Present Day

I was in the woods, still trying to figure out how I got here. I thought I was in the dragon city. But right now, it appears that I'm not.

Why am I here? How did I get here?

Did...Someone bring me here? I can't remember.

I went through the bushes, brushing them out of my way. I continued on, and then I saw a cave up ahead. That cave...It's...Familiar.

As I frowned at it, I could hear a scream coming from it. A high pitched scream of fear and horror.

My eyes went wide when I actually recognized the voice.

Mom?

I sprinted through the mouth of the cave, hesitation didn't stop me at all. I could see a light up ahead, as I ran in the tunnel. I got closer to the light and saw that I remembered this cave.

It's the cave with that big chamber and the strange dragon depictions on the walls.

Why am I back here?

Then I heard a scream nearby and my eyes went wide as I saw her. Mom!

My mother was being cornered by the dragon who lives in the cave. The dragon hidden in the shadows. My mom had total fear in her eyes and she is crying.

She begged the dragon by screaming at it, "Please, don't kill me! Let me go!"

The dragon roared and reared back on its legs. Mom screamed her head off.

I screamed at mom, "Mom! Run!!"

But she didn't run, it's like she didn't hear me at all. She was still in the same spot, looking petrified at the dragon.

The dragon in the shadows, looked down at mom again and then I could see smoke coming out of its mouth.

I gasped. No, it's going to breath fire at mom!

I have to stop it!

I tried to run toward it, see if I could push it to distract it. But my legs wouldn't move. I tried to move, but no matter how hard I push, I couldn't move.

It's like...Some invisible force is holding me back from saving mom.

I shrieked for mom to run again, "MOM!!!"

But she still didn't move, only staring up at the dragon with fearful eyes. Shaking in fright and horror.

The held its breath and then exhaled all the fire out of its mouth.

The fire blew out in fierce force and it engulfed my mother. Screaming in agony as the flames consumed her.

My horror became true to form as I watched my mother being burned to a crisp by the dragon's flame. I screamed in high horror and sadness, "NOOOOOO!!!!!!"

I shot up from the furs and let out a small gasp. I was breathing heavily a bit, trying to control my nerves.

I looked around after I started to calm down and I remembered where I am. I'm in the motel sleeping by Rain. But not as close as the other night. It's still night outside, as the moon shined through the balcony window.

I looked at Rain, seeing that my gasp didn't wake her up at all. She's one heavy sleeper.

I let out a calm sigh. It was just a dream.

Seeing my mom die in that cave...It's a nightmare.

I haven't had that dream about that cave for days. Not since the night before I ran away from home.

But the dream came again and only this time I wasn't the one who died in the dream, this one's different.

Only this time...My mother died.

Oh god...Mom.

It...Felt pretty real. Like we were both there.

No...That's stupid, that's ridiculous. It can't be real.

I mean....I know that I sometimes have visions and sometimes they come true, and...Dragons are real after all.

Since dragons are real...Does that mean that cave's real too?

I stared at Rain's sleeping form. Since she's pretty content of sleeping. Since I've made her feel better from her...Past.

That the drake from years ago....Made her feel so broken and hurt, that Wayne, Tommy and the others would comfort her from it.

But Tommy seemed to have the most effect on her.

I know I had that dream, but....There's no dragon that'll kill me. No dragon that'll kill mom.

It's probably just a nightmare and I keep dreaming about it.

Just a nightmare, nothing more.

But...A part inside me, is telling me differently.

I crawled closer to Rain, maybe I better lay close to her.

I smiled at the thought. I'm sure Rain would protect me from that dream, if it'll come true.

Me and her are friends, we'd protect each other.

I scooted myself real close to Rain's body, moving her leg a bit so she'll curl it around me. She really feels warm. I could hear Rain snoring a bit. Still sound asleep.

I laid down and then Rain's leg curled around me protectively. She's probably dreaming that I'm Tommy sleeping close to her.

Then I heard Rain mumble in her sleep, "Tommy?" Then she snored again.

I felt sad and happy for her when she said that. She really is dreaming about him. And the way she curls her leg around me, she thinks I'm him.

I really feel sorry for her, they really were close. Closer than I thought. Just like me and her are.

Well I'm here for you Rain. I'll be your friend and I'll be your comfort.

I promise.

I laid my head down on the furs and then I closed my eyes.

After that I fell into a deep slumber. Hoping that dream won't come back.

I don't want to see myself or my mom die again.

Oh mom...

*****

Jessie bent down to look at the hatchling, "Aw, he looks so cute!" She tried to reach out and pet him, but the little green hatchling with some purple markings on it's body, scampered to hid beneath Cody's mate.

Cody giggled and then he lowered his head under his mate and looked at his son, "Don't worry, they're my friends. You remember Rain? Well she brought two more human friends here."

I giggled at the sight. This really looks cute.

It's now morning in the dragon city and me and Rain woke up with a beautiful sleep. And that dream hasn't bothered me again after I jerked up in bed.

Even Rain didn't seemed to be bothered by what she told me on the bell tower. She really seems to be better.

She knows that I'm her friend and I'll be there for her.

After me and Rain walked out of the motel sure enough, Jessie was outside on the streets, on her way to meet us.

Very soon after that all three of us were just out strolling. Joking with each other, chatting. All three of us are like the three stooges.

Except we're only two humans and one dragon and we're not all three boys, I'm one boy and they're two girls. And we're also not fighting and bickering with each other.

But hey, I could still imagine we're the three stooges. And both would Jessie laugh when I tell her that. I wonder if Wayne and Amanda ever told Rain about the three stooges?

Oh perhaps they did, I don't know.

While we were all wondering around near the fountain in the middle of the city, we came across Cody and his family! I haven't even met his family yet and I've been in this city for three days now.

Cody's mate is a purple dragoness and her name's Eleanor. She really looks good in those scales, no wonder Cody wanted her.

And as for their hatchling, their son, his name's Henry.

And as it turned out, Cody named his son after Wayne's father, Henry Madigan.

As of right now, Henry is still hiding beneath Eleanor, pretty much shaking in fright at the sight of us.

I smiled at Henry and Rain lowered her head to our level to take a peek at him. She said to him in a calm soothing voice, like a mother would, "It's okay, little one. I'm Rain, remember? Your mother and father's friend."

Henry actually looked at Rain and cocked his head, "Aunty Rain?"

Rain nodded, "That's right."

Then Henry beamed at Rain and came out from under Eleanor and ran to her, "Aunty Rain!" Henry threw himself onto Rain's face and embraced her, "I missed you aunty Rain! You were gone again!"

I felt a twinge of sadness for him. Aw....He missed Rain. Since I think she has been gone for months watching over Tommy, he hardly ever gets to see her.

Rain nuzzled his body as he still embraced her face, "I'm here little one, I'm not going anywhere again."

Eleanor giggled at the sight, "My son really missed you. He always keeps asking, where's aunty Rain. I thought he loved uncle Wayne a lot more."

Cody added with a thought, "Actually, I thought he either loved aunty Amanda, or maybe....Uncle Neal a lot more."

Henry looked at his parents and said, "I love aunty Rain, because she has beautiful scales!"

Rain laughed and turned her eyes to look at him as he's still on her snout, "Is that the only reason why you like me?"

Henry nuzzled her face and answered, "No, I think you're a great aunty."

Rain pushed him off of her slightly, but he didn't let go of her, "Alright little one, you can let go of me now. I need to breath!"

Eleanor laughed again and lowered her head to pick her son by his tail, "Alright, enough grappling your aunt, c'mon." She snatched her jaws around his tail and dragged him off of Rain. Henry whined and now she rose her head above our levels, Henry pretty much dangling by his mother's jaws.

Cody nuzzled his son's stomach while he's hanging by his tail. And Henry and his father giggled together.

As I stared at them, I imagine Cody and Eleanor as my mom and dad and Henry as me.

I could still remember those days before...Dad died.

I shook my head and now they're back to being Cody, Eleanor, and Henry.

Cody said to his son, "Look, how about you meet the new humans that aunty Rain brought?"

Henry shook his head shyly as he's upside down, "Nuh uh!"

Cody gave his son a teasing look, "And why not?"

Henry tried to look at me and Jessie and said, "Because they're strangers."

Jessie laughed and looked up at Cody, "Well I see you've been teaching your son how to not speak to strangers. That's a great idea."

Cody looked at Jessie and chuckled a bit, "Ah well, that's what a parent does! Teaching their kids a few things." Henry tried to squirm off of his mother's grasp and whined. Cody looked at his son and said, "Look, mommy will let you go, but at least say hello to our new friends. They're new here."

Cody stopped squirming and let out a grumble. Cody raised an eyebrow and cocked his head, "Well?"

Henry grinned at his dad and nodded a bit, "Okay." Then as in on cue, Eleanor lowered him to the ground and dropped him softly on his back.

Henry rolled onto his feet and looked up at me and Jessie. Then he shyly looked at Cody and Eleanor and Cody motioned his head to us, "Well go ahead, little buddy. Say hello."

Henry looked up at us, then me and Jessie bent down to take a closer look at him. I said to him with a smile, "Hey little guy. My name's Brandon."

Henry cocked his head and tried to say my name, "Br-, Bran-....Brandon!"

I beamed at him, "That's right!"

Then he looked at Jessie and Jessie placed a hand to her chest, with a smile, "My name's Jessie."

Henry said her name, "Jessie?"

Jessie nodded, "That's right."

Jessie tried to sniff her and she giggled. Then without hesitation, he started to nuzzle her leg and then he started to rub his back against her.

All of us said this in unison, "Awwww."

Jessie reached to pet Henry's back as he nuzzled her again. Then Jessie cooed at him as she continued to stroke his back, right between his wings, "Such a cute little guy."

Eleanor lowered her head to their levels and said, "Thank you so much, Jessie." Then she raised her head to Cody's level and nuzzled him, "It's because, me and him have made the cutest hatchling in our family."

Rain giggled and said, "I can see why, he still looks like his father."

Cody grinned at Rain, "And I know for certain, that he'll be big and strong just like his papa!"

Rain smirked at him, "I can imagine it. He'll be a big show of, just like Neal and his own daddy."

Me, Eleanor and Jessie laughed, while Cody rolled his eyes and said in a sarcastic tone, "Oh ha, ha, ha! Whatever! I don't show off, it's Neal who's the show off."

Eleanor remarked, "I don't know handsome. Ever since you're not a little green runt anymore, you have been showing off lately." She winked at him.

Cody whined and curled his tail around him in embarrassment, "Honey! You're supposed to support me! Not mock me!"

Eleanor laughed and then she licked his jaw, "Oh relax, you awkward drake. I'm only kidding."

Then Rain added with a amused giggle, "I wasn't."

Cody shot a glare at her and he shot at her, "You know what, don't make me let out a big ass roar at you. I can roar real good these days!"

Rain shot up her head, "Ha! I'd like to see that! Come on little green runt, let out the biggest roar you could muster!"

My eyes went wide and I waved my hands in defense, "Actually Cody, you don't have to do that. I can imagine it's loud."

Henry stopped nuzzling Jessie and turned to his father. Henry then giggled and lowered only his front half to the ground, his haunches shaking in a playful way, "Yeah dad! Roar! I want to see you roar!"

Cody gave us a tooth filled grin and said, "I'll show you al that I'm not a little green runt anymore." Cody cleared his throat,  and took a deep breath, his chest puffing out.

I covered my ears and so did Jessie, bracing ourselves for his roar. This is going to be loud!

Then Cody let out an earth shattering roar at Rain and us, his wings flaring as he let it out. I shut my eyes tight, even when I covered my ears, I could still hear the roar. It's really loud! I saw that Henry cheered at his father for the roar.

Rain apparently wasn't fazed at all by the roar, she still sat down on her haunches, not flinching at all. I looked at her and frowned. Wow, she really grew some balls. Me and Jessie uncovered our ears after he was done.

Cody sighed after he roared and then he grinned at her, "Well...Did it show you that I'm not a little green runt anymore?"

Rain just smirked at him and replied, "I think the only thing that I've heard coming out of that green mouth of yours, was a squeak." She giggled after that.

He growled at her, "Rain, it was never a squeak coming out of my big mouth!"

Rain shot at him teasingly, "I think your mate was deaf when she heard those roars for years, she practically made a mistake mating with you."

Eleanor and I laughed our heads off, while Cody glared at me and her, "Guys! I thought you'd defend me!"

I walked toward him and placed a hand on his chest, "Well, I heard that roar and it's loud!"

Cody beamed down at me and then he made another shot at Rain while he pointed a claw at me, "See! He listens well!"

Rain playfully narrowed her eyes at me, "I think my friend's death because of that roar. He can't hear a single thing anymore!"

Cody just grinned smugly, "I knew my roar's loud!"

I removed my hand off his chest and said, "Yep...Really loud."

Jessie looked down at henry and asked, "Well? Did you like your daddy's roar?"

Henry just stared at his father and he nodded profusely, "Yeah! Daddy's the best!"

Eleanor held a defeated look, "I thought I was the best, sweetheart."

Henry looked up at his mother and nodded profusely again, "Oh yeah! You're the best too mommy!" Then Henry said, "Now it's my turn to roar at the skies!" He reared back his head, flared his little wings and let out a roar of his own, "Rawrr!!!"

All of us laughed at Henry's little roar. He's really cute.

Eleanor sighed and said to her son, "Well come on, sweetie. Time to go home from our walk. I think aunty Rain and the two humans have things to do." Then she looked at me and Jessie, "Very nice to finally meet you two. Cody has told me about you guys. I even heard you guys kinda got into trouble a couple of nights ago."

I waved her off and smiled, "All that's in the past and yes, it's finally nice to meet you too."

Henry rushed past his mother and father and yelled, "Come on guys! I'll race you home!"

Eleanor whirled to trot after her son, careful that her tail didn't hit me and Jessie, "Little one! Slow down for mommy!"

Rain hollered for Henry as Eleanor tried to catch up to him, "See you later, Henry!"

We all watched Eleanor trot after him, until she disappeared from our sight.

I nodded after they left, "He's really cute."

Cody nodded in agreement, "Yeah he is. And I'll admit, having a hatchling years ago, is the best thing that could ever happen to a drake." Then he smirked at Rain, "You don't know what you're missing out on."

Rain smiled back at him and said, "I...I think I do." Then she looked away.

Cody sighed and looked down at me and Jessie, "Well guys, I'm glad you met my mate and hatchling. I knew my kid would love you two!"

I gestured Jessie with my thumb, "Actually, I think he loves Jessie more than me."

Jessie looked at me and said, "I'm sure it's a kid thing. Kids usually prefer the women than men."

Cody nodded, "Yeah, just let him get used to you Brandon and you'll be fine."

I smiled at him, "I can't wait to meet that kid again. He's really cute, Cody."

Then Jessie said, "Me too! I love him as well."

Cody beamed at me, "Thank you!" Then he whirled around on us and said, "Well, I'll see you guys around!" He trotted after his family after that, until he disappeared from our sight.

Jessie said after he left, "Aw, I wanted to hold that little guy some more!"

Rain lowered her head to our level, "He is cute, I'll admit it. Kinda...Makes me wish I had a hatchling of my own sometimes."

I reached out to touch her nose and said to her, "You'd make a great mother, I know that for sure."

Rain smiled at me and then licked my hand, her tongue trailing between my fingers, "Thank you."

Jessie crossed her arms and sighed, "Well if it makes you feel any better, Rain. I never had one myself. I'm...Kinda a bit young to have one. I'm eighteen."

Rain grinned at her, "Oh one day, I'm sure you will." She rose her head above our levels and mischievously giggled at us, "And how I know that? It's because you have a certain human male standing in front of you."

Me and Jessie basically just blushed, our cheeks turned practically scarlet. I swatted my hand on Rain's leg with a bit of irritation, "Rain!"

Rain laughed hard after that, slapping her paw to the ground three times in laughter.

I looked at Jessie and her cheeks are still red, she said to me, "I...Pretty much don't know how to respond to this."

My cheeks turned more brighter, in a darker shade of red, "Pretty awkward."

Rain tossed back her head and laughed again. She said as she looked down at me, "You two look pretty cute together!"

I looked at Rain and glared at her. I was still blushing and I said this to her through gritted teeth, "Rain! I'm going to kill you!"

Rain laughed once more and then she sighed, "Brandon...You're too funny." Then she nudged me with her nose, "Well me and Jessie here are going to spend some more time together, wanna come?"

I finally stopped blushing and let out a breath, "Nah, I'm just going to explore the city again." Then I gestured to Jessie, "She's all yours."

Rain nodded and then strode to Jessie, "Well come on, Brandon's potential mate, lets go have some girl time together."

I scolded her, "Rain!"

Rain laughed again, as Jessie just continued to blush, her color is pretty intense. Then Jessie waved meekly at me, "See you...Later." And after that she turned to Rain and said, "Lets go girlfriend."

Rain nodded once and they both started to wander away from me. I just stood there watching them leave. I let out an embarrassed sigh.

Well things certainly became awkward.

*****

I was sitting around on the grass in the park, having some me time. I was watching a mother and father dragon playing with their hatchling close by.

I held a sad look on my face. Thinking about...Mom and...Dad.

All the time since dad died three years ago, I still think about him and so would mom.

I'll be honest, I wish that he didn't die three years ago. I wish he was with me and mom right now.

Actually, I wish that he was staying with mom instead of Gerry. Now that would be better.

I mean...I know that I hate her for not listening to me, but I still love her.

Even I was scared that she died in my dream last night. It was really horrible. I could even hear her screaming in agony when I'm awake. It felt real.

I hope that I don't ever see that dream again.

But why was that dream in that cave different than before? Only she was the one who died, instead of me.

Is...My mother going to die, because of Gerry? Or is it really something else?

Is a dragon gong to kidnap mom and burn her alive?

I hope THAT'S not the case.

I shut my eyes as I stared at the dragon family nearby. Dad...Would things have been the same back then, if you didn't die?

Now that I think about it...Would me and mom haven't met Gerry if you were alive? I think that'll be yes.

Actually now that I really think about it....Would I be here if it wasn't for your death? Maybe...Not.

I don't think I would've met Rain if you didn't die, dad.

You would've liked her, father. She's not as bad as you'd think.

She would like you too.

My thoughts went to mom again. Mom...Why can't you let go of Gerry?

Why didn't you just listen to me?

You're my only family that I have left, and I just left you.

I wish that you'd left him with me.

I...I love you, mom. And...I honestly wish you were here with me.

Me and you would've stayed here. This place does feel...Like home.

Better than the home we both grew up in.

I wonder if she called the cops on me for running away? Probably, I'm sure.

Hell knowing Gerry, he would call me a punk and just go back to drinking. I hate that guy.

And I do wish that he's...Dead.

I know that she defends Gerry for his behavior and she's blinded by her own feelings for him. But...She does love me too.

Now I just feel guilty for leaving you, mom.

But I won't go back, I'll never go back.

But a part of me...Wants to.

What am I supposed to do? Leave the dragon city and stay with mom? Or try to convince her to leave with me again?

I sighed. She'll never leave Gerry.

She'll never leave him. He'll just keep beating her and beating her, until she stands up to him. Until she decides to up and leave him. But I'm sure she won't.

I love you, mom. And I seriously hope for the best.

And I hope that one day...We'll see each other again. And I'll tell you everything that happened to me.

I'll tell you about Rain, Wayne, Amanda, everyone.

That the girl, Jessie is with me and she's fine too.

I opened my eyes with sadness, confliction and confusion in them. Dad...How do you even solve this problem?

Tell me what is it that I need to do.

You're probably disappointed that I left mom to that asshole.

What dad? What do you want me to do?

Please...Help me out here.

Tell me how do I solve this problem, so I won't feel guilty for leaving mom anymore.

I just stared at the dragon family, they're all sitting on their haunches together. Looking up at the blue sky.

I sighed again. That kid's really lucky.

He's really lucky that he has a family. That he has a father who'll never leave him.

Dad....

Then a shadow, that's the size of an dragon was over me and a voice interrupted my thoughts, "Watching families enjoy each other, huh?"

I gasped and then I looked up over my shoulder. It's a male dragon who has a grin spread across his face. The color of his scales are bronze, with some grey shown on them. Judging by the sound of his voice, he sounds like an old man

I frowned at him, "Do I know you?"

Then the bronze dragon gave out a hearty laugh and he shook his head, "Nope human. I'm sure we never met." Then he glanced at the skies for a sec and mentioned, "Though, I do come to the park a lot and I don't see humans sit a lot in the park either. Especially in this spot."

My eyes went wide when I thought I was sitting in his spot, "Oh...Do you want me to move or leave? I can do that if you-"

The bronze dragon shook his head, "Oh there's no trouble at all. This park is always for sitting around. All creatures alike."

I grinned at him, "Well that's good, because I was starting to relax here."

He lowered his head to my level, "Say...Are you Wayne Madigan by any chance?"

I shook my head, "No, I'm Brandon. Brandon Long."

The bronze dragon said, "Oh! Sorry about that. I've heard of this human a lot in this city and I thought you were him. I guess all male humans really are alike."

I gestured to him, "Have you seen him before?"

The bronze dragon nodded, "Oh yes. But I don't see him a lot though. So I thought you were him. I have heard he always stayed close to a blue dragoness named Sierra." He chuckled a bit, "I guess you have to give a dragoness a human name to communicate with her. I take it that all our dragon names are hard to pronounce!"

Sierra. That name again.

Rain and the others keep mentioning Sierra. But I still haven't met her yet.

Where is she and how come I haven't met her yet? I'll have to ask Wayne sometime. Or perhaps Rain.

The bronze dragon lowered his head to my level and asked, "Can I join you? You look like you're all alone."

I nodded at him and gestured the spot beside me, "Sure big guy. Help yourself."

The bronze dragon laid down on his stomach beside me and let out a long sigh. Me and him were pretty much content. He doesn't seem so bad so far.

Actually he sounds like a very nice old man.

The dragon looked down at me and cocked his head, "So...Why are you alone? Do you have a hard time making friends here? I know that dragons can be gruff to a little human like you. But." He placed a paw to his chest, "I'm not all  bad. I'm as gentle as they come."

I laughed and shook my head. I looked at him, "Oh no. I'm just having some alone time."

The bronze dragon replied, "I guess I must have ruined it all for you."

I waved him  off, "Oh please, there was no trouble at all. I could use company anyway." I pointed at the dragon family across from us, all have their backs turned on us, "I could have hung out with them. But I would thought I'd be intruding their space. So I was just watching them."

The bronze dragon laughed, "Well in that case, I don't feel bad anymore." Then he took his gaze to the ground, "I don't really have company a lot these days. A lot of my hatchling friends that I grew up with have all died."

I raised an eyebrow, "Why? Did they all die from...Dragon slayers back then?"

The bronze dragon shrugged his shoulders, "Well two that I knew died from a dragon slayer and a few others, well...They all died from getting sick and being old." He sighed after that, "I guess it goes to show you, not everyone lives forever. We all die from something."

I had a sympathy look for him, "Oh...I'm sorry."

The bronze dragon put on a smile and said, "Oh well, I still try to make the best of things with my old life. Like getting drunk from the tavern in the city, fly as much as I can, and look at..." He glanced at the dragon family, "Families."

I just looked in his eyes as he stared at them. There appeared to be pain shone in them.

I wonder what's on his mind?

Did he used to have a family or something?

I'm getting the feeling he did. I wonder what happened to them?

I placed my hand on the dragon's body and shook him a bit, "Are you okay?"

The bronze dragon looked at me and nodded, "Oh yes, young one. I'm fine. I was just thinking about something." He scrunched up his nose and cleared his throat, "So uh...How long have you lived in the dragon city? I take it was long?"

I shook my head, "No, actually I've only stayed here for the past few days. But I'll tell you this much, I love it a lot. Pretty odd for a human like me, but I still like it."

The bronze dragon gave me a big grin, "Well good, because I could imagine that you'd feel homesick that you're not living with your own kind."

I shook my head again, "Well actually I don't miss my home at all. And..." I waved him off, "I don't want to go back to that life."

He cocked his head, "Why? Don't you have family that misses you?"

I looked down at my lap and sighed, "Lets just say that my life is...Complicated. And lets just say that a certain black dragoness found me and took me here. And I'm glad she did, because I really love this place. Better than the life I was living in."

He gave me a sad look, "Was it bad?"

I looked at him and nodded, "Really bad and I hate it." I waved a hand at him, "And I'd never go back. EVER. As long as I live."

But then mom's face popped up. But a part of me wants to. Because of her.

The bronze dragon lowered his head to my level and said wit his voice full of sympathy, "Well I'm sorry you had a bad life, whatever it was, I'm sorry." He gave me a smirk, "You just look like a decent young drake to me. Actually you kinda remind me of myself a bit."

I frowned at him and giggled a bit, "I do?"

He shot up his head, "Oh sure! You certainly have the body of a drake! The face of a drake and the power in your voice. I think you'd make a great drake!"

I laughed in amusement. Wow...He thinks I'd make a great drake.

Me being a dragon. Who knew?

I giggled a bit more and then I waved him off, "Well thanks for the charming compliments and all. But the difference between me and you is...I don't have horns on my head, no scales all over me, not to mention I don't have wings and a tail."

The bronze dragon groaned and rolled his eyes, "Oh so what, my little two legged friend? All of my kind talks like a human to communicate with humans like you and we have our own language. We dragons talk to each other with our own language and when a human comes along, we talk to it with our human language."

Then he placed a claw to his chin and tapped it, "Come to think of it, I did remember how hard it was back then when my parents tried to teach me to speak human. It was very hard indeed."

I laughed and said, "I think when you put it that way, I believe it can be hard for a dragon like you." I placed a hand to my chest, "I honestly don't think I could speak dragon if I wanted to, in my opinion."

The bronze dragon smiled, "I can teach you, if you want."

I tilted my head, "Really?"

The bronze dragon nodded, "Oh I'll try. But it won't be easy." He shrugged his shoulders, "Still, I'd try my best."

I shrugged my shoulders, "Well...I'll think about it. I think listening to your dragon tongue might be interesting."

He nodded again, "Well good, young one! It should be quite an education for you!""

I looked ahead again, "Yep." The bronze dragon looked ahead too. Just the two of us sitting together for a bit.

Then after several minutes of silence, he started to get up on all fours and stretched. He sighed, "Well I'm done laying around here." He turned his head to look down at me. He asked, "How about me and you walk back to my house?"

I nodded and got up on my feet, "Sure old man. I'd love to."

The bronze dragon strutted away and said over his shoulder, "Come, young one. Walk with this old dragon." I giggled a bit and ran after him, until I was strolling beside him. On our way to his house.

*****

Me and the bronze dragon walked for a long time, until he led me to one of the stone buildings in the city. Pretty much the same as any stone building for a dragon to live in.

We stopped in front of his house and he said to me, "Well this is where I'm living. Nice place huh?"

I nodded in agreement, "Oh yes. Nice place indeed."

The bronze dragon sighed and said, "Well...It was nice meeting you for the first time, come by here anytime you want. This old dragon could use some company."

I grinned at him, "Even a human like me?"

The bronze dragon lowered his head to my level and said, "Dragon or human...You look like both to me."

I frowned at him, "I thought that I remind you of yourself."

He nodded and winked at me, "That too, Brandon. That too." He raised his head above my level and said, "You have a good afternoon. And I can't wait to see you again. Better yet, bring your dragon friends here. I wouldn't mind having a dragon and a human talking to me here."

I nodded, "Sure, I'll do that. I'm sure they would like you."

Then he gave me a devious grin, "And while we're at it, maybe me and you can go to the tavern and drink together. Just like me and my hatchling friends did."

I laughed and exclaimed, "I didn't know that dragons actually drink."

The old dragon gave me a long old hearty laugh and nodded, "Oh yes, we do drink. And the tavern's called, 'The Drake's Tooth'. That place has been around for a LONG time."

I put some thought into it and said, "Well...I'll think about it." I know that I'm eighteen and I'm under the legal age. But I guess I'll give it a shot! After all, it's not like they're no cars to drive in this city and that means...No drunk driving and no accidentally getting ran over by a car.

The bronze dragon nodded, "Okay then." Then he raised his head and waved a paw at me, "See you around, young man." He started to walk to his door to his house.

I turned to him and said to him, "Hey wait."

The bronze dragon stopped where he's at and turned around to face me. He cocked his head at me, "Something on your mind?"

I sighed and then I nodded, "Sorta...Can I ask you a question?"

The bronze dragon nodded and then I asked, "It's about what happened to you back at the park. While you were looking at the only family there. You...Seemed to have pain shone in your eyes, like something happened to you...I've seen that before from one of my friends."

I sighed as he stared at me with curiosity in his eyes, "Look...I don't know what really happened to you, but...Did you...Have a family? Do they live here? Or did they...Die?"

The bronze dragon sighed and looked down at his paws. He then sat down on his haunches and I said, "Look...I can tell it's bad, but I'm a good listener and...I know exactly how you feel. I've went through the same thing as you did."

The bronze dragon looked at me with pain in his eyes and curled his tail around him. He asked, "Did you...Lose someone too?"

I nodded, "Just my dad, he died three years ago."

He cocked his head, "What about your mother?"

I answered him, "She's alive. Pretty much."

The bronze dragon said, "How come she's not with you? How come you're not with her? Does it have something to do with your complicated life?"

I sighed, "I don't really want to talk about that, but yes. She...Stayed behind in that kind of life. The complicated life."

He gave me a pity look, "I'm sorry for your loss." Then he let out a breath and said, "And to answer your question about my family...My parents died years ago, by a bunch of dragon slayers. And for my...Mate, she died as well. Well...She got captured by a bunch of knights and they took her away. Last I've heard, she was locked up in some kind of dungeon. Since that was long ago, I assumed she's dead now."

I gave him a sad look, "I'm sorry."

The bronze dragon said, "Me and her have a son together, but...He was just an adult when I last saw him and one day, he left the dragon city to start his own life. I never saw him again after that."

I shook my head in pity, "I'm very sorry."

He took a deep breath and let it out, then he waved me off with a paw, "Don't worry about it, that was a long time ago." He then shifted his paws and went on, "I guess you can understand why I like having company over. But...Since all my hatchling friends died, I don't have company a lot."

I walked up to him and placed my hand on his leg, comfortingly, "It's okay big guy."

He looked down at me and asked with a bit of worry in his voice, "Brandon...Will you come back to me? Will you come visit me in my own home? Will you see this old dragon and brighten up his life?"

I gave his leg a good rub and smiled up at him, "I will, Sebastian."

His eyes went wide and then he cocked his head, "Sebastian?"

I nodded and giggled a bit, "That's your human name. I'm naming you Sebastian."

The old bronze dragon who's now named Sebastian smiled brightly at that, "Sebastian...I love it. At least we can communicate with each other now!"

I laughed, "Yep we can."

Sebastian lowered his head to my level and nuzzled my chest, "Thank you, Brandon."

I patted his forehead, "I'll see you later, ok?" Sebastian nodded and I started backing away from him. I gave him a wave, "Bye."

And with that, I turned my back and walked away from him. A big smile on my face, as I walked on the streets.

That dragon deserved a human name, just all the dragons that I knew, just like Rain. He really is such a nice old man.

And I named the old dragon, Sebastian.

I named him after Sebastian Long, my father.

That dragon felt like a father figure to me and he deserved that name.

Because in a very big way, we both have a thing in common.

We both suffered a family loss.

I looked back at his house, already seeing that he already went inside. I'll see you later old man.

I promise.

*****

The night has came to the dragon city again and I'm in my motel room sitting on my butt on the pile of furs.

I had the photo of me, my mom and my father before he died in my hand. Just staring at it.

I smiled at it, as I remembered the day we took the photo. All three of us were standing in front of Horace's bar back in Leon and Horace was standing outside and he took the photo of all three of us.

The Long family. Everyone back in that town knew all of us.

Everyone has heard that he died and all that's left is...Me and my mother.

I sighed as I stared at it. Mom...Are you still with Gerry?

Please for the sake of the only family that you have left, leave him.

He's not worth it mom, he doesn't care about you and me.

He's nothing like dad and he never will.

He doesn't need help with his drinking, he's just heartless. He's so manipulative, he'd manipulate his own mother if he could.

He doesn't deserve you. He doesn't deserve anyone.

Please mother, for your only son...LEAVE HIM.

I sighed again. But she won't leave him, I can feel it.

I heard someone enter the room and I looked up from the photo. I saw that Rain has entered my room and she had a grin on her face. She continued to strut toward me.

I grinned at her and asked, "What are you so happy about? Jessie kept you entertained?"

Rain stopped in front of me, near the furs and said, "Well your girlfriend is really like a girl I can have company with." She laid down on her stomach in front of me, her tail laid next to her.

I groaned a bit and laughed, "Again, referring to Jessie as my girlfriend. And we're not even together." I playfully narrowed my gaze at her, "I'll tell you this, the way you said to me and Jessie today before you girls left me, it makes me wonder if we'll ever be together that way or not. You made us both blush real hard."

Rain laughed and said, "Well it's like I said before, you two look cute together!"

I playfully shot at her, "You know what? How'd you feel if I said something like that to you in front of a drake you'd have a crush on?"

Rain grinned at me, showing her teeth, "I'd punch your little balls for doing that, you little bastard."

I laughed and said to her, "Aw, come on! You wouldn't do that."

She still grinned at me, "Do you want to find out?"

I held up my hands in surrender, "Alright, truce! I give."

Rain nodded in triumph, "You better give. Dragons always win."

I pointed at her, "Hey don't forget this, I'll be getting back at you one day too."

Rain cocked her head at me, "And how do you suppose you'd do that?"

I deviously grinned at her, "Since I know that your wings are ticklish, I'd tickle them and you'd laugh to death."

Rain's eyes went wide and she curled her wings on her back, "Well played human. Well played." Then we both laughed.

After we were done laughing, I asked, "So uh...Since last night, how are you feeling?"

She nodded, "Oh I've been better. I think letting you comfort me and listening to you sing was well worth it."

I gestured to her, "Yeah and letting out that trauma out of your system helped you out some sort."

Rain closed here eyes and sighed, "I know that I still have that wound inside me. But that doesn't mean that I'm not strong. I've dealt with this before, so it's not all new." She opened her eyes and went on, "But I do need someone you to comfort me, you seem to have Tommy's touch."

I nodded and said, "I'll take that as a compliment. And plus, you needed my help to find the eye of the tiger and you've found it."

She cocked her head at me, "The eye of the what?"

I waved her off and giggled, "Forget it." Then I asked, "But since we're on topic, do you need my comfort?"

She shook her head, "Oh, I'm fine. I've been more happier than before. Better than the last few months, before I met you and Jessie."

I still beamed at her, "That's great!"

Rain then said, "And what's also good, is that no brother of mine has been overprotective of me today. So he didn't interrupt my time with Jessie." She added with a glare, "Cause if he did, I'd kick his ass."

I nodded, "Me too, saying that humans are no good for you. And saying that if we ever hurt you, he'd kill us. That's stupid."

She shrugged her wings and shoulders, "Well at least I wouldn't have to worry about him now. I'm not really in the mood for crap from him."

I said, "Hey, at least you can hang with me who doesn't like crap like you."

Rain closed her eyes and grinned, "Yep, I can!"

I chuckled a bit after she did that and Rain cocked her head and gestured to me with her wing tip, "What's that in your hand?"

I still had the photo in my hand and I turned the photo to show her it, "It's a photo of me and my family."

Rain lowered her head to my level to look at the photo, "Your family?"

I pointed at each of the person in the photo, "That's me, my mom, and that's my father."

She still concentrated on the photo and said, "You look like your mother more than your father."

I giggled and lowered the photo on the fur, "Yeah, that's what my mother always said."

Rain raised her head and asked, "What are your parent's names?"

I smiled at her, "My mother's name is Diana, and my father's Sebastian."

She hummed and repeated their names, "Diana and Sebastian." She nodded, "Nice human names for them."

I laughed and said, "Well I'd assume it's better than your parent's names. I bet, I wouldn't pronounce them with my tongue."

She laughed and shook her head, "Nope, you wouldn't."

I nodded, "That's what I thought." Then I frowned at her, "By the way, ever since we met, you never told me about them. The only one in your family that I've met, is your brother."

Rain had a glum look and sighed, "Well the reason why you didn't meet my parents, is because...They're dead."

I let out a small gasp and then I waved at her profusely, "I'm sorry, forget I said anything."

Rain gave me a smile and said, "Don't worry about it. It's...Not as bad as the drake who mounted me without my permission. I still have nightmares about it, but not as bad as that disgusting drake."

I nodded slowly, "Well...Okay, if you say so."

Rain then looked at the floor, "Actually...Brandon, do you remember last night that I've brought up...The day in the snow?"

My eyes went wide a bit. the day in the snow. Yeah, she has brought that up last night, before she told me about the whole drake raping her situation. I nodded and answered, "Yeah you did, do your parents have anything to do with it?"

She nodded, her gaze still on the floor, "In a big way, it does."

I frowned at her, "What happened?"

She sighed, "Well." Rain then looked out through the balcony and looked at the sky, "I was a hatchling back then, pretty much any normal hatchling, just like Cody and Eleanor's kid." She smiled at the memory, "My mother looks a lot like me and my brother, and as for my father, he's red all over."

I smiled at her, "I guess I can see where you get your good looks."

Rain looked at me with that smile on her face, "I really do look like her, pretty much. I can never forget what she looked like." She looked up at the ceiling, "Me and my family were close. But I was especially close to my mother. I always stick by her, no matter where we'd go."

Rain then had a glum look and said, "But one day...Things changed."

I stared at her and she went on, "On one winter day, all of us were outside the city, because the snow in the forest looked beautiful. It's like a winter wonderland there."

She let out a trembling sigh and said, "My brother and my father went off flying together, so they would leave me and my mother alone. So me and her played in the forest for a long time. She was chasing me and I was chasing her. Course my little hatchling body kept going through the deep snow at some parts of the woods, but hey, at least I've had fun and so did mom."

I giggled and Rain went on her tale, "But suddenly, mom looked like she heard something and all of a sudden, she picked me up and she carried me off. Then she found a hollow log and hid me in there. Told me to stay put and...She was gone for a long time."

"I didn't want to wait for her anymore, so I got out of the log and went off to find her. I looked for her for a long time. Hollering for her, screaming for her, but...She didn't come. Finally after I searched for a long time, I found her."

I smiled at her and she sighed, "I was happy to see her, until...I saw the blood in the snow."

My smile melted away and she went on, "I saw those horrible sword wounds on her. It...Looked like she wasn't going to make it. I asked her what happened and she said that the humans found her and attacked her. She said there were so many of them and they...Kept coming at her."

She sighed again, "My mother told me she was going some place, a place where the ancestors lived. And that's when I knew she was going to die. I cried for her to not leave me. Told her to help me find daddy and take me home. But...She couldn't get up."

Rain closed her eyes and said, "I was telling her not to leave me and...She stopped breathing and she wasn't moving anymore."

My heart broke hearing that and I said out loud, "She died in front of your eyes."

She nodded, "I cried into her scales for a long time, until my father and brother found me with her. They...Cried for her too. Even my father let out a loud roar of pain and sorrow. I could never forget that roar."

I muttered, "God...So...What happened to your father?"

Rain opened her eyes and said, "My father couldn't let her go. He couldn't let her death go for months. It...Was driving him crazy. One day in another season around the time when the snow wasn't around, he said to me and my brother that he's leaving us, to go look for the ones who killed her."

I held a sad look for her and she said, "He told my brother to look after me always, and then with our tearful goodbye, he flew away from the city and left. I...I never saw him again after that and me and my brother assumed he died."

Rain went on as she looked at me, "My brother took care of me for a long time. Since he was old enough to look after me. Look after his little sister. He put all his dedication to protecting me. He swore that he'd never let me die. That I wouldn't end up like my mother."

I said to her my voice full of pity, "Oh....Rain..."

Rain sighed as she finished her tale, "I still think about that day in the snow, but...I'd put up with it. I know that my mother wouldn't want her death to change me, just like it changed my father and brother. I...I still feel like that little hatchling from years ago."

I smiled at her, "I can tell, you're....Not like your brother at all."

Rain nodded, "Well I thought for years that humans wouldn't change back then and they were all evil, but...Wayne and Sierra changed all that."

I nodded, "They made you think that humanity has changed after all."

Rain said, "If it wasn't for them, me and most of my kind would never have thought that humanity has changed their ways. That back then, we'd co exist."

I nodded again, "I'm glad it happened back then and...I wish that it still happened up to this day."

Rain smiled at me, "Me too. Things back in the day were beautiful to my eyes. Not dark at all, like back when I was a hatchling."

I gestured to her, "I'm sorry you lost your parents, Rain. I really am."

Rain had that happy gleam in her eyes, "Thank you." Then she cocked her head and her eyes were now filled with curiosity, "So what about yours?"

My eyes went wide at her question. And then I said, "Well...My story is a lot different than yours. Not to mention...Complicated."

Rain asked, "I don't understand. What do you mean by...Complicated?"

I sighed and Rain asked again, "Did...Your parents die too?"

I looked down at my lap and muttered, "Only my dad died three years ago, that was it."

Rain asked with more curiosity in her voice, "What about your mother?"

I didn't say anything to her, I just stared at my lap. Rain got up on all fours and said, "Brandon?"

I still didn't say anything, didn't even look at her. Then I got up abruptly from the furs and I was walking fast strides past her. Her eye went wide. After I walked past her and on my way to the opening of the room, Rain then stopped me with a stern voice, "Brandon, stop."

I did as she said and stood where I was at, not looking back at her. Rain came up behind me, her big shadow over me, "Brandon...What's the matter? Why are you acting this way? And...What happened to your mother?"

I sighed and then I motioned my hand behind me, just to wave her off, "Rain, just let this go."

She lowered her head to my level and said, "No Brandon, I won't let this go. Not until you tell me what happened to your mother. Now...What's wrong? Talk to me, I'm your friend."

I said this to her, without looking back at her still, "He's the reason why I ran away from home."

I could tell by her shadow that she cocked her head behind me, "He? Who are you talking about now? Is...some person the reason why your life got so bad? Is this person the reason why you ran away?"

I didn't mutter a single word, then I felt her nudge my back with her nose, "Brandon...Say something. Please...You'd help me, I'd help you. Me and you are friends and we'd help each other. Please Brandon, for me."

I clenched my fist, anger boiling inside me as my thoughts about mom and Gerry came to my mind. I gritted my teeth.

Rain urged me with her voice, "Brandon."

Finally I snapped and I turned to face her with an angry glare. I shouted at her face, "I ran away from home, BECAUSE I HATE GERRY!"

Her eyes went wide and I shouted some more, "I ran away from home, because mom didn't listen to me about him! I hate her because she just chooses her feelings over me! She didn't listen to me about him! She just defends him for all the bullshit he puts her through!  She always chooses her feelings instead of listening to her own son and I hate her for that! I hate Gerry, because he's a drunk and a bastard!"

As she composed herself, she cocked her head at me, "Who's Gerry? Who are you talking about? And...What do you mean by...Your mother, choosing her feelings over you?"

I let out a huff and said to her with hate in my voice, "One year after my dad died. My mother found a boyfriend for her to be with. His name's Gerry."

I balled my hands into fists as I went on, "My mother and I moved in with him and not long after that, he started...Beating her and me. He abuses us!"

Rain muttered one thing in shock, "Ancestors."

I snarled, "He beats us and mom defends him! Even when he starts drinking and beats her, she defends him! When he beats me and calls me names, she defends him! When I tell her differently, when I tell her he doesn't love her, she still defends him! She's in denial for everything that happened! Two years of physical abuse and bull crap and it's his fault!"

Then I threw my fist at the air in anger and frustration, "But as usual, mother doesn't listen to me and she defends him! She wont listen to me! She won't listen to her own son! How can she be so stupid?! Doesn't she get what I'm telling her?!" I threw another fist at the air, "I hate her for that and I ran away from home!!"

Rain muttered in sadness and pity, "Oh Brandon."

I huffed again and then I started to calm down a bit, "My mother is blinded by her feelings for him and he doesn't love her. No matter how hard I try to convince her, she still defends him. I hate that life and I don't want to go back." 

Then tears started to form in my eyes and I said to her as I stared at her face, "And now....I feel guilty for leaving her. I know that I hated her for what happened, but now I feel guilty for that too. I...I just hate Gerry, for everything he's done. He's not my father and he never will be. I hate him."

I buried my face into my hands and started crying. My voice was being muffled by my hands, "It's all my fault. I abandoned her and it's my fault. I didn't try hard enough to convince her to leave and she'll die, just like dad!" I sobbed in my hands.

I felt Rain's head real close to me and I removed my hands off my face and saw that she's real close, her face one inch away from me. I huffed and said to her with my voice trembling, "I hated her around that time and left her. She'll never leave him and...She'll die. I regret hating her and I regret leaving her. It's my fault. I didn't try hard enough to save her."

She shook her head, "It's not your fault." Then she nuzzled my chest and said this with heart, "And she won't die, I promise." 

I asked with disbelief, "You don't know that. My mother's probably dead now and it's my fault."

She shook her head again, "No it's not. Look...I know that I don't know your mother and all, but...She's strong, just like any female is. I know she won't die." Rain lifted her head off my chest and looked deeply into my eyes, "And if she dies, it's not your fault, it's Gerry's. Not yours, HIS."

I stuttered, "But...But..." My lip started quivering.

She said, "Brandon, you did what you could for her. She didn't listen to you and she stayed behind. YOU had to get away from all that. You'd probably be dead too, if she did die by him." Rain shook her head, "Don't ever say that it's your fault, because it's not, you love your mother. You're a good person. Don't ever feel guilty about it, you did what you had to do. You did everything you could."

She gently pressed her snout against my cheek and gave it a kiss, "You didn't kill your mother and it wouldn't be your fault. And...I know that you hated her for not listening to you, but...You still love her. No matter what happened, you still do."

Rain said this to me once more in a whisper, "It's not your fault. It'll never be your fault. It's Gerry's."

The tears still streamed down my face and I muttered her name, "Rain." Then I wrapped my arms around her head and embraced her tightly, crying into her face. Sobbing real loud.

Rain started caressing me with her paw, rubbing it on my back and she cooed me softly, "It's going to be okay. I'm here."

I cried out, "Mother!" And I cried some more, burying my face into Rain's nose.

We were like this for a long time. Rain comforting me with her paw and talking to me in a soothing voice. I pulled my head away from her nose and asked, "Why didn't my mother listen to me? Why didn't she listen to me about him?"

She answered, "I don't know, Brandon. I don't know."

I sighed as the last of my tears went away, "If mom dies...I don't know what I'll be feeling at first.. I...I hope one day, I'll see her again. And...You're right, Rain." I looked directly at her eyes and said, "It wouldn't be my fault that she dies, it'll be Gerry's. And...I did what I had to do and you're right, if mom dies, I'd die too if I stayed. I did everything I could to protect her, but I had to leave. Mom would want me to live."

Rain nodded a bit as I still held her, "It's a sacrifice and she took it. She chose her feelings instead of listening to you. Don't hate yourself for that. She'd want you to live, and I'm glad that you ran away from home. I...I don't want you to die."

I gave her a small smile, "You would've liked her. You would've liked, Diana."

She gave me a lick on the cheek and said, "I'm sure if she's anything like you, she's alive right now."

I gave her nose a kiss and said, "Thank you, Rain." Then I pressed my forehead against her nose, "And...Maybe she'll leave him. I...I hope I'll see her again."

Rain said, "One day, you will. One day. And...Don't give up hope. Don't give up that hope. She will leave him, so don't give up on that. Don't stop believin', Brandon."

I just smiled brightly at that and I said, "I won't."

Rain then said, "Brandon...Lets go on the roof."

I pulled my head back and frowned, "What?"

******

My eyes went wide as we're on the roof together, "You want me to...Ride on your back?" Then I waved my hands at her and shook my head, "No, I can't!"

Rain cocked her head as she already lowered her body to the ground, "What, you want to deny the thrill of a lifetime? You already flown with me before."

I scratched the back of my head, "That's different. You carried me in your paws, that's it. And I've always felt safer in them."

Rain gave me a pity look, "Look Brandon...I'm cheering you up by doing this. I want to help brighten up your life and live in a way we dragons do. Flying always made us happy."

I stuttered, "But...But."

Rain shook her head, "Please Brandon. You can do this. You'd help me, I'd help you, remember?"

I stared at her, "Rain-"

Rain gave me a pleasing look, "Tommy was just like you. He was afraid to fly on my back too. But...I know you can do it, just like he can. If he can do it, so can you. I made him happy and I'm sure it'd make you happy. Trust me, you won't regret this. I believe in you." She put on a smile, "Just think...What would your father do? Would he want you to do this? Think about what he'd want. I'm sure he'd believe in you too."

As I stared at her, an answer came to me.

My father would want me to be happy. And he would want me to do this.

Because he believes in me. He has, before he died.

I sighed and then I put on a smile for her, "Okay."

Rain then stretched out her neck to give me a lick on the cheek and she said, "Thank you."

I nodded and let out a breath as I looked at her back. Ok...Lets do this.

I walked up to her back, as she's still crouched low to the ground. Then I grabbed her wing joint and with a bit of a jump, I hurled my leg over her back. I sat on top of her after that. I smiled at my first attempt, "Wow...I did it."

Rain started to rise off the ground and I gasped. She moved around on the roof on foot, it feels like I'm on a riding on a horse right now.

Rain stopped moving and looked over her shoulder at me. She asked, "Are you ready?"

I nodded a bit, "I think so."

Rain gave me her advice, "Just remember this. Tuck in your legs and wrap your arms around my neck. And don't worry, I won't let you fall. I promise." She winked at me.

I gave her a smile, "I trust you."

And with that, she started to flap her wings and soon we were off the ground. I gasped again and tucked my legs in and wrapped my arms and hands around her neck. Here we go!

We're over the motel and over the street. I looked down and we're getting higher.

Soon as she got more higher, she flew forward with a burst of speed. I shrieked in shock and fright. Rain's wings, flapping hard against the wind. We were flying over the buildings at fast speeds. Her body making a left turn in the air.

The wind was rushing at my eyes and my hair was blowing wildly by it. Then I felt her getting ready to roll while she's flying. I held on for dear life as she did a couple of barrel rolls and after a third one, she kept on flying forward.

Rain flew toward the bell tower and she flapped her wings and flew upward over it. After that, we were taking more altitude and now we're so high in the sky. She stopped flying forward. She kept flapping her wings and we're just hovering over the city in one spot.

I looked down at the ground and saw...How beautiful the view was from up here. Then a smile spread across my face. This is...Amazing!

Rain looked over her shoulder to look at me, she grinned at me. She knows that her plan worked.

I...I'm really happy.

I didn't think I could do it, but I did.

Both of us looked down at the ground, just enjoying the view together.

Mom's face came to mind. Mom...

I know that I felt guilty for leaving you. But...I'm not anymore.

I know that if you die because of Gerry, I know that it wouldn't be my fault. It'd be his. I know that I didn't kill you.

I did everything I could to convince you to leave, but I had to leave myself.

I know that when you're dying, you'd know that you want me to live and be happy. Because you love me.

But I won't give up hope that you'll leave him. I won't give up that hope.

I know you won't die. Because me and Rain believe you won't.

I know that I'll see you again...Someday.

I love you, mom.

And dad....

Thank you for believing in me back then and I'd know that you'd believe in me for doing this.

And I now know, that you're not mad at me for abandoning mom. You'd want me to live and be happy too.

But I'll tell you this much dad.

You'd love this place, just like I'd love this place.

I won't forget you dad.

I love you, dad.

I love you, mom.

I love you both.

I let out a happy scream over the city, "WOOOOOO!!!!!!"

Rain then let out a very loud roar over the city. A roar of joy and pride.

I looked at Rain as we're hovering over the same spot in the air.

Rain...

Thank you, Rain. Thank you so much for this.