I stirred awake, blinking groggily from the few rays of sunshine that have managed to snuck through the forest above. I raised my head and tilted it back for a long yawn while some birds were tweeting up in the trees, giving the surroundings much needed noise compared to the quietness of the prior night. My nostrils drew in that fresh, morning air again and blew it out slowly. I twisted it to see my new companions that I've managed to tag along with. They were still sleeping, the two humans laying closely together while Ly was lying on her side at a nearby spot. The hatchling's expression showed that she was dreaming about something, her forepaws motioning up and down like she was running. I couldn't tell if it was a good dream or just a plain nightmare. Perhaps it was both.

My tail shifted around on the grass as I waited around for them to wake up. Then I reflected on something. I did have a nightmare myself. I honestly was glad that the sun woke me up. It was starting to get intense. You would probably think I was dreaming up about Ly hounding me to death till I finally went nuts, or Messina finding me and killing me ever so slowly so I can watch myself die without mercy.

But it was neither. Rather, it was much worse than you realize.

I was dreaming about...Humans. Ones I don't know, ones that were surrounding me, shouting in their haunting words and pointing their accusing fingers at me. They were calling me an evil dragon, one that deserved to be slain and never to walk the planet again. That I was just as evil as Messina.

A look of guilt washed upon my face when I took another quiet breath. It was horrible, and I think I knew why I had that dream. I think it had everything to do with last night, saving Dart and Alex from those people that were causing them both harm. I know it was the right thing to do, I had a good reason to kill them, but what everyone else didn't know was, seeing how I did a great job at hiding it...I was feeling guilty. It was the kind of guilt that I haven't felt in a long time.

I probably shouldn't feel that way at all, those guys acted like they could do what they wanted without consequences. They were acting very scummy. Much worse than the ones that picked on Dart at his village, Gunther and his pals. What they were doing to Dart and Alex was ten times worse than picking on someone. I do keep telling myself inside that I didn't have a choice, that I had to protect two humans against a group of them, that they would've died if I didn't do anything...But that was easier said than done.

And there was an understandable reason behind that.

My mind recalled that one human from last night, the one I burned alive till he turned into a black heap of a crisp. It was actually the third time that it flashed out of nowhere in my head. And very quickly, also came with some unpleasant memories of my life from ages ago that seem to wear me down a bit.

Every time I look at that charred body...I can see those flames...And the screams...

I shut my eyes quickly, balling my paws tightly, all my scales making deep shudders. I don't want to kill humans, I don't hate them enough to kill them...But I did.

And it wasn't the first time I did that...

I haven't killed a human being since-

No...No...Don't think about it.

I forced that memory away, trying to slow down my thudding heart in my chest. I gazed at Dart and Alex again. Dart mostly, with me concerning that injury he suffered. I eyed at the leaves that were still tied on his chest where the wound occured. Other than I wanted to help him, to do something more than I did...I think that was the reason why I chose to give my blood to him. It was to make myself feel better about things. I guess it worked a little, but not by much. I'm still not sure if my idea would help him out or not. But I hoped he'd be ok.

Despite our differences...

My eyes drifted at Ly once more. It was partly thanks to her that she made me return to them, against my own constant judgements. But now laying here, I'm wondering if it was all worth it. Dart didn't seem happy to see us. In fact, after that battle, he was still giving me these looks that were saying he didn't like dragons and didn't trust me. His few words towards me showed me that tone as well. Even with him claiming that he thought we were done with each other was enough for me to see that.

He still doesn't like me, nor trust me.

I narrowed my eyes at Dart. I'm glad that I could help him as best I can, makes me feel better considering all the things Ly told me before we got back and found them, but what's the point in doing that if he won't appreciate it? Or even like me, or trust me for that matter? I knew that was going to happen. Sure, he seemed curious about dragon blood, but it's not the same thing as trusting dragons now is it?

Ly thinks we can be friends, when we get back together and get to know each other, but I'm still not so sure of that.

Humans are stubborn with their own views...And nothing can change that, no matter what we'd do. Then I focused on Alex, her arm still around Dart's form. But she seemed to appreciate that I saved them last night, just like when we- I shook my head at that. She was just being nice about it. It's called being polite. Besides, why would she want to be friends with me, considering she'd dealt with so many dragons with bad attitudes in one place? I wouldn't want to be around me. I wouldn't want to be around those dragons.

I know Ly will be disappointed and sad, but if Dart and Alex want to go on without us after last night, then so be it. Besides that...I don't want any more company anyways. It would slow me down getting Ly back home. And even with that, who knows when I'll ever be alone again when they stay with me AFTER we by some miracle find her home? It's probably going to take a long time to get rid of them too. Then again, who knows when Dart's wound would fully heal? I can handle that I can look out for them till it's done, and put up with his attitude towards me a little bit, but I can't keep at it with the little one-sitting job forever.

I DON'T ENJOY COMPANY.

Then I was starting to get conflicted again just like before. My protective, crazy side of me was telling me to just stay with them, and never leave them alone again, and protect them from anything that tries to harm them. I tried shoving it down, only half succeeding but still present. I can't. Even if I want to, I can't force them to stay with us if they want to leave me and Ly.

It's their choices...Not mine.

And I know where mine stands. I huffed out a sigh, finally standing on my fours to stretch out my legs, wings, and tail. ...Sorta. Right after that, Dart's torso slowly rose off the grass. His wearily eyes blinked a few time, bringing them into focus before he spotted me. His expression apparently turned to caution upon spotting me. I didn't change mine, only showing it as serious with lots of patience. There's that look again.

Dart said in a low voice, "Hey...Dragon."

I responded in the same tone, "Morning, human." My paws carried over to him. I asked, lowering my head down to his level, "How are you feeling?"

Dart started scratching at his exposed arm where part of his shirt used to be, "Fine, I guess. I'm just itchy now thanks to this dang grass."

Oh great. Another thing he's probably gonna whine about for a while. What next? I hummed, "Mmm...Well, that's tough luck. But you can feel things and scratch at them, so that means you're not dying."

Dart said, looking away from me, "I thought I was dreaming of everything..."

"Well, welcome back to reality. Lying on grass and whining about the company of dragons."

"Tch." He threw his wrinkled gaze at me to say, "I probably got something to whine about...Looks to me like you're just waiting around for something to happen."

And what's that supposed to mean? I don't like the way he worded it. I replied to that statement, "You're right. Just waiting for you guys to wake up. Although I should be out hunting. Anyways, how's your injury?"

Dart stretched up his arms really high, and yawned. I frowned, noticing he didn't wince in pain. He eyed at his patchy leaves on his chest, frowing in curiosity. He said a moment after he rolled his shoulder, "Well...I don't feel as bad as last night. I'm kinda sore." His finger slipped between skin and leaf and tried to peek through to inspect his cut. His eyes widened up. He muttered, "Whoa."

I tilted my head, "Something the matter?" If I made things worse on him, he's definitely NOT going to live this one down.

The young male human answered, "...It seems to be closed already. It's almost halfway done. All there is is a long scab." My eyes and ears perked up. No way. It's actually working? Wow! I never knew it would do the trick. He stumbled in disbelief, bringing his gaze back on me, "I...I guess your idea worked."

Well, that's probably close to a thank you as I'm going to get from him. I said with a proud smirk, raising my head above him, "Well, well, what do you know? That'll save me some trouble."

He corrected me with a frown, "You mean save ME the trouble."

I shrugged my wings and shoulders, "Same thing. But I don't get to hear you moaning and groaning about it anymore."

Dart scooched from the other human and got up off the ground, dusting himself, "Whatever." Then his fingers were itching away at his arm again, "I wish it would've stopped this stupid itching." I rolled my eyes. Called it.

Ly had already woken. She smiled as she greeted us, "Good morning, guys." Then she tilted her head to the side as she stared right at Dart, "How are doing, Dart? Are you still hurt very badly?"

I told her before he would, "Dart's going to be fine, little one. He's already getting better."

Her whole face lit up so brightly I thought she was the morning sun, "HE IS?!" She scrambled to get on her fours, and then dashed for the injured human, "YAY!!!"

Alex had shot up from the commotion while Dart held out his hands and started backing away, "No no no- AH!" Ly pounced on him, pinning the poor guy on his back. The hatchling then immediately went for rubbing and nuzzling him to death, trilling. Apparently she was happy and relieved about it. I rolled my eyes at this. Oh boy. Dart probably won't live this one down either.

Alex passed out a question towards me with a quirked brow, brushing away her silver hair off her face after she got on her feet, "What's going on, Celine?"

I chuckled in amusement, watching this go down as I was swishing my tail, "What do you think?" Geez, Ly, I don't think I could love a human THAT MUCH.

Alex had an open mouthed gasp. Then she said, "Wow...It actually worked."

Ly continued to nuzzle against his neck and chest as she squealed happily, "Oh, I'm so glad you're better! I was getting worried! This is amazing! Now I don't have to worry, you won't be in pain, and we can play and walk and talk and be friends!"

But Dart wasn't having it, as I figured. He was trying to push her off him. He yelled, "Ly! Get off! I'm still sore!"

She protested, "I can't help it! I'm SO RELIEVED! Don't you dare do this to me again! I just met you and we were separated for literally a whole day and I don't want you to leave me again!!!"

Alex laughed at this. Then I padded to where they are. All right, I guess I'll help him out again. I nudged her scaly side with a forepaw, "Alright, little one. Enough of the mushy stuff. Off him now."

"Awww." Ly finally moved herself away from the fallen human, "Ok."

Dart pushed off the ground, sweeping his hands over himself once again. Then he started scratching at himself again, snapping an angry look at her. He moaned, "Dang it, pushed me on the grass. You might've killed me doing that you know. What if my head landed on a rock?" He thrusted his hand on that big rock he and Alex sat on last night, "You know, THAT rock."

Ly giggled apologetically, "Hee hee...Sorry. But I'm still glad you're gonna be ok."

Alex said in relief as well, "Me too. I can't believe it worked. Who'd ever thought dragon blood would help a human?"

I commented, "Heh, what dragon would ever think of doing that to any creature?" He's lucky I ever did!

Dart took a deep breath, then nodded a few times, "Well...Guess there's no need for us to worry about it anymore."

The silver haired human nodded in agreement, "That's a relief." She looked at me with a polite, grateful smile, "Thanks again."

I shyly looked away, "Don't mention it."

"Right. Now since the dire situation has come and quickly go..." Dart declared, facing me with narrowed eyes, "I think we can be like it and go our separate ways. FOR REAL this time."

I didn't show much reaction since I expected this to happen. Yep. That's what I thought. This didn't last long. But Alex looked a bit surprised at his words while Ly sucked in a breath. Ly quickly asked, having a wide face, dismayed, "WHAT? But why?"

Dart replied, "Because it's all over. I'm safe, Alex is safe, we're both going to be all right, and I'm not in any danger of dying. That means she and I don't need your help anymore."

Alex seemed to be a bit hesitant at the idea, rubbing her arm, "Dart..."

Ly formed a plea in her eyes as she said, "But we just got back together. I don't want you guys to go again. I'll miss you so badly!"

I decided to try to butt in on this conversation, "Yeah, Dart. After all the hard work of tracking you down and saving your worthless butt, you still wanna go out on your own? How stubborn can you get?"

Dart spat, "My butt's not worthless. And for the record once again, I didn't need anybody's help. Especially a dragon's."

I replied with a teasing, knowing smirk, "Really? Not even when we escaped the evil dragon prison, and kindly giving you some dragon blood to help you recover from a life threatening injury? It's a little too late for that."

Then he argued, "Screw you, you know what I mean. Still didn't ask for your help with that fight. And I never asked you guys to come back either."

"Again. Too late for that."

"Hey, we had a deal. Remember?" He reminded, "The one where you get me out of that horrible, smokey prison, then we leave each other alone. This isn't part of our deal."

I responded with this statement, "Well, plans do change...And so do deals. Matter of fact, I changed our deal...Just without talking to you about it."

But Dart flat out shot down that fact with a wave of his hand, "Forget that. This isn't what I wanted and you KNOW IT."

I gave him a nod, "True. I don't wanna be around you. I thought we were done with each other as well."

Then Dart heatedly said, "Then you have to be seriously up to something if you're so keen on getting back together with me...Considering you wanted to be away from me and agreed to our deal to begin with."

I said, putting on a glare, "Are you accusing me of something again?"

"Oh, I don't know..." He spat out this certain question that is laced with accusation, "AM I?"

Alex said disapprovingly, "Dart."

Yep, you are. I groaned, "I told you before that I don't work for that bitch. I don't take orders from anyone...Or anything." Then I rolled my eyes, adding, "Well, all except the hatchling...I guess." Ly formed a small grin. I went on, "And speaking of that, I've also mentioned last night that she's the one that talked me into it...Even though I didn't want to. Kinda against my will if you ask me."

Ly remarked, "That is SO dramatic, Celine! You aren't against your will. Did I put a chain around your neck? Nope! Don't think so! I ain't Messina! I'm WAY nicer than her!" Alex smirked momentarily at her words.

I ignored that. And so did the arrogant human when he demanded, "You two expect me to believe that? That Ly here told you to come back for us? Come on, you're a bigger dragon than she is, you have to at least show some back bone to a little one. What kind of excuse is that?"

Give me a break already. She's made a bunch of good arguments that I simply could not ignore. Instaed of saying that straight to his face, I retorted with my tail flicked, "You're mistaking me as someone who gives two scales what you believe. But it is the truth. Apparently Ly didn't like our terms of the deal, and she was already missing the two of you, and I didn't wanna fight her about it longer than I already did. That's not a joke. Trust me when I say this...If I didn't come back to you, dragging her along with me, she wouldn't have been able to stop pestering me about it...And she KNOWS how I feel when she pesters me too much. Little hard to concentrate getting her home when she does that."

Ly pridefully said, "She's right. I would've bothered her till she did what I wanted. Still nicer that way. Least I still didn't put a chain around her neck and dragged her all over the place!"

I said to her, twisting my neck a bit as I imagined a chain around it, "Yep...Glad you never went down that route." Otherwise you'd probably be much easier to pick off than Messina's guards that had always dragged me around in chains. Then I told Dart, "Anyways, me and Ly are back...And I KINDA don't think we're going anywhere. Unless you decide...Right now. But let me promise you...I'm probably gonna snap her neck if she whines to me about you guys again when you two go away. Sorta getting close."

Ly begged, wagging her tail in anticipation, "Yeah, Dart, come on! Do it for me? You really want her to kill me? We'll all be safe when we stick together. You can also help getting me back home! I know we will. It's better than one dragon, and I'll also get to have more friends around me. We can try to look after you, we'll all look after each other. I think I can give it a try at least. Please, Dart...Stay with us? Please?" She was giving him the biggest, begging eyes that she can give him.

Dart paused, staring at her for the longest time. It looked like her eyes were not getting to him. He still acted like he wanted to decline. I can see the words about to spill out of his mouth.

But then suddenly, Alex finally stepped in with an accepting smile, "Of course we'll go with you."

Dart exclaimed, "What?"

Ly cheered, tossing back her head, getting giddy on her feet, "Yay!"

My eyes went wide. Huh...This human girl wants to come with us? I don't believe it.

Well, this certainly makes things HARDER for me.

But Dart absolutely refused, "No way! Absolutely not!"

Ly's face dropped and so did her wings. Alex pressed with a frown, "What's your problem, Dart? I think they should stay with us."

Then Ly started begging again, "I agree. C'mon, you'll be fine with us. It'll be fun. Pretty please?" She did that big, cute eyes trick once more, her bottom lip bitten like she was trying to stifle a sob. I found myself internally smirking at this. I wish I did that years ago. She's got talent.

Alex then stood beside the yellow scaled hatchling and patted her neck fondly. She said, grinning at the boy, "I think she's a cute thing. I can't resist hurting this one's feelings. Can you?"

Dart strode and grabbed the fellow human's arm, then raised a finger at both of us dragons, "Can you excuse us for a few minutes?" With that, he dragged her away for about several feet till they stopped with their sides facing us. They were still within my field of view, and obviously not too far off away that I wouldn't hear what they would say. I formed a concentrated look on my face, straining my ears to listen in. The young human male started, whispering, "Are you insane, Alex? You really want to go with them after all we been through?"

Alex crossed her arms as she seemed to stand by on her decision. She replied in that same tone as well, "Yes, I do. They're not like the ones we met. What's the issue with that?"

Dart admitted, "I don't trust them. Isn't that obvious?"

She fought back, "But they saved our lives, Dart. Well, Celine did, but still they came back and saved us."

Dart argued, finally itching his arm again after such a long time, "It's not good enough for me. This is a bad idea, I can feel it. Besides, I thought we were staying away from dragons from now on."

Ly whispered to me, "Wow. He's really against us staying with them." I sighed. What'd you think was going to happen? I told you this was a dumb idea. I wouldn't be too surprised if he managed to convince her with his words. But I suppose I was too eager to find out.

I continued to listen in, seeing Alex shrug, "I guess I did too. But...I kinda don't wanna stay away from them. I like that little dragon already, she is awfully cute. And Celine seems all right."

"Are you kidding me?" Dart spat lowly, "We don't have to go with them. We can take care of ourselves! You traveled by yourself before, why does this change now?"

Alex explained, "Because last night was the worst thing that ever happened to me. Much worse than the bad dragons. I just...I just feel safer being around them. That's all." I tilted my head in surprise. She feels safer around me? I'm shocked.

Dart demanded, "More safer than me? I thought I was doing a good job protecting you."

She assured, "You were. But there were too many of them for you and you almost died. What if that happens again? But, with a dragon on our side, nobody will be able to bother us."

Dart had a warning tone in his voice, "Have you forgotten what sort of people we probably pissed off already? They won't leave us alone when they track us down. Dragon or no dragon." I frowned. What is he talking about? The people that I killed last night? Why are they that much of a threat? They're just freakin HUMANS!

Alex sighed, "Yes, I know that. Which is also why I want to stay with the dragons, especially one big one that can probably easily overpower an entire group of assholes. Those people would know what I look like, my hair color is kinda special, I'm not very hard to spot. I don't want to take that chance. And I don't wanna take any chances of you seriously getting hurt again. What if that happens before we found any supplies for next time? We don't have a darn thing like that, remember?"

Then the argumative human went on, "Well, I don't wanna take any chances being around giant, loud mouthed, bossy, flame snorting lizards that think they can stomp, burn down, and do whatever else without any rules...Which are much worse than the people that almost killed us by a skyward mile."

I called, spreading out my wings, "You do know I can hear you guys, right?" The two humans both turned their attentions at me. I admitted from a distance as my wings folded against my back, "Dragons have good hearing too other than fast healing blood. Just thought I tell you. You're not too quiet from what I hear. Also, not that I care what you think, but you're wrong about me again. I'm not a loud mouth, and I'm not bossy, and I don't snort fire at EVERYTHING."

Ly told them also, "Yeah. I know I'm loud, but I'm small and not big. And I can't breathe fire either, remember? You don't have to worry about me. And I do predict that we'll be safe together! I'm sure of it!"

Dart yelled, "Mind your own beeswax!" Then he went back to whispering the human in front of him, even though I can still hear him, "Look, besides that we got more important things to worry about than taking supposedly lost dragon whelps back to their homes and to their mommies and daddies...If that is honestly the truth. I'm not exactly comfortable finding more dragons." I shot my head to the right in agreement. I honestly agree with you, Dart...Again. I have more important things to do as well.

Like not listening in on humans that don't like me so much.

Alex said, "Well, I think it's true. And if Ly's family is like her, maybe we won't have anything to worry about. A long shot, yes, but it might not be too big of a stretch. Besides, maybe they might like us when their daughter tells them what we've done for her. It probably won't be so bad."

Dart brought it up again, huffing, "But the people under Messina-"

She nodded quickly a few times, "Yes, I know, we got lots of people to save, I know." Then she suggested with a grin, thumbing at me and Ly, "But, maybe we can get them to help us out with that. If we come across people that look like they'll fit the part in going to war with Messina and her army, they can help convince them. I mean, let's be honest...Who's going to believe us two people when we tell other people that there are an army of dragons holding boat loads of humans as slaves at a stone fortress near a burning volcano? That sounds too crazy to be true. Who ever hears something like that?" I shrugged at that. I never heard such a thing, and I'm not a human.

But he growled, "But that's not the only thing I was planning to do. Remember? I can't take them with me when...You know."

The silver haired girl responded, "But surely-"

But he cut her off, "I know what you're thinking, and it's not that simple. Trust me." I frowned. What are they babbling about? They also planned something else while I was gone? Well thanks to me, they're keeping something from me and Ly.

Eh...I don't care anyway. Not my problem.

Alex stared at him for a moment before nodding. She said, "I get it, I understand. But Dart, I really wanna stay with them. I won't mind helping a dragon get home, someone as cute and nice as her deserves to be home like anybody else. You saw her crying the other night because she's lost. Well, I want to help out, just like Celine is. And I think we can find help for other humans along the way. Let's do this. If you don't trust them, then trust me. Can you put that aside and tag along with our unlikely allies, for now? I'm serious, I don't want you hurt again. And I'm not in the mood risking being alone like I used to. Let's give this a try. Alright?"

Dart lowered his head, pondering what he wants to do. I can tell he's really arguing with himself, probably bringing himself into a back and forth sort of deal. Then finally, he huffed, "...Ok." He relented, raising his eyes to see hers, "Fine...I guess I can't change your mind on this." She smiled at him. Then he strode back to me and Ly along with Alex. He announced as he stood right in front of me, "Alright. We'll go with you. Though I think you already know that."

I shrugged with my wings while Ly's face lit up again. I replied, "Nope. Didn't hear anything else. I was busy tending to my beeswax."

The hatchling apparently fibbed too, "So did I!" One of her wing tips poked inside her ear, "Nothing in here now."

Alex giggled. But Dart wasn't finding it funny as he rolled his eyes, "Sure you did."

Ly just smiled at him. She said, "I'm glad you decided to come. It'll be great."

"Right." Dart then raised a finger to demand, staring intently at me, "But first, I have THREE conditions. You don't accept them, then no deal."

I replied with a sure nod, "Of course. Name them, human."

"First:" He said, "I won't take any deviations when it comes to finding help. If there is a place we find help, we go there. I'm not letting you stop us from saving those people from Messina. Also you will try to help us out with it whenever possible."

I replied to that crazy idea of his, "Still going through with that plan? I still think you should live out the rest of your life without dying. I just saved your life. I don't think any amount of dragon blood will help you if you go back waging war on a crazy dragon." I waved him off before he would respond, "But whatever! Your choice."

"Good. Glad you understood." Then he named another condition, "Second: If you try something sinister with me or Alex, cause a fight with any innocent humans, kill a single one of them, or plan to destroy any villages while I'm around, I will not stand for it. I will take care of you myself." I let out a sigh. As if I would do any of that. Not evil, remember? Then he raised three fingers, "And third: We will stay with you...Until we get Ly home. Not any longer than that. When she's home, safe and sound, we're finished. No more business between us, no more deals. We're done. You go live out your life without us, and we'll go on with ours. Understand?"

Hmmm...Not a bad deal. I nodded, "Agreed. In the meantime, don't get on my nerves, and stay out of my way. And don't get careless with stuff either. And whenever there's a time when I tell you to do something, listen to what I say. It may save your life again. Got it?"

Dart simply replied, waving me off, "Fine...Whatever you say."

My stomach growled. I huffed, "Anyway, I'm hungry." I turned my back slowly to them, looking over my shoulder, "Wait here. I'll bring us back something to eat."

Dart narrowed his eyes, "I think we oughta get going right now. We have precious people to rescue and trouble to evade."

I shot back, "Well I ain't going on with an empty stomach. Besides...It'll get me away from Ly for a little bit. Just stay here and don't move." I trampled away in a hurry, entering the woods for a hunt with a swishing tail.

This is going to be MUCH harder than I thought.

*****

Celine offered, "You know...I can help you out with that." Her paw gestured at her chest, "You know...Fire breathing dragon standing right beside you."

A stick slipped out between my hands and hit the grass while I crouched near the fire pit. I sighed, picked it back up, planted the end of it on top of a piece of wood, then held it between my palms and began twisting it, drilling it at a fast rate. I finally replied to her, "No thank you. Wouldn't want to accidentally get set on fire...If you know what I mean." I heard her snort but I didn't care. I was busy concentrating building a fire the only way I knew how. Sweat was beginning to form on my furrowed brow as I continued to work them together. Come on...Come on...

It's been several hours since this morning when I made another deal with Celine, the blue dragon that I continue to despise, and now the night was drawing closer with the sunset in the sky as I worked on building a fire for me, her, Ly and Alex, in the middle of another meadow we came across. I didn't get a chance to have one for me and Alex last night, after going through so much trouble, but considering it might get chilly tonight like the other, I thought now I'd make up for it. It was pretty much mostly for me and her anyway, since our clothes aren't that great now. I think the two dragons would've been alright either way.

Well, it would've went by faster, if there was no dragon standing over hounding me about it. Just cause she can build fire, you know, from her mouth, doesn't mean that I can't. I was ready to show her how wrong she must be thinking.

I guess you can say today was...Kinda hectic on my mentallity. I thought that my time to be around two dragons that I've associated with before would've been done and over with, but our...So called 'temporary partnership' has gone on much longer than I thought.

To say the least, I was still not thrilled with the idea of being around them. I can admit that I was a bit grateful to be alive now instead of suffering, with my injury surprisingly healing up pretty fast thanks to dragon blood. I still can't believe that's possible. No way my dad has heard of anything like that. And even I can also admit that I was partially glad that Ly had came back. I knew that I was partly sorry for her and wanted to help her get home before, so I guess I was having that chance to do so.

But that didn't mean I was very convinced of Celine and Ly's intentions. Heck, the thought of being around them more longer than I originally planned was so crazy that it was ridiculous. Not to mention dangerous. My dad would gawk at the idea. Heck, he would LAUGH at the mere suggestion any person would hand out. He would have thought that I should've stood my ground and told them to go away and leave me and Alex alone.

I was trying to, but in the end I failed. And so up to now I was doing another thing that dad would do if he were ever in this situation, not that he would've anyway, and that was being vigilant again. And I thought I was done doing that too.

I basically kept an eye on Celine and Ly, just to see if I can catch any signs of them betraying me and Alex. I have also came up with a few bad scenarios in my head of what COULD happen. I even wondered at one point if I'd be able to protect Alex. I've gotten lucky making a few slices at dragons, even going far as cutting one's tail thanks to the one weakness a dragon has that I learned from dad with his stories, but then I was thinking if that would be enough.

Of course it wouldn't. What kind of question would that be? I'd have to be much more heroic than that, and with my fighting skills...I didn't stand a chance.

But, just as I sorta expected, nothing terrible happened to me and my friend all day. It was a...'Somewhat' normal day. This morning Celine did come back with her hunt and offered to share, but me and Alex already had a few apples together. Ly did too, after my companion also gave her a couple. That definitely showed that dragons can also eat something that's not meat, other than when Ly told me she ate one before in that dungeon we shared. I thought it was weird that a dragon would eat one. I could've swore they were primarily meat eaters.

And then we were off together in a big group for the first time. I kept an eye on the dragons, seeing Alex and Ly chatting together like they were really friends, not making any complaints since I knew it wouldn't do me good anyhow, noticing Celine being quiet and not showing any care, and still itching my arm a bunch of times thanks to it lying on the grass.

Luckily that last bit was over now since we found a small stream several feet away from the fire pit and I cleaned off the itchy spots, asides from having a drink. I was glad that was over with. Other than the dragons being around me, that also was getting on my nerves. And Alex finally got to wash her dirty hair off too. I figured in her mind that she'd want to fully bathe herself, but the stream wasn't exactly deep, so that had to do. But it did look a lot better, less messy and rough. She was still not back to being the person she once was, cause of her tattered clothes, but still, she didn't complain, and seemed happy at the moment for finally solving her little hair issue.

Never have we felt so much better after cleaning ourselves...If only being around these dragons was over with already too.

I wished Alex listened to me earlier about them, but given that she showed that she was already starting to like and trust them, I guess I couldn't argue with her. She was set on travelling with them, and in the end, in order to protect her and try to take her somewhere safe, I was going to have to put up with this and continue being around them.

Even when I know the idea of going with Ly and Celine is nuts. I hope this doesn't become a terrible idea at the end, and Alex doesn't regret it.

After so much drilling and friction, that piece of firewood finally caught on fire. Ly, while she was sitting on her haunches beside Alex at the other side of the pit, went 'Oooo' with a wide look. My face lit up as the flame. Aha! Got it! I gripped the wood and tossed it in the pit. I let out a breath of satisfaction as the fire started to spread, then headed to sit beside Alex, with her between me and Ly. Celine lowered herself to her stomach, curling her tail to her side as her wings folded. Very quickly the fire engulfed the entire pit, bringing the soon to be chilly night to a warm stand still.

Ly commented, "Wow, Dart, that was amazing. Wish I could do that. Is that really how a human makes a fire?"

I confirmed, "Pretty much."

"Yikes, this is very cool." Then she added in a rush, "I mean, HOT. This is very HOT. Heh heh." My lips made a momentary smirk. Heh...I'll give her this...Her sense of humor still kinda entertains me. Then she stretched her neck, eying towards the popping flames like it was the most amazing thing she's seen in her whole life, "Aaaah...Let there be light...Or flame."

Celine told her, a not caring a whole lot look upon her face, "They're the same thing, Ly."

She looked up at the older dragon, quirking a brow, "They are? I thought they were two different things. Well, yeah, they do brighten up on things, but now I'm beginning to wonder if they BOTH burn. You know like the sun is always our light, but does it do anything else besides bring sunshine? I mean we're always under it, well, whenever it's not covered in clouds, or smoke, but does it ever burn anyone to the point of hurting them? I mean I remember having this one dream about the sun setting everything on fire like it was angry at the world for some reason and me and my family were screaming our heads off and I woke up and I always wondered and-"

Celine sighed annoyingly just to interrupt her, "I have no idea, little one."

"Oh." Ly giggled, wrapping her wings around herself in a apologetic way, "Sorry."

Alex patted the hatchling's shoulder fondly, "But that is a good question." Ly smirked in response. Then she looked at me and said, "Thanks for the fire, Dart. You did pretty good."

I chuckled, "Hey, I never doubted that I could. It just takes a small grain of time. Not a problem for me."

Alex rolled her eyes, "Lot better than me I'm willing to admit. And here I doubted you last night."

I remarked, "Well, proved you wrong. Now we can rest without feeling a tiny bit cold."

She said, "Yeah well, sooner or later, we're DEFINITELY going to need some new clothes." Her eyes motioned at herself then at me.

I nodded in agreement, "I know. Maybe we'll find a village soon." I shot a glare at Celine, "We probably would've been at one by now if we hadn't taken so many hunting breaks."

Celine narrowed her eyes, "What are you talking about? I'M the one doing the hunting, you guys just sit around and do nothing at all."

"Which I don't mind doing nothing one bit." Ly reported, daintly raising her right forepaw, "My feet get so TIRED after walking so long."

Celine sighed, "How do you think I feel? I haven't walked this much since I was very short. I'm not a big fan of it either."

I huffed, "Well, maybe we would've gotten to one a little faster before dusk if we just flew."

Celined tilted her head, stating knowingly, "I thought you were against flying on a dragon. Where did that BRIGHT idea go?"

I brought up, "I'm kinda considering it now. I kinda don't care if we get caught by Messina's soldiers. I just want to get Ly home and then move on with my life...Without any sort of BIG company hounding me."

The blue female dragon made a snort, "I'm not HOUNDING you. I'm trying to IGNORE you."

Ly shot up her head in proudness, "That's right. It was MEEEEEE that was hounding you." She giggled afterward.

I waved them off, "Well either way, I feel like I am being hounded by two dragons, and it's making me less and less patient about things."

Alex disregarded that, "I don't feel less patient by you guys. I'm still okay with your company."

Celine stated, "Least someone has patience...And sense."

"Yeah." Ly joked, "I think I'll pick her over you." Alex stifled a laugh with a wrist at her lips.

Then I said to Celine, "Anyways, the problem that I really have with this new deal we made is that it could take forever to take her home. I mean, we don't know where she lives. So how can we find it?"

Celine blurted, "I kinda have an idea where."

Ly gasped, piping up, "You do?! Where?! Where?!"

Celine snapped a look at the little dragon, "Calm yourself, Ly, it's not what you think." Then she gazed toward me before I could press, "She did say that she lives in a cave that's around an area somewhat like this and it's not within a mountain."

I wrinkled my brow, "That's it?"

"Yep. That's all I got from her."

I feel like I wanted to strangle her for KINDA getting my hopes up. I shortly said, "....How does THAT narrow it down?"

Celine shrugged, "I don't know." Then for the first time since night came, her draconic lips were forming a tiny smirk, "But hey, look at it like this...You don't have to climb a mountain. Makes things much more easier for us and less time consuming."

I groaned, glancing down my lap, "This is freakin stupid. We're never gonna find her home."

Celine whined with a roll of her eyes, "You and me both, human."

But Ly said happily, "It's alright...I'm not in a rush to go home anyway. I'm having fun with everyone and I don't want it to end...Not yet, anyway. Maybe it will NEVER END. What do you guys think?" I face palmed. God damn it.

Then the blue scale female stated admantly, "Look, I don't know where it's at as much as all of you, but I'm not gonna stop until I find it."

Alex nodded in agreement, "Me too."

Ly chimed again, "I don't mind it."

Then Celine continued with her statement, "And you're still more than welcome to run off and do whatever you want. Personally I don't care, but Ly does, now give it a rest."

I shot my frustrated eyes back at her, "I don't have time to rest. I still need to find help, A LOT of help, and save all those people that are still held against their will by Messina. Did you forget about that?"

Celine tried to reassure me, "Calm down already, speedster. I'm sure your people will be fine for now." I blinked accusingly at her. Yeah, YOU would say that...Dragon. She went on, "Several of them have been there longer than you have it looked like, so they must've put up with crap a ton. They seem resilient."

I argued, "And who knows how long that will last? People can't put up with that kind of torture forever."

I saw Ly dipping her snout in pity, along with Alex showing concern on her face. Celine hesitated a bit, then said shortly, "....I know. But we can't rush things either. If we do, we're no good to anyone. Flying is much too risky right now. Those dragons that are probably searching for us could be anywhere. Who knows, maybe they could be flying nearby."

"Heh. Then what an idea I made." I waved at the fire I made, "Building a fire when someone might see it up in the air." Let's hope not...

Ly perked up her head, a panicked look shone in her eyes. She gasped, abruptly standing on fours and barely knocking Alex over with her wings, "What?!! Why didn't I stop you?! Oh my gosh, they'll surely get us now!" Her eyes shot at the fire and I feel what she was thinking about to do. She sputtered, "W-We gotta-"

Celine said in a calming tone, "Relax, little one. I don't hear wingbeats. We're safe."

"Oh." Ly gaped at her upon hearing those words, "We are?" She slumped back down on the dirt, laying her chin on top of her paws, "Ok then...Good." She breathed out a sigh of relief.

Alex smiled and petted her neck fondly. She said as she continued to rub those scales, "It's alright. If I heard anything, I would have put the fire out."

Ly's form twitched when she laughed nervously a bit. Shortly she said, "I don't understand why I'd freak out...I would've heard ANYTHING by now. I'm such a klutz."

Alex simply stated, "Well that's one benefit to having you guys around. You can hear better than we can." She gave me a knowing look. I shrugged my shoulders at that. Doesn't matter. They're still dangerous to be around.

I looked back at Celine once more and said, "Ok, fine...I guess I'll just muster up a lot more patience than I currently have and wait and wander on and see."

The blue dragon responded, "That's the spirit...Now quit hounding on my nerves. Enjoy the fire. It's your handy work after all. Sit there and admire it."

Ly giggled, "Yeah. I love your fire. This is much nicer than no fire last night." Alex consoled me by rubbing my back in circles as I stared into the flames. Ly nuzzled against Alex's arm, and that got my silver haired friend to wrap her other limb around her scaled form. The hatchling trilled. As the silence befelled on our circle, my mind recalled my house at Clear Sight being on fire when I found it. I let out a slight breath. I wish I could do that...But this isn't the greatest thing I ever did.

More than anything...I just want to light Messina and her friend and my worst nightmare Garo on fire and watch them burn in front of my eyes. That's my handy work that I can admire.

I'd show dragons that I can burn things ALIVE too. Just they watch.

*****

I grunted, scratching at an itchy spot. Come on, enough of this! Right when I finished scratching, the itch flares up again, having my fingers dig away at it. I huffed, opening my eyes as I still lay on my side, the quiet night still ongoing. Stupid grass...I wish I had a new tunic right now. Since I couldn't sleep with all this going on, I decided to get up and go to the stream nearby and wash away this itch. I would have to make sure I don't sleep on the grass with my exposed arm laying on it again.

The fire in the pit had now slowed down to little embers, going into slumber like me and the rest of the group, and the entire wilderness. The moon in the sky wasn't as shiny as last night, but it still helped me enough for me to see my surroundings. I caught eye of Alex still asleep peacefully on her side without a problem. Ly was muttering something in her sleep while she lied on her back, wings splayed, her form shifting around as she tried to get comfortable again. As for Celine, she was snoring lightly as she was all curled up, her tail tip tapping on the grass. I was the only one awake.

I tried tiptoeing away from the camp, keeping quiet as possible. I think I'd be okay if it were just Alex and Ly, but I wasn't in the mood to wake up a fully grown dragon from her nap. Celine acted like she was annoyed enough by everybody's presense, I didn't wanna make it worse. Heck, I don't think she was in the mood to be woken up by a human of all things anyway. I picked up the pace right when I was certain that I was far enough away from everyone. Then not too long I found the same stream from earlier this afternoon. I dropped to my knees, cupping my hands to have a large gulps of that fresh, chilled water, then I immediately went to work on my arm, wiping that itchiness away so it wouldn't bother me again.

I got done cleaning that itchy spot, the small trail of liquid rolling down my bare skin on my arm. I huffed in relief. That's better. Hope I don't feel this way again by morning.

Then, out of nowhere, I heard a voice, "You alright, Dart?"

I jumped a bit, twisting around to see who it was. It was Alex. I formed a grin. I answered, nodding, "I'm fine. Did I wake you?"

Alex replied, "I heard you go, so I followed. The others are still sleeping."

"Oh...Sorry." I explained, gesturing towards the stream, "My arm was starting to itch again so I had to wash it up."

Alex giggled, makings steps to be beside me, "You don't have to be sorry. I'm just sorry about what you're going through." She knelt in front of the stream, "I wish there was another tunic for me to give you."

I shook my head as she started having a drink from the water, "It's not your fault. I didn't pay attention to the guy that gave me this problem."

"Speaking of which..." She prompted, gazing up at me when she was finished, "How are you feeling? You know, your injury? Is it getting more better?"

I looked down at my chest where my patched leaves are. I answered, "I don't feel much sore as this morning." I had my finger peeling one leaf a bit, "Hmm. Let's take a peek..." I am rather curious...Oh!

Upon further inspection...The long scab I saw earlier today has now shrunken, leaving me only a small red line. It was almost completely gone. And even if there was anything left of it, all there would be are the smears of crimson.

I chuckled, "Yike." I gazed back at her, an impressed look shone on my face, "It's about totally gone."

"Really?" Alex stood upright and brought herself closer to see it. Her eyes widened when she examined. She uttered, "Wow..." She giggled, bringing her eyes to mine, "That is some powerful stuff."

"Sure is." I started taking off my big leafy bandage, "Don't think I need this anymore." I tossed the leaves and part of my tunic that held the leaves to my body aside, then decided to wipe off the blood smears. Why not? I'm already here anyway.

While busy washing my chest and shoulder, my silver haired friend replied, an amused smile on her face, "Isn't that amazing? I never thought dragon blood would help something that isn't...You know, a dragon. Then again I never knew their own blood heals them that quick to begin with. I think healers around the world would be thrilled by the discovery. Think about how many people would benefit from it." She put on a thoughtful face, her hand under her chin, "I wonder if it cures illnesses. That way several people would never die from sickness and they could live on."

I chuckled absentmindedly when I was finished, staring at my reflection in the stream while I still crouched, "Yeah...That would be great...If dragons were willing to give it away for their charity." I shot a glance up at the sky, standing up. I mentioned something else that was on my mind, "Heck...Why would they, if they think they're better than other creatures? It's also too bad it makes killing a dragon much harder because of that. No wonder they're tough, asides their gargantuan size."

Alex frowned. Then she sighed, gazing down at her feet, "Honestly...That's why I'm here." She raised her eyes to look back at me, "I...I want to talk to you about Celine and Ly."

I glanced her for a second then looked back up. I asked, sighing, "What's there to talk about? Haven't I done enough to let them tag along with us cause you talked me into it?"

She mentioned, "Well you're still acting a little hostile towards them. Can't you give them a break?"

I shot back, "Celine was still acting moody, don't blame me for it."

"You know what I mean." She said, "You don't exactly smile at them a lot either. Sheesh you hardly smile at poor Ly when she tried talking to you all day long."

I brought up, fully facing her, "But you kept her busy...When you shouldn't have to. I doubt it's the right thing to do to get so attached to them. You'll probably live to regret it."

Alex formed a glare at me for the first time ever, putting her hands on her hips. She demanded, "Dart, what is your problem? They haven't done anything bad to us ever since we were saved. What more do you need?"

I responded with an argument, "Because dragons cannot be trusted, Alex. They aren't known to be trustworthy. Just because they can speak human and make you laugh, and just because one of them is small and cute, that doesn't mean they are our friends. They tend to lie, and deceive, and go in for the kill without having empathy towards others lesser than them and burn everything they see and get a kick out of it."

She quirked a brow, "Ain't this a bit overdramatic?"

I denied it, "It's not. I'm not dramatic. I'm speaking from experience. You didn't watch your village burn to the ground. And I'm just following what I was told. I know about these things...Because my father was a dragonslayer."

Alex's eyes went wide. Then she shot her head to her left when she realized it, "Well, that makes sense. That explains why you didn't want the dragons to be around you when you go back home and find your family."

"You got it all right." I said, "And saying that I'm overdramatic is about the same as saying that to my father. You just have no idea what you're up against...Even though you already saw it in front of your eyes."

"I'm sorry." She apologized, "I wasn't trying to come off like that. I would think he is a good person...I mean, look at you. I bet he seems a lot like you."

I smiled for a moment before wiping it off, "Right. And I am speaking facts about them. My father always speaks truthfully about dragons. He's killed a bunch of them in his days as a dragonslayer, he's traveled through many lands in his journeys, and it's all for the greater good. And I'm just setting an example as his legacy."

Alex shook her head, "I won't argue that your father has done a whole lot of heroic deeds. I can tell from your words that he is a hero. But Dart...What if he's wrong about them? What if YOU'RE wrong about them? Not ALL wrong, but what if not all dragons are...You know...EVIL? Look at Ly." She motioned her hand towards the direction of the camp, "She's so harmless, she's like an oversized dog on a happy day. And sure, Celine is moody, but she's just doing her best to get keep us safe...So far. I think she likes being alone more than anything. Compared to the dragons I already met...I don't think they're bad. They're like us...On the run from an overlord with a good conscience. We were all prisoners. God, even Celine killed a couple, killed that one dragon RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME when you guys found me, so we could all escape from that evil jewel hoarder. What else do you want?"

But I downright shot down those claims, "But that could all be an act, Alex. I never knew them before I met them. They might be lying about their feelings and their intent. They could be spies working for Messina. I would know, she has used the word 'spy' before...Other than 'mole' and 'ace in the hole', but that's besides the point, they're the same thing."

She tried to interject, "Spy? Is that true? Come on, they don't seem to be-"

But I went on, "And I kinda admit, it does seem a little TOO easy and TOO lucky when when we made our escape. You'd think they would honestly try harder. And I would think that Messina wouldn't care so much about a few of her dragons dying. Maybe she would've considered them as expendable, just so she could go through with her plan with manipulating me and you through Celine and Ly. It won't matter to her. As long as we lead them to a village or someplace where humans are hiding, that's when they'll strike and we fall along with any poor soul that falls in this trap, and we're back to where we started. Trapped and used among dragons. I'm afraid that's what's happening here. I can feel it."

Alex was basically confused by all the words I spouted. She spit this out, "You're awfully paranoid about this, are you?"

I fought back, "Call it whatever you want, I call it intuition. It makes sense, doesn't it? Why else would those two come back when they already left us? They didn't have to. Their reasons for it, I do not buy."

She rebuked, "Aren't you even glad you're still alive? Look at where you're standing now."

I admitted, "I'll give Celine that, I kinda am, but that doesn't exactly change my suspicions. She probably killed those pirates too just to put up that front."

The silver haired lady said, "But Celine and Ly don't want to have anything to do with Messina. They want to live their normal lives like us. They don't seem to be liars, I don't think they're up to something. And I don't think they would be up to something devious even if they weren't working for Messina. Heck, you saw how Ly was freaked out by the fire, worrying that something like that would attract the evil dragons. She looked genuinely scared...And she looked genuinely caring too. You think that's all acting? And how would she and Celine keep in touch with the queen? Are you trying to say that the dragons Celine claims that are flying around trying to find us, are actually following us on foot and watching us from a distance, maybe seeing us arguing amongst each other? You think THAT'S why she doesn't want us to fly at all?"

I remarked, "It's a possibility. I'm telling you, dragons aren't dumb, they're smarter than you think."

Alex still denied it, "I can see that they are, but that doesn't mean they'll betray us. Ly's right...They're our friends."

Give me a break! After all that, she's still not listening to me!! I scoffed, "Ah hell, that's not the only thing I'm worried about." I took a glance at my injury on my body, "I'm plainly worried that dragon blood can also be dangerous to people...Maybe poisonous if it continues to run in my veins without anything to heal. Maybe it'd be too much for a plain, little human."

Alex actually spit out a bout of laughter, "Wow...Now I KNOW you really are paranoid. SO paranoid, you're kinda scaring me. You might make yourself sick doing that."

I'm surprised I haven't had a heart attack yet. I said this after giving her a glare, "Not PARANOID...INTUITION."

She dissmissively waved me off, "BESIDES THAT. Dart, I don't think you're going to die. I don't think we're leading ourselves into a trap. And I don't believe they're against us. They're on our side. I can feel that." I scoffed again, turning my eyes away from her. Then she asked, "Let me ask you something...Do you absolutely believe that? Do you honestly believe everything you're saying?"

Just like the stream in front of us, I thought back those certain times that are flowing through my head. I remembered when Celine was acting defiant towards Messina even when that monster was threatening her with consequences. I remembered when Celine laid down in that arena when she didn't want to fight me. I remembered when Ly mocked Garo behind his back. I remembered how much she was nice to me even when I refused her to be near me. And I remembered when she cried wondering where her home is, like she was a lost little girl.

My face softened up. Then, after a long pause, taking a deep breath, I looked at her to finally confess, "I don't know. I do think so, but then there are times when I start questioning their motives. I just....I just don't know what to think." It was the truth. I felt like I was in a constant tug of war between my beliefs, or what I have seen with my own eyes. And I was in a tug of war between the words of my father, the person that has raised me for all my life that would do me no harm, and the words of Alex, the woman that I have just met.

Alex smiled and nodded. She said, "You're confused. I get it. It's hard to believe something when you knew a certain thing for a long time. But still...What if you were wrong? What if both you and your father were wrong about it? What if dragons CAN be our friends?"

I asked a question back, "But what if YOU were the one in the wrong?"

"I'm not."

"But how would you know?"

"Because I know." She explained, "I don't have to know what they are to know they are good or evil. I see actions in others that shows what they truly are. Like I saw yours. And Celine and Ly, two dragons that I never thought I'd associate with...They showed how wrong I was about dragons. I'm starting to see that they aren't all bad, and we can actually work together as a team. I saw you guys work as a team. And that's what fascinates me. I'm truly fascinated by this. I never saw anything like this before. Like I said before...When was the last time a dragon and human actually worked together?"

I slowly lowered my head, pondering what she was saying. I muttered, "Well...I think maybe we should just leave." I motioned at the stream, "Cover our tracks with the water so Celine and Ly couldn't track us...And get as far away from them as possible. It may be better this way."

Alex placed her comforting hand on my shoulder and reassured, "You can do what you want, I'm staying and it is final. But you don't have to leave. I just want you to tone your views down a little bit and open your eyes, and eventually you'll see what everyone's trying to tell you. I want you to give them a chance and see where it takes us. Celine has protected you...Protected me...I think you owe her that much." I looked at her, her comforting, reassuring smile still plastered on her face.

I wanted to leave right then and there, not take my chances. If Alex wants to stay, then so be it. I can't really just drag her. If I did, she'd probably protest and fight me off and then that would attract the dragons to find us.

I wanted to go...But then my mind wandered back to the fortress, then up to now so far, all the things that seems to contradict what I have thought before. My mind was also tugging between different sides, only the war was much more fiercer than ever before.

Fuck that! The damn dragons destroyed your home! Those two that are with you do not deserve your friendship nor forgiveness! They probably killed your entire family! They probably killed HEATHER! Don't listen to her! If she dies, it's her fault for believing this bullshit! Just get out of here and live and find help and build an army of your own and stop Messina and that monstrous dragon from your nightmares!

But what if Alex is right, about everything? Look at what you've been seeing so far. Don't walk away from this now. Put your feelings aside and listen to her! Besides, what if everyone needs your help, even Celine? Do you want Alex to die when you weren't there to protect her? Do you want Ly to die when Celine cannot protect her for whatever reason, if she WAS right about them?

Run away!

No! Stay with them!

I took a deep breath and let it out. I finally said, "...Alright."

Alex tigthened her grip on my shoulder, nodding, "Good. I didn't want you to go out on your own." She turned for the camp, "Come on. Let's go back to sleep." She trekked a few steps ahead of me.

I stopped her with my voice, "Wait." She gaped towards me. I advised her, "Since we're doing this...Don't mention to Ly and Celine that my father's a dragonslayer. They probably won't like that I'm related to someone like that. They might have heard of one and may have a very bad reaction at me. He's not one anymore, he retired after I was born, but it probably won't matter to them. Understand me?"

Alex promised, "I know what you mean...I won't tell anyone. Your secret's safe with me. Okay? Now let's go."

"Hold on." I pulled out the dagger behind me, paced up to stand beside her, and held it out. I offered, "Take this...Just in case. Don't worry, I got the sword. You need this thing more than I do." She stared at the bladed weapon a bit. Then decided to take it without an argument, putting it within her pants. She gave me a assured smile, her expression telling me things are going to be ok with our dragons. Then without another word, and myself feeling kinda better after handing her the spare weapon, we were treading for the camp together.

Along the way I was pondering on my own decision. I was mostly hoping this was the right decision. That familiar guilt came back in my chest. Dragons had found my home because of me...My village was gone because of me...My family was probably dead because of me...The other villagers that are still alive are held prisoner by a dragon because of me...

I don't want any other person to die because of me.

I don't want any other village to be destroyed because of me.

And I don't want Alex to die because of me either.

I don't want to make the same mistake again. I won't be able to bear it.

I dug my hand in my pocket, gripping the dragon scale my father gave me tightly. Father...Am I doing the right thing?

*****

A lone dragon flew across the night sky, wings beating as he scanned the forested landscape....For any escapees his one eyed boss told him about. He didn't see any but found a spot at a small meadow below. He decided to land there. The dragon soared in a circle, gliding down inch by inch. Shortly his paws softly touched the earth. Their wings folded against them, tail swishing, standing tall with a serious expression on their face. He let out a sigh, his eyes slowly trailing around the quiet environment.

Where could they be? He'd been searching for them all day, around this general area, only with no luck. The trail started off a bit simple to follow, though now it became complicated. He began at the dungeon where three of the prisoners were originally at that they somehow escaped from. What made him wonder about this scenario...Was how the fourth prisoner, which was the second human, escaped at the same time as they did, if that person had their own cell to stay in? Considering it was at night when it happened and every human captive was supposed to be resting for a night when the time to dig for treasure had come and gone.

Perhaps a guard escorted one out early, and was thinking of doing something stupid with that person. Somebody did mention that one human that escaped was a female, besides the other one being a male. That wouldn't be the first time that sort of thing went on, he's heard those stories a time or two, when someone brags about it to his face. Sometimes he wonders how they get their kicks when someone that is female is small.

Yeesh.

They probably should've followed through their ideas with that dragoness that escaped, but then again, he also heard she was very stubborn and defiant and would try very hard to refuse any advance thrown at her. But maybe, with more than one guard dragon, like say three of four, they'd probably succeed in claiming her. Guess they were too late to think that. Not getting their rocks on with a dragoness any time soon.

Oh heck, they have a hard time getting any with the females the fortress has anyway.

Basically, he smelled their scents, a little faint but still there, just to get used to what he's tracking down. Then he was at the arena, where they made their escape, going by what he heard from other dragons that have witnessed it. The scent trail was gone there thanks to a bunch of smells of other dragons wafted the area. The smoke that continues to plague the fortress also didn't help out his senses. He does get tired of whiffing up smoke every single day when he's not doing one of his important jobs.

But nonetheless, considering he thought the prisoners wouldn't try to fly out in the open where they'd surely be spotted, he began to follow the gorge located just outside the fortress. It was a great place to start, that's what he would've done if he tried to escape the place. A long while later, soon came the long winded stretch of the wooded area with fresh greenery and air and less smoke. And with that, the assassin began searching non stop for those prisoners, landing at a spot every now and then, sniffing, trying to pick up their scent again so it can lead him to them.

But still, no luck.

The drake shut his eyes to think. Part of his brain was thinking the trail had gone cold for good. That maybe the blue female dragon that flew them all away had flown much farther than he thought and hadn't landed for a long time and that's why he cannot pick up any scents. That maybe they flew all the way to the ends of the planet or something. He shot them open, gazing at the sky. But he knew better than to think that. There was no way a dragon could fly forever. They'd have to tire out sooner or later. His wings fluttered. His own feel tired from flying so much, so that proves his point. They must have landed someplace around here. It's the most likely of areas you'd arrive after flying out of the gorge.

He knows he'll find them...He's good at tracking someone when he's up to it. Better than the other drakes he knows! They gotta be around here somewhere...They can't have gotten TOO FAR either. All he has to do is find them...

Then the scaled assassin dipped his head in thought. He was mulling about one of the other human prisoners back at the fortress. One in particular, out of countless others his tribe has, one he stops by and sees in their dungeon for a minute or two whenever he gets the chance. Maybe he could've took a peek in that cell before he left, see how they were doing. He has been gone for about a few days before he got back and took on this new job.

Honestly, he can't help but think about that person all the time...

He shook his snout, trying to focus on the task at hand. He'll see them when he gets back. Besides, despite that they're human, they're a strong one, from what it looks like in his eyes. Sure they look sad too, but nevertheless they don't seem to be too weak from everything that goes on with them. That person doesn't seem to wither easily like some. He admires that.

He can live without them a little longer. Right now, he's got a job to do!

The dragon looked around the area some more, planting steps over the grass. Now where could those prisoners be? Could they have landed right around HERE? He brought his nose to the ground, taking a few whiffs. He's gotten...Grass...Dirt...Flower...Bark....

His nostrils sucked in a big one, and what they found next sent his senses on high alert. Yes! The same smell he caught at the fortress! He found it!

But which way did they go? The lone dragon inhaled sharply, bringing his sights to a trail nearby. They must've walked down that way. His snout flashed a toothy smile. Finally...Now he'll find them. Then the assassin began following the trail with a swinging tail, intending on pacing along with the scent for a little while before he decides to find a place to rest. Then he'll continue his pursuit tomorrow at daybreak.

Well, guys...Here he comes.