I'd do anything to get outta there."

I explained, "Well for one thing, since you were getting close to being dead at the time and couldn't wait to escape, it probably would've taken forever to lure a dragon inside our cell so we can swipe a key off him. And I would have to fight them to get it. And who knows if I would've won?"

"Oh, yeah...That's true."

I continued, "And second, my shackle wouldn't have disappeared with me. It doesn't work like that. I can't make objects on top of me disappear alongside me. It would just be floating in the air. Imagine if you were riding on top of me and everyone thought you were only riding a invisible carriage."

He spat, "Try not comparing yourself as a carriage...Cause I wouldn't think about riding on you if my life depended on it."

I snorted, "I don't expect you to. Anyways, even if I tried hiding it, somebody would've figured out what was going on and caught on what I was doing. Like I said, invisible scales is a rare thing, but still a known fact among dragons. And who knows if Ly would've kept her trap shut...Considering she wanted to follow the rules of the QUEEN at the time."

Dart said after a moment, "Yeah, I guess you have a point there."

Then I added with a low hiss, "And who knows if that enchanted shackle would've let me turn invisible."

"Again with the magic nonsense." Dart contradicted that, "I told you it isn't real."

I shot back, "Explain that to the shackle. It wouldn't let me go no matter what I do...Not even ask it nicely. What more do you want?"

But he made an argument, "I just think you didn't pull the chain off the wall hard enough. No way any thing like that can withstand that kind of strength."

I said, "Then I guess I'm a weakling like you are. Is that what you want to hear?"

He said, looking straight ahead, "An adult dragon as weak as a hatchling, eh? Either you haven't ate in a while, or you are a wimp. Can't be both."

A growl emitted down my throat as my invisible wings flared, "I ate good before I was captured, I've been only captured for a little bit at the most before you laid eyes on me...And I'm certainly not a wimp." I huffed, "Besides, it's done and over with already, so can we drop it?"

"Fine...I still believe you didn't pull it hard enough."

I most certainly did pull it hard enough! I would've pulled down an entire wall if I've succeeded but nooooo. I didn't say that exactly. Instead I factly stated, "Think what you want, I don't care. It's true regardless what you say." I still don't understand how Messina and her tribe got ahold of magic though. Where did she get something like that? And how was she using it? Then, as we were halfway to the village, I said with a curious tone while I gazed at one of the food gardens from a distance, "Hey, Dart, can I ask you something?"

Dart replied without looking at me, "To make sure you're sticking with me...Sure."

I asked suspiciously, "Have you noticed that Alex is acting weird?" He looked back at me when I went further with this, "She's REALLY been acting like she doesn't want to go inside the village."

Dart said, a curious look forming on his face, "Yeah...She has been traveling before she was captured by Messina and before all of us met. But it is rather odd that she was like that. You'd think she's used to going inside villages away from home by now...And this one doesn't look exactly dangerous. Looks like a normal, peaceful village."

I glanced over my shoulder at the spot where Ly and Alex are in the woods, "I don't know about you...But it feels like she's hiding something."

Dart scoffed, "That's stupid, what could she be hiding? Maybe she's not, maybe she's telling the truth, maybe she was afraid cause she heard of shady characters hanging around Stonewater. She's probably still worked up because of that attack with those people before you and Ly came back and saved us."

"Could be, but I don't know..." Feels like it's something else...But I have no idea what. I gazed down at him, "But hey, when push comes to shove for shady characters, I wouldn't mind taking some down myself. They are humans after all. Be as easy as those dipshits."

Dart brought up, narrowing his eyes up as warning, "Just remember our deal. If you harm any innocent people in the village I will not hesitate to-"

I groaned before he could finish, "Calm down, HUMAN...I'm not going to kill anybody. I don't kill humans for pleasure or sport...I'm not a monster, unlike SOME dragons." I don't really want to kill another human, but if they cause trouble to you...I will have to.

I hope when I do...I hope I won't feel guilty about it like the last time.

I don't like feeling that kind of guilt...

As each step took me closer and closer to Stonewater, I had the urge to run away. But I knew Dart wouldn't be too happy about it and then all of us would've had to do the alternative. Which was a dumb alternative by the way.

For Ly's sake, I was going to have to do it.

I still can't believe that I was doing this, walking into a village all invisible. It was probably the craziest idea I've ever done...Besides saving a human from another dragon and risking my own neck out for one...And TWO of them. But this was definitely the MOST craziest. But perhaps it wouldn't be so bad. I just have to listen to Ly's words. Be absolutely careful. All I have to do is keep an eye on Dart, as usual, and not attract too much attention, and then we're out of here.

Hope that's easier said than done...I don't wanna FORCE to defend myself...

Me and the arrogant human walked through the edge of the village. Several humans appear to still be up and going. Insides of houses and shops were lit up just like the lanterns outside to coincide with the looming darkness that has now arrived. A horse from a carriage neighed. A few people were standing around outside chatting, a couple of them were laughing as if somebody made a joke. I can see some children from the distance playing ball on the main street of the village despite it being their bedtime.

This wasn't the kind of environment I should be walking around in, I kinda thought every person has tucked into bed right about now. But I still kept my distance from anyone, including one person that was jogging and almost hit me. Luckily I quickly moved out of their way and went past me without notice.

I swallowed a lump. This is a big mistake...But I gotta keep calm...Don't wanna attract any unnecessary attention.

Dart whispered around, breaking the silence between us, only staring ahead so he would pretend he wasn't with someone, "Psst! Celine! You hear me? You still with me?"

Here goes that dumb question again. Maybe I should've left him so he wouldn't keep asking me so! I snaked my snout down behind his so I can whisper at his ear, "If you want me to inform you that I'm nearby every minute passes, let me do so. Sure that won't attract attention towards us."

He replied with a retort, "Excuse me...I thought I was feeling alone."

My invisible snout formed a smirk, "Awww, getting lonely without me, are we? And I thought you didn't like being around me."

He said, "Oh please, I was still gonna drag your tail if you tried scurrying away."

I teased, "Really love my company. I'm impressed."

"Oh shut up." Then he said after a short pause, "I'll tell you something though...Talking to you like this feels like I'm talking to a ghost."

I said in amusement, "Ghosts are PRETTY dead...I'm very much alive."

The only human talking to me remarked, "Well in that case I must look like a nutty person merely talking to myself."

I assured as my ears caught a hoot of laughter far behind me, "Don't worry, you're not nuts like Ly. I'm as real as you are."

Dart admitted, "That's comforting...But I still think I'm crazy for doing this. Bringing an invisible dragon in a village, which invisible dragons are probably unheard of...Who ever heard of a person doing that?"

I swore, "I wouldn't worry about it...I swear I won't kill anyone...Or do any sort of destruction."

"...I'll be holding you to that." I rolled my eyes again when I raised my head high above him. Dart...You SERIOUSLY gotta trust me on this. I'm not gonna kill anyone...Unless someone tries to MURDER YOU.

I threw down my question filled whisper at him, "So where are we going?"

He pointed at something ahead, "There's a fruit vendor over there. I'll grab some food for us and move on."

I followed his sights, seeing the fruit wagon over there as well, with the person behind it doing some last minute selling. I suggested, "All right, well...I understand you know what to do. Just act natural."

Dart asked himself in his low tone, "How can I act natural when I know someone's watching over me?"

I reminded him, smirking a little bit, my invisible wings fluttering on my back, "Don't act like it was my idea. It was Alex's, and you agreed to it."

"No kidding."

I advised, "Just pretend I'm not beside you for a moment and you'll be fine." Suddenly I felt my tail bump against a bystander by accident. I sucked in a breath, my heart pounding rapidly in my chest, and quickly raised it up high so it wouldn't touch them again. The person was shooting glances around trying to see what hit him, but then he shortly shrugged and wandered off. Shoot! I gotta be careful doing that!

After strolling a few more feet after that, when I gazed at the fruit vendor once more, a thought crossed my mind. Wait, why didn't I think of that? Then I asked Dart, bringing my head down behind his head again frowning, "Hey, now you got me thinking...Do you have any coin? I know you have to pay for things like that."

"No." He said, "I'll have to tell him what's going on with me and convince him to help out."

I warned, "Good luck with that. I heard business men are pretty stingy when it comes to...Business."

Dart threw a resentful whisper over his shoulder, "Not like dragons are with tributes."

I gave his back with my own invisible glare, "I resent that...But I'm going to ignore it...FOR NOW."

He said, "Look, just leave things to me. There are sympathetic people in the world. I don't need your help for that."

I responded as we brought ourselves closer to the vendor, "Do what you wish...Just leave me out of it."

I stood beside Dart as we were in front of the wagon filled with so many varieties of fruit. Peaches, apples, berries, the like. The person behind it was actually a INCREDIBLY short, stubby man with hardly any hair and was apparently sitting on a high stool. The vendor greeted, "Hello there. Nice night, huh?"

Dart nodded with a greeting smile, "Sure is."

"Haven't seen you around here before. Just arrived, weary traveler?"

"That's right."

The short vendor obviously did notice how ruined the shirt was on Dart. He pressed as his eyes gazed squarely on the human's chest, "What happened to you, kid? You look like a mess." He chuckled devilishly, "Had a rough night with a lady?" I smirked nearby. Not even close, shorty.

Dart shook his head, "Not exactly."

"Oh." Then the vendor guessed again, "Got in a fight with someone?"

Right the second time. Dart partly answered beside me, showing off himself, "Something like that. It's a long story. I'm...I am in desperate need of a new outfit. This won't cut it." The word 'cut' called up his nasty wound inside my head. Least Dart was smart enough not to bring up that he almost died and a dragon saved him by fighting off the adversaries that were hurting him, and giving him blood so his inury would heal. No way that guy was going to believe that story.

The short vendor replied, pointing down the street, "Well, there is a clothes shop down that way, and he is open still, I think. But better hurry up, he might close up soon."

"Thanks. I needed it." I rolled up my eyes. You certainly do. Then Dart started awkwardly, "And uh...I hate sounding like a beggar, but..." His hand was motioning at the fruit varieties on the wagon, "I was wondering if you wouldn't mind lending me some of your fruit? It's just that I don't have coin on me because the people that attacked me stole all of it, and..." He showed off his apple bag on his shoulder, "And I am running out of food."

The vendor remarked, "Oof. Sounds rough. Well, wish I could, but-"

"Hey there!" I shot my gaze to the stray voice. A taller man with a big beard came up to Dart and the wagon. He said with a booming, happy voice, "Sorry I was late, good customer. Had to be off a bit." I tilted my head to the side in thought. Must be the REAL vendor. Either that or a partner. No way that little guy here would've operated it by himself. How the heck could he MOVE that wagon all by himself?

Dart smiled, turning to the taller man. He said, "No worries." He thumbed at the short vendor, "Your friend here was doing a good job."

"Mort usually does. He is a loyal partner of mine. You should've seen him trying to chase off a thief!" He tossed up his head to laugh loudly. I tried so hard not to snicker. I can imagine. Kinda feel bad for him. The tall man observed quizzically on Dart, particularily at his clothes, "The hell happened to you? Looks like you went through a storm."

My invisible wings fluttered when my tail swished a bit behind me. You don't know the half of it, sir. Dart said modestly, "It's a long story."

Mort, the little partner, reported behind the wagon, "We got ourselves a beggar, Linus. He said somebody attacked him and stole all his coin."

Linus suddenly narrowed his eyes at Dart, "Is that so?"

Mort added, "He said he wanted us to give him some fruit for free."

"Oh, really?" He grabbed hold a part of Dart's shirt that wasn't ripped and torn and pulled him towards him. Dart gasped a bit, and I was glaring at the threatening human. Don't even think about it, SIR. You don't know what you're dealing with. Linus's leering, accusing eyes pierced into Dart's, "We don't like people like you taking advantage of us. Take a hike."

Dart grunted, "But- But I'm not-"

Linus accused, having shook the young human violently, "I know a SCOUNDREL when I see one. You and your story are pathetic."

"But I wasn't-"

"Get outta here!" Linus tossed Dart aside like a piece of trash, sending the boy crashing on his hands and knees. I breathed out quietly in relief. Well, least it didn't get any worse. I honestly wished deep inside that I revealed myself, show them that Dart wasn't trying to trick anyone, cause I sure as hell know he isn't a scoundrel...But of course I knew that was a bad idea.

Mort hollered from the wagon without arguing with Linus about this, "Sorry, kid, we don't hand out freebies! Gotta look after ourselves! Good luck getting a new outfit with no coin!"

Yeah, even I wonder that'll happen. Why did I end up with a human that doesn't have any money? As Dart, without any more words shared, was getting up, looking back at Linus, I was starting to trek past the bearded vendor ready to join Dart so we can both leave.

But, my tail accidentally caught something, having me stop short. I formed a frustrated look on my face. What the blazes?! Without looking, I yanked my tail VERY hard...

And suddenly heard a crash behind me.

I gaped toward the commotion...And saw to everyone's shock that the fruit wagon partly fell over and spilled most of its contents, apples and mostly everything else rolling on the grass. My eyes widened up in surprise. Whoops! I figured right away what happened. Apparently my invisible tail has a mind of its own and snaked under the wagon, and it must've got stuck thanks to one of the wheels, and when I yanked it right off, it must've popped the wheel right off and had the wagon tip over on its side a bit.

Somehow, I had a feeling something like this would happen.

Linus cursed, cowering over his products on the ground and gazing at the wagon, "What the fuck?!" He pressed Mort behind the wagon, who is just as shocked as everybody, "Mort, did you tighten the wheel hard enough?"

Mort defended, "I thought it was all right! I swear!"

I timidly joined Dart as the two argued with each other. He looked freaked out, but I think it meant he also figured that it was my fault. He whispered to me, "Celine? Celine, where are you?"

I reported with my own whisper, bringing my snout down to his ear, "I'm right beside you."

That made him jump a bit since he didn't expect that. His eyes gave me daggers and he ordered quietly, "Come on, let's go!" I didn't think twice about it. I immediately went off with him as the vendors were still fighting with each other while Linus was fixing up the wagon. As me and Dart strolled side by side about several feet away out of earshot of those two, he almost blabbered out loud, "WILL YOU-?!" He lowered his voice to loud whispers again, "Will you get yourself under control? I was doing fine, I didn't need any help!"

I narrowed my eyes, "I didn't do that on purpose. That was an accident."

Dart grumbled, "Coulda fooled me."

"I'm serious, Dart." I explained, "My tail accidentally got caught by a wheel under the wagon and I pulled it out. That's what happened." I glanced at my invisible tail, "Sneaky little thing."

Dart commanded, "Well be more careful with it next time! I told you no destruction!"

I remarked, "Well, I suppose those two SORTA deserved it. They accused you of scamming them and wouldn't lend you anything. That Linus guy in particular was being a real jerk about it."

But Dart was being sympathetic about it as he looked behind him, "Well, I can kinda understand where that guy was coming from. Must've had an incident or two with somebody like that."

I said, "I think he should've took it easy on you though and asked you nicely. I mean come on, you weren't threatening them with a knife or anything."

Shortly, Dart replied in agreement, "True. I wasn't doing anything bad." He sighed when he brought his gaze towards ahead, "Well...Guess there goes that option. No fruit for me and Alex."

"None for Ly either, knowing how much she liked your apples." I joked, "Better earn some coin then, little guy. That'll get you somewhere."

He grumbled, "Ah, I don't have time for that. Unless you want us to stay here for a little while."

I declined, "No way. I ain't keeping up this invsibility charade forever."

He said, "Thought so. I guess me and Alex will have to have your lovely cooking for a little while."

"Might as well." Unless you want to hunt things and cook things yourself. Heh...Be a good break for me. I actually found myself apologizing to him, since I did feel a bit bad for him, "Sorry that didn't work out in your favor."

He said, shifting the green bag on his shoulder, "Forget about it. I kinda figured it wouldn't work out anyway. Let's try that clothes shop. Maybe the guy there will be more lenient."

I didn't have high hopes for that. I muttered, "Wouldn't count on it too much." We strode further deeper into the village till we found that clothes shop that short stubbed vendor told us. The lights in the building were still lit, meaning the place was still open to the public.

When we stopped in front of it, Dart instructed, "Wait here. I'll go get us some clothes."

I advised, "Just don't get into any trouble in there. You told me no destroying stuff, remember?"

"Attagirl. I'll be right back." With that, he strided into the shop, leaving me out in the street. I snorted. I don't like when he said 'attagirl'. Makes me think I'm a pet or something. I decided to hide my invisible scaled self into an alley between that shop and the building next door. Luckily the alley wasn't so enclosed that it was a tight squeeze for a dragon like me. I did catch a couple windows on the shop and peeked through one. Low and behold one of them was left open by the shop owner to let in some fresh air perhaps. That was perfect enough for me to listen in on a conversation.

I saw Dart alone in there chatting with an old man with spectacles on his face that seemed kind enough. I heard Dart explaining everything to this guy, since questions were asked, about what he went through, what he saw, and what he needed now. Well, maybe not the entire truth. He kinda did embelish a tiny bit. He didn't say how he and Alex escaped from the fortress, saying it was by pure luck. Didn't say that Alex was waiting for him now in the woods with a dragon, but rather waiting for him at a house that he and her managed to stay at for the night. Not to mention didn't bring up that he was close to death at one point and a dragon saved his life by giving him their blood.

Heck, he didn't mention me and Ly at all when it came to dragons, asides the ones he escaped and had to fight. That was probably a good idea. Wouldn't wanna bring up to the old man that a dragon is spying on them from outside. And Dart probably felt like he didn't have time explaining that there were two dragons that are kind and helpful.

The old man appeared convinced of the story despite there were some holes in it. When it came to finding help, he pointed out that the best way to find help to combat the evil dragons and save all those people, was to either go to this place called Grindorf, which was about almost a two day hike away from this village, or go to a tavern which was down the street from here. Dart also asked if he knew where a place called Clear Sight was at. The old human didn't know. That answer brought some disappointment towards Dart. It made me curious what the place meant to him. Perhaps that was the name of his village.

Wonder why he would go home if it was destroyed? Maybe it was to search for his family...After all...I never laid eyes on them when Dart was captured. Probably a futile thing...Like Ly's family...

Thanks to all the information, Dart, after changing into new clothes when the old man kindly gave them away, without having to pay for them of course, and looking a lot more better and lot less rough now, left the shop also carrying a new outfit for Alex. I trotted out of the alley to meet with him. Dart stood outside at the entrance, threw his gaze left and right, trying to figure where I am. Before he can call out, I announced beside him again, "Over here."

I can tell Dart almost jumped at my voice again but kept himself calm. He beckoned me to follow, then we both wandered away from the shop. He declared happily as he stuffed Alex's new clothes into his bag, "Got me fresh clothes. We're good."

About freakin time that problem is solved. I said with relief in my tone, "I can see that. Won't have to hear you whining about feeling drafts and itchy skin again."

"Same here. I was tired of it." He said, "I'll give Alex hers once we get out of here."

I whispered, kinda impatiently, "Can we get out of here NOW? I feel like I've been here long enough."

Dart denied my request, "No. The owner said there's a tavern where we could find some help. He said it's still be open. Maybe there might be a tough mercenary with years of battle experience that could help me stop Messina...Or twenty."

I moaned, "Give me a break with that, Dart. What fool would wanna go up against an army of dragons? And how would TWENTY fools help stack against the odds?"

He said, "Don't worry. Once I bring them out of the village you can outright convince them to help me."

I said, "You're missing the point. And that'll maybe bring the odds against ME if they choose not to listen. Other than that you'd probably have to PAY for them to help you out and you don't got any money. Or did you forget about that?"

The male human grumbled, "I don't appreciate your tone. I'm still giving this a shot. Won't know if anyone's there till we find out."

I corrected him with a roll of my eyes, "You mean till YOU find out. I'm gonna be stuck outside while you're asking for help anyway. Pretty certain no tavern ever lets dragons drink their sorrows out."

Dart spoke harshly, "Just be quiet and try not to do anything stupid again." I huffed quietly. I wasn't doing anything stupid in the first place! We've been over this!

Me and Dart shortly found the tavern, which was a much bigger place than the clothes shop. At the front it had a huge sign that proclaims, 'The Golden Tooth'. My ears have picked up several voices, brimming with life inside the place. I wasn't sure how many people were in there, but there must have been a bunch. I let out a sigh. I've heard of villages having taverns. People drinking away just to have a good time, or to drown their heartbroken chests and emotions.

I know what sort of drinks this place serves and frankly I never saw the appeal to them. They're not exactly water. It's basically drinking something that makes you drunk...And stupid...And obnoxious. That much I've heard what it does to humans.

Well, I suppose not being alone long enough does make me crazy and wants me to drink something. Makes me glad I can't fit my huge ass through that door. Might as well bring me a barrel of that stuff.

But then again, it makes me think if alcohol is good for dragons. Who the heck knows? Not like I can ask another dragon for an opinion.

Dart turned to me to say, "Alright, I'm going in."

I told him, my eyes keeping watch of my surroundings, "Don't take too long. If it takes all night for you to round up a few people, I'm outta here."

He assured, "Relax. I'll be back before you know it." He jogged inside the building. I decided to do the same thing I did last time, walk straight into another alley and try to see Dart through the windows of the building. Thank goodness I was invisible and nobody can see me, because there were several humans inside the tavern. Some looking normal, while few others appeared grim and gruff. None of them Dart shall be messing around with. Or maybe he might, when he tries BEGGING for help.

I kinda had a bad feeling about this. My crazy part of my brain was telling me to swoop inside the place and grab Dart and get him out of here. But I shoved the thought down. I wasn't going to destroy a building just to rescue him...Unless it happened. But nothing did. I can still see Dart from right here. He was standing at the bar, trying to talk to a couple tough looking men. I can kinda tell they weren't interested. My eyes rolled off the human of interest and began trailing around the interior. I have spotted some memoraphillia, golden plaques of sort, probably showing something that was celebratory or something like that.

There were even some trophies. Some animal heads were lined up on a wall above a few patrons. A moose...A mountain lion...A hippo...

I gasped sharply, rearing back my head.

....A dragon.

I found a head of a red scaled dragon, one that used to be lively, but no life in it now thanks to how lifeless their eyes are.

I turned myself fully away from the windows, shutting my eyes tightly, trying to force that horrid image away. But I can still see it. I can somewhat imagine the horror in their eyes, when somebody finally slayed them. A dragonslayer must have killed them I bet.

I growled a bit. Dragonslayers...They give dragons like me a whole lot of problems...They were always so murderous and barbaric, worse than any regular villager...

And I hate them for it. Worse than how humanity views my kind.

My scales shuddered. Oh god....Ly will not like this... I was most certainly glad she didn't come into the village and saw this. She'd be deeply traumatized. I know she likes Dart and Alex and think us dragons can be friends with humans, even when I think it was a terrible idea...But I wonder if she'll look at Dart and Alex, or any human, the same way ever again if she found this.

Geez, I kinda don't think she's ever heard of dragonslayers.

I hope nothing like that ever happens to her one day...I don't know how I'd feel if I saw her head sticking on a wall like it a prized possession.

I sat down on the ground, trying to wrap my wings and tail around me as I started to feel very cold. I admit, I never saw anything like that before. I didn't know who that dragon was, but as you can tell it really did leave a horrible effect on me. How can people display such things on their walls? Did Dart ever saw that trophy? I'm wondering if he was as shocked as I was. Maybe he might understand why I don't like being inside villages much.

Who knows what goes through his head?

I took a deep breath, and let it out slowly to calm my nerves. I lifted my chin and looked out beyond the alley, towards the houses across from the tavern. Suddenly, as I still sat anxiously, memories of my past flowed through my head. Some good...Some bad. I wanted to push them all away, keep focus on the task at hand, keep thinking about Dart, but I couldn't stop myself from remembering them.

To be honest, even though I hardly stroll into villages...But this actually wasn't the first time I wandered into one. I recall strolling through one more than once when I was little. Some things I saw around me when I stalked up close tonight seems to resemble the things I saw back then. People talking, stores, human hatchlings playing...

I also couldn't help imagining that people earlier were watching me go by...Staring ANGRILY at me...Even though they shouldn't see me now. But they can. Staring at me like something was off in their village. Staring at me like I'm some kind of pest that was bothering them. Staring at me like I'm something that is foreign and scaly that is around to cause trouble to anyone...To EVERYONE.

Just like before...

But I wasn't trying to be a intruding pest. I wasn't going to cause trouble. It wasn't like I wandered into that village all on my own...I did have someone with me...

They always wanted me to come into the village with them...They never showed hatred towards me...

How would that person feel...If they saw that dragon's head on that wall?

I shook my head furiously at the familiar face floating in my head again. Don't think about them! Now's not the time! Focus on Dart!

I had my eyes focus back on Dart through the window of the tavern. But apparently something was going on. I frowned as I peered through the glass. For some reason, Dart was being dragged by two burly men across the floor towards the entrance of the tavern.

I sucked in a breath. Oh no...This can't be good.

I was about to run right out of the alley to see where they were taking him, but I did see they have emerged out in the chilled night and were heading in my direction, to the alley I was hiding in. I moved out of the way fast, watching the goons still dragging the young human as he was protesting. He really didn't want to put up a fight with these gentlemen. He didn't even try to draw out his sword. I'm sure he still had it. Why won't he put up a fight? I followed the humans, further and further into the alley till Dart was shoved to the ground.

Dart, with a wide look on his face, tried to say with his hand stretched out as he lied on his butt on the ground, "Wait a second, guys! I didn't mean to-"

One burly men said angrily, "You are really pissing me off, lad."

The other sneered, "Aye, bothering us and now yer causing us trouble. You know what we do to dumbass lads like you?"

Dart tried to protest again, "Wait! It's not what you think!"

The first guy threatened, pointing a finger at him, "We're gonna teach you a lesson, sonny!"

Then the other proudly stated, "Too right, mate!"

I didn't know exactly what was going on here, what actually started this, but I didn't like the way this conversation was going. Dart appears to be in HUGE trouble, and they look like they want to kill him. I think it was best I take action.

But I had a much different idea than killing them. I'll take action...

In a more...DISCREET way.

As the two goons advanced towards Dart, I slapped one of them VERY HARD in their buttocks. He cried out, clutching his behind. Then he pushed his buddy, having him collaspe over to his side. The goon on the ground hollered angrily at him, "Oi! What you do that for?!!"

"What I did?!" The burly man still standing accused with a glare on his face, "You slapped me arse, you bastard! That hurt!"

His pal shot back, "I didn't do that! What do you take me for, a man's man?"

"Well someone did- Oof!" I took that last guy standing out from underneath them with my tail, falling face first with a thud. I was smiling triumphantly at that as Dart stared at the open air of where I'm standing. Yep, Dart...This was NO accident this go around. The second guy that fell next pushed himself off the earth and raged, eyeing at me while he can't see me, "What the bloody hell? Something tripped me!"

The other burly man still laying around said as he glanced around the alley, "You must be out of yer mind. There doesn't appear to be anyone else here."

"Yeah?" The man I just took off his feet drew out his sword. He gripped the hilt with two hands as he hissed, "Well someone IS here! Come out so we can settle this like men, you dumb horse's ass!" I glared. YOU are a dumb horse's ass. I quickly flicked him right on the nose with a talon. He yelped, his form twiched a bit, "Oi! I felt it again! There is something here!!"

The other guy on the ground spat, "Come on, you drank too much, mate! We're alone out here!" I smirked. Wanna bet? I moved my tail again and slapped it lightly across his face. He cried, "Ah! Cripes, yer right! I just felt something too!" His face was turning pale at this certain thought, "Oh my god...I think we're being HAUNTED!"

"Pah! Haunted, me ass! I'll take care of the bastard!" The one with the sword swung it sideways...

I shut my jaws so tightly to stifle a cry when the blade hit my shoulder. DAMN IT! I staggered away a bit, shielding my cut with a wing so no one can see blood oozing out of nowhere. This isn't what I planned at all. They were supposed to run away scared!

The burly man with the blade demanded, "Where'd it go? I know it was right there!"

The one on the ground stood up finally. Shortly, he concluded, "Huh...Must have left."

"...Aye...Maybe." Then the one with the sword whirled to meet Dart, pointing his blade at him, "Or maybe HE'S the one that's doing it." My eyes went wide as the pain started to subside. Uh oh.

Dart protested, "Hey, come on, guys! I didn't do anything!"

The burly guy that was pushed to the side before said in agreement, "I think I agree with you. Why else would weird stuff happen?"

NO! He wasn't doing anything you idiots! I DID!!!

"Let's get him..." They were back to advancing towards Dart again, the young laying human trying to crawl back away from them. And here I am standing here, contemplating what I'm about to do.

I ran out of ideas. I don't think being discreet about things was going to work now.

In order to help Dart...I have to reveal myself to them...And kill them, if they don't run away.

I had a flash of that dragon head in the tavern popping up in my head, and it was making me a bit hesitant. Who knows how many people here are capable of killing a dragon? What if everyone in the village was TOTALLY prepared for a dragon attack?

Could I even make it out of here before I end up like that dragon?