Furville - 4. Endings and Beginnings

2019

DANIEL THETHAR

The dragon stepped off the train, black scales glinting in the sunlight. He shivered in the winter cold, dressed in a tank top and a pair of shorts.

“Hell, it’s colder here than at home,” he muttered under his breath, steam rising from his mouth with every word.

Gathering his suitcase, he walked toward the entrance of the train station, passing through the doors.

The interior of the station was utter chaos, people running everywhere, and voices raising to be heard over each other. The dragon scanned the mob until he saw a sign reading “Daniel Thethar”.

Making his way through the throngs of people, he saw a blue fox holding up the sign.

“Ryan?” he asked, approaching.

“Yep. You’re Daniel?” the fox questioned in return, his accent strong in Daniel’s ears.

“Aye.”

“Great. Let’s get out of here. I can’t hear myself think,” Ryan said, pointing Daniel toward another door.

A blast of cold wind met the two as they passed back into the outside world, and Daniel shivered.

“I thought it would be warmer here,” he said.

Ryan chuckled.

“California has winters too you know. Come on. My car’s right over there.”

The reached the vehicle quickly, both walking to the left side.

“Um… your seat’s on the other side,” the fox told the dragon.

“What? Oh, right, you folks drive on the wrong side of the road.”

Daniel headed for the right side of the car, sticking his suitcase into the back. He slid into the front seat, sighing at the warmth inside as Ryan turned on the heater.

“You can turn on the radio, but I’m afraid there’s only Christmas carols at the moment,” Ryan said as he pulled out of the parking lot.

“Thanks, but I’m not a fan of those,” Daniel said, still trying to come to terms with having the steering wheel on the left of the car.

He wanted to yell that Ryan was on the wrong side of the road and that he was going to crash, but as he started seeing other cars on the road, his mind slowly started to calm.

Before he knew it, Ryan was pulling into another parking lot. They were in a large complex, and as they stepped out of Ryan’s car, the fox pointed Daniel toward a red door. They hurried to the portal, and Ryan unlocked it, allowing the dragon inside.

“I’ll get a key made for you within the week,” he said, flipping on the lights.

“This place is big,” Daniel said in surprise.

“Just a two bed one bath,” Ryan shrugged. “Your room is on the left. I took the liberty of getting a bed so you won’t be sleeping on the floor tonight. I’m giving you a month to get settled, then you will be helping with half of the rent.”

“Thank you. This means a lot,” Daniel smiled, dragging his suitcase into the bedroom.

Ryan followed him.

“We can work out something with food. The bathroom is through the center door in the hall. Feel free to take all the showers you’d like. I generally have lights out around midnight, so after that, please try to be quiet.”

“Will do. If you don’t mind, I’m feeling rather tired right now. That was a rather long journey.” Daniel said, hand on the doorknob.

“Of course. Let me know if you want to go anywhere. I’m off for the next three days, and we can get you some more… wintery clothes.”

The fox backed off, and Daniel closed the door gratefully. Sitting on the unmade bed, he sighed, unzipping his case. The first thing he withdrew was a throw, which he placed on the bed. The rest he would unpack later. For now, the dragon curled up on the bed, and fell asleep.

 

DAVID ENTERAI

“You’re sure about this?” David asked for the millionth time that hour.

“Yes,” Max said, exasperated.

“The instant you tell me to stop, I will.”

Max tugged at his wrists, bound behind his back.

“You know where the scissors are if anything goes wrong?”

“Nothing will go wrong.”

David knelt on the bed beside the tiger, and grabbed Max’s pants.

“Wait,” the tiger said, and the dragon pulled his hands away instantly.

Max held up his right hand, now free from the restraints.

“Two hundred years old, and you can’t tie a proper knot?”

David’s face burned.

“Knots are hard,” he protested.

“Eh, we’ll just have to ask Tristan about that when we get home,” Max laughed. “Here, try again.”

He handed David the rope, and crossed his wrists behind his back again. The dragon spent five minutes trying to tie another knot, before he backed off.

“There. Better?”

Max pulled again.

“Yeah.”

David carefully took hold of the tiger’s pants again, and slowly pulled them over his hips. His palm caressed Max’s butt, causing an inhale from his prisoner.

The thought seemed alien in his mind; Max as his prisoner. But if it made the tiger happy, he’d gladly deal with a little discomfort.

He met Max’s gaze, and stared the tiger down, until Max blinked and looked down. The dragon pulled his shirt off, and glared at the tiger as he looked up again.

Max’s eyes sought out his feet again, a wry smile on his face.

‘I knew you could do it,’ he thought, and the dragon growled quietly.

He felt his underwear get ripped away, and moaned softly, his body stirring at the roughness. He chanced another glance at David’s face, and his breath caught in his throat.

A very angry dragon scowled at him, and he tore his eyes away, suddenly apprehensive. This was a dragon he could believe had murdered 200 people in Ypres.

He heard David spit, and a finger probed him roughly. They weren’t using any lube, and David had warned him beforehand that it would hurt. But Max had insisted. He wanted the full experience.

Well, here he was, and it was scaring him. But it also excited him, and he didn’t want to stop. His heart thumped wildly, adrenaline shooting through him as a second finger joined the first. It hurt alright. But he knew it was just a sign of things to come.

A nail scraped hin innards, and he hissed in pain. The fingers were withdrawn, and he looked up again.

David met his eyes, concern on his face. It relieved Max, to know the dragon could snap back any time.

Taking a deep breath, the tiger nodded. He looked back down at his feet, as he felt David reposition himself. There was another spit, and he felt the dragon touch his hole.

David wavered for a moment, pulled out of the scene. Max was terrified, and that hurt. He didn’t want his tiger to be afraid of him.

But they were both aroused.

“You like this, don’t you,” he accused his prisoner, voice deepening.

The tiger nodded, his body stretching out in front of the dragon.

He was okay. He knew to say no if he wanted to stop. David had insisted on it.

The dragon gripped the tiger by the waist, and rolled him onto his belly suddenly. He straddled Max, whose breathing quickened.

Lowering himself, he thrust, member meeting hole. A second thrust breached the ring, and Max yelped.

“OW OW OW-”

David pulled out as quickly as he had entered. Max rolled himself over, wincing.

“We may need the lube,” he admitted.

“Do you want to stop?”

Max hesitated.

“Be honest with me. I won’t think any less of you at all.”

“Maybe we could try again later?”

“Of course,” David smiled.

He pulled Max into his lap, and set about untying him. The two curled up together, and David rubbed his tiger’s back, calming them both down.

 

THEMIS FALIS

Themis snapped her fingers nervously. A tiny spark appeared, and died out in the breeze as she walked. She was heading down a long drive, towards Cog’s mansion.

The fire was easier to control now, but it still flared when she felt strong emotions. Such as now. Having David around would ease her tension, but he was long gone now, on vacation in Germany.

She reached the door to the house, and shook her hands, letting the excess heat out of them, before ringing the doorbell.

It took a minute, but Cog answered the door, a robe covering his body. Eyeliner darkened his eyes, and he looked like he had been in the middle of applying chalk to his cheeks.

“Themis!” he beamed. “To what do I owe the surprise?”

“Um, is this a bad time?” Themis asked.

Her hand flared, and she directed the heat through her body, to escape her mouth as steam.

“No, not at all! I was getting ready for a show tonight. Why don’t you come in?”

The fox took the offer, following the rabbit into his den.

“Is Boom here?” she questioned.

“He’s making a quick dinner right now. Did you want to talk with him?”

“With both of you, actually.”

They entered the living room, and Cog gestured to a couch.

“Boom, we have company!” the rabbit called.

Themis heard the sound of someone running.

“Damn it Cog, couldn’t you have given me more warning?!”

The rabbit chuckled.

“Sorry about that. Boom will be with us in a minute. How’s Abbie doing?”

“Well enough. She’s loving taking care of David’s library. It’s a full-time job for her,” Themis smiled.

Boom appeared at the doorway, wearing a backwards shirt.

“Hi Themis, it’s great to see you,” the dog smiled.

Are all the guys in this town nudists?

“Thanks, and you too.”

The fox took a deep breath.

“So, um, I heard that you want to have a kid.”

“Uh, yeah, we do. How’d you…?” Boom asked.

“Max let it slip before he and David left for Germany. Don’t worry, I haven’t told anyone besides Abbie, and she won’t tell a soul. I know David’s probably trying to find a way for you two to have a child together, but if he fails, I am willing to be a surrogate.”

A stunned silence filled the room.

“Wow… Have you talked to Abbie about this?”

“Yes I have, and she says she’d be fine with it. Basically, my body, my choice. That’s why I wanted to talk to both of you, to let you think about it.”

“It’s an amazing offer,” Cog said.

“I have total confidence in David. But, we’ll think about it, right?”

Boom looked at his husband.

“Of course we will.”

“There’s something else you should know, if you do decide to accept.”

Themis held up he hand, and a tiny flame appeared in it.

“I don’t know what it is, or what caused it, but if we go through with me carrying your child, they might have… certain abilities.”

“Thank you Themis. We’ll take that into consideration,” Cog smiled.

The flame vanished, and Themis rose to her feet.

“Anyway, I told Abbie I’d be home in time to walk to the library with her, so…”

“Really Themis. Thank you. This means so much to us,” Cog said.

“You’re welcome.”

The rabbit stood up, and showed the fox to the exit.

“We’ll let you know when we decide, but it probably won’t be until David gets back,” he added.

“I understand. I’ll see you both around?”

“Count on it,” Cog smiled, before closing the door.

Themis took a huge breath, and let go, sending a wave of heat out of her body. That done, she directed her feet toward home.

 

DANIEL THETHAR

Daniel woke up in a dark room. His phone read six am, but it felt closer to noon. He flicked a light on, and looked around the empty room. Soon, he’d make his mark on it. But for now, he needed to practice.

Pulling a thick tome out of his suitcase, the dragon plopped it on the bed, and lay on his stomach. He opened the grimoire, and began flipping through pages.

“Nican du eim,” he murmured, and the light flew out of its bulb, and hovered around his hand.

“Cen belan,” he continued, and the light returned to its glass prison.

Satisfied, the dragon turned to another page, coming across a spell to show him the best path to any destination he desired. He already knew this spell worked, he had used it several times on his journey here.

Now he used it to find a park where he could run, and maybe even stretch his wings. Grabbing his phone from the floor, he slipped on his trainers, and quietly slipped out of the apartment.

The morning air froze his scales, and he thought about going back in to grab another shirt. But it wouldn’t really help.

A spell came to mind, something to warm his skin, though it wouldn’t really help much other than that. It would be enough for now.

“Tesoru mei galin,” he murmured, and his scales took on an orange glow as the air heated around him.

Sighing in relief, Daniel began walking, following a yellow line only he could see. A kilometre later, he arrived at his destination, a rather large, wooded area.

The dragon took off running, easing off on his heating spell as his body warmed itself. He came around a tree and stopped.

A yellow dog sat huddled against the tree, grey sweatshirt pulled up over his eyes.

“Hello,” Daniel said in surprise.

The dog’s head shot up, his eyes meeting the dragon’s.

“Hi,” he said quietly.

“You okay mate? It’s pretty cold to be sitting out here.”

The dog shrugged.

“I could use some company, if you want to join me on my jog,” Daniel offered. “It’ll warm you up at least.”

He helped the dog to his feet.

“My name’s Daniel.”

“Tristan,” came the muttered response.

The dragon motioned ahead, and the two took off at a slow pace.

“So what are you doing out here, if you don’t mind me being nosy.”

“I dunno. Nothing really.”

Daniel didn’t push the dog, sensing he’d come around in his own time. They continued jogging, Tristan running out of breath rather quickly.

“Who are you?” he panted. “Usually this place is empty for another hour.”

“I just moved here from England. I want to find David Enterai. I was told he could teach me some things.”

“He left for Germany two days ago,” Tristan said, as they slowed to a walk.

“Bollocks. Do you know when he’ll be back?”

“Soon, I hope.”

Daniel studied the dog.

“You aren’t like… his boyfriend or anything, are you?”

“No! Not at all. He’s dating a tiger. David’s just a friend.”

“Oh. And what about you?”

“A wolf,” Tristan growled.

“I seem to have hit a nerve. My apologies.”

Daniel glanced at his phone, figuring he could probably find a store on his way back to the apartment so he could get a sweatshirt.

“Well, it’s time for me to head home. It was nice meeting you, Tristan. Maybe we can run again tomorrow?”

“Sure. Whatever.”

The dog turned and stalked back to the tree, leaving Daniel to find his way out of the park.

 

TRISTAN THARN

Dragons. They thought they knew everything.

Tristan curled in Kel’s arms, listening to the wolf’s snores. This was what he needed. Not some magic happy juice.

The room was dark, curtains drawn over the window. A single beam of light broke through the barrier, lighting up a scratch on Tristan’s leg. The dog moved his leg so the injury was in the dark once more. He followed the beam of light with his eyes, growling softly as it rest on a glass vial. It was almost as though someone was telling him to drink.

“Damn you David,” he muttered, rolling over.

“Mm?” Kel murmured, an eye opening sleepily.

“Nothing.”

Tristan kissed the wolf’s nose.

“Go back to sleep.”

“You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Okay…”

The eye closed, and Kel began snoring again. Tristan placed a hand on his back, and slid it down until he was touching the base of Kel’s tail.

“Fuck it,” he muttered, standing.

Crossing the room to the vial, he lifted the object and stormed to the bathroom. Removing the stopper, he poured the crimson liquid down the drain, and tossed the glass in the trash.

Returning to the bed, he curled up once more in Kel’s arms, to await sleep.

Morning came, and with it an exhausted dog. Tristan was used to being tired by now; it happened more often than not.

He rose from bed to make breakfast for Kel before work. A glint paused him in his tracks, and he glanced at the dresser.

Another vial sat on the surface, a light blue colour this time. A small note rested against it, and Tristan’s hackles raised as he picked the paper up.

“I heard you didn’t like the cherry. Maybe raspberry will suit your tastes better?”

Growling, Tristan shredded the paper. He glared at the juice, then uncorked it and swallowed it all in one swig.

“There. Now leave me alone,” he snapped at the room.

As he left the room, he could have sworn he heard a chuckle.

 

DANIEL THETHAR

Ryan stared at the dragon as he pushed the bar up. 200 pounds, and Daniel was handling it like a pro. He probably didn’t need a spotter. Not that Ryan would tell him that. The fox was too busy enjoying the view.

Was this another roommate doomed to break his heart? Ryan snorted. He sure knew how to pick them. The dragon wasn’t even here for him, he was here for David. Something about a book. He’d stay in the country three months if Ryan was lucky. Then he’d be back across the Atlantic.

The fox needed to work fast with this one. But after Jake, he didn’t know if he had it in him to even try. He had known Ryan for longer than he knew the dog, but that didn’t mean much. The dragon never hinted he might be interested in the fox.

He helped the dragon set the bar back on the rack, and switched places with him, as Daniel removed some weights.

“You want to try seventy kilos?” the dragon asked.

“Huh?”

The fox could see the dragon working through some math frantically. The look of concentration made him even more adorable.

“Um, 170 pounds? I think?”

“Yeah. Let’s go for it.”

Hell, if he couldn’t do it, it might get Daniel’s hands on him.

The dragon stood behind him. If he craned his eyes, Ryan could just get a glimpse of Daniel’s crotch. Their hands nearly touched on the bar, and Ryan shivered.

“Ready?”

“Ready,” he answered, taking a breath.

“One, two, three.”

The bar lifted, and they held it together for a second, before Daniel slowly took his hands away. Ryan’s arms shook slightly as he lowered the bar, but he forced his way through the pain, and pushed up.

Three reps in, his arms faltered again, and Daniel’s hands gripped the bar, helping him ease it back onto the rack.

“Eh, it was a good effort mate,” the dragon smiled. “We’ll try 75 next.”

Damn, he didn’t know what it was about that accent, but Ryan would gladly roll over for the dragon.

Focus Ryan. Focus.

He took another deep inhale, and they began again.

 

MAXIMUS MARKHAUS

Max curled up next to his dragon, blowing out the candle next to the bed. This was definitely a different kind of living. David had never installed electricity into the house. No computer, no TV, and he had to be extra careful with his phone battery.

Someone was supposed to be out in two weeks to fix everything, but by that time, the two would be packing to head back to the States.

Max closed his eyes and stretched his arms out with a sigh. His finger began kneading David’s back, drawing a happy murmur from the tired dragon.

He had run himself ragged since arriving, rising at dawn to start reading, and not stopping until late afternoon. This wasn’t quite the vacation Max had been hoping for, but it was a vacation nonetheless.

For some reason, the dragon had insisted he stay away from the nearby suburbs. Max knew better than to inquire; he didn’t want to dredge up painful memories. For all he knew, that could have been where Claire died.

“I’ve looked everywhere,” David mumbled.

“It’s okay. I’m sure they’ll understand,” Max said, nuzzling David’s neck.

“I might have to ask Zenoan. Maybe there’s something in the grimoire.”

“But he hates you-”

“Yeah, I know.”

Max continued kneading the dragon in silence. He had no idea what David was looking for, and had no way of helping. So he did the only thing he could, and continued making his dragon feel good.

 

TRISTAN THARN

The juice swirled down the drain with a gurgle. He didn’t need it. Tristan could do just fine on his own.

The dog curled in bed next to Kel, who rolled over in his sleep. His arm rested across Tristan, and the dog sighed, enjoying the weight pressing down on him.

“Mmm…”

The arm was removed as Kel awoke, and Tristan tried to grab it again. The wolf sat up, bedsheet falling to his waist. He shivered in the early morning cold, and yawned.

“Morning…”

Tristan didn’t answer, busy nestling his head in Kel’s armpit. Anything to be closer to the wolf.

“Come on Tristan, I need to get ready for work.”

“Fine,” Tristan sighed, taking his head away.

Kel stood up, and padded to the bathroom.Tristan moved over to his side of the bed, and buried himself into the fading warmth. His eyes closed wearily, and the next thing he knew, he was being shaken awake by Kel.

“I’m heading out. Can you try to clean the bathroom today? It could use a good Tristaning,” the wolf grinned.

“Yeah, you got it,” Tristan yawned.

His hand snaked out, and grabbed Kel’s crotch.

“Oh, you just wait for tonight boy.”

The wolf stepped back.

“Love you.”

“I love you too,” Tristan murmured, his eyes closing again.

 

He woke up a few hour later. All was not right with the world, and he sighed. The juice was gone. He didn’t need it anyway.

The dog made his way into the bathroom, and relieved himself, before grabbing supplies and getting into the bathtub. Five minutes later, the tub was sparkling clean, but he didn’t feel any better.

 

DAVID ENTERAI

David paused as he stepped off the plane, taking a deep breath. He hated flying in the metal contraptions, but Max refused to ride on his back, at least while flying.

There was something different about the town. He could feel a presence had entered the town in his absence.

The dragon shrugged, and began walking again, catching up to Max. If it was a threat, he would deal with the newcomer when he was ready.

“You okay?” Max inquired. “You look like you smelled a rotten egg.”

“I’m fine. We may have company later though,” David answered, as the two walked through the airport.

The left the building, and walked toward the street, David focusing on a clear area. A car appeared, old, but still in working condition. As much as he’d rather use his bike, the two had their luggage to think about.

He stopped again, in the process of opening a car. Someone was coming.

The dragon growled quietly, and Max looked at him in alarm. The tiger had never heard David growl in anger before, and the sound unnerved him.

A dragon approached the two on foot, a heavy sweatshirt hiding most of his features.

“David Enterai?” he questioned.

“Who’s asking?”

“My name is Daniel. I think you are my great grandfather.”

“That’s a pretty wild claim.”

“I know,” the dragon smiled apologetically. “But I’m pretty sure it’s true. Even if it isn’t, I have something for you.”

The dragon pulled a worn black book out of his jacket, revealing hands covered in black scales.

David stiffened at the sight of the book, and Max put a calming hand on the dragon;s shoulder, unsure of why a simple book would unsettle his beloved.

“Where did you find that?” David asked quietly, dangerously.

“In a bookstore in Portsmouth.’

“And am I correct in assuming you read it?”

“Most of it,” Daniel admitted. “It’s how I knew where to find you.”

“You don’t simply track a person through a journal they wrote a hundred years ago.”

“No, but I had some help. A fox, Ryan, said you lived in town.”

“And you came here from England just to give me my journal back?”

“Um, no. I came because my mum mentioned your name. Something about a doe named Claire too. Said she was my great grandmother. I put two and two together after reading the journal, and came up with you.”

“So why come here? What does it matter? I will tell you one thing. Claire and i never had a child together.”

Daniel faltered.

“Y-you didn’t?”

“No, for various personal reasons I will not discuss with you. And I do not appreciate a runt coming up out of nowhere, insinuating that my deceased wife slept around. This conversation is over. Now if you will give me my journal, We will part ways and never speak with each other again.”

The blue dragon snatched the book away from the black, and stormed to the driver seat of the car. Max quickly slid into the passenger seat, and the two peeled away, leaving a chastised black dragon in the dust.

 

RYAN VALTHAN

“You’re leaving.”

It was a statement, delivered in a worn voice. The fox was tired, defeated. Yet another person was leaving him.

“Yeah, I have a flight tomorrow,” Daniel said. “I’m sorry. I thought I could stay here, but he doesn’t seem to want me around.”

“Who cares what he thinks? Daniel, you crossed an entire fucking ocean to give him that damned book. Did he even thank you?”

The dragon shook his head.

“Look, this was a nice vacation. But I need to go home. Maybe you can come visit me sometime?”

Ryan sighed.

“Yeah, maybe.”

The fox stood up from the couch.

“Well, if this is your last day, we can at least make it memorable. What time do you have to catch your plane?”

“Noon.”

“Perfect,” Ryan smiled.

“What are you planning?” the dragon asked.

“Oh, just a stroll through the nightlife. I figure you could use a drink.”

“Actually, I could use something,” Daniel said.

“Great, let’s get going.”

 

The dragon could feel the pounding music in his feet a block away. He had no idea where Ryan was dragging him, but the fox seemed happy. Daniel had the nagging suspicion that he wouldn’t enjoy the evening half as much.

As they neared the entrance to the building, Daniel saw a yellow lab walk away from the door dejectedly.

“What’s up with Tristan?” he asked the fox.

“Eh, he’s our depressed little puppy. The town kind of looks out for him. But he should know better than to try and get into a bar. He’s still got a year to go,” Ryan said loudly, as the music threatened to mute his voice.

‘Fuck it,’ Daniel thought, casting a spell that muted the music in his ears.

The dragon walked to the door, shocked when a rather bulky wolf stopped him.

“You gotta show him your I.D.” Ryan laughed.

Muttering about silly American rules, Daniel took out his passport and showed it to the wolf, who let him pass.

The fox came through a second later, and they passed together into the flashing lights within. Ryan took Daniel’s hand, and dragged him to a bar.

“WHAT DO YOU LIKE?” he yelled, causing Daniel to wince.

Maybe the spell had been a bad idea…

He let the magic go, and flinched as the noise hit him with all the weight of a freight train.

“What spirits do you have?” he asked.

“Whiskey, vodka, rum-”

“Whiskey’s fine.”

Ryan nodded, and pushed his way through a throng of bodies, vanishing quickly.

Daniel felt eyes on him, and he turned, spotting David glaring at him from the corner of the building.

“Bloody hell,” he muttered, looking away.

“Hey sexy…”

The dragon spun at the voice, finding a buck standing uncomfortably close to him.

“You here alone?” the deer asked, a drink in hand.

“No, I’m with Ryan.”

The buck laughed.

“You’re alone. Ryan’s probably hooked up with some wolf already.”

The deer put his hand around Daniel’s shoulders, and the dragon shrugged him off.

“Come on man, I’m just being friendly.”

“I’d rather you didn’t. I don’t even know you.”

“Oh, where are my manners? Anthony Quinn. And you are?”

“Daniel.”

“Well Daniel, you have the sexiest accent I have heard in a while. You want a drink?”

Anthony offered the glass to Daniel, who smelled vodka mixed with a powder.

“Um, no thanks.”

“C’mon, just a sip?”

“Look, leave me alone. I’m not interested.”

Daniel felt his ire roused, and he took a step away from the deer.

“Hey Anthony, get the fuck out of here,” Ryan snapped behind him.

Scowling, the deer turned, and melted back into the crowd.

“I don’t seem to be making many friends today,: Daniel groused, as Ryan handed him a glass.

The dragon eyed it warily. Not finding anything wrong, he took a drink.

“What is this?” he asked, taking another sip.

“Whiskey and coke,” Ryan shrugged. “On me. Think of it as a going away present. And trust me, you don’t want to be friends with Anthony. He’s the town slut.”

Daniel noticed a similar coloured drink in Ryan’s hand.

“You’re not driving us home?”

“Nah, we’ll get a cab or something. Don’t worry I won’t get drunk. You can get as drunk as you want though.”

“Um… thanks.”

It was strange, having weak whiskey mixed with the taste of pop, but Daniel shrugged it off. He could get a beer after. He let Ryan lead him to a table, his ears finally adjusted to the volume around him.

A fox approached them, and Daniel stared at her, shocked at how much she looked like Ryan. If her fur was blue instead of black, and she didn’t have wings, Daniel would have sworn they were twins.

“Hey Faelan, how’s it going?” Ryan asked, as the fox quickly wiped the table.

“It’s Friday at ten. How do you think it’s going?”

Ryan chuckled.

“So, this is the Brit? Nice to meet you,” Faelan said, holding out her paw.

“The same you you,” Daniel replied, surprised by the firm handshake.

“Either of you want something? Max started working today, and he actually is pretty good.”

“That’s David’s boyfriend?” Daniel asked.

“Yep. Fine tiger ass and all.”

“Don’t let Pip hear you say that,” Ryan warned.

“Oh please, Pip drools over Max more than me.”

The two chuckled, while Daniel looked on in confusion. He finished his drink while Faelan and Ryan continued to chat. Soon, the fox was called away, and Ryan turned back to the dragon.

“She’s a fun girl,” he said.

“I can see that.”

Ryan looked at him.

“You wanna dance?”

“I- what?!”

The fox took the dragon’s hand and dragged him to an area where the crowd was bouncing around.

“Hell no mate! I’m nowhere near drunk enough for this!”

“You’re cute when you’re nervous,” Ryan laughed, getting into the beat.

“And you’re a cock gobbling tit,” Daniel shot back, his ears burning.

“Ooh, dragon got some fire. Go talk to Faelan if you aren’t drunk enough. She’ll hook you up.”

“That’s not the point! I don’t want to dance!”

“Then don’t,” Ryan shrugged.

Daniel stalked back to the table, and sat down. A moment later, Faelan walked up with a mug of beer.

“Compliments of Max, who says he apologizes for earlier. Whatever that means,” the fox shrugged, setting the beer down.

Daniel took a sip, and smiled. It was Guiness. Perhaps a watered down version of it, but the flavour was there.

“Tell him thanks,” he said.

Faelan nodded, and left. Daniel drank his beer, and looked for Ryan. He found the fox dancing with a wolf, and something inside him grew restless.

‘What the hell am I doing?’

The dragon stood up and walked to the fox. He tapped the wolf on the shoulder, and yelled, “May I step in here mate?”

The wolf grinned, and stepped aside. Daniel grabbed Ryan’s wrist, and pulled him to the edge of the crowd.

“What the hell man?!”

“I don’t know what’s going on, but don’t dance with that wolf. Or anyone.”

“Kel? What’s wrong with Kel? He’s already taken.”

“I don’t care. Just don’t.”

“Well excuse me, but you don’t own me. You’re not even my boyfriend.”

Daniel growled quietly, and Ryan stared at him, startled. The dragon grabbed the fox, and kissed him.

Ryan resisted momentarily, trying to catch up. Then he gave in, deepening the kiss.

“I’m so sorry. I don’t know what got into me,” Daniel apologised, pulling back.

“Whatever it was, can you do it again?”

Daniel shook his head, backing away.

“Can we go please?”

Ryan touched his lips, trying to hold the moment in his mind. He nodded slowly, and followed Daniel out of the bar.

 

DAVID ENTERAI

David strode purposefully toward Zenoan’s cave. He was worried about this meeting, but he refused to let it show.

The red dragon met him at the entrance. For once, he wasn’t scowling.

“What do you want?”

“Hello to you too. I need to look at the grimoire,” David said.

“Why?”

“To help someone.”

David could practically hear Zenoan’s brain whirring, trying to come up with an excuse to stop him. Finding none, the dragon sighed, and let his brother into his home.

“You know you don’t have to live in a cave, right?”

“We go over this all the time. I like caves. It’s bigger than your so called mansion on the hill.”

The brothers walked in stony silence for a few minutes, David’s eyes struggling to get used to the gloom. They climbed a long ramp, and David felt a chill as they entered Zenoan’s library. An anti moisture field, like the one protecting his own books.

Zenoan pointed to a large tome sitting closed on a table.

“It’s been waiting for you,” he admitted. “Be careful. Some of the stuff inside is dangerous.”

David stared at the dragon, unsettled by his sudden concern for David’s safety.

Zenoan shrugged, and left the room, giving David some privacy. The blue dragon flipped open the tome, and began to read.

 

He spent an hour flipping through basic cantrips, the whole thing reading like a hedge wizard’s primer. Finally, he reached a few notes about some experiments with time manipulation. He was about to flip the page when he noticed a date. 1829. That was the year his mother had said his father appeared.

There was a short description of the courtship, a brief mention of a pair of eggs, and then another date, 2028.

David stared at the numbers. His father was alive? And he lived in the future? 2028. Ten years away.

The dragon took a deep breath, and turned the page. He wasn’t here to meet his father, he was here for Cog and Boom. He skimmed through more time travel and more dates, including a foray into mid 13th century Japan, before coming across an experiment with a rift. His father called it a portal, a divide between this world and another. He tested it, learning to teleport things through it, and back.

Again David skipped a bit, though he kept the spot in his mind, as an interesting point. It would explain his aptitude with object teleportation.

‘Time seems unimportant now. I no longer feel pressed or hurried by anything. I’ve talked with a fae who wandered here, and they have mentioned internal cramps.’

David sighed. Things were becoming disorganized, a mad man’s raving memories. He spotted one more tempting spot however.

‘Saelin… laid an egg, I guess. It’s strange, this place apparently gives males the ability to carry children. It doesn’t seem like they can leave after whatever change their body goes through however. I found out Kata died within a week after returning to his plane, and he was in good health when he left.’

It was there. But it was no answer…

David flipped through a few more pages halfheartedly, before suddenly coming across his name.

‘David, everything happens for a reason, and it is best not to know why. I hope in time, you will learn to forgive me.’

“He knew me?”

It made sense that his father would check on him and Zenoan occasionally if he could travel through time.

The next page was the start of a family tree, with a single name on it. Daniel Mythara. Underneath was a rather long line depicting this person’s offspring with various people, from a liaison with a woman named Hana to his own mother. From the meeting with his mother, David had resulted. He knew that already. But what shocked him was that a family tree extended beneath his name, branching out from Claire.

“What the fuck…? Who- ZENOAN!”

The red dragon reappeared silently.

“What the hell did you do to the family tree?!” David yelled.

“I did nothing,” Zenoan said calmly. “And before you ask, I never told you because it was something you needed to learn on your own.”

“Then who wrote this? It sure as hell wasn’t me!”

“At a guess, Dad. He seems to have the whole stalking time traveller thing down.”

“We never had a child!”

“You did. Claire gave him to me because she knew you’d live a lot longer than her, and possibly even Robert. It wasn’t her fault, she was trying to protect you.”

“Where…?”

“I took him to a family I know in England. He grew up happy and healthy. He fought in the First World War, and the last I heard, he had been killed by a sniper near Ypres. His daughter followed his footsteps, serving as a nurse in the second war.”

David exhaled shakily, following the line down to its final name.

Daniel Mythara.

And with that one name, David’s world came crashing down around him. ‘The Wanderer’ in Draconic. The source of his family, and half the world too.

“I… I need to go,” he said.

“I’m not stopping you,” Zenoan shrugged, picking the grimoire up.

David hurried from the room, retracing his steps with loping feet until he found himself back outside. Taking flight, he hurried back to his own house. He would tell Cog and Boom what he had learned later.

 

DANIEL THETHAR

Ryan heard the sound of objects hitting the floor in Daniel’s room. He hesitated at the door. The dragon was going to leave. Did he really want to get involved in a long ranged relationship?

The door opened suddenly, and the dragon slammed into the fox, dropping them both to the floor.

“Sorry,” Daniel muttered, standing up.

He hurried out to the living room, and looked around.

“You haven’t seen a book laying around, have you?” he asked.

Ryan tore his eyes off of the dragon’s ass long enough for the question to register.

“Um, yeah, under the pillow on the couch.”

The dragon bent over the couch, and Ryan could have sworn the room temperature rose a good ten degrees. He realized he was still on the floor, and hurried to his feet as the dragon turned with a book in his hands.

“Thanks,” Daniel said, heading back into the room, and closing the door.

He was ruining this. Ryan had no idea what was happening. One minute the dragon had been growling, the next, they’d been kissing, and then the dragon had just... stopped.

The door opened again, and Daniel stopped, pantsless.

“Did you need something?” he asked.

Ryan gulped, fighting the downward drift of his eyes.

“Yeah, about earlier-”

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I really don’t.”

“But I liked it.”

“I know,” Daniel said dejectedly. “But it’s not like I can stay in town. Not with David.”

“You don’t have to stay to have fun for one night. And we don’t have to leave it off after only one night either.”

Ryan’s hand moved up to Daniel’s cheek, giving the lightest touch. The dragon inhaled sharply, and Ryan smiled.

“If you want me to stop, just tell me,” the fox whispered into the dragon’s ear.

His hand trailed down Daniel’s face, to the dragon’s shirt. Unclipping the buttons holding the shirt around Daniel’s wings, Ryan carefully removed the clothing. He let his hands trace over Daniel’s chest, eliciting another sigh from the dragon.

As Ryan let his hands explore Daniel’s body, he confirmed that the dragon’s abs were rock hard. He traced Daniel’s love handles with his thumbs, and the dragon’s breath quickened. The gentlest scrape of his claws on the waist of Daniel’s lime green briefs sent shivers through the dragon.

“I- I have to go in a few hours…”

“I know,” Ryan breathed. “But you’re already packed, and this needs some attention.”

The fox cupped the tented briefs in his hand, and Daniel moaned quietly.

Ryan was determined to take his time. He knew he’d probably never see the dragon again after today, and he wanted to memorize every moment that he could.

Daniel stepped into the fox, his crotch rubbing against Ryan’s.

‘Oh no boy, I’m in charge here,’ Ryan thought, moving back ever so slightly.

Daniel growled quietly, the same sound from last night, and Ryan froze. The dragon nearly tore off the fox’s shirt, and Ryan chuckled nervously.

“Okay, I guess you’re in charge…”

Daniel huffed in agreement, burying his nose in Ryan’s neck fur. His crotch grinded against Ryan’s reminding the dragon the the fox still wore pants. A moment later, they were in tatters on the floor.

“Hey, those were my favourite sweats,” Ryan protested.

“You shouldn’t have started what you weren’t prepared to finish,” Daniel laughed.

He was a completely different beast now, cocky, and rough. And Ryan loved every second of it.

The dragon turned, rubbing his ass against Ryan, and the fox’s breath caught.

“Are you serious?” he asked.

“Aw, is the little bitty fox afraid to top?”

“Not at all,” Ryan grinned.

‘You better get ready for the wildest ride of your life.’

He went to pull Daniel’s underwear off, and the dragon stopped him. Suddenly, his underwear was on the floor, and he was naked, his dick pressing into Daniel’s back.

“You know, we probably should get some lube and a condom,” the fox smirked.

Daniel sighed, and Ryan led him into his room. He found what he was looking for quickly, as Daniel removed his briefs.

The fox dealt with the condom, and took care of the dragon’s ass. When he was confident he wouldn’t hurt Daniel, Ryan pushed the dragon onto the bed, and straddled his lap. It took a little effort, but the fox was quickly at the dragon’s door. Looking Daniel in the eye, he saw an indescribable need, and he acted on it.

Pushing hard, Ryan popped into the dragon, both of them gasping at the invasion. The fox hadn’t topped in years, and he fought himself, holding out. He thrust quickly, not giving Daniel a chance to get accustomed to him. The dragon groaned with every thrust, and Ryan knew he was hitting the sweet spot.

Daniel’s dick pressed against Ryan’s stomach, leaking heavily, and Ryan twisted his torso so he could lap at the juice that came from the dragon.

“Bet your tongue can’t do this,” he panted, still ramming deep inside the dragon.

The only response was a shudder, as Daniel suddenly released onto Ryan’s tongue, way sooner than the fox expected.

No matter. He could play along.

The fox redoubled his efforts, feeling Daniel wince in discomfort under him. Within seconds, the fox was gasping in his own orgasmic pleasure, knot buried deep within the dragon.

Ryan lowered himself until he was laying on top of Daniel, both of them panting heavily. He still squirted into the condom, and he knew Daniel could feel the pulsing. But the dragon didn’t complain, instead tentatively running his hand down Ryan’s back.

The fox moaned in ecstasy under Daniel’s ministrations, his eyes closing, just for a second.

 

“Oi, wake up!”

Ryan’s eyes opened suddenly, and he found himself lying nude in his bed. Daniel was dressed, and standing at the door.

“You gonna drive me?” the dragon asked.

“Wha- oh…”

Ryan groaned as he sat up. The condom was gone, and he assumed Daniel had dealt with it.

“Give me a minute dude. I need to get dressed.”

Daniel shrugged, and left the fox in peace.

Standing up, Ryan grabbed a new pair of sweats and a shirt. He walked blearily into the bathroom, and relieved himself before dressing.

The fox found the dragon standing by the front door, bag in hand.

“So…” Ryan said.

“So… What now? What exactly did we get from that?” the dragon asked, somewhat bitterly.

“A good time?” Ryan shrugged. “I don’t know man.”

He scratched his neck.

“Well, we better go,” Daniel sighed, opening the door.

Ryan followed him out to the car, and slid into the driver’s seat. They pulled out quickly, and sped on their way.

“You know, I’ve never had a one night stand before,” Daniel said.

“I’d like to think this doesn’t count,” Ryan replied. “I like you, love you, even. I was looking forward to you staying here longer than you did.”

Daniel stared at the fox.

“You serious mate?”

Ryan snorted.

“Of course I am dummy. I don’t joke about these things.”

“So, what, you want us to be boyfriends? I don’t really know how that will work out,” Daniel said.

Ryan shrugged.

“It sure as hell beats never seeing you again. Maybe next year you can show me England.”

Daniel’s hand found its way to Ryan’s thigh, and rested there. The fox placed his own hand on top and squeezed it gently.

“We’ll definitely have to work out who’s in charge in bed though,” he laughed.

Daniel chuckled.

“I thought it was obvious.”

“So, this is a yes then?”

“Aye,” Daniel smiled, as they pulled into the airport.

Ryan walked with the dragon to the gate, and the two stopped to face each other.

Slowly, cautiously, Daniel kissed the fox.

“I love you too,” he whispered.

Then the dragon turned and made his way to the plane, leaving the fox alone. With a heavy sigh, Ryan turned, and headed back to his car.

 

DAVID ENTERAI

“Look, I’m sorry Max.”

The tiger turned away from the dragon again.

“You know what you need to do,” he said simply.

“He’s halfway across the world!”

“Nope. You’re not worming your way out of this one.”

“You’re being so unfair.”

“You were a total ass to him. I think it’s entirely fair, especially since he was right,” Max said sharply. “Act your age, and apologise.”

“How?!”

The tiger shrugged.

“He tracked you down just through a name. Surely a great and powerful dragon like you can do the same.”

David sighed, and left the room. He was surprised at how stubborn Max was being. But the tiger was right. He needed to track Daniel down.

The dragon grabbed a bowl of water, and sat down at his kitchen table.

“Elaun eim Daniel Mythara,” he murmured, passing his hand over it.

The water blurred, and a black dragon appeared. But it was not the one David expected.

“So, you read it,” Daniel said, looking through the image at his son. “It took you long enough. I’m disappointed in you, taking your brother’s birthright.”

“Daniel… Dad…”

The black dragon held up a hand.

“Daniel is fine. I lost the right to be your dad when I left Maria.”

“How am I seeing you? Aren’t you from the future?”

“Yes and no. I’m in your present time, but I’m in the alternate plane. If you were looking for your grandson, he is not called Mythara yet.”

“But you are the same.”

“Yes.”

David’s head spun.

“None of this makes sense to me…”

“It took me millenia to understand it myself,” Daniel smiled reassuringly. “However, I do not believe understanding my travels is in your future. That path is different for you, and I will not reveal what I know, for it is better to be unaware.”

“I’m finally talking to my dad, and he is speaking in riddles.”

“But of course. Isn’t that the way of all old people? And I am nothing if not ancient.”

“While you were here… You didn’t visit your daughter?”

“Moon? No. She lost her father once. I would not put her through that heartbreak again. Besides, the Daniel you speak of knows nothing of Moon. However, congratulate her for me. I’m proud she finally met her match.”

“And the fox, Ryan. Did you ever find him?”

David’s father smiled enigmatically.

“That is for me to know alone.”

“You took him,” the blue dragon accused.

“Hmm, you have a sharp mind. That needs to stay between you and me though. However, none of this is the reason you reached out to me, is it?”

“No, but you can’t possibly begrudge me a few questions. I never knew you. And to be fair, I wasn’t exactly reaching out to you.”

“Ah, but Max won’t be satisfied until you talk to your grandson.”

David sighed.

“I’ll get on that then.”

“Good. And you can always reach out to me for help, should you need it. And Zenoan as well. I would like to see the rift between my sons buried.”

“We can’t possibly be your only sons.”

“Maybe, maybe not. I’ll be waiting for our next conversation,” Daniel smiled.

“Wait! How do I reach your younger self?”

“Ask Zenoan.”

The water blurred, leaving David alone in the kitchen.

The dragon took a deep breath, and a single word escaped his lips.

“Shit…”

 

DANIEL THETHAR

Daniel stared at his phone, fuming silently. Three whole days, and not a word.

It had started out great. Ryan had sent him a tonne of messages the first day, while he was switching planes. Then they had stopped.

The first day, Daniel assumed Ryan had been busy. He had been busy himself, going to the gym and letting his boss know he was back. He’d start working in a week, and saving up for Ryan’s visit.

The second day with no message, Daniel had sent one of his own. It went unread.

He sent ten more messages, asking if Ryan was okay, begging the fox to talk to him. They all went unread.

By day three, he was beyond worried.

He looked through Facebook, tracking down Faelan. A message was sent, and he sat in his apartment, growing ever more agitated.

‘What’s up?’ the fox sent an hour later.

‘Ryan won’t answer any of my messages. Is everything okay?’

‘I don’t know. No one has seen him in two days,’ came the reply.

Daniel’s heart sank into his feet.

‘We thought he went with you. I’ll talk to David and see if he knows anything.’

‘Let me know as soon as you hear anything,” Daniel sent, before putting his phone aside.

The dragon wandered slowly to his room and fell into his bed. He curled up in the corner with his blanket, and cried himself to sleep.

 

AEDAN CARR

Aedan rose with the sun, dusting the frost off his backpack. The cold seeping into his fur was nothing new. But he figured he better find someplace to warm up soon.

The hyena sat up on the park bench, and shook, dew flying in every direction. He was exhausted, and had been for the past month. With no direction, he wandered from town to town, just trying to survive.

The scent of air was heavy on the air, and he followed it to a fountain. Liquid cold as ice flowed down his throat, causing Aedan to shudder. At least it was clean.

He returned to the bench where he had lain through the night, and picked up his bag. A food truck sat nearby, and the hyena’s stomach gurgled at the smell of breakfast cooking. He ignored his body, and walked toward the edge of the park, passing close enough to the truck for the heat to brush against him. It was all the warmth he was likely to get that day.

 

BOOM THERABBIT

Boom backed into the driveway and shut off his truck. Today, like every day, he was eager to let his husband cook. There was something about cooking for a living that made it unappealing when at home.

He walked into the house, quickly shedding his clothes, and tossing them into a hamper.

“I’m home!” he called.

His rabbit came bouncing out of the study, flowery sundress covering his ankles.

“Oh, did you have a show tonight?”

“No, I just felt like wearing this,” Cog replied, kissing the dog on his nose. “How was your day?”

“Interesting. I saw a hyena this morning, looked like he was homeless. I don’t know if he’s staying in the park, but I’m going to check after dinner, bring him some food if I can.”

“Invite him over if you find him. We always have room,” Cog said.

“About an hour later, I had this strange sense of urgency, like I needed to move. It was so bad I actually had to move the truck from its usual spot. Didn’t do as much business today because of it.”

“Eh, it happens,” Cog shrugged. “You want to take a shower or eat first?”

“Is dinner done already?”

“Of course. I’m not going to let my dog starve under my care.”

“Well, I should probably take a shower first. I’m a little greasy.”

“I’ll join you,” Cog smiled, slipping the dress off his shoulders.

Walking down a hall into the bathroom, the rabbit started the shower, making the water nice and hot, just like Boom liked it. They stepped in, and Cog began kneading Boom’s shoulders. The dog moaned, leaning against the wall next to the tub.

“You sure know how to keep a dog happy,” he murmured, closing his eyes.

Cog squirted shampoo into his paw, and slowly, methodically, began lathering his dog.

“Our anniversary is coming up,” he said as he worked.

“Mmhmm,” Boom moaned.

“I was thinking we could go somewhere to celebrate.”

“Where did you have in mind?”

“I was thinking a cabin in Lake Tahoe. You and me, alone in a cabin for a week. Things could get hot.”

“That sounds amazing…”

Cog scratched Boom’s lower back, and the dog’s leg thumped. They both laughed, and Boom stepped into the water.

“You want me to wash you next?” he asked.

“No, I already showered. I just wanted to touch you.”

Boom chuckled.

“You never need an excuse for that,” he said, turning the water off.

He dried himself, and passed the towel to Cog, heading out into the kitchen to dish dinner onto some plates. He handed one to Cog as the rabbit walked into the room, and they stepped into the living room, sitting together on the couch.

“So I can only assume this is a hint,” Boom said, holding up a hot dog.

“What do you mean?” Cog smiled mischievously.

“Oh, I don’t know,” Boom grinned, sticking the meat into his mouth and sucking on it noisily.

Cog laughed, and leaned over, biting half of the hot dog off.

“Ouch. I’m never letting you down there again,” Boom smirked.

The rabbit may not be able to cook much, but the fact that he still tried made Boom love him even more.

The dog finished eating, and checked the time. The sun had been down for almost thirty minutes. If the hyena was going to be at the park, he’d be there now.

“I’m heading out again,” he said, pulling on some clothes.

“Alright. I hope you find him,” Cog said, kissing the dog.

“Yeah, so do I.”

Boom left the house and got into Cog’s sedan. He pulled into the park twenty minutes later, and stepped out of the car.

The sky still gave some light, though it was fading. Boom wrapped his jacket tighter around himself, shivering as a breeze rustled leaves across the ground. He began walking toward where he usually parked his truck, hoping the hyena would return to the same bench.

The dog breathed a sigh of relief as he saw the hyena huddled on the bench, a half eaten fish in his hands.

“Hey!” he called as he approached.

The hyena jumped a little, and looked at the dog guiltily.

“Hi…” he said uncertainly. “Is everything okay?”

“The park closed almost an hour ago. You’re not planning on camping here, are you?”

“I didn’t realize it was closed…”

Boom caught the lie easily, but let it go.

“I have a spare room at home if you need a place to stay. No one should be sleeping outside in this weather.”

The hyena tensed up slightly.

“If you don’t want to, that’s okay, but at least let me take you to get some food or something. That raw fish can’t be very appetizing.”

“It beats getting murdered by a stranger…”

Boom chuckled.

“My name’s Boom, and you don’t have to worry, I’m not a killer. I just saw you this morning and wanted to help if I could.”

“Oh what the heck. If you do kill me, at least I won’t have to worry about the cold,” the hyena said, grabbing his backpack.

Boom led him to the car.

“So, do you have a name?” he asked.

“Aedan.”

“Well Aedan, do you have a preference for food?”

Aedan shook his head.

“Burgers it is,” Boom decided.

Fifteen minutes later, they sat at a table, Boom watching the hyena gulp down a second burger.

“Do you need to call anyone?” the dog asked.

“No.”

Boom shrugged, and pulled out his phone, calling Cog.

“Did you find him?” the rabbit asked immediately.

“Yeah. We’re eating right now. Hopefully I’ll be home with him in half an hour. You might want to put on something appropriate.”

“Hey, everyone loves my dresses,” Cog protested.

“I know, but if people aren’t expecting it, it can be a little much.”

“Fine,” Cog grumbled.

“Love you.”

“I love you too.”

The rabbit hung up, and Boom put his phone away.

“Your girlfriend?” Aedan asked.

“Husband,” Boom replied.

“Mm. He’s a lucky man.”

“So am I,” Boom smiled.

Aedan finished the burger, and the two went back out to the car.

“You don’t have to take me to your home. You’ve done more than enough for me,” Aedan said.

“I told you, no one should have to sleep on a park bench. Let us take care of you for tonight, and tomorrow I can take you wherever you want.”

The hyena opened the car door.

“Thank you,” he said, sliding into the vehicle.

Boom drove to the house, sighing at the sight of Cog waiting outside in a crop top and short shorts.

“Damn it…”

“That’s your husband?” the hyena asked.

“Yep, that’s Cog.”

“Dang, he’s cute.”

“Yeah, I know. I didn’t want him freaking you out with his choice of clothes though.”

They stepped out of the car as Cog approached.

“Hi, I’m Cog,” he smiled. “There’s still some dinner warmed up if you want some.”

“Thank you.”

Cog held open the door, ignoring Boom’s pointed stare as he ushered the hyena inside. As he followed, Boom could swear he saw the rabbit’s tail wag.

 

MAXIMUS MARKHAUS

“Absolutely not!”

Max flinched. David’s anger was a frightening thing, even more so when it was directed at you.

“David, you need to get over this fear.”

“I’m not afraid! You do not understand Maximus.”

Ouch, full name. His dragon was pissed. Still, Max pushed forward.

“It’s just one picture-”

“One picture from you. One from Aaron. One from Claire. One from whoever comes after you! I don’t need my loves on display for me to mourn over every time I see them!”

“Then don’t. Don’t mourn over my pictures. You can destroy them when…”

Max cut off, a lump in his throat. It was a subject they had never fully touched, but it was in the open now.

“When I’m dead,” he finished.

They both took deep breaths.

“Look, I don’t have a single picture of Henri. What few pictures we took are at my mom’s house. I’m forgetting his face, his voice. Do you know what I would give to be reminded of days gone by?”

“I’m sorry. But you are not getting me in front of a camera.”

David walked to the bedroom, and came back out a minute later, shirtless.

“I’m going to fly, clear my head a bit,” he said, before stepping past the tiger and walking out the door.

 

JACOB MATHERS

They said it was haunted. And that’s why he moved in.

Jacob Mathers was not one to shy away from danger.

The brown wolf stood in front of the apartment door, studying its red colour. He chuckled as the thought of blood red entered his mind. Opening the door, he stepped inside, eager to see the new place.

“Um… Hello…”

A black dragon sat on the floor in the middle of the room.

“Oh, uh, sorry,” he said, standing up. “I didn’t realize they already rented the place out again.”

Jake’s ears perked at the dragon’s accent.

“You’re British?” he said.

The dragon sighed.

“Why do you people always bring that up?”

“Sorry. Um… what are you doing here?”

“Nothing. I’m gone already.”

The dragon picked up an orange tank top and walked past Jake without another word.

Closing the door behind the dragon, Jake locked it in case he tried to come back. The apartment was nearly empty, with only a mattress in one of the bedrooms. It was time to make the place his own.

 

COG AND BOOM THERABBIT

Boom’s nose woke him up. Someone was cooking. Eggs, pancakes, sausages, and did he detect a hint of smoked ham?

“Maestro Cog, I believe someone is in the kitchen,” he murmured sleepily, spooning against the rabbit.

“Mmm… Aedan’s making breakfast I think.”

“Smells like quite the affair. Do you think we should get dressed and join him?”

“I think so.”

Cog sat up and kissed Boom on the nose. The bed sheets fell away as he bent over to grab his briefs, and Boom swatted at the rabbit’s wriggling tail.

“Now now mister Boom, we don’t have time for that,” the rabbit grinned.

“We’ll have to make time later then.”

“Oh we will,” the rabbit promised.

As Boom pulled on his boxers, he heard footsteps approaching the door.

A knock followed, and Cog called, “Come in.”

Aedan opened the door and stepped inside, a tray piled with breakfast held precariously in his hand.

“I’m sorry, I hope I didn’t wake you,” he said.

“Oh no, my nose woke me,” Boom smiled. “Cog uses it like an alarm clock.”

The hyena handed them the tray.

“Happy anniversary you two,” he said with a small smile of his own.

“You know?” Boom asked.

“Cog told me, and I wanted to do something for you two as a thanks for letting me stay here. I hope you enjoy it.”

The hyena turned and left the room, allowing the two some peace.

“That’s so sweet of him,” Cog said, taking a plate off the tray. “You need to teach him to cook though,” he added after taking a bite of pancake.

“And what’s this?” Boom asked, picking up a folded sheet of paper from under his plate.

“I don’t know,” Cog said innocently.

“Sure you don’t,” Boom laughed.

He set the thick paper aside, deciding to finish his breakfast before looking at the paper. After tasting the eggs, he agreed with the rabbit.

“Yeah, I’ll offer him lessons this week,” he said.

Cog chuckled.

“It was really sweet of him to do this though,” he said.

They ate as much as they could handle, before setting the plates aside. Boom picked up the paper again, and unfolded it.

“‘A day of fun is planned ahead, if you would just get out of bed. Your first hint of where to run, is planted out under the sun’. A scavenger hunt?”

“Yes, but I can’t help. This is all for you,” Cog said, getting out of bed.

“Well it sounds like I better get ready for the day. Do I need anything special?”

“Just your usual and this,” Cog said, kissing the dog.

Boom pulled away a few seconds later.

“Are you trying to distract me?” he grinned, leaning his forehead against the rabbit’s.

“Who, me? Never my good dog,” Cog laughed.

Boom stood up, and walked to his closet, pulling out a polo shirt and jeans.

“I’m going to have so much fun unwrapping my present later,” Cog said, watching the dog dress.

“Aren’t you going to get dressed?”

“In a bit. I’m just enjoying the show right now.”

Boom sat on the bed, pulling his shoes on, and Cog knelt behind him, hugging the dog.

“I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you too,” Boom whispered back.

Cog released the dog, and Boom stood up again. The rabbit helped him put his collar on, and Boom kissed Cog again.

“Well, I’m heading out to the garden,” he said.

“Oh, you have a lead on the prize?” Cog asked.

“Where else would it be?” Boom replied.

“Then be off my bloodhound, and happy hunting.”

They kissed again, and Boom left the room, heading downstairs. He passed through the house, noting the suspicious absence of Aedan.

“They are totally planning something,” he chuckled, approaching the sliding doors leading to the sun deck.

Walking down the stairs off the deck, the dog made his way through a row of flowers, heading for a large square of dirt where a young apple tree stood.

Cog was very superstitious about this garden. He had seen it die under his parents care as their love for one another died. When he and Boom married, the rabbit began weeding the garden and the two had planted this tree as a seed. Boom thought the tree was a strange indicator of their love, but Cog was nothing if not eccentric, and the dog embraced the idea, doing what he could to help the plant grow. And when it had born fruit the previous fall, the two had been overjoyed.

And just as he thought, the tree had a note tied to its trunk. He untied it carefully, and opened it.

“‘This anniversary is the first of many in our fate. To celebrate think back to our first date.’ Well that’s easy. The park. You didn’t make this very hard, did you?” the dog smiled, turning back to go inside.

 

“Honey, dearest, sweetest?” the dog sang out as he entered the house.

Cog smiled as he finished pouring the second cup of coffee. Three sugar cubes and a dash of creamer, just the way the dog liked.

“Yes, oh love of my life?” he called back.

He heard Boom enter the kitchen.

“Coffee? One would think you’re trying to stall me,” the dog sniffed, sitting at the kitchen counter.

“Me? Never! I just thought you’d might like some coffee before you really got going.”

Boom sipped at the drink, making a murmur of appreciation.

“It’s perfect,” he smiled.

“Did you want to ask me something?” Cog questioned, sipping his own drink.

“Mmm,” Boom held up a finger, taking another drink. “Can I take the car today?”

“Of course,” Cog smiled. “In fact, I planned on it. It should be fully fueled.”

“Awesome.”

Boom finished his coffee, and set the cup in the sink, rinsing it off.

“I’m heading out then. I love you.”

“I love you too,” Cog smiled, kissing him. “I’ll see you later.”

He watched the dog leave the house, and heard the car leave the driveway.

“He’s gone! Ready to get going?” the rabbit called.

“I’ve been ready,” Aedan said, hurrying into the room.

 

Boom parked on the side of the street, and stepped out of the car, looking around. This place was large, but there were a few spots that jumped into his mind immediately.

“Time to get started…”

Walking toward Cog’s favourite bench, a memory entered his mind; a rabbit sitting on this bench, a notebook in his lap. He came here all the time, and on this day, Boom decided to talk to him, using a hot dog as a prop. The two hit it off, and the rest was history.

But it was bare now, no rabbit, and no note.

“Well then,” Boom said, turning his feet toward the pond, and a bridge that crossed it at its narrowest point.

As he walked down the cement path, he spotted a yellow dog jogging toward him.

“Tristan? I didn’t know you ran,” Boom said as the two dogs neared each other.

“I’m trying to get in the habit of going for a morning run,” Tristan shrugged, stopping next to him. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be with Cog?”

“The little devil sent me on a scavenger hunt. I’m supposing he didn’t give you a letter for me?”

“No. I saw something on the bridge rail though,” Tristan replied.

“Thanks,” Boom smiled,

They parted ways, and the dog continued toward the bridge, another memory springing into his mind.

The rabbit and the dog stood on the bridge, watching the sunset behind the trees. The park would be closing soon, but for now there was only this moment. Boom removed a pocket knife, and began carving their initials into the wooden rail.

“That’s totally illegal,” Cog said. “But it’s so romantic too.”

The rabbit rested his head on Boom’s shoulder, and the dog sighed happily, wishing the night would never end.

And now Boom stood in the same exact spot, fingers tracing the heart carved into the bridge. His eyes caught a string tied to the bridge, and he felt around for the note.

“‘Memories are made, but some are harder to remember. For this next, think back to our first September.’”

Boom scratched his head.

“Okay, this one is much harder,” he muttered.

 

“Well done,” Cog smiled, as he and Aedan surveyed the spotless house. “Now let’s get it dirty in the right way. You do the entrance, and I’ll take care of the bedroom.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Aedan said, and the two split up.

Cog set about making the bed, then went into the basement, where a dozen red roses were waiting for him. He carried the flowers to the bedroom, and began plucking the petals from them, letting them fall in the shape of a heart on the bed.

“I know this is going to be hell to clean tomorrow, but the look on his face is totally going to be worth it…”

The rabbit left a single perfect rose in the middle of the petals, taking the remainder of the flowers back downstairs.

“Aedan, have you seen a tulip around here?” he called.

“You hid it above the washer!” the hyena called back.

“Thanks!”

Cog found the flower, and put it next to his wallet so he wouldn’t forget it later.

“Ready for dessert?” he asked.

“Heck yeah,” Aedan grinned.

 

Boom pulled into the parking lot of the movie theatre. He was certain this was where the next clue was. They had shared their first kiss here, hidden in the dark of the theatre.

After waiting in a short line, he approached the ticket stand.

“Hi, my name is Boom. Did a rabbit leave a note for me here?” he asked the cat behind the counter.

“Does this look like the post office?” the cat grumbled.

“No, sorry,” Boom apologized, turning away.

“Wait, Boom?”

The dog looked back, spotting Zuko behind the counter.

“Hey! I didn’t know you worked here,” Boom smiled.

“Yeah, I picked up the job two months ago. Cog left this here for you yesterday.”

Zuko handed Boom another folded note on the same heavy paper.

“Thank you.”

“No problem. Happy anniversary.”

“Thanks!”

Boom stepped away from the counter, and unfolded the note.

“‘Before your hunger drive you up the wall, come to our first lunch, I await your call’.”

Boom smiled as he pulled out his phone.

 

Cog’s phone rang, and he closed the oven.

“You got the rest, right?” he asked.

Aedan nodded.

“Get going,” he smiled.

“Feel free to try a couple if you want.”

Grabbing his wallet and the flower, Cog answered the phone.

“Hey sexy.”

“Hi. I got this strange urge to call you,” Boom said.

“Oh really? I wonder what could have caused that?” Cog asked as he walked to the bus stop near the house.

The bus pulled up as he arrived, and the rabbit climbed on, sliding a couple bills in the tiller.

“Are you on a bus?” Boom asked.

“Maybe,” Cog smiled.

“I never thought I’d see the day.”

“Hey, I’ve taken the bus before,” Cog laughed.

“Should I wait a bit then, and give you a head start?”

“If you’d like. But I’ll still get there before you. I’ve timed this perfectly. You haven’t even reached the car yet.”

“Now how do you know that?”

“Because I know my dog, and my dog does not drive while on the phone.”

“Mmm, more stall tactics?”

The bus pulled up to a stop, letting a couple wolves off, as Cog grinned.

“Could be. With me you never know.”

“I know you pretty well now, master Cog. You just let me know when you want me to leave, okay? Should I buy a ticket for a movie?”

“It’s not going to take that long,” Cog laughed. “You can go ahead and leave now if you’d like.”

“You sure you don’t want me to be fashionably late?”

“I think I have that covered already,” Cog said, glancing at the time on his phone.

“Alright, I’m leaving now. I love you.”

“Love you too,” Cog smiled, his hand brushing over his collar.

He hung up as the bus stopped again.

 

The dog pulled into another lot, this time at the first restaurant the two had eaten at after getting married. It was nothing fancy, but it held memories all the same. It wasn’t just their first, it was one of their favourites.

He saw Cog waiting for him at a table, and the dog walked towards the rabbit, a huge smile on his face.

Cog stood up as Boom reached the table, pulling a flower out of the air.

“Neat trick,” Boom smiled.

“Thanks, it took me forever to get it right,” Cog replied, handing Boom the flower.

“Is this paper?”

“Yeah, origami.”

“This is amazing…” Boom whispered. “It makes my gift pale in comparison.”

He handed the rabbit a wrapped box, and Cog opened it.

“A new series?” he asked, holding up a boxed book set.

“I know she’s your favourite author.”

“Thank you.”

The two sat again, as Pip approached with a pair of plates in his hands.

“Just like that day,” Cog smiled, as Pip placed the plates in front of them. “Thanks Pip.”

The large rabbit nodded with a smile, before withdrawing back to the kitchen.

“Lasagna and a tuna casserole. Exactly like that day. Are we getting dessert too?”

“No, I have that covered elsewhere,” Cog said, as the two began eating.

 

Boom could smell it immediately as he stepped out of the car.

“Brownies?” he asked, raising an eyebrow at the rabbit.

“Curse that nose of yours,” Cog chuckled.

He opened the door for the dog, and Boom laughed.

“I knew it! It was all to get me out of the house.”

Cog smiled at Aedan’s work, taking in the banner.

“This isn’t even the half of it,” he said. “Join me in the kitchen?”

Bomm followed the rabbit, passing Aedan on the way to the kitchen.

“Hey, I’m going to the library. I’ll be back around six,” the hyena said.

“Thanks Aedan. Be safe,” the dog said.

“I will.”

As Boom entered the room, Cog held out a brownie. Boom smiled, biting it out of Cog’s hand.

“Mmm, pomegranate too… Where did you find that?”

“Pip.”

“Hm, trust the French for matters of the heart, right?”

Cog stuck his hands in Boom’s back pockets, pressing against the dog’s body. He captured Boom’s mouth, tasting the bits of brownie left on the dog’s tongue.

I know what you’re trying to do,” Boom said. “You forget I know food too. Allow me to help you out.”

Cog squealed as the dog hoisted him into his arms. Boom carried the rabbit into the bedroom, intent of giving the rabbit what he wanted.

 

AEDAN CARR/JAKE MATHERS

The wolf and the hyena smiled at each other, two strangers meeting in a park. They walked past each other in the midst of their circling of the park, then passed again, a light chuckle lighting the wolfs smile this time.

A third pass, and the hyena laughed.

“You want to walk together?” he asked.

“Sure, as long as we can keep trading smiles. They look good on you.”

“As my friend would say, good sir, you do honour me too much.”

“Will you allow me to honour you a little more?”

Smiling again, the hyena turned around, and the two started walking again.

“My name is Jake,” the wolf offered.

“Mine’s Aedan,” the hyena replied.

Their hands dangerously close to touching, the two continued their walk, learning more about each other as they went.

 

COG AND BOOM THERABBIT

“Hey guys, I’m going out for a bit,” Aedan called, walking to the front door.

Sitting across from Boom on the couch, Cog tossed a kernel of popcorn into Boom’s waiting mouth as he replied, “Okay, be safe. If you need a ride, give us a call.”

The two heard the door close, and Boom winked at Cog.

“You know, we have some time now,” the dog smiled. “And do you know something else?”

“Mmm, what’s that?” Cog grinned, munching on a kernel himself.

“I feel like a bitch in heat.”

“Showtime…”

Cog set the bowl of popcorn aside, and shut off the tv. He crawled across the couch until he was hovering over the dog.

Snaking a hand out, Cog let his finger trail over Boom’s chest, making his way lower until he gripped the edge of Boom’s shirt. Removing the clothing, the rabbit buried his nose into Boom’s chest fur and took a deep sniff.

Boom’s hands cupped the rabbit’s ass through his skinny jeans, gently massaging the cheeks. Cog sighed happily, his hands moving to unbutton Boom’s pants. Their lips met hungrily, Cog’s body humping lightly into Boom’s in between tugs at the dog’s pants.

Boom kicked his pants off, pulling at Cog’s shirt. His rabbit sat up and slid the shirt over his head, leaving Cog bare chested. Launching himself up, Boom licked at Cog’s nipple, before falling flat against the couch again.

“Need help?” Cog chuckled.

“No, I’m just teasing you,” Boom panted.

“Ass…”

“Knowing how much you love ass, I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Cog smiled, kissing Boom again.

The dog’s tail smacked Cog’s butt as it wagged, and Cog caught it on the next slap, tugging it gently. Boom yelped quietly, and yanked the appendage out of Cog’s hands.

“Meanie…”

Boom started working on Cog’s pants, shimmying them down the rabbit’s legs. Soon, they were laying on each other in nothing more than underwear, both tented out.

Licking down Boom’s torso, Cog gently folded Boom’s boxers back, freeing his rod. His tongue flicked out, whipping the tip of Boom’s dick, and the dog hissed, his hips raising.

Cog giggled, his tongue lashing out again.

“If you don’t stop teasing me, I can’t be held responsible for my actions,” Boom growled with a husky voice.

Slipping his hands under Boom’s ass, Cog pulled the dog’s underwear off, tossing it onto the growing pile of clothes on the floor. The rabbit’s mouth closed around Boom’s dick, pushing down until the rod was buried deep in his mouth.

Boom moaned quietly, his eyes closing. His hips thrust up into Cog’s jaws, and Cog backed off, preventing Boom from choking him.

The front door opened, and the two leapt up, Boom wincing as Cog nearly bit his dick.

“Go go go…” Cog laughed, the two of them racing for the bedroom.

“Hello?” Aedan called a few seconds later, as the two reached their room.

“Shit, our clothes,” Boom laughed.

“Aw, it’s not like he doesn’t know. Now, where were we?”

Cog pushed Boom backwards onto their bed, and crawled on top of him.

 

MAXIMUS ENTERAI

“Absolutely not!”

Max flinched. David’s anger was a frightening thing, even more so when it was directed at you.

“David, you need to get over this fear.”

“I’m not afraid! You do not understand Maximus.”

Ouch, full name. His dragon was pissed. Still, Max pushed forward.

“It’s just one picture-”

“One picture from you. One from Aaron. One from Claire. One from whoever comes after you! I don’t need my loves on display for me to mourn over every time I see them!”

“Then don’t. Don’t mourn over my pictures. You can destroy them when…”

Max cut off, a lump in his throat. It was a subject they had never fully touched, but it was in the open now.

“When I’m dead,” he finished.

They both took deep breaths.

“Look, I don’t have a single picture of Henri. What few pictures we took are at my mom’s house. I’m forgetting his face, his voice. Do you know what I would give to be reminded of days gone by?”

“I’m sorry. But you are not getting me in front of a camera.”

David walked to the bedroom, and came back out a minute later, shirtless.

“I’m going to fly, clear my head a bit,” he said, before stepping past the tiger and walking out the door.

 

It was like deja vu, Max staring at the dragon seated in the dark corner of the bar. Only this time, there was a whole bottle of tequila next to him.

“Fuck…” Max muttered as he walked toward David.

He sat across from the dragon, and glared at him.

“Hi,” David mumbled, taking a swig straight from the bottle.

“Put that down. You know you can’t get drunk anymore,” the tiger sighed.

“That won’t stop me from trying,” David grimaced, his stomach lurching.

“You’re going to kill yourself.”

“I’ve done worse things, trust me.”

The dragon looked down at the table.

“If you want some, I can get it for you,” he offered.

“No. I want you to come home.”

Reaching out, Max gently lifted the dragon’s head until they were looking each other in the eyes.

“I love you David, and I didn’t intend to hurt you.”

The dragon’s face turned green, and he bolted for the bathroom. Max shook his head, looking at the bottle. Over three quarters of the stuff was missing.

“Damn it David…” he growled, following the dragon.

“Max, is everything okay?” Faelan asked, stepping in front of the tiger.

“Yeah, David just had a little much to drink,” Max replied.

“Huh, dragons. They think they can do anything. Just yesterday Moon’s boyfriend-”

“I hate to interrupt, but I need to go check on him.”

“Of course.”

Faelan backed off, letting Max through. The tiger hurried to the bathroom, hearing his dragon retch as he entered.

“You know that stuff is bad for you.”

“Max, I’m headfirst in a toilet bowl. Can we discuss this later?”

David vomited again, spitting into the bowl.

“Can’t you use a spell or something to get it out of you?”

“Oh why didn’t I think of that?” David snapped.

“I’m just trying to help damn it!”

“Please just let me work it out.”

Max sank into a seated position, leaning against the side of the stall.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

He felt a weight press into the other side of the barrier.

“I am too. This was childish of me, to run out here and try to get wasted,” David said.

They sat there for a few minutes, together, yet apart. Finally, Max slowly reached under the stall, placing his hand over David’s. The dragon’s hand turned over and clasped his, and both felt a weight lift from their hearts.

“I love you,” David whispered.

“I love you too.”

David stood up and stepped out of the stall, face still sour. Max was there to meet him, and pulled the dragon into a gentle hug.

“Let’s get out of here,” the dragon muttered.

He wrapped his wing across Max’s back, and the tiger placed an arm around the dragon’s shoulder. Slowly, the two made their way outside.

 

They drove in silence, Max taking the wheel. He knew David was good to drive, but they didn’t need to be pulled over. Not tonight.

His hand reached over to caress David’s as they stopped at an intersection.

“Are you feeling better?” the tiger asked.

“Yeah. I hate tequila,” David muttered, opening the window.

Max chuckled as the light turned green.

“Yeah, I’ve never been a fan-”

The next thing he knew, all was pain. He stared wide eyed as blood fell out of his body, his arm crushed by a truck.

“Max…”

That voice… it was like his past was catching up to him…

“Max, can you hear me?”

“Henri…?”

He could see the older tiger, his face warm and caring, but also hazy. Max tried to blink, but his eyes wouldn’t cooperate, forcing him to stare at his brother.

At his dead brother.

“I see you…” he whispered.

A hand reached out, and grasped his own, surprisingly solid.

“How are you here?”

“You’re at the edge of the void mein bruder.”

“It hurts… God it hurts…”

“I know. It will be over soon.”

 

“Max…?”

David still held the tiger’s hand, limp and wet.

“Max, are you okay?”

The dragon twisted painfully, and cried out.

“Max!”

His mind slowed time, thoughts racing frantically through his head. His tiger’s fur was stained with blood, and there was so much more pouring out of him.

“Someone help!” he screamed, his hands running over Max, desperate to find the source of the blood.

All his experience, the past century devoted to the healing arts, all that flew out of his mind as he cradled his tiger in his arms.

 

His body felt numb, the pain slowly fading.

“Please Henri, this has to be a mistake…” Max whimpered.

“It’s too late Max. I’m sorry.”

His brother placed an arm around the tiger as Max’s body sank into a breathless slumber.

Tears poured from Max as he looked down at his body in David’s arms. A hand touched his shoulder gently, and Max turned, finding a young doe looking at David.

“Thank you for taking care of him. Now it’s time to pass the torch on to someone else,” she said.

“Claire?”

David’s wife embraced his boyfriend as they all wept for their lost love.

 

DAVID ENTERAI

His feet made the trip once again.

It had been five years since David had last walked this path. But time didn’t affect this place. He wouldn’t allow it to.

His wife’s marker appeared in the air as the dragon approached, and David knelt before it.

“Elada mei areula. I hope you don’t mind sharing your resting place,” he said quietly, summoning a black dagger.

David placed the blade on his arm, and sliced quickly, not a sound escaping his lips. Hot trails of blood ran down his arm, and the dragon buried his hands in the earth.

“Eha pei mei sona, rehun du eim,” he intoned, and quartz erupted in front of him, beside Claire’s grave.

The rock ground and cracked before him, under the dragon’s watchful gaze. It was stained red with his blood, and that only gave his spell more power.

David focused intently on the crystal as it took form before him, creating a face and a body that rose just slightly taller than he was. It seemed fitting, the only time he ever used blood magic was in a time of death.

The stains within the quartz grew in size, changing colour under the dragon’s gaze, becoming white and black and blue.

Finally, he removed his hands, and the earth settled again. His creation stared down at him, on the ground, with almost a sorrowful expression.

David sat back, wrapping his arms around his legs as he looked up at the statue.

“Now you’ll never truly be gone from this world,” he whispered.

Standing, David conjured a bandage, and wrapped his arm in it.

“I will see you again Max.”

The dragon turned and allowed his feet to carry him away from the site, and the memorials of the ones he held dear.

 

TRISTAN THARN

Tristan rang the doorbell to David’s house. He wasn’t sure he should be doing this. The dragon needed his space right now. But if a comforting hand could help him, Tristan wanted to be there for him.

A minute passed, and Tristan rang the bell again. He heard the click of a lock disengaging, and the door slowly creaked open. The dog shivered, stepping inside.

David was nowhere in sight.

“Fuck, I hate it when he does that,” the dog muttered. “David?”

The dragon shuffled around a corner, a look of pure exhaustion on his face.

“I’m sorry I missed your lesson,” he said quietly.

“Don’t be. I’m not worried about that. I just thought you could use a friend right now.”

“Thank you, but I’m okay.”

“You sure as hell don’t look it,” Tristan scoffed.

“I just need to get out of town for a while. That’s all. I can make you some juice if you still need it,” the dragon offered.

“No, I’ll be okay. You know, you don’t need to be strong around me. You’ve seen me at my worse, and helped me through it. I’d like to do the same-”

“You can’t. No one can. I’ve been through this before Tristan. And I’ll probably go through it again at some point.”

“Well, if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here,” Tristan said.

He stepped up to the dragon, and wrapped his arms around him.

“You be safe in your travels. I lost one friend. I don’t want to lose another,” he said.

Releasing the dragon, Tristan turned and walked back through the door, leaving David alone in the large empty house.