Three Years Ago, 2082

Sebastian Long's sitting in the passenger front seat of the fire truck. The truck's sirens going off, as he and the other firefighters with him are heading off to the destination where the call was made. The driver sounding off the horn, signaling cars up ahead to pull to the side of the road for them. Several cars did and the fire truck drove fast past them.

Sebastian looked back over the seat at three of his pals sitting in the back seat and said to them with a smile and a determined look on his face, "You boys ready for this?"

One fireman nodded and the other two simply replied, "Yes!"

The driver who's African American said this to Sebastian, "Boy Sebastian, you're pretty fired up for this."

Sebastian sat back in his seat and looked up ahead, "You know me, Carl. I'm always fired up for this!"

Carl laughed and nodded, "Course I do. Nothing stops you from being fired up for this kind thing." He honked the horn again, as the truck's sirens are still wailing in the neighborhood in the town of Pattonsburg. The town about a few miles away from Leon.

They're responding to a call about an apartment fire in this town. So they're on their way there now.

Carl made a sharp right turn around the corner and succeeded. And very soon, they can see the smoke up ahead. They're not far away now.

As the truck got close, as Carl was looking for a place to park the truck, Sebastian and his comrades can see that most of the apartment's on fire. A burning blaze, like hell has been brought to life to that building. The apartment building is about three floors tall and it's made of brick.

Carl found a spot to park the truck, and several residents of that building who were watching the scene were watching the truck park.

As the truck came to a stop, Sebastian and the boys piled out of the truck, and Sebastian was awe struck by the blaze on the building, "Oh wow, wonder what caused that?"

As Sebastian was staring at the fire, one firefighter who came out of the truck ran to one of the residents, who's probably a landlord, asked him this, "Is there anyone in the building?"

The landlord nodded, "Yes. There's a child trapped in there! It's an eleven year old boy!"

A woman came out of nowhere from the crowd, who turns out to be the mother of that child, ran to the fire man and grasped his chest tightly and pleaded. Her eyes wet with tears, "Please save my baby! All of this started while I was gone! I told him I was coming back and when I came back, I saw this! I wanted to go in there and save him! But...But-" She shook her head and pleaded again, "SAVE MY BABY!"

Sebastian came up to the fearful woman and clasped a comforting hand on her shoulder. He said this with honesty and determination, "Don't worry, we'll get your son, I promise!"

The mother nodded profusely at his words, "Thank you! Thank you!"

Sebastian asked her, "What room do you live in? Where's your son?"

She answered, her voice raised, "310!"

Sebastian nodded, unclasped him hand off her shoulder and said to his boys, "Lets go save him!"

One firefighter said this with shock in his voice, "We can't do that, the building might collapse!" He pointed at the burning building, "The building looks unstable now!"

Sebastian thrusted a finger at him, "There's a boy in there and we have to save him!"

The other fire man argued, "But Sebastian-"

"No buts, Mike! We need to go in there before that happens!" He looked at the building as Carl the driver, already inserted the fire hose in the fire hydrant nearby. He started dragging it, until he was close enough to the building, as he did he let loose the water from the hose, spraying the water onto the building. Trying to douse the flames.

Another fire truck came and several firefighters filed out of the truck to help out too, one of the firefighters is shooting water from the water cannon on top of the fire truck.

Sebastian checked his own equipment on himself, including the oxygen tank. As he was done, he hollered to his boys, while motioning to the burning building, "We're going in!" He picked up the fire ax off his back, grasping it in one hand and started advancing to the front of the building. While his pals were coming up behind him. Not backing down from saving the boy.

He jogged to the entrance, seeing that there are no flames blocking the way, Carl already put the fire out at this spot. So Sebastian and the other three firefighters put their oxygen masks on and went in the building. Black smoke has engulfed the entrance room of the building, but Sebastian didn't have any problems seeing the staircase to the next floor.

Sebastian ran to the staircase, "I found the stairs guys! Follow me!"

One firefighter shouted back, "Right, lets go!"

All of them started using the steps to go upstairs, taking two steps at a time. They made it to the second floor and soon they were heading to the third floor of the building, where the trapped boy is in one room of that floor, waiting to be rescued.

They all made it and one end of the hallway was on fire, smoke coming from that section. Sebastian instructed this to his boys, "Look for room 310!"

But before they could do anything, the building started shaking a bit. One firefighter, who's Mike, had a very frightened look through his oxygen mask and shouted at Sebastian, "The building's going to collapse, we need to leave NOW!"

Sebastian argued, anger flashing in his eyes, "You go back outside, I'm going to save that boy!"

Two other firefighters said this with pride for him, "We'll help you save him!"

Sebastian smiled and nodded at them, then the three of them went to find the room number, while Mike just chickened out and left.

Sebastian found the room first, since it wasn't far from where they were at. He beckoned them with his hand and hollered for them, "Over here!" They sprinted to Sebastian, as he tried to open the door to the room, but it wouldn't open.

Sebastian tried turning the doorknob again, but it still wouldn't budge. He said this, "The mother must have locked the door to keep strangers from entering the room." He raised the fire ax and struck the wooden door hard, he pulled it back and struck it again.

After the second strike to the door, he started kicking it and the door finally flew open. Giving them access to room 310.

Sebastian and his pals rushed in the room and Sebastian hollered, "Hello! Is anyone in here?"

One of the firefighters shouted as he ran into the living room, "He's right there!" Sebastian ran after his friend and they see the boy lying on his stomach on the floor, coughing from the smoke. A very scared look on his face.

The building started shaking again and all of them were trying to keep their balance. Sebastian said this after that happened, "Come on!" Sebastian put the fire ax back over his shoulder and crouched down to the boy. The boy only moved his eyes to look up at him. Sebastian said to him in a comforting voice, "It's okay, we're here to help."

Before anything else could happen, the debris from the ceiling was about to collapsed on them. Sebastian shot straight up with both hands reached out to stop the beam from the ceiling from falling on them. Sebastian grunted with his teeth gritted as he held on to the heavy thing. Sebastian screamed at his pals, "Get the boy out of here!"

One firefighter came over and crouched down to the little boy. Then he reached under the boy with both hands and soon started carrying him in his arms. The firefighter with the boy in his arms, stood up straight and ran out of there.

The other firefighter came and helped Sebastian move the heavy beam off of him. They both groaned moving the thing. It fell to the floor with a loud crash.

Sebastian's pal said this to Sebastian, "You alright?"

Sebastian nodded, breathing heavily and said this back, "Lets get out of here!"

But all of a sudden, the floor started giving out beneath them because of the flames and soon a big hole started appearing, with them standing on it.

Sebastian had a shocked look on his face and screamed, "RUN!"

Sebastian and his friend tried to run to the entrance of the room, as they ran the hole became bigger and Sebastian groaned as he jumped to safety, but the other firefighter didn't make it. He didn't jump in time and he fell down to another floor, that's full of flames. He screamed as he fell and after he landed, the flames began consuming him, until he stopped screaming. Soon he died.

Sebastian looked back as he already landed to safety, close to the door to the room. He looked back and cried out for his friend, "Burt!!"

But Burt was gone and Sebastian shouted to himself, "Damn it!" The building started shaking again and he whirled around to run of the room.

He ran out to the hallway and as he ran to the staircase, several debris fell on top of Sebastian, landing hard on top of him.

Sebastian cried out as pain was shooting throughout his whole entire body. The flames in the building weren't being under controlled by the other firefighters outside, and Sebastian knew that he has to get out of there.

Sebastian tried to push himself up off the ground, but the debris basically pinned him to the floor. He was trapped.

More debris fell nearby and Sebastian groaned in pain and strength, trying to get the debris off of him. But it was all too heavy and wouldn't budge at all.

Sebastian let out a pained sigh and looked at the flames up ahead in the hallway. They were getting intense.

Sebastian would've screamed for help, but no one would hear him. Sebastian then let out a breath through his oxygen mask, as the flames were closer to him and the building was shaking again, it's getting ready to collapse.

Sebastian said this with tears as his family ran through his mind, "Diana....Brandon....I love you guys." Then he shut his eyes tight, already accepting his fate.

Then more debris fell on him, as the whole building collapsed.

I jumped up from bed and screamed in terror real loud, "AHHHHH!!!!" I opened my eyes and was breathing heavily. Fear in my eyes.

I looked around and saw that I'm in my bedroom. I just figured out that I was dreaming about...Dad.

That dad died in that apartment fire. I let out a calm breath. But he's not there, he's here with mom. They're both sleeping in their bedroom.

I was dreaming the whole thing.

But...My god...It really felt real.

Like dad really was there and he's going to die.

I heard dad's voice at my bedroom door, there was also knocking, "Brandon?" Then the door flung open and he and mom came to me in bed with fast strides. Both had worried looks on their faces. Dad said, "Brandon, what happened? Why were you screaming?"

Mom asked me as well, "What's wrong?"

I looked up at both of them and slowly shook my head, "I'm...I'm fine." I held out my hand to them and motioned it up and down, "I was just dreaming."

Dad tilted his head, frowning, "Must have been some scary dream, kiddo." Then he placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, "You gonna be alright?"

I nodded and brushed his hand off softly off my shoulder, "I'm fine. Really, I'm fine."

Mom and dad just both nodded and mom said, "Well...Alright. Just wake us up if you need anything." Then she got closer to me and leaned her head onto my forehead, giving a small kiss to it. She said to me tenderly, "I love you."

I said it back to them, "I love you too."

Dad let out a sigh and said to my mom, "Come on, lets try to get some sleep." Mother looked at him and nodded. Then dad patted my shoulder and gave me a smile, "Goodnight, kid." And with that, they both turned around on me and went out of my room. Dad was the last one out and closed the door softly.

I laid back down on my bed and closed my eyes. Trying not to think about that dream.

Dad...

*****

Me and dad are walking together on the sidewalk, on our way back to the hog roast being held in the park. The late afternoon has come as the sun started to set.

I was just walking in silence, just thinking about that dream that I've had last night. Actually, I've been thinking about it all day.

God...I still can't get it out of my head and it only happened since last night. Why am I getting so worked up about this stupid dream?

Because it felt real, that's why.

I mean, it's just so bizarre. That a dream could feel so real like that. That seeing dad's expression on his face...Could look and feel so real.

I don't understand it....Why did I have it really?

I know that I have weird dreams, but....This seemed too much.

I looked at dad walking beside me. Having a bit of a worried look on my face. Dad...

I know that you've been a firefighter throughout half your life. But...I hope that doesn't happen to you. You're best at what you're good at. You're smarter than the flame.

I still haven't really told mom and dad about the dream though. And they've been giving me those looks of concern to me all day. Well I didn't talk much since last night either. I think I'm still shook up about it.

I glanced at my feet as I was taking several more steps back to the park. I know you'll live dad.

It's just a dream, so there's nothing to worry about.

But why did it feel real really? It feels like that time when I dreamed about some boy who broke his leg in the playground, and it happened for real.

I shook my head at the thought. Quit worrying about it! Dad's going to be fine.

Dreams are dreams and what happened to that kid, it's just a coincidence.

Yep, that's it, a coincidence.

While I was still glancing at the ground, dad's voice broke through my thoughts, "Brandon?"

I looked at him and asked, "Huh?"

Dad was looking at me and asked, "You ok? You haven't really talked much all day, you know?"

I let out a sigh and waved him off, "I'm sorry...I was just thinking about things."

Dad started grinning and said, "Apparently you've been thinking about things all day long. I can just see it on your face."

I giggled and replied, "Not a hard look to see, right?"

Dad chuckled and said, "That's right. You just have this..." He started waving his hand as he thought of a word to say to that, "Concentrated look on your face. Like you were trying to figure out something." He raised a brow, "Anything that I need to know?"

I looked at him, wondering if I should just tell him. Tell him that I was dreaming that he'd die in an apartment fire? He would think it was all a dream, I'm sure. So what's the point?

Dad then asked, "Was it about last night? You never did tell us what you were dreaming about. You looked like you were just a little shook up."

I let out a breath and glanced down, looking at my feet again, "I'm sorry about last night, dad." I looked straight ahead and went on, "I guess, I shouldn't get worked up about that stupid dream, it's pretty ridiculous. Thinking that it'll come true. That's pretty stupid, if you ask me."

Dad giggled, "Oh, sometimes dreams are that way. They feel real, but they actually aren't. I get the feeling all too well." He shrugged his arms, "I believe everyone thinks that way. So we're not the only ones."

I laughed and said to him, "I think you're right."

Dad asked, "Do you want to talk about it with me?"

I took a deep breath and let it out, beginning to tell my dream to dad, "I was dreaming about you....Dying. That you were dying in a fire. While you were working." Well not every detail, just him dying.

Dad stopped in his tracks and I did too. He faced me with a look of confusion washed on his face, "Dying?"

I rolled my eyes and said, "I know right? YOU dying. That's pretty crazy when I think about it. You won't die by a fire. I know you won't. You really are the best fireman everyone keeps talking about."

Dad shrugged his shoulders, "Probably because I've learned a lot from your grandpa and your great grandfather. It's always easy to figure out what the fire's always thinking. That's why me and the boys from the fire department hardly ever die from it."

I nodded, "Yeah and you know mom, she's always worried that you wouldn't come back."

Dad gave me a big grin, "You're sounding just like her. Getting worked up by a dream, all day long. I mean, I even took you with me more than once, to watch me be a hero and you always see me come back, all healthy and peaceful."

I was grinning back at him, "No kidding. You....Really are a hero." I gazed up at the sky and went on, "I shouldn't think that you'd die. You're stronger than that."

Dad said to me with a bit of a dull look, "Even I have limits. Even someone like me has a weakness."

I gazed at his face, "But you're still strong, and even I shouldn't think that you'd die. Because you won't."

Dad clasped a hand on my shoulder and said, "Brandon...Can I ask you something?"

I nodded and he asked, "What would happen to you if I've died?"

My eyes went wide at his question, "What? What kind of a question is that?"

Dad shook his head, "I was just wondering what you would do if I've died. Like what would you do if you and mom are alone without me? Would you live a remarkable life without me? Would you become a fireman like me? Or would you like to start a singing career?"

I rolled my eyes and muttered, "Dad, you know I still have that stage fright. I've told you this before."

Dad beamed at me, "What are you talking about? Horace told me that you've been singing at the bar on karaoke day lately. He says you're really good at it."

I shrugged my shoulders, brushing dad's hand off of me, "Well he heard that I can sing from mom and Horace actually offered to let me sing at his bar. I mean...I just singed up there, because there weren't a lot of people there usually." I smiled and gestured my hand towards him, "Honestly, I don't even think I want to become a fireman like you. I just feel like I just want to sing. Just like you did back then. Back in high school. Before you and mom got married."

Dad nodded, "Well my singing got me and your mother together." He raised his eyebrows and asked, "Did I ever tell you that story?"

I laughed and nodded, "Yeah, you found mom on prom night years ago, outside the school building and you sang that song to her. You and mom always tell that story to me."

Dad said, "And you've listened to Survivor, ever since we've told you that story. You were just nine when we told you. And now up to this day, you're a Survivor fan, just like me." He held up his head, "Ha, a few years ago in the hog roast, you even compared me to Jimi Jamison when I sang that night. You really did."

I shrugged my arms, "I know that you're getting older, and I know that I haven't heard you sing back then, but...You seem to still got it."

Dad smiled and nodded at my words, "I think I do. I think, I still have it." He pointed at my chest, "But you've singed to me and mom one day in front of us in the living room and we both know where you got that from."

I beamed and exclaimed, "Yeah! I got that from you!"

Dad nodded, "Darn right, kiddo. Darn right."

Then I had an uncertain look and sighed, "Dad...I don't know if I can do it."

He frowned, "Do what?"

"You know...Sing in front of a big crowd, just like you did. Back in school, you were singing in front of so many kids during some talent show, not to mention a few other places. You seemed to be better at it, than I am."

Dad's eyes widened a bit and then he said, "I was just a young man, who decided to become a firefighter like his father and granddad. But I'll admit, I wasn't really afraid to sing in front of so many people back then. I used to have a band too! If I remember correctly."

I groaned in frustration a bit, "See! I don't know if I can handle that! I...I'm just afraid."

Dad gave me a comforting voice, "Brandon, you've singed at the bar a few times already and you've singed in front of me and your mother."

I gestured to him, "That's different! I didn't feel like I had that stage fright when I was singing in front of you and mom. You're my parents! And usually, I have to wait for my stage fright to subside before I get on the stage at the bar. Plus, there aren't a lot of people there on karaoke day, so I think that helps."

I closed my eyes and sighed, "Dad...I don't know what I really want." I opened them and said, "I keep having that fright and I don't feel like I have a lot of confidence. I...I feel powerless because of it."

Dad hummed, while he raised an eyebrow and he said, "You still feel shy, right?"

I shook my head and then I shrugged my shoulders, "Well...I know that I don't feel shy anymore, thanks to you. But I always have a hard time making friends. I don't really hang out with a lot of people, you know?"

Dad nodded in agreement, "I can see that. You're fourteen years old and I thought you'd hang out with kids around your age. Maybe even get a girlfriend, just like I did.." He patted my arm and gave me a big sly grin.

I shrugged my arms, "I feel awkward when it comes to talking to a girl, honestly. I just....Feel like I don't have balls."

He waved me off, "That awkwardness will go away in time. You shouldn't really worry about it too much."

I gave him a fierce look, raising my voice a bit, "But that's exactly how I feel when I think about singing in front of so many eyes staring at me! I feel like I don't have balls!" I shook my head and let out a defeated sigh, "I feel so scared, scared that I'll mess up. Scared that so many people would be disappointed in me. I feel...I feel..." I trailed off and looked away.

Dad gave me a pity look, "Gosh, kiddo. I...I didn't know you've really felt that way." He nodded, "But I think you're great at it. You just need to find some way to overcome that stage fright. You need to show yourself that you can beat anything."

I asked without looking at him, "How? How can I beat it? How did you get over it? How did you ever get over that fear? Did you ever have it before?"

Dad nodded slowly, "I never really had stage fright at all. Singing just seemed...Natural to me."

Then I softened my look into sadness and defeat, "Dad...I feel like I want to do something else. I feel like I want to just give up. I just....Don't know what I really want. If I can't sing, then what do I really want? I feel like I'm...Searching."

Dad stared at me for another moment and finally remarked, "I know what you're going through." I looked at him and he went on, "I've been there. I've felt like I was searching. Searching for my purpose. Searching for what I wanted in my life. I know that I liked to sing, but I began to wonder if that was it. I've felt like I was still searching. I began to wonder if I've just wanted to sing or I wanted to be a firefighter, or whatever. I never knew what I wanted at all."

He smiled and nodded, "Until me and your mother got together. That night, seeing her alone with that beautiful golden dress, it turns out she was searching too. Searching for love, just like I was as well. And on that night, the search is over for me and her." He let out a pleasant sigh and went on, "And your mother helped me find my purpose, my true purpose. She helped me out on my search for my purpose. How? Because she said to me one time that only you'll know what that purpose really is, and she would support me for it."

Dad looked away, "One day, my friends didn't want to be in my band anymore, so that meant that my purpose wasn't meant to sing at all. That I was supposed to do something else." He looked directly at me, "That I finally knew what I've wanted. That I wanted to become a fireman. Just like my family has." He raised a finger, "However, I was pretty nervous becoming a fireman years ago. But at the end, I've found my confidence to do it. And I'm not afraid anymore."

I asked, "So...How do I find my purpose?"

Dad giggled, "You're still young, Brandon. You still have time to find it." But he added, "I think what your purpose really is, is to sing." He placed his hand gently onto his chest, "I never went for that, because I was so good at being a firefighter. That was what I was good at. And you're good at it. You're good at singing." He nodded and removed his hand off his chest, "You're purpose is so far away, because you're afraid to sing in front of a big crowd. You're letting your fear get to you so much. I think the reason why you feel like you're searching for something, is that you're searching for a way to overcome that fear."

I asked once more, "How do I overcome it really? I just...Feel scared to do it. It's different with you and mom, but when it comes to singing in front of so many strangers, I feel it. And sometimes when I think about it, I feel like I can't fight it. I just sing in front of small crowds during karaoke. I...I don't think I can find a band and sing in a stadium or something like that. That feels too much." I sighed and asked again, "How, dad? How?"

Dad sighed and shook his head, "I wish I knew. But...Only you can overcome it. Because I believe that you're stronger than you think you are."

My eyes went wide and dad went on, "I believe in you son. I believe you can overcome that fear one day. You just have to find the one thing that'll help you overcome it. But it's ultimately, up to you. It's ultimately up to you to find that confidence." He waved his hand and said, "And once you find it, the search is over. And it also comes to finding someone you love so much and you want to be with her. Once you find that love, the search is over for that."

Dad placed both hands to my shoulders and said to me, "Me being nervous to become a fireman, is the same thing you're going through. You're just nervous to sing to a big crowd." He motioned one of his hands away from us to whatever's out in the world, "Just like all the big singers out there."

Dad giggled a little, "What I've went through, is kinda like stage fright, but different. WAY different. But in the end, it was ultimately up to ME to overcome it. And I did." He gripped his hands tighter on my shoulders, "I know you can find that confidence. I know that your purpose is to sing. Don't give up on it yet, because you know that you like it and you're good at it. Always do what you're good at. Because I'm good at being a fireman, and you're good at singing. And when you do find the answer to overcome it, the search is over kiddo."

Finally after saying all these confident words to me, I smiled at him, "You really think I can do it?"

Dad nodded, "I do. Me and you are not that different. I was afraid of doing something that I really want, and now you are. I believe in you son, and I think you should try to sing some more. Sing some more at the bar. Get used to singing in front of crowds. Start off small and one day, when you're ready, you sing in front of a big crowd. But remember, it's up to you to find that confidence, I can't do it for you."

Dad slowly removed his hands off my shoulders and embraced me, hugging me tight, "Don't give up son. Don't give up on that search. If I die one day, and if you're still searching, don't give up on it. Until The Search is Over." He let out a sigh, "Promise me, Brandon. Promise only for me and your mother. We both would not want you to give up. Promise me, son...Please."

Honestly, after all of that, I was just speechless. He and mom really believe in me. Especially him.

I...I'll try.

I said it out loud to him, my voice became weak, "I'll try." Then I put on a small determined look and said this, my voice became a little strong, "I'll try."

Dad removed his embrace off me and nodded, "I think that's good enough for me."

I nodded at him, "I won't give up, at least not yet. I'll find a way to find that confidence. I maybe afraid, but you're right, I can't give up. I really do like singing and if I quit singing, I may never know what else I want. I may feel...Lost." I nodded again, giving him a smile, "I'll find a way to fight that fear one day."

Dad gave me a devious grin, "And one day, you'll end your search for finding someone you love and be with. Maybe have kids."

I laughed and nodded once more, "Oh, I'll end that search one day too. If the girl will like me."

Dad said, "You're a nice kid. She'll like you for who you are. Just be yourself."

I admitted, "I think when I'm singing, I do feel like I'm myself."

Dad backed away from me, "I figured as much, so did I back then." He raised a finger, "Remember what I've told you, don't start off fast, start off slow and you'll find that confidence. And don't give up on what you really want."

I nodded, "I will. One day...I'll stop being afraid." Which I hope it'll happen. But I wonder....

Dad smiled at me and said, "Thank you, Brandon. Thank you." He started to walk away from me on the sidewalk and said, "Speaking of singing, I'm supposed to sing on stage at the park tonight. Don't want to keep them waiting."

I laughed and trotted beside him, "At least, you still have a crowd that still remembers you."

Dad chuckled and said, "Well at least, I still know a few guys who'll play their instruments for me."

I nodded as me and him trotted back to the park, "True...Too true." Then I looked at him and asked, "Hey dad?"

Dad eye me quizzically and I asked, "Maybe on the weekend, can me and you go to the woods and go fishing? We haven't done it in awhile."

Dad smiled and nodded, "Sure Brandon. Sure." Then dad said, "And Brandon." I frowned a bit and he said to me, "I love you, son."

I smiled back at him, "I love you, too."

*****

Me and mom are sitting in lawn chairs in front of the stage at the park, along with about twenty-five other people who are sitting in their lawn chairs. Nighttime has come and the lights are already turned on around the park, even the lights on the wooden stage were kicked on so we could see the performers. Right now, me and everyone here are watching a performance going on. Someone just doing a drum solo. He can ROCK!

It has been about an hour after me and dad came back from our walk, and me, him, and mom ate a lot of food here. Pretty darn good!

We were both just waiting for dad to show up on stage with some of the guys that he knows who plays their instruments. Waiting patiently for him.

I was starting to smile just thinking about it. I always like dad singing. He...Reminds me of myself. But older!

I know that my inspiration to sing came from Jimi Jamison from Survivor, but my biggest inspiration would always be my father. My very own father.

Soon as I was thinking about my father, the guy doing the drum solo was over and we all cheered. As that guy left, a guy named Tony Ramirez who started the hog roast came on stage and held the microphone in his hand. He put it close to his mouth and said with a big announcer smile, "Well was that great?" We all cheered again, mom was clapping her hands.

Tony nodded and said, "Well I sure as heck liked watching drum solos, who doesn't? Huh?" No one answered, so he cleared his throat and went on, "Well I'm sure you're tired of me talking and want to hear some more music. So here's another performance. And I'm sure most of you know who this fellow is."

Tony nodded again, "The one who has dedicated his life in the fire department and for countless years, saved a lot of lives, battled raging fires, just like any firefighter would, but he's smart about it. He knows what the fire's thinking. He even used to be a lead singer to his band years ago, back in his years in high school. And that band's name is The Searchers. Could never forget that name, and believe me when I say this to you people, that guy can sing back then and he sure as heck can now!"

Me and mom smiled as we knew who he's talking about. Tony said this slow to all of us,  "And that man...Is Sebastian Long."

Me and mom cheered and Tony announced, "So without further ado, here's the former lead singer of The Searchers. Here's Sebastian!" Everyone cheered again as dad and four other men came on stage to greet Tony. Dad shook Tony's hand and waved at all of us. I waved at dad and he waved back when he saw me and mom.

As Tony left the stage, leaving dad and the guys with the instruments alone up there. Dad grabbed the microphone in his hand and said through it with a smirk, "Howdy, everyone! Having fun, are we?"

Dad went on as the other guys were getting ready to play their instruments, "Well I think I am, because the hog roast is as great as it can get! The food tastes good, everyone that I knew in the small town of Leon, is all here. Even my old pal from high school Horace, who owns the bar down the street is here." He gestured his hand to Horace sitting a couple rows behind us, "Give it up for my old friend Horace, people!"

We clapped and cheered as Horace was just sitting there, just grinning away at dad. Dad nodded and said this, "Well while the boys are just getting ready to play, I have a story to tell you. It's about my wife Diana here. How me and her actually got together. At first, it might sound like a sad story, but at the end, it's a good ending." He shook his head, while his face was trying to remember something, "I don't think I ever told you that story."

He cleared his throat and went on, "It was on prom night, in our senior year. I just wanted to get some fresh air from all the dancing. I was also sweating too, so I needed the cool air as well!" A few of us laughed in the crowd as dad went on with the story, "It wasn't very long standing out there, because as soon as I was out there, I saw Diana sitting on a bench all alone. And she looked depressed."

My mom was starting to smile as he continued to tell his story, "I asked her what's wrong and she told me that her date stood her up, and being a simple caring person that I am, I sat down and talked with her. We have seen each other in school a lot, but...That night was our first real conversation we had together. We hardly talked to each other at all." He nodded, "I've found out that me and her have a lot of things in common, because trust me when I tell you this, we had a LONG conversation."

All of us were staring at him and dad said with a happy gleam in his eyes, "While we were talking to each other, and as for cheering her up, I wanted to sing a song to her. A song that became ours. A song that really made us more closer than sharing a lot of words to each other."

Dad nodded and said, "A lot of people have known this song. A song that was made by this certain band back in the 80s. From the band called Survivor, that I've listened to since I was a little boy. And it's....The Search is Over."

Mom cheered, "WOOOOO!!!" Dad laughed and said it through the microphone, "Well, I'm sure all of you want to hear it. So without further ado...Here's the song that belongs to me and Diana." Several of us clapped at that.

Dad looked left and right at the boys playing their instruments. At least dad, found a few people to play instruments, just like last year and the year before that.

The instruments they're playing are, guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, and drums. While dad is just the voice on stage.

Dad counted down with his fingers, he counted down from three, two, one, and without further hesitation, the guy with the keyboards started playing the familiar tune to my favorite bands songs.

Dad's cue to sing came and he sang through the microphone, as he looked at the crowd in front of him, "How can I convince you? What you see is real! Who am I to blame you? For doubting what you feel!"

He held his hand close to his chest, "I was always reaching! You were just a girl I knew!" He pointed at mom, "I took for granted, the friend I had in you!!" Mom smiled after that.

He pulled back his arm and went on, "I was living for a dream! Loving for a moment! Taking on the world! That was just my style!" He shot his arm up high in the air, while the other instruments were being played, "Now I look into your eyes!!" He shot it back down, "I can see forever! The search is over! You were with me for a while!"

"Can we last forever? Will we fall apart? At times it's so confusing! The questions of the heart!"

He put on a big smile, "You followed me through changes! And patiently you wait! Till I came to my senses through, some miracle of fate!!"

He walked closer to the edge of the stage, "I was living for a dream! Loving for a moment!" He spread out his arm, "Taking on the world!" He pulled his arm back to his side, "That was just my style!" He shot his hand straight out to the crowd, shut his eyes tight and sang a high note, "Now I look into your eyes!!" He retracted back his arm, opened his eyes and went on with the song, "I can see forever! The search is over! You were with me for a while!" He winked at mom.

I smiled at that, then he pointed at main street road near the park and sang on, "Now the miles stretch out behind me! Loves that I have lost!" He slowly shook his body back and forth in rhythm, as he pulled his hand back, "Broken hearts lie, victims of the game!" He gripped the microphone tighter in his hand, as he shot his hand up real fast and pulled it back down, "Then good luck, it finally struck! Like lighting from the blue! Every highway's leading me back to you!"

The keyboards only played alone now as dad sang on, "Now at last I hold you! Now all is said and done! The search has come full circle! Our destinies are one!"

The other guys started playing their instruments again and dad pointed at mom again, "So if you ever love me, show me that you give a damn!" Mother laughed and dad went on as he pulled his hand back, "You'll know for certain, the man I really am!!"

"I was living for a dream! Loving for a moment! Taking on the world! That was just my style!" He slowly reached his hand out to mom, "Then I touched your hand!! I could hear you whisper!" He pulled his hand back and sang, "The search is over! Love was right before my eyes!!" The guy with the keyboard played on some more, until he stopped. It was all over.

All of us clapped and cheered after that. Then dad nodded and said this through the microphone, "Thank you everyone." He looked straight at me and mom, "And thank you, Diana and Brandon. Thank you so much."

Tony came back on stage and dad gave him the microphone. As dad and the other guys were leaving, Tony said this, "And that was Sebastian people!"

Dad got off the stage and came strolling to us, to give us both a hug. He wrapped his arm around me and he wrapped his other arm around mom.

I was beaming after that. Dad...

No one could ever be like you. I could never find someone who's just like you. And neither would mom.

I love you, dad.

*****

A few days have passed since the hog roast and I'm laying in bed. The morning sun was flooding through my window.

I moaned in bed and I slowly raised my head off the pillow. I opened my mouth to yawn and stretch my arms. I stopped yawning and let out a sigh. Well that was a good sleep.

Then from downstairs from in my room, I could hear voices. I got up slowly from bed, guess mom and dad already made breakfast for me. I got near the dresser to find me a fresh pair of clothes.

After I put them on, I opened up my door to my bedroom and went out. I started walking to the steps to go downstairs. I took one step at a time, since I was rubbing the sleep out of my eyes.

When I took the last step at the bottom of the stairs, I could hear mom's voice coming from the living room, shock and disbelief in her voice, "Are you sure? Are you really sure?"

Another voice, which sounded like a man said, "I'm very sorry, Mrs. Long. But...But..." Then I could hear mom crying in the other room.

I was having a concerned look on my face. What's going on? Is...Mom crying?

I strode fast to the living room and saw mom, sitting on the couch with her face buried in her hands, sobbing.

Another person who's in there, is a male police officer. He noticed that I've entered the room and gazed at me. I was taking slow steps toward them and asked with a frown, "Hey...What's going on?"

Mom rose her head from her hands and said with a face full of tears, "Please Brandon....Go back to your room."

I shook my head at her, "But what's going on? Why is he here?"

The officer came up to me and asked, "Son...I think you should talk to your mother later about it."

I was giving him a fierce look, "No, what's going on?" Then I noticed something's missing. Hold on...Where's dad?

Didn't he leave last night on a call? Did he come home last night?

I asked out loud at them, "Where's dad? Is he home? Did he go to work already?"

The officer was rubbing the back of his neck. Like he doesn't want to say anything. Mom went back to crying into her lap. The officer said, "Kid, please-"

I raised my voice a bit, not letting this go, "What's going on? Why are you here?"

The officer let out a sigh and after a few long moments, he finally had the courage to tell me, "Your father, Sebastian Long is dead."

Suddenly, after hearing those words, the color from my face drained and I could feel a pit in my stomach, "What?"

"Your father and another firefighter named Burt Ryan died in a apartment fire last night. They were rescuing a little boy. One fire man got the boy out, but as for your father and Burt...They both died."

I took a couple steps back from the officer. Shock and disbelief washed on my face. Dad....

The officer went on with his explanation, "The fire was so intense, the building collapsed and Burt and your father were the only ones in there."

My eyes were getting wide as realization hit me. Oh my....God.

That dream.....That dream about him.

It....Came true! That dream actually came true!

And he's....Dead....

No....No....No....

I saw that dream and I didn't warn him.

I didn't say anything!

I didn't save him!

I didn't warn him about the dream. I only told him that he just died, not everything!

Mom got up from the couch and strode fast to me. She wrapped her arms tightly around me. Sobbing loudly into my shoulder.

Guilt was washing over me like a shower and I was still shocked by what I've learned. Dad...No...

It can't be....It can't be true.

But it is....He's....Gone.

Mom was still crying into me and my guilt started to wash away only to be replaced by sadness, as I looked at her head. I wrapped my arms around her now, returning the hug. My tears were streaming down my face, and I was sobbing with her.

Mom...I'm sorry.

Dad....I'm so sorry. I didn't save you.

*****

Present Day

I wandered in the woods during the night, the full moon rays providing me the only light that I have here.

Up ahead, while I'm walking on a dirt trail, I could see a lake just further up ahead. The moon shining beautifully off the lake's reflection.

Pretty much a perfect place to be at, in a night like this.

I strode all the way to the edge of the lake, and then I slowly sat down on my butt on the grass. I crossed my legs and continued to stare at the moon's reflection off the lake. Mine's in there too.

I was starting to smile to myself. Talk about a nice night.

Then I heard a voice behind me, a familiar female voice, "Hello Brandon."

I jumped a bit and I looked over my shoulder, to see Rain taking very slow strides out of the trees. She was grinning at me.

I got up on my feet and turned to face her. I said, "Hey there, nice night, isn't it?"

She was strolling slow to me still, her gaze not taking off of me, "It is. A nice place for you and me."

As she was getting closer to me, I was looking into her eyes. I frowned at them. The way she's looking at me.

It's...Different.

And the way she was smiling at me. It's different too.

I wonder why is she looking at me like that? She never did that before.

Rain sat down on her haunches right in front of me, her tail curling around her. She still had that odd smile on that face of hers.

I titled my head and asked her, "Rain....Are you okay?"

She nodded and answered, "Yes I am. Why?"

I shook my head, "No reason. You're kinda acting....Odd."

She giggled a little and asked, "How much am I acting odd, hmm?"

My eyebrows were raised a bit, "Uh...I'd say a lot." What's up with her? She really is acting odd tonight.

Rain lowered her head to mine, her expression still the same. She said in a whisper, "Brandon....Can I ask you something?"

My expression softened a little, as I nodded and gestured to her, "Sure, big girl. What is it?"

Rain got her face close to mine and I backed off a bit, "Have you ever pictured yourself as a dragon?"

I frowned at that, "What?"

"Have you ever pictured yourself as a dragon? Did you ever wanted to be a dragon at all? Ever since we've met, did you ever want to be one?"

Actually...I did picture myself as one. I put on a big smile and nodded, "Yes I did. Ever since I've flown on your back, I wanted to be one." My smile melted away, to be replaced by another frown, "Why?"

She still talked in that same whispery tone, "Because I've pictured you as one. And I have to admit...You really look good as one."

My cheeks turned red a little at her statement. Okay, what's up with you, Rain?

First you ask me that question and now you're telling me that you've pictured me as one, let alone compliment me. It was the way she was complimenting me. It sounded like she....She....

I asked with my mind full of curiosity, "Rain...Why are you telling me all this?"

Rain started to circle around me, while her head was still at my level, "Because I've always wanted a drake who'd be the one for me. One who'd never like me for my looks. One who'd never rape me. One who'd...Love me for who I am."

After that, she rose her head up high and started to walk away behind me. As she did, the tip of her tail made a brush against my chest. In a seductive way. My cheeks were flushing more than before. I'm getting a weird feeling about this.

I whirled around to see that her back's turned on me. She glanced behind me, a teasing smile on her face. She said this, her voice sounds like it's full of lust, "What's wrong?" Then she started slowly walk away from me a bit more, her haunches swayed with each slow step, "Do you like what you see?"

My eyes went wide. Red flag! RED FLAG!

I held out my hands and started waving at them, "Whoa! Hold on there!"

Rain giggled and started to turn slowly all the way around to face me. She playfully cocked her head at me, "What's the matter, my friend? Something troubling you?"

My cheeks were turning a deeper shade of red and I said as my voice was trembling, "Look um...I think we need to talk about something."

She started taking slow strides back to me and asked, "What is it you want to talk about?"

I said this as she got more closer to me like before, I looked up at her as apprehension was getting to me, "Rain, I don't like the way this is going. You're acting weird and not to mention you're talking to me with this tone in your voice that I've never heard of." I shrugged my arms and asked, "Rain...Is there something you want to talk about? Something on your mind?"

She lowered her head to my level and her eyes seemed to be full of honesty, "There is Brandon. There was something that I've wanted to tell you. Something that I've ALWAYS wanted to say to you, ever since we've met. Ever since you became my friend. Ever since...You sang that song to me. Ever since you were always there for me. Ever since you've comforted me."

I stared intently into her eyes and pressed her, "What?"

Then without any hesitation at all, she said those words, "I love you."

My eyes went wider than before. Shock and disbelief drawn into me. I even let out a small gasp. What? She's....What?!

As I was staring at her wide eyed, she went on, not taking her eyes off of me at all, "I love you, Brandon. I always have."

The way she said it, there's no doubt that her words hold meaning. And by that look in her eyes, she's not lying to me.

She's...In love with me.

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I raised a hand up to the back of my neck and started rubbing it, "Rain, I-"

She raised a paw, just to cut me off, "I know what this looks like, but....I don't care what we are. I know you care for me as well, just the same way as I care about you."

Now there were no words to describe what I'm feeling after she said that. I don't know if I should be afraid, or what. That's ridiculous! I don't feel that way about her!

Or...Do I?

I let my arm fall to my side and sighed, "Rain...I'm not sure of what to say right now."

Rain got her head more closer to mine, her snout only inches away, "You don't have to say anything." Then she had a worried look on her face. Her expression changed for the first time ever since we've started talking out here, "Brandon, I know what you're thinking about. About what I am, but you also love me too. And you're afraid to show it. Because you're a human."

Rain shook her head after that, "But I'm not. I'm telling you how I really feel and there's no shame in that. Whether you're just a dragon or a human, there's no shame in telling you how I really feel." Then she put on a determined face, "And there's no reason you shouldn't tell me either. You love me too, I can feel it. I've always felt it, when we sleep close together in bed. How you always curl up against me, never wanting to leave me alone in bed. You love me, Brandon. I can see it in your eyes and you don't believe it." She nodded and smiled, "But I do and now you know the truth."

I was still staring at her, and then I started to say this, "Rain....I....I..."

Rain asked me in a bit of a pleading tone, "Do you love me, Brandon?"

My mouth opened a bit, trying to form words, and then Rain pressed me, "Do you love me? Do you want me...As your mate?" She asked me again, in a hushed whisper, "Do you love me...Brandon?"

As I was looking at her, as I was still looking deeply in her eyes. After all the words she told me and the way she looked at me with that same loving look, something inside me....Changed.

As I was looking at her, something changed in me.

Suddenly after staring at her for several moments, I didn't feel scared of what she feels about me anymore. I didn't feel that apprehension anymore. Only something else appeared.

And it was a feeling called love.

I formed a big smile on my face and Rain noticed it. Rain asked me with hope in both her eyes and voice, "Do you? Do you really?"

I only made one nod at her, giving her the answer she wanted.

Rain beamed at me and said, "Then I'll be yours, my Brandon." And without another word, she closed her eyes and gently pressed her snout against my mouth. My eyes widened with shock at this.

Rain started adjusting her mouth with mine and I slowly let myself go. I started closing my eyes and kissed her back.

Rain pulled back her snout and gave my chin a small tender lick with her tongue. She said those words again with affection, "I love you."

I opened my eyes and I said those words right back at her, "I love you too, big girl."

Rain beamed at me again as I returned those words to her. Then without any hesitation, I placed both hands to her face and locked lips with her snout. Returning my love back to her.

Rain....

I shot up in the furs and let out a quiet gasp. My eyes opened up with shock and confusion. I was breathing heavily and saw that I'm not in the woods, but in the motel in the dragon city.

I let out a breath. Goodness...It was just a dream.

Then I felt more confused than shocked after I jerked myself up in bed. A very odd and weird dream.

I looked at Rain, who is still sleeping peacefully compared to me, she's laying on her stomach. Her body curled up on the furs and she was snoring lightly.

I frowned at her and then I looked away to stare at the night sky, it's still been hours after my performance at the Braveheart. Confusion was wracking at my brain right now. Ok, what was that all about?

I know that I have weird dreams in my life, but THAT was as weird as it got!

I was in the woods alone with Rain, then she started telling me that...She loved me. That she loved me the whole time, I've been with her.

Then I suddenly told her how I've felt, much to my shock right now and I was....Kissing her!

I was kissing a dragon! And it was Rain!

I was kissing my friend in my dream.

I ran my hands through my hair, brushing some of it. Trying to figure it out. I don't understand it.

Why did that dream just came to me? And...Why did it feel real?

It felt real just like the dreams that I've been having lately. But I wasn't dreaming about entering a cave with that chamber in it and getting myself killed by a dragon.

I was LITERALLY kissing one!

I shook my head real hard at those thoughts. It's ridiculous. It would never happen.

I know that I have visions, but they're not real all the time. Sometimes....They can.

That dream, the reason why it felt real, just like my other dreams. Would it actually....Happen? Would we both...Do that to each other?

I shook my head again. Rain doesn't feel that way about me and neither do I, it's just a stupid dream. There's no way it'll happen.

I looked at Rain again. Or would it?

I made a soft slap to myself in the face. Don't be stupid, Brandon!

You outa be glad that you didn't dream about that cave again and watching yourself die again!

Everyone has weird normal dreams every now and then. So that was just a normal dream. A ridiculous dream.

Then I held up my hands close to my face, just examining them. Remembering what they've felt in my dream. I touched Rain in that dream and it felt...Pretty real.

Well maybe that's my brain talking. I've touched Rain before, so maybe my brain is just remembering what she felt like. So I guess that's why she felt real in the dream. The way her scales feel, is not something you'd forget.

I was frowning at my hands at the thought. A little TOO real, if you ask me. I even felt her lips against mine. Also her breath too!

Great, now my dreams are getting more weirder by night, after night!

But now curiosity was getting to me and I was looking at Rain's sleeping form. Why did I have that dream? Why did this one feel real? More real than my other dreams? And...Why did I say that I love you in it? Do I really feel that way about you and my dream was telling me the truth? Do you really love me just like in that dream?

I let out a sigh. It's just a dream, Brandon. Don't get yourself worked up over it. Besides, she just thinks of you as her friend, you two are best friends, nothing more.

I mean, for gods sake, you like Jessie! A human like you!

What would happened between you and Rain, that's pretty impossible.

Just a dream, you dork.

It was all a dream. Nothing's going to happen.

I let out a long breath. Yeah, just a dream.

Besides you need to get some sleep, you're going to leave with Rain and the others tomorrow. Better get some sleep, Brando.

I scooted closer to Rain, since apparently I must have rolled away from her frame while I was sleeping. Then I laid back down on my back, my eyes looking up at the stone ceiling of our room.

But before I can close my eyes, I heard her voice, "Tommy?"

I jerked up like I just did a few minutes ago and looked back at her head nearby. I could see that she's mumbling in her sleep. Her eyes twitching under eyelids. She's dreaming about something.

And she must be dreaming about-

Rain said it out loud in her sleep again, "Tommy?" Then she grumbled and was snoring softly again.

I smiled at her with both pity and happiness. I was right. She's dreaming about him.

I could see her paw close to me was gripping tightly on one fur, her claws digging a couple of holes in it. She mumbled his name again, "Tommy."

The way she said his name in her sleep, my smile went away and broke my heart a bit. She really misses him.

Even when she said to me that she has let him go last night, she would never forget him. Never forget her friend.

I wish that he never changed, that he never tried to hurt her.

Because she really cares about him. Just like she cares about me.

I wish that I've met him. The way she talks about him, he seems like a good guy. He even sang I Can't Hold Back, years ago. Sounds like me and him have a thing in common. We both sang that song, and Rain heard it from both of us. Oh man Tommy, why did you and humanity change?

She said you've cared about her and then you tried to kill her.

Why Tommy? Why did you change? Why did humanity change?

This isn't fair. None of this is fair, to her and her kind.

Whatever changed them, wasn't fair at all.

I put on a small determined look. I won't leave you and I won't change. And I'll never hurt you either.

For you, I won't.

I rolled onto my hands and knees and started crawling toward her front leg. I moved it up a bit and got myself under it. Rain started curling her leg around me a bit tightly, like she has finally reached Tommy in her dream. I can feel that she was not about to let him go. I smiled again and I stroked her leg affectionately.

I looked at her head and she seemed to have calmed down. I can even see her snout forming a smile. I nodded once to that.

Don't worry Rain, I'm right here.

I always will.

I laid down on my side and Rain's grip on me loosened a bit. I sighed and closed my eyes, trying to brush that dream that I've had away.

*****

Morning has come to the motel and I'm sitting on the balcony, just enjoying the fresh air. I breathed in deeply and let it out in a small whoosh of air. I looked up at the morning sun, the rays warming up my black scales. I shook myself, my tail and my wings. Then I sighed and put on a smile.

I've been out here for a while. Talk about a nice morning. At least, I'm not leaving the city right now.

Because me and my friends are leaving after morning, so I can just enjoy the morning just a little bit more.

I was just having a moment to myself, until Brandon's face came up.

I moved my head to see that Brandon is still sleeping on the furs. I giggled a little bit. I honestly remember he was sleeping close to me. But somehow, he had me curl my leg around him last night, without waking me up.

I looked up at the sky, remembering that dream that I've had last night. It's not a hard dream to remember.

I was looking for Tommy, in the woods all by myself. Calling out to him, looking all worried. I was thinking that I'd never find him.

But then he found me and I was so happy, I didn't know how happy I can get.

Tommy didn't look old like I saw, before I met Brandon. He looked like the young Tommy I've met, years ago.

Young, strong, everything.

Tommy ran and threw himself into me, embracing me. He was so happy to see me, and so was I. I was crying too. Crying tears of joy. Tears that the human that I've come to love has come back to me.

I looked back at Brandon, remembering my dream still. In my sleep, while I was dreaming. I really thought I've felt him. That Tommy is actually sleeping by me and my leg is curling around him tightly. That things never changed at all.

This morning when I woke up, I noticed that it wasn't Tommy that I was grasping to. It was Brandon.

When I saw Brandon in my leg, close to me, I was happy to see that. Somehow, Brandon must have moved my leg and got himself to sleep close with my leg curled around him. No wonder I thought I've felt someone in my grasp.

Brandon's....Really sweet.

I know that Tommy won't come back. But at least, I can have someone to cling to in my sleep. And it's Brandon.

I have to admit though, I really thought I had Tommy with me. Pretty good feeling if you ask me.

I turned my whole body and trotted back into the room. Walking quietly as I was getting closer to Brandon's sleeping form. He was sleeping on his left side, laying his head on his arm.

I giggled quietly a little at him. He looks cute when he's sleeping like that. But talk about being a heavy sleeper this morning. When I saw him with my leg curled around him, I removed my leg off of him and walked away. I was being careful not to wake him, he looked like he needed more sleep. I was being a good girl.

Usually when I'm awake, he's awake with me. But right now, he hasn't awoken.

I was frowning down at him and I sat down on my haunches. Guess he couldn't sleep last night, that's why he's still tired.

While I was looking down at him, as his body was breathing softly with sleep. My eyes went wide as I remembered about last night. Then I started to have a glum, guilty look on my face. I hung down my head in shame. Brandon....

Last night, after your performance, outside in front of the Braveheart, I couldn't believe it. I don't even want to believe it.

But that feeling in my chest last night says it all. I'm...Falling in love with him.

For the very first time since Tommy, I'm falling for another human. And it's Brandon.

I let out a sigh. Am I crazy? Or am I stupid? Or both?

I can't do this to him, let alone myself.

Brandon I'm sure, probably doesn't even think that way about me. He probably doesn't want me that way anyways. He wants someone else.

Jessie...

He wants Jessie and I think I can tell that she wants him.

Ever since what I've been feeling, I've been trying so hard to drop the feeling.

But...I can't.

I've been trying, but I can't.

When me, him and Jessie came back in the Braveheart after the performance, while we were all eating with all of my friends, all that I was thinking about was Brandon. I couldn't even take my eyes off of him.

I was always glancing at him, while he was chatting with everyone around him. Every passing dragon who came by the table wanting to congratulate him on his performance and he always said thank you. Even Joanna, was so happy for him. Just like she was always happy for Wayne after he's done singing.

I'll be honest, I was pretty much looking happy after I came back in to eat. But on the inside...I was feeling...Guilty and ashamed. Guilty and ashamed that I've come to love Brandon.

What kind of a friend am I? Thinking that way about him. I know that he sings like Tommy, but he's not Tommy at all.

But I know that I realize that I don't just love him for singing like Tommy, there are a lot more things that I love about him.

I love him for being himself. His kindness, his determination to make me happy, not to mention his funny personality. He even understands me. And we even both felt pain on the inside.

I've been through a lot and so has he.

I love him. I love Brandon. And...I can't drop this feeling. I don't think that I can.

But...I can't do this to him. I don't want him hurt...Because of me.

He wants Jessie, he doesn't even think about me that way.

And by the ancestors, when I saw Jessie real close to him...Other than the love that I've felt for Brandon inside me, I've felt something else when I saw her close to him.

Jealously.

I can't be jealous of Jessie, she's my friend. Just like all my other friends that I have. She's like Amanda in a way. I feel so horrible thinking that way about her. Feeling jealous toward Jessie...I'm pathetic.

I rose my head, looking at Brandon again. I put on a determined look. I won't hurt him. I won't do this to him. I'm not going to get in the way of his growing relationship with Jessie.

If he wants her, then I respect his decision. If he cares about what I want, then I care about what he wants.

I won't let my feelings destroy them. And that's a promise I'm willing to keep.

For being the dragoness that I am, I promise that.

I was lowering my face close to him, since I think it's about time I wake him up. My nose was close to his body and I started nudging him with it, "Come on. Wake up, it's morning."

Brandon was mumbling in his sleep, "Mom....Not now...." He turned over, his back facing me.

I rose my head above him and had a bit of an annoyed, impatient look. Well that didn't work.

As I was staring down at him, a devious idea popped up. Then I formed a mischievous smile. I know how to wake him up.

I was started to giggle quietly. Then I raised one paw off the floor and snickered once more. And without hesitation, I slammed it hard to the floor. Brandon cried out when he was awoken by it, he shot up from the furs in an instant.

I started laughing and Brandon looked at me with a freaked out face, as he was just sitting on the furs. Brandon asked incredulously, "Rain, what-"

I was still laughing hard and I pointed a claw at him, "Gotcha!" Then I crashed onto my stomach, since I was laughing so hard I couldn't stand anymore.

Brandon started to put on a glare and asked with an irritated tone, "Rain, did you scare me?"

I cried out in laughter, "Oh yes!" I tried to stop laughing, but I didn't, "You should have seen the look on your face!"

Brandon got up from the furs and still had that glare, "Rain! You really scared me! I thought I was under attack or something."

I finally stopped laughing and caught my breath, "Well you were sleeping and I had to wake you up somehow."

He crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, "And you thought scaring me awake, was a good idea?"

I shook my head and answered him, "Nope, but it was still funny nevertheless."

His glare melted off his face and he started grinning, "It looks like you've succeeded." He giggled a little. Then Brandon let out a big yawn and asked, "So how long have you been awake?"

I said as I got up on all fours off the floor, "Just for a little while. I've been standing on the balcony outside." I pointed at the spot with my wing tip, "Talk a nice cool morning, you'd like it."

Brandon raised both his arms to stretch them and he said, "I think I'd love it too. Since technically it is morning still." But as soon as he lowered his arms in front of him, he gave me a devious smile of his own, "But first, before I get to enjoy the morning with  you, I'm going to give your wings a good tickle."

My eyes widened. Oh no, he's going to tickle them! I shook my head, narrowing my gaze at him, "You wouldn't dare."

He started snickering and trotted toward me, "Oh I DARE." He held out his hands, his fingers twiddling in emphasis to his playful threat.

I started backing away from him, until my haunches backed into a wall. He had me cornered. Oh no!

Then Brandon ran and lunged at me with his hands held out, he ran to my side and started tickling my wing membrane on one of my wings. My wing started twitching from his fingers and I started to laugh a little bit, "Oh stop it, you're tickling me!" Then I threw back my head and laughed some more. His fingers really feel ticklish!

Brandon was laughing too, as he continued to continued his playful torture on me, "You're getting it for scaring me to death!" Before he could tickle my wing some more, I pulled up my wing out of his range. Brandon tried to jump up to try to get it, but it was too high for him.

I stopped laughing since it was over and I turned my neck to look at him, "I believe YOU'VE lost!"

Brandon then pointed at my other wing at the other side of my body, "Not yet, I still haven't got that other wing yet!" He made a running start to go around me, but his plan failed when he got around past my chest as I raised my wing off his range.

Brandon slapped his knee in failure and muttered, "Rats!"

I laughed and turned my head to look back at him again, "Now you've lost the battle!"

He jumped up, trying to reach my wing. Then he jumped up again when he landed on his feet. He was groaning, when he did it again.

I playfully said to him, "Oh, you want it do you? Well you can have it!" I lowered my wing fast to him and pulled it real hard close to him, my wing started pushing him into the side of my body. Having him trapped between me and my wing, pretty much at mercy by my own wing. As I had him trapped, he started taking advantage of my weakness by tickling my wing membrane again, I started laughing again in the process and he managed to run out of there when I raised my wing off of him. No way, I'm letting him tickle me some more.

I curled my wings on my back, and said while giggling a bit more, "You cheated your way out of that."

Brandon snickered and started patting my leg, "Not my fault that I know your weakness, you told me about it, remember?"

I rolled my eyes, "I know. I told you that my wings are ticklish. No need to rub it in."

Brandon rubbed my leg and asked with a big grin, "So, are we even now?"

I lowered my head to his level, twisting my neck so my face could meet his, "Who says we're even? This isn't over, not until my wings have their revenge."

Brandon was just grinning at me and he jokingly asked, "Oh yeah, what are they going to do? Tickle ME to death, just like I was doing to you."

I rose my head above his level and shot it up  "Ha! You didn't tickle me to death! You didn't even tickle me for too long."

Brandon raised both his eyebrows and shot back at me, "There will be a next time, so watch out for my hands." He raised them both in emphasis, to prove his point.

I let out a sigh, then I was giving him a tooth filled grin, "Oh, I'll be keeping my eye on them, you little shit."

Brandon closed his eyes and laughed. So did I. He opened them and walked around me, until he was standing right in front of me. He let out a playful breath, "I think that was the most playful morning we've had together."

I lowered my head to his level, "You really think so? I thought it was pure torture."

Brandon playfully narrowed his eyes, "You scared me to death just now."

I replied, "Only because you were sleeping in. I was just waking you up."

Brandon shrugged his arms, "I guess I can see why, I needed to get up anyways. I hate sleeping in."

I said, "I figured you did." Then I raised a claw, "However, before I woke you up, I did let you sleep for a little while. So at least give me some credit for leaving you alone."

Brandon giggled and reached out to pet my nose, "Thank you. I just....Couldn't sleep last night."

I cocked my head, my eyes filled with curiosity, "Why? Did my leg curling around your body was bothering you?"

Brandon closed his eyes and shook his head, "No, it wasn't your leg, it was...Something else."

"Like what?"

Brandon opened his eyes and waved me off, "Oh nothing. It was just this stupid dream that I've had last night. It...Kinda bothered me a bit."

I grinned at him and asked, "Oh yeah, what was it?"

Brandon looked like he blushed a little and he waved me off again, "It's nothing really."

I giggled a bit, "Why are you turning red? Was that dream about Jessie?"

He glanced away, while his face was still red, "Something like that. Lets just say it was...Odd in a way."

I raised my head and shrugged my shoulders, "I don't see how dreaming about Jessie be odd in anyway. I figured your dreams about her would be pleasant." I looked down at him, "So, want to tell me about it? I'm sure I want to hear it. I want to know what you're really thinking about her in your dreams."

Brandon said in a sarcastic tone, "Ha, ha, ha. Sure, maybe I should tell you ALL the dreams that I have about Jessie."

I giggled deviously, "Sure! I want to hear all the juicy details!"

He walked close to my chest and playfully swatted it, "Shut up." I laughed at that and he said with a playful tone, "Perhaps, YOU should tell me about what you dream of daily. I bet there are some things that are dirty."

I shook my head and rolled my eyes, "Don't flatter yourself."

He backed away and pointed up at my face, "I knew it, now you know exactly how I feel when you put me on the spot like that."

I shot my head to my right, "So what? We both don't want to talk about our dirty dreams. No big deal, not like they're real anyways."

Brandon took his gaze down to the floor, while rubbing the back of his neck, he only muttered "Yeah."

I lowered my head to him again and asked with concern, "What's the matter? You look...Weird right now." Maybe he's still tired. Then I asked, "Do you want to sleep some more. Maybe I should have left you alone, and-"

He stopped me with his voice and shaking his head, as he slowly took his gaze onto mine, "No, it's alright. And don't worry, I'm fine. I just couldn't...Hardly sleep last night."

I peered into his eyes after that. Well he certainly looks weird right now. He just has this look and it appears to be....Awkward.

Was he really dreaming about Jessie? Or is there something he's not telling me? Because he sure is acting weird. He even mentioned that the dream was pretty odd.

But Brandon has assured me that he's alright. Besides, there's no need to have him dwell on it. It was just a dream he was having, nothing more. Of course, he couldn't sleep last night because of it, so I really wonder what got him tossing and turning a bit? Oh well, I'm sure it'll pass as time goes by during the day. Dreams usually do pass by over time. I nodded slowly after thinking that, "If you say so Brandon. I could let you sleep some more if you want."

He shook his head again, "I'm fine. Really I am." He shrugged his arms, "I couldn't sleep again anyways, if I tried. Thanks to you scaring me to death."

I was smirking at him and snickered. I muttered, "Excuses. You're trying to make excuses out of this."

He laughed at that and shot back, "Well it was a good excuse for starting the tickle war with your wings."

I rose my head above him and shot up my head after that, "Mark my words, human. My wings will win the war!"

He eyed me teasingly, "We'll see. We'll see who wins the war."

Then I saw two figures coming through the opening of our room. It was my brother and Jessie.

I grinned at them and said, "Good morning you two. I see you're up and moving about."

Frankie came to me and Brandon and said it back, "Good morning to you too, sister." Then he tossed back his head to let out a very big yawn. His tongue curling.

I giggled at him, "What's up with you? Couldn't sleep last night?" I gestured my paw to Brandon in front of me, "You're not the only one, apparently Brandon's tired just like you brother." Then I frowned at both Frankie and Brandon, "I wonder what's up with you boys? Both of you are tired today." I dropped my frown and playfully grinned at Frankie, "I take that you had a dirty dream last night, brother?"

Frankie let out a sigh and he grumbled, "No, it's just that Jessie here." He gave her a bit of a glare as he looked down at her, "The human that I'm with, woke me up this morning." Then he whined, "But I didn't want to get up yet!"

Brandon laughed and pointed at him, "You too? Your sister did the same thing as well! She just scared me, just to wake me up."

Frankie cocked his head down at him, "You too?" He started to snicker a bit, "Why am I not surprised? Apparently we have females who don't want their males to sleep for a long time." He took his gaze at me, "Which I know now that me and your human here have a thing in common. We have females who can't let us sleep!"

I put a paw to my chest and defended, "Hey, I let him sleep in for a little while. But time was passing by and he needed a rude awakening." I looked down at Brandon, while still talking to Frankie, "Plus, he had a dirty dream last night."

Brandon scratched the back of his head, "Ahhhh, lets just say it was odd, but it was no big deal. I just couldn't...Sleep last night after having that."

Frankie curled his neck into a shape of an s, "An odd dirty dream that you couldn't sleep afterwards?" He lowered his head to Brandon and Jessie's level and said, "You want to know what I believe you were dreaming about?"

Brandon looked like he was blushing a bit, his cheeks turning pink. He asked shyly, "What?"

Frankie gave a teasing grin and said, "I think you were dreaming about you having a small dragonhood and everyone laughed at you about it." Then he started laughing hard after that and so did I. Except Jessie, who every time we say dragonhood had a confused look on her face.

Brandon looked back and forth at me and Frankie, giving us both a glare, "Guys! Not funny!" Then he added, "I keep telling you over and over again that my dragonhood is BIG!"

Frankie shot at him, after me and him were done laughing, "I'm not surprised that you'd say that it's big. But I still don't believe you. Unless I see it."

Jessie asked with a bit of an irritation in her voice, "Uh hello, what the hell is dragonhood?"

But all of us just ignored her and Brandon thrusted a finger at me, "And YOU were supposed to defend me after your brother says that. What the hell woman? You were just laughing at me."

I was snickering a little, "Sorry about that. It's just so funny when he brings it up."

Brandon just crossed his arms, "Woman, you know freakin well that my dragonhood is big!"

I shook my head, "No, I don't. You haven't shown me yet." Frankie already rose his head up high and tossed back his head laughing. He was laughing so hard, he could hardly breathe.

After that, Brandon uncrossed his arms and thrusted a finger at my laughing brother, "You shut your big fat mouth!"

Frankie teasingly said back, "Make me, human with a small dragonhood."

Brandon raised his hands to his head, started tugging at his hair and just let out, "Arrggg!" I was laughing again after he did that and so did Jessie.

Brandon waved his hand at all of us, "All of you can go screw yourselves. I'm not going to give you all the satisfaction again!"

Jessie bounded closer to him and said with a big teasing grin on her face, "Oh, don't be a baby. I still don't even know what a dragonhood is."

Brandon let out a breath and he smiled back at her, "You were laughing too, woman."

Jessie shrugged her arms, "Just wanted to fit well with the crowd."

Brandon rolled his eyes, "Traitor, I thought you were my friend."

She placed both hands to his shoulders and looked directly in his eyes. She reassured him, "You are Brandon, we just love teasing you." Then she had a quizzical look on her face, "If I ever knew what a dragonhood is, I'd know what we're teasing you about."

Frankie yapped again, "Brandon has a small dragonhood."

Brandon shot an annoyed narrowed face at him and Jessie then let go of Brandon's shoulders. She turned around to face Frankie and asked, "But what is a dragonhood? You still didn't tell me that." Then she narrowed her eyes at him and crossed her arms, "Actually, I've asked you guys this more than once and YOU STILL NEVER TOLD ME."

Frankie was giving her a dirty grin and replied, "Tell you what, next time you ask me that particular question, I'll tell you what it is."

Jessie pretty much asked away, "What's a dragonhood?"

I was laughing at that and Frankie said with one claw up by adding this, "What I MEANT to say is, when we're out in the woods together, and next time you ask me that question, I'll tell you."

Jessie whined and huffed, "You big jerk, you cheated your way out of this one!" She whirled around to ask me and Brandon, "You two are not going to tell me either, are you?"

Brandon giggled and shook his head, "Nope."

I waved her off with a paw, and replied also, "Nope."

Jessie was narrowing her eyes at us for a few moments and she brushed away her hair off her eyes and sighed, "Well...I guess I'll be patient then. Now I can't wait to get out of this city today!"

I was grinning after she said that, "You're seriously not going to let this go, are you?"

Jessie shook her head, her long hair shook a bit as she was shaking it. She said this with determination in her voice "Nope, not going to let it go. Not until I get my answer."

Brandon let out a playful sigh, "Well you may not like the answer that Frankie will tell you." Then he added with a giggled, "Actually, your face might turn red just like Neal's AFTER you hear that."

Frankie shot up his head, "Damn right. I can just imagine her face, right now!" Then he and Brandon just burst out laughing at that statement.

Jessie rolled her eyes, "I will get my answer." Then she raised her hand up high with one finger pointed up and declared, "No matter what it is!"

I asked her with a teasing grin, "No matter what it is?"

Jessie nodded once and repeated her declaration, "Yep, no matter what it is."

I was snickering a bit at her answer, "Don't say we didn't warn you."

Jessie raised her eyebrows at that, "I know. I have been warned." She giggled a little bit after that.

Frankie let out a breath and sat down on his haunches in front of me, "Well other than the whole thing with Jessie waking me up today, I actually had a pleasant night before this morning." He gave Brandon a big grin on his snout, "I'm still pretty surprised that a human like you can sing well. And that's the first time I've seen it happened."

Brandon nodded in agreement, "Well you've spent all your life hating humans, even up to this day, you haven't at least tried to watch a human like Wayne sing to you in the crowd before."

Frankie hung his head, shrugged his shoulders and admitted, "I'll really admit though...I really have missed out on a bunch of things that my sis here experienced." He shook his head to himself, "I should've listened to her. Listened to her that not all humans are bad. Instead, I've just ignored her."

I gave him a comforting smile, "We all make mistakes in our lives, brother. And you've learned from them. You even learned to be friends with one human too. Not to mention being friends with three more, getting to really spend time with them."

Frankie looked at me and nodded, "I did and I should've done this sooner. But I'm glad that I did. Because when I saw Wayne and Brandon singing for the first time in the Braveheart last night, I pretty much now know that humans really have emotions." He looked down at Brandon and said to him, "Even you. And I'm glad you gave me a chance, after how I've treated you before."

Brandon smiled back, "Oh, it's alright big guy. I don't hold grudges."

Frankie for the very first time since I've seen him talking to my human friends, had a bit of a guilty look on his face and he said this with guilt in his voice, "But I did hold a grudge against you and Jessie before, and I still feel sorry for that."

Jessie strode up to him and placed her hand on his scaled chest, "You're already forgiven for what you did, so you don't have to apologize." She chuckled, "You really have gone soft on us." She shrugged her shoulders after that remark, "You maybe grouchy at times and you can be macho, but you are soft, and I like it. I'm glad you had gone soft, I really like being with you."

Frankie lowered his head to her level as she backed away from his chest and said to her with a bit of a narrowed face, "Just don't tell anyone that I've gone soft. Or I'll be roaring at you."

Jessie giggled at that and nodded, "That's a deal." She winked after that. He giggled with her and he nuzzled her nose with his.

I was smiling at my brother when he did that to her. He really has changed. I've seen him with her all day yesterday, and as of right now, I can still see that he really changed. Changed to be a better drake than he was before. To be nicer to Brandon, Wayne, Amanda, and Jessie, my human friends. And Jessie is the one who changed him and I'll always thank her for that.

I jokingly said to Frankie, "Better not nuzzle Jessie in front of all the other big, macho drakes near you, or they'll view you as weak."

Frankie laughed and rose his head to look at me, "If they did, I'll show them who the weak one is." He held up his head proudly and puffed out his chest, "I can take on anyone."

I rolled my eyes at that, "If you say so, you stubborn brother you."

Brandon strode to Jessie and Frankie and said, "Well Frankie, I'm still happy you liked my singing. You really are not the same dragon I've met a few days ago."

Frankie let out a breath and shrugged his shoulders, "I had to change sooner or later, little dude." He shook his head and went on, "Can't stay mad at you and your mate, forever, since you're staying in the city from now on."

Brandon shook his head, "Me and Jessie are not mates. Actually, we're not even together."

I strode up behind Brandon and stated, "Well then, you better win her over with your feelings then! Chop, chop!" Then I gave his butt a spank with my paw. He yelped and he shot a glare up at me.

I gave him an innocent look, "What?"

Brandon was rubbing his bottom with both hands, his glare has not melted away, "You just spanked me!"

I laughed at that and replied, "Had to give you the motivation to win that girl's heart." I looked down at Jessie and asked, "Right, Jess?"

Jessie's cheeks were blushing a bit and she said shyly, "....Right."

I was smiling at her blush. I knew it, she likes him!

Jessie's blush went away and she decided to change the subject. Jessie came up to Brandon, and she said to him with a grin, giving him this look like she's looking at her hero, "I'm still happy you've gotten over that stage fright of yours. Singing in front of a very big crowd. I'm still happy you did that. I knew that you could do it."

Brandon gestured me with his thumb and said, "Don't thank me, thank Rain here. If it wasn't for her, I never would have done it."

That made my heart soar when he said that, "Aw and still, thank you for that. I'm glad you came through because of me. It feels...Humbling to me." I looked down at him and Brandon looked up back at me. He was smirking at me.

Jessie while Brandon was looking at me, gave his cheek a small kiss and Brandon jumped a little at that. His face going wide. She giggled at that, "You look cute when you're doing that."

Brandon asked with a trembling voice, "Doing what?"

Jessie answered, "Looking so shy, every time I give your cheek a kiss. You look pretty cute when you do that." She blinked cutely at him.

As I was looking at them together, their eyes not taking off each other, the feeling of jealousy came back just like it first appeared last night.

All of a sudden, I wanted to scream real loud with my head held high and declare my love for Brandon. No reservations at all, just yelling out my feelings to the human right in front of me.

I didn't show it, but I had my brain brush away those thoughts right away. Don't even think about it, Rain.

Don't ruin it for Jessie and Brandon.

It's Brandon's life and I won't force my feelings onto him.

He wants Jessie, I can just see it.

I will drop this feeling...Somehow.

I won't scare him away because of my feelings. I...I don't want to lose him.

While I was just staring blankly at Jessie and Brandon, Frankie moved his head close to mine and asked, "Rain, you okay?"

I shook my head as his voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned my gaze at him and nodded, "Sorry about that. I didn't mean to stare."

Frankie cocked his head, "Something that I've missed?"

I shook my head, "Nope." And I hope he didn't know what I was thinking. I don't want my brother to know my secret.

Jessie and Brandon looked at me and Frankie, then Brandon said, "Well come on guys, since it's morning lets go get something to eat." He started rubbing his stomach, "I'm hungry."

Frankie nodded, got up on all fours and whirled around on us. His tail almost hitting Brandon and Jessie. Jessie sneered at him after he started walking out through the opening of the room, "Watch the tail!"

Frankie playfully shouted back without looking back at her, "Watch it yourself!" And with that he turned around the corner through the opening and left us.

Jessie rolled up her eyes and sighed, "He may be a nicer drake than he was before, but he still can be a macho ass."

Brandon mentioned after that, "Yeah, he keeps saying that I have a small dragonhood." He rolled his eyes, "Pfft, give me a break."

Jessie laughed and jogged after Frankie, hollering at him, "Wait up, Mr. Macho!" She disappeared around the corner too, leaving only me and Brandon alone in the room. He started walking to get his bag, since we're leaving the city today.

I had a guilty look on my face a bit when I was looking at Brandon all alone with me. Oh Brandon...

I really want to tell you how I feel. I really do.

But I can't...I won't do it. I won't get in between you and Jessie.

Brandon looked at me, with his bag over his shoulder. He asked with a look of concern, "Rain, are you ok?"

I washed that look off my face and I put on a smile. I nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine." I motioned my snout toward the opening of our room, "Come on, lets go eat."

Brandon beamed at me and he started to strode to the opening of our room, taking fast strides. I only just stood there watching him leave, until he disappeared. My smile immediately melted away and I let out a guilty sigh.

Don't do it, big girl.

Don't get in the way of his love for Jessie. Don't ruin it.

You'll just make things complicated and awkward between you and him, if you tell him. Don't do it, Rain.

Don't do it.

I sighed again. My eyes filled with sadness, and guilt. I hope that I can.

But...I'm still wondering if I can.

I love him.

I love him, but I don't want to hurt him.

I heard Brandon's voice hollering for me, "Come on!"

I shook my head from those thoughts and hollered back, "Coming!" And with that, I started taking fast strides after Brandon.

*****

Me, Rain, Jessie, and Frankie are walking to the wall that surrounds the city, along with Neal, Amanda, and Sebastian who we've met up at the Braveheart. After all of us were done having a nice meal. As usual, the food tasted delicious.

Not long after we arrived at the Braveheart, Sebastian showed up after we did and joined us at the table, which by pure chance he said that he was planning to eat there too. Since last night, he was savoring for the food that he ate there last night. He feels  since he hasn't come by there for years, he thought he'd come there and eat from now on. He also never forgot that we're leaving the city today.

I'm glad we met the old dude there, that way we wouldn't have to wander to his house and find out he's not there. We would just look all over the darn city looking for him, which I'm glad THAT hasn't come to it.

Neal and Amanda were chatting with us while we were eating there, since there weren't a lot of customers today. But they pretty much wanted to close the restaurant down early for a few days since they want to leave the city with us.

Neal and Amanda both said that they haven't left the city for years, so they don't want to miss the chance to spend time with all of us. Which I think that's cool.

While I was earshot from Neal, he lowered his head and whispered to me that when we get there, we should start a gender war with the males and the females, whatever he's going on about I don't know, but I guess I'm bound to find out soon.

I looked up at Rain, as the dream from last night was still buzzing around in my head like an annoying fly. I felt myself blush a bit just by looking at her. I looked away before anyone could see it. Brandon, quit damn blushing!

It's just a freakin dream, get ahold of yourself!

I let out a small quiet breath. I wish I didn't feel kinda awkward with her right now. She's my best friend. I'm feeling awkward because of a damn dream.

Brandon, quit feeling awkward around her! She's your best friend, so quit thinking about that dream!

Jessie nudged my side with her elbow, "Hey space cadet, I'm talking to you!"

I shook my head, shaking myself from my thinking trance, my blush went away in an instant. I gazed at Jessie to my right, "Sorry what?"

Jessie laughed and exclaimed, "Wow, you really weren't listening just now." She raised both her hands to point both fingers at me, "Hey everyone, we have a space cadet here!"

I rolled my eyes in a bit of irritation, "Give me a break. I have something on my mind."

Jessie gave me a big grin and crossed her arms under her breasts, "Oh yeah, what is it? Someone that I know?"

I wanted to tell her that I was thinking about someone that she knows and it's the black dragoness that we both know and love. I wanted to tell her about that dream that I've had about me and Rain, but that sounded crazy enough just by saying it out loud! So I didn't say anything about it and lied, "I was pretty much, thinking about....You." Well I like her that way anyway, so why not?

Jessie uncrossed her arms and blushed a bit, like she didn't expect to hear me say THAT. Then she muttered shyly, while her hand and fingers was brushing several strands of her blonde hair, "Oh....Well thank you."

Frankie laughed and said this to Neal, "Hey Neal, looks like Jessie here is turning red like YOU!"

Neal's eyes went wide at the statement, "Really? I have a human turning into me?" He shot up his head proudly, "That's awesome!"

Jessie looked up at Frankie and scolded, "Frankie!"

Frankie gave her a innocent look, "What? I was stating the obvious."

Jessie shot a glare at him, "Yeah, well your stating the obvious tactics suck."

Frankie rolled his eyes and tossed back his head, "I was trying to be funny, woman."

Jessie let out a huff, "You just told Neal that I was turning red!"

Frankie yapped back, "You were!"

Rain nodded in agreement and piped in, "Yeah, you really were."

Jessie glared up at her now, "Rain, don't help your brother with this bullshit."

Rain's eyes widened at her words and she said, "But I love my brother, so don't you know that family means everything?" Jessie groaned as Rain defended Frankie.

Amanda walked up beside Jessie and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Aw, don't fret too much. I sometimes turn red too." Then she gestured her thumb to Neal behind her, "And HE always brings it up."

Neal asked, "Why not? I always did find you pretty cute when you're turning red like me."

Amanda looked back to shoot a glare at him, "I know that you do, you just like to keep embarrassing me to death, so you could watch me blush every waking minute!"

Neal came up closer behind her and lowered his head to her as we were all still walking, "But don't YOU think that you're cute when you turn red?"

Amanda playfully raised an eyebrow and replied, "NO."

Neal whined, "Aw, why not?"

Amanda let out a sigh, "Because you always ask me that silly question and the answers always no." Then she gave him a stern look, "And as usual, the answers no."

Neal snorted at her with a narrowed look, some of her hair being blown by his air, "You are no freakin fun."

Amanda reached out to give his cheek a pat, "Not supposed to be fun, remember?"

Neal raised his head after the pat and remarked, "I think you must be grouchy again. Because you're really no freakin fun today at all."

Amanda complained at him, "That's because you kept hogging the bed last night! I couldn't sleep well! Sometimes, you're not the best partner when it comes to sleeping close with you."

Neal raised his eyebrows at that and protested, "I don't HOG THE BED. I just don't want to squish you when I'm moving."

Amanda rolled her eyes, not believing him at all, "Keep telling yourself that bullshit." Neal hissed at her.

I laughed and said this to Amanda, "Goodness, for as long as I've met you two, you guys always bicker at each other."

Rain nodded after I said that to Amanda, "Yep, they're one of a kind bickerers."

Amanda started to smile and said, "I know that we bicker and you've seen it, but we really like keeping each other company."

Neal gave her a tooth filled grin and Amanda remarked with a playful glare to him, "If he wasn't a big red scaly pervert."

Neal whined at that and started slowing down his walking, so he'd be beside Sebastian who's also behind us, "Arrrg, that again. And I thought you were being damn fun."

Sebastian looked at Neal and warned him with a teasing grin, "Better not get on her nerves, or she'll kick you in the eggs just like before."

Amanda tossed back her head and laughed, "And I'd do it again!" Then all of us laughed at that, except Neal, who was grumbling under his breath and winced at the memory.

Rain basically changed the subject and looked down at Amanda, asking her this, "So where's Wayne and Cody today? Did you and Neal meet them this morning?"

Amanda nodded, "We actually saw Wayne today, but no Cody. Wayne did say that he's going to head to Cody's to see if he still wants to go with us outside the city."

Rain nodded and looked ahead, "That's actually a good idea. At least he'll go get the little green runt and he'll tag along with us."

I playfully said to Rain, "He's not little, you know."

Rain giggled and remarked, "Once a little green runt, ALWAYS a little green runt. I always love calling him that."

Neal said this while he was behind her, "Who doesn't? I call him that, all the time!"

Rain laughed and then she had a questionable look, "I wonder if he'll bring his mate and hatchling along? I don't think that Henry has been outside the city before. That would be an experience he'd never forget."

I nodded and said to her, "I guess we'll find out."

Jessie beamed at the idea, "I really love that little guy, he's just so cute!"

Rain smiled at that, "No doubt about it."

All of us were walking in silence, and we could see the big wall that surrounds the city. Suddenly, my head started hurting and I was just slowing myself down, pretty much just stopping in the middle of the street, while all my friends didn't notice and kept walking.

I slowly placed a hand to the side of my head, the pain's getting worse. I cried a bit in pain, "Owww, my head. It...Hurts." I shut my eyes tight and moaned in pain. God it feels like I have a headache! A very bad headache!

Then all of a sudden, after I shot my eyes open, I could see that I'm not in the dragon city anymore. But I'm in the woods, all alone.

I moved my whole body around in a circle real slow, looking around as I did. I was frowning to myself. How did I...Get here?

I thought I was in the city. Where did everyone go?

Maybe I better get back to the city. Because now I have a weird feeling about being here alone.

Then I heard something behind me in the trees and whirled around to see what's making the noise.

I let out a gasp as I saw something big in the cover of the trees.

A dragon.

I hollered at it, "Rain, is that you?"

The dragon didn't say anything, I couldn't even tell what colored scales it has, because it's being hidden by the trees.

I asked again, "Uh...Neal?" I was starting to have the feeling of dread, just standing here staring at it.

Then all of a sudden, in a quick of a flash, the dragon sprang out through the trees and attacked me with it's claws. I held up my arms to my face to shield myself and cried out in terror.

Before the dragon could hurt me, I let out a big gasp and saw to my shock that I'm not in the woods anymore. But on the street in the dragon city, just like before. My eyes went wide and I looked around in curiosity. I muttered quietly, "What?"

I'm in the dragon city.

What just happened?

Then a realization came to me, just like lightning. I must have had a...Vision.

But I usually have visions when I'm sleeping. Like when I'm dreaming.

This never happened before, not while I'm awake.

Is that what happened? Another vision, about...The dragon that tried to kill me?

Well this one was certainly different, pretty much felt real, but different. Just like the other dreams that I've been having lately. I wasn't in the cave with that chamber and strange drawings on the walls. This was different indeed.

That time I was in the woods and that mysterious dragon came and killed me in them. Well...At least I didn't see myself die again.

I was shaking my head, trying to get those thoughts out of my head. Why? Why am I having the ones with that dragon? What's the purpose of this one in particular?

Am I...Really going to die in the woods? Because I'm heading in them today.

I shook my head again. Brandon, there's nothing to worry about.

Not all of your visions are bound to come true. A few have before, just like the one with...Dad.

Look if there's some crazy, mysterious, psychotic dragon roaming in the woods, then Rain and the others will protect you. But I don't think that there is one to begin with.

I need to quit seeing that damn dragon. I've had about enough of that!

About a few feet in front of me, Amanda actually came back to me and hollered, "Brandon, what are you doing? Come on, lets go!" She whirled around and jogged back to the others.

I watched her run off and I sighed. Get a grip, Brando.

Like that dream you've had with Rain in it, it won't come true.

Quit worrying about the dragon who tried kill you, just like you need to quit dwelling on about Rain kissing you! There's nothing to get so worked up about!

I put on a smile and ran after Amanda on the stone street. Well better catch up with the others.

*****

We all made it to the top of the wall, not very long after I had that weird vision. I let out a sigh. I can't wait to stop thinking about it and just have fun today. I put on a smile on my face.

All of us having the time of our lives out in the wilderness, I'm excited about it!

I looked up at Sebastian walking beside me. I can tell he's excited about it as well. He did say that he hasn't been outside the city for YEARS! It'll be great for him to just get out of here for awhile.

While we were walking on the wall, staring out at the outskirts of the city, we all saw that Wayne is waiting for us along with Cody, he was sitting on his haunches.

Neal called out to them in a high voice, "Hey guys, you made it!"

Wayne and Cody both waved at us and Wayne said, "Took you guys long enough." He gestured his thumb to Cody beside him, "I already rode on Cody's back to get to this spot."

Neal, Sebastian, Frankie, and Rain all sat down on their haunches and Neal replied, "Sorry for the wait. We weren't in the mood for flying just yet."

Cody shot up his head and said with a smug grin, "Oh I am! I'm always in the mood to fly." He patted his paw on Wayne's back, "Wayne here was being a good sport for riding on me. He really was."

Wayne laughed and nodded, "We're both just excited to get away from the city for awhile. We haven't done something like this for a....While."

Neal looked up to the sky and hummed to himself, "Hmmm, I can't remember the last time we went to the woods and had fun. Such a long time if you ask me."

Amanda patted his leg and said, "Well are we ready for this?"

Neal lowered his body to the ground and said to her with a big grin, "Hop on, Amanda."

I asked Cody as I've watched Amanda climb onto Neal's back, "So where's Eleanor and Henry, Cody? Are they not coming?"

Cody shook his head at my question, "No, Eleanor doesn't want to, she said she's going to wait for me with my son until I get back." Cody shrugged his shoulders as he got off his haunches and onto his feet, "I don't mind if they're not going, Henry will get another chance at this, after all he still has a VERY long life."

I smiled and nodded, "Yeah, dragons live the longest."

Wayne came over and clasped my shoulder with his hand, "Don't forget, as long as any human stays in the city for a long time, that human ages slower."

I nodded at that, "Oh yes, that's right! That means, we'll live longer too!"

Rain shot up her head and proudly said, "Damn right! You can live long like a proud dragon."

I cheered a bit, "Wooo! I like the sound of that!"

All of us laughed at that and Sebastian was still staring out at the land outside the city. I walked up to him and asked, "You ok, old man?"

Sebastian let out a nervous breath and answered, "I'm just a bit nervous about this, that's all."

I placed a comforting hand on his leg and said, "There's nothing to be nervous about. You just haven't gotten out of your comfort zone for a long time. You just need some adventuring right now, I'm sure as time goes by, you won't be nervous anymore."

Sebastian turned his head to look down at me. He started to smirk and he nodded, "You're right." Then he let out a pleasant, confident sigh, "Time for this old drake to do some adventuring."

I gave his leg a proud pat and went to Rain. I asked her with excitement in my voice, "You ready, big girl?"

Rain started lowering her body to the ground and gave me her answer, "I am." 

I beamed at this, while shifting my bag on my shoulder. I'm going to ride on her back again! Ever since she gave me that ride that night over the city, I really liked doing it now. I don't even want to be carried in her paws anymore.

This is going to be great!

I went to her back and grasped her wing joint with one hand. Then I hurled my leg over her back and sat down on her. Rain raised her body off the ground and giggled to herself. I asked with curiosity in my voice, "What?"

Rain looked over her shoulder and glanced at me with a grin, "I like having a human ride on my back. I like giving rides."

I grinned right back and patted her neck, "I really love your commitment."

We both stared at each other and then I saw Jessie looking up at me, all wide eyed at the sight of me sitting on Rain's back, "Wow...You look tall and proud sitting on her."

Rain looked down at Jessie and said, "You're missing out, I haven't gave you a ride yet."

Jessie was just fidgeting and nervously said, "Yeah...I know."

I said this while looking down at her, "You alright?"

Jessie nodded, but she didn't say anything, she just kept fidgeting and Rain said this as realization hit her, "You're afraid to fly on a dragon's back."

Jessie nodded, admitting her fear, "I pretty much am. I mean...I was carried in your paws only twice and I've felt safe in them. But this." She gestured at me on Rain's back, "This seems scary to me. I think I'd rather be carried in paws, than go riding."

I shook my head and smirked, "There's nothing to be afraid of." I patted Rain's neck, "You don't need to be afraid of this, it's easy."

Rain shot up her head and said this after me, "Yeah! All you have to do is wrap your arms around a dragon's neck and tuck in your legs." She stretched out her wings, "And it's off to the skies we go!"

But Jessie still looked pretty nervous, and Amanda gave a comforting smile while she's on Neal's back, "You're really missing out, Jess. This isn't as scary as you think. Riding on a dragon is something you wouldn't forget."

Sebastian chimed in, as he stood beside Neal, "Yeah, young lady, flying is always a beautiful thing when dragons do it." He shrugged his shoulders, "Of course, I never had a human ride on my back, but I can bet it's better than being carried around." He looked at Amanda on Neal's back and asked, "Right, Amanda?"

Amanda giggled and reached out to pet Sebastian's nose, nodding as well, "That's right. I love riding on a dragon."

Neal looked back at her and said with a loving tone, "And I love it, when you're riding on me." Amanda looked back at him and stroked the back of his neck.

I saw Wayne already climbed on Cody's back and I looked down at Jessie again, "Jessie, I remember what it was like to be nervous. I know what you're thinking." I nodded, remembering the night I've flown on Rain's back for the first time, "But it really wasn't as bad as you'd think. Rain wouldn't let me fall and I would always hold on to her. I trust her with my life."

Cody strode to us with Wayne on his back and Wayne said to Jessie as she looked up at him, "We were all nervous at first, but then we all gotten over that fear. I remember my first time with Sierra. It really feels amazing."

Cody lowered his head to her level and urged her with a smile on his snout, "Yeah, ride on one of our backs, come on Jess."

Jessie was staring at all of us, all of us giving her comforting smiles. Jessie only stared at us for another moment. Until, she let out a breath, "I...I'll give it a try."

I nodded down at her, "You won't regret this, I promise."

Jessie smiled up at me and she walked up to Frankie and said to him, "Hey Frankie?" He looked down at her and she asked, "Can I...Ride on your back? I don't think you'd mind it, would you?"

Frankie hummed to himself, "Well I never had a human ride on my back before, NOT EVER." Then he put up a big grin and looked down at her, "But for you, I'm making an exception. I'll be having you Jessie, as the first human to ride on a macho drake like myself."

Jessie laughed at that and nodded, "Thank you. At least, you're not being belligerent about it."

Frankie lowered his body and asked, "Would you rather I carry you in my paws?"

Jessie shook her head, as she got closer to his back, "I think I want to do this unforgettable thing that everyone has been telling me about. I want to ride on your back."

Frankie nodded and had an questionable look, "Alright. And...Do you trust me?"

Jessie walked over to his face and gave his cheek a kiss. She said to him with a smile and assured him, "I trust you."

Frankie smiled back at her and muttered one word, "Ok."

Rain said this as she turned her whole  body to look at Jessie and Frankie. I looked at them as well. Rain said this with a proud grin, "Alright, time to enjoy the big moment of your life."

Jessie looked at Rain and nodded. Then she went to Frankie's back and tried to climb it. She made a first failed attempt at first, she tried to climb on him, but she slipped and fell back on her butt. On a second time, she tried to grab ahold of Frankie's horn, but she accidently grabbed his ear and Frankie yelped out in pain and she let him go. He hissed at her for that.

But on the third attempt, she grabbed his wing joint and hurled her leg over his back, finally managing to sit on him. She let out a accomplished sigh, "Finally."

Frankie looked back over his shoulder and said to her with a narrowed look, "Thank you for not pulling my ear again."

Jessie gave him an apologetic look and was strolling his neck, "I'm sorry, big guy. I was trying to grab your horn, but I grabbed your ear instead, it was an accident."

As Frankie looked at her apologetic expression, he softened his look, "I'll forgive you just this once. Just PLEASE, don't do that again."

Jessie nodded, "Deal." Then he started raising his body off the ground and she yelped in surprise. Feeling his body rise up beneath her. Jessie looked down beside his body at how high she's off the ground with riding on his back and she muttered, "Whoa."

I laughed and said to her, "Surprised?"

Jessie chuckled a bit and said nervously, still looking down at the ground, "Very surprised."

Rain gave her a comforting voice, "Don't be afraid, Jessie. you can do this."

I nodded and reassured her, "Yeah, just remember what Rain just told you."

Jessie then looked at me and Rain for a few moments and then she patted Frankie's neck. Saying this to him in a very confident voice, "Lets do this, Frankie."

Frankie spread out his wings and shot up his head proudly, "Lets do it!"

I shot up one arm into the air and shouted this to everyone, "Lets do it!"

Neal said this to Sebastian and bragged, "Hope you can catch up, old man."

Sebastian gave out a old hearty laugh, "I may not be as young as you are, but I can still fly."

Amanda said this sternly to Neal, "Neal, don't go showing off now."

Neal looked back at her with a smug smile, "You know me, you always call me a show off, so I'm showing off."

Cody spread out his wings too, while Wayne is getting ready to hold onto him. Cody asked Wayne without looking back at him, "Ready for this, brother?"

Wayne nodded, "I'm ready."

And with that, all of us stared out at the outskirts of the city, ready to leave now.

Then I saw Sebastian started flapping his wings, then Neal was next, after him was Cody. And I saw Frankie starting to flap his wings next, I saw Jessie's expression going wide as she and Frankie were about to rise off the ground.

And last but not least came Rain, she started flapping her wings too and we were rising off the ground along with everyone else.

All of us were high off the ground and Wayne cheered as we're about to fly forward, "YEAH!!"

Amanda cheered too, "WOOO!!!"

I looked at Jessie, who just wrapped her arms around Frankie's neck, her fear getting to her. I smiled at her. You'll love it. Trust me.

All of us were hovering in the air now, ready to fly forward. I wrapped my arms around Rain's neck, getting ready for this. Then with a burst of speed, all of us flew fast away from the city, all of them flapping their wings against the wind.

Jessie let out a shriek of surprise and fear. I heard Frankie laughing a bit.

All of us were flying away from the city now, flying over the mountains, heading to our destination. The world shifted and I looked back and saw that the dragon city disappeared behind us. The invisibility cloak doing its work when we're far away from it. I looked straight ahead after that. After we flew over the mountains, we can see trees down below away from the mountains.

I looked at Jessie again, while Frankie is flying beside Rain. I saw that Rain turned her head at Frankie and she gave him a proud smile. Frankie winked at her after that. I can see that the wind is blowing Jessie's blonde hair and she was just hugging her whole body onto Frankie for dear life. She actually shut her eyes real tight in fear.

I started to sit up on Rain's back. I giggled and shouted to her, "It's alright, Jess! It's amazing!" I gestured to her from afar, as the wind was blowing against my hair and eyes, "Open your eyes!"

Jessie at first hesitated, then she started opening her eyes and saw me. Soon after a few seconds have passed, she started to sit up slowly on Frankie's back, removing her arms around his neck. Then as she looked around and figured that she's not going to fall and die, she began to relax. Jessie then started to smile with shock and amazement in her eyes.

Rain hollered at her, "Do you love this?!"

Jessie nodded and looked at Rain, shouting back, "I love it!" Wayne and Amanda cheered after hearing that, so did Neal, Cody, Frankie, and Sebastian. I was grinning proudly at her. I knew you could do it, Jessie.

I looked up ahead after all that. Feeling the power of flight again. Man...If only you were here mother. If only you were here.

I heard Jessie cry out in happiness, "YAHOO!!!!"

I let out a big loud cry too, raising my arm high in the air, "WOOHOOO!!!!" And after that, Rain and the other dragons all let out a loud roar as they flew over the lands. A roar of proud and joy.

I was smiling at all this. Amanda was right. This is something that I'll never forget.

I'll never forget this as long as I live.

We all continued to fly, on our way to our destination.