Mary Madigan is sitting in the living room chair watching a news bulletin with Wayne's face on TV.

The female news reporter said, "It has been over a week since Wayne Madigan, a twenty year old man has been missing without a trace. No phone, no car, nothing. The police has conducted a state wide search, but so far there have been no leads. He disappeared from his family's house one night, when his parents noticed he wasn't in his bedroom one morning. No one in his family knew of his whereabouts. According to his family he went through therapy, but he did not receive any medication. Could that have been a factor? So far there's still no reason why he disappeared. Whether he was kidnapped or he ran away, there has been no answer. We have heard he doesn't have an mental disabilities at all. If you see this man, please call the TIPS hotline. Kathryn Horn, Channel 18 News. Back to you Tim."

Then it showed the news anchor named Tim and he said, "Thank you Kathryn, now on to the weather."

Mary was still sitting in her chair, her throat tightening. Then she could hear her husband's voice in the other room. He sounded agitated, "What do you mean you're about to call off the search? It has been over a week already for Christ sake!"

Mary frowned and she got up from the chair and went to the kitchen and saw Henry talking to someone on his cell phone, he said, "Look don't bullshit me officer. People don't just disappear. Yeah? Yes, I know that! Yes? Yes, I know you've searched for him all over the woods and there hasn't been any trace, but he's still out there damn it! Yeah? Well you know what, if you can't find him, we'll do it ourselves! Because I'm not giving up on my son! What? NO! That's not why he ran away! He's probably kidnapped for all we know!"

Mary just stood there, her face filled with worry. Henry went on, "There has to be a reason why he disappeared, but he's not dead. He never had any mental problems and he never had disabilities, he has been through a lot shithead! Look just find him! Please don't give up on him yet. He's not dead. My son is stronger than you think." Then he finally hung up his cell phone and set it down on the kitchen table.

Henry sighed and he felt that he was being watched and he whirled around and saw Mary staring at him. Henry closed his eyes and sighed again. He put a hand to his forehead and he said, "Sorry about that, I guess I should have went outside."

Mary took a few steps toward him, "What was that about?"

Henry removed the hand off his head and said, "Well since there hasn't been any trace of Wayne for days, the police are thinking about calling off the search after two more weeks are up."

Mary put a hand to her mouth and shook her head, "They can't do that!"

Henry said, "Well apparently they can. They think he's dead, and that's why he hasn't turned up yet." He sighed.

Mary put another hand to her mouth and muttered, "Oh god." Then she started to cry.

Henry had a sad look on his face and he went to her and wrapped his arms around her. Mary cried in his arms and she said, "He's dead Henry! I can feel it, he's dead and it's all our fault!"

Henry shook his head while he was holding her, "No he's not. He's alive. He's still alive."

Mary muttered, "Then why hasn't he come back to us? Why did he disappear? Why did he leave us? He must have killed himself because of Joanna's death, I know it! That's why he hadn't turned up for days! We didn't help him more than we should have and it's our fault! He's dead Henry! He's DEAD!"

Henry rubbed her head with his hand comfortingly and said, "No, he is ALIVE. Wayne's our son, he'll come back. I know he's alive I can feel it. I won't give up on him. He'll come back, I know he will. Shhh, don't cry. He'll come home. He will. I know he will."

Mary started to cry in loud sobs, burying her face in his chest. While Henry held her tight.

While he held her tight, his thoughts went to Wayne.

I know you'll come back, son. I know you will.

*****

The morning was almost over. Me and Cody were walking through the streets of the dragon city.

This morning after I woke up next to Sierra in out motel room. I began to wonder if she went to talk to her uncle last night. She slept by me in the middle of the night.

I saw her wake up this morning and judging by the happy look on her face and saying that she's going to find her uncle today, I bet she already did.

Which that made me happy as well. I knew she could do it. I bet the whole conversation went well.

Soon after we woke up and after she went to find her uncle, I decided to find Cody. So we could practice singing for our event at the Braveheart tonight.

Neal I figured was busy today. According to Cody he went to his house and he said that Neal will be working as an officer today. But I also figured that Neal would be fine. It's just that Cody needed more practice and now I think he's getting the hang of it.

Now after our practice session in a private place, me and Cody are done practicing and now we're just waiting for our big night to happen. And it's hours away. Just have to relax until then.

While me and Cody were still walking in the streets, Cody looked at me and asked, "So I'm just wondering, why is it that human singers have to sing high notes? I mean, doesn't that make their voice hurt or something?"

I giggled, "How many times do I have to tell you that? They sing high notes, because it's entertaining. They want to build the excitement in the crowd. That's why we're singing high notes, because we wanted to excite the crowd tonight."

Cody smiled at me, "Man...You humans really can sing."

I shrugged, "Well not all of us can sing like that, but yes a lot of us can. It's really simple when you think about it. You just have to relax your voice for a little while and then when you're ready, you let it out. Pure and simple."

Cody had a nervous look on his face, "I don't know if I can do this."

I gave him a comforting smile and I patted on his shoulder while we were walking, "Don't say that. I know you can do it. That's just stage fright. I used to have it too, but I don't anymore."

Cody asked, "So then how do you put up with it? You know stage fright?"

I shrugged, "Well...I just imagine the crowd as my friends, who won't judge me so harshly. That they respect me for what I'm doing and why I'm doing it. I don't let myself think that they're judging me. It's really simple. Singing is suppose to be just fun, not games."

Cody groaned, "But I can't imagine that. I mean, it's just....So hard."

I nodded and said, "I know pal. But you won't be alone on that stage. And you don't have to worry about your voice, you sing pretty good for a beginner."

Cody had a small smile on his face, "I don't know how you talked me into this."

I said, "Because I would do anything for you, like you would do anything for me. That's what friends are for. Look I've asked you and Neal to do this thing with me and after we do it, you guys will be famous! You two will be the first dragons to sing with a human at the Braveheart! Don't you want the recognition? You know something to be proud of?"

I gave him a smile, "Hell you might even attract a lot of females after the performance. Lots of girls like guys who sing. Hell that's how I got myself a first girlfriend."

Cody looked at me and frowned, "Really? You actually had a mate, before you met Sierra?"

I nodded, "Yeah, but we're not together anymore. She lives in Canada now."

Cody gave me a quizzical look, "Canada? Another human place?"

I giggled and nodded, "Something like that. You already know that there are a lot of human places in the world."

Cody looked up at the sky while we walked, thinking about something, "Honestly Wayne, can you imagine if dragons had more places to live in the world like your kind do? I mean a lot of dragon cities all over the world. There aren't that many out there. I think anyways."

I nodded and said, "Sort of, I think." Sierra said that there are other dragon cities in the world. But not a lot, like my kind has. Kinda sucks when I think about it. I think that dragons are suppose to be free to explore out of their hole for a little while. The humans in this world have changed.

But when I think about it, it's also a bad idea. Not every human is likable as me and Amanda. There are probably a lot of humans who won't give a flying shit.

Flying shit, ha! Get it? Flying shit? Because I'm next to a dragon and he flies. Oh never mind.

I giggled to myself and Cody heard me and asked, "What's so funny dude?"

I waved him off, "Oh nothing."

Cody stopped in his tracks and I stopped too when I noticed I was walking past him. He still had the nervous look on his face and he was looking down at the ground.

I had a pity look on my face. I took a step toward him and said, "Hey pal, I still wouldn't worry about it. Remember it's all fun, no games at all. Singing is nothing competitive about it. Just for fun."

Cody then had his gaze on me and said, "But I'm still scared. I...I don't know what to do."

Then I laid my hand on his shoulder and said, "Cody, can I tell you something?"

Cody cocked his head at me, "What?"

I smiled at him, "Did I ever tell you the reason why I named you Cody?"

Cody shook his head, "No."

I said, "Well I named you Cody after my human buddy of mine. His name was Cody, Cody Tucker."

Cody frowned, "Cody Tucker?"

I nodded, "Yes. You see, me and him we used to sing together, a few years ago. Before I met you and the others. Before I came here. Cody was a real pal of mine. And I would always know him as a pal."

Cody asked, "Where is he at now? Do you know what happened to him?"

I answered, "Well...Last time I've heard from him, he was still in Denver."

Cody grinned, "One of those human places you live in? A city?"

I nodded, "Yep. I used to live in Denver."

Cody cocked his head, "So why are you telling me this?"

I gripped his shoulder and looked into his eyes, "Because he was like you. He wasn't sure he could sing as well."

Cody's eyes went wide, "Really?"

I laughed, "Oh yes really! You see he was so afraid to sing with me, he wanted to back out like you do."

Cody asked, "So then how did he do it? How did he put up with...Stage fright?"

I said, "I helped him through it. I told him to think of the whole crowd as a group of friends and all that stuff."

I had a glum look on my face, "I used to stay by him a lot. Because me and him are like brothers. I never had a brother and we used to hang together. But ever since me and my family moved away from Denver, I still miss him."

Cody had a sad look on his face, "Wow...I'm sorry."

I waved him off with my other hand and I let go of his shoulder with my hand that was on it, "It's ok. I would know that he's still like a brother I never had."

Cody looked down at the ground, "To be honest...I never had a brother." Then he looked at me, "My parents thought about it, but they only wanted one hatchling. They thought it would be too much work."

My face went wide and I said, "Really?"

Cody nodded, "Yeah. I mean...I guess that's one of the reasons why I feel alone. Other than not having a lot of friends, from classes."

I remember the first time I've met Cody. After the night I first came to this city. I didn't know what to think of him at first. But when we hung out at the Braveheart for the first time together, I realized he was just like my buddy from Denver. That's the reason why I named him Cody.

That's also the reason why I wanted him to sing with me. Because he reminds me of Cody.

Cody is...Like a brother to me.

I smiled at him and said, "Hey Cody...Is that why you wanted to be with me? Because?"

Cody said, "Because I feel like I wanted to have a friend. To have a friend just this once. Someone I can really relate to. Well more than that, I feel like I want a brother. I feel like I can't relate to dragons at my age."

I asked, "Well...You know I'm your friend. And so is Sierra, Amanda, Joanna, and Neal."

Cody giggled and nodded, "Yeah, I really like being with you guys. All of you are the best."

I said, "But...Can I...Do you want me as a brother as well?"

Cody's face went wide and he asked, "But I thought you already have a brother? Do you?"

I said, "I do, but the Cody that I know is far away from me. I would think of him as my brother, but that doesn't mean I can have another one. You...Really remind me of him."

Cody changed his expression to happiness and he slowly nodded, "Yes...You can be my brother. I...Always wanted to have a brother."

I smiled and then he surprised me when he got so close to me, sat down on his haunches and he wrapped his arms and wings around me for a hug. My eyes bugged out of my face.

Cody while he held me in his embrace said, "Thank you Wayne."

He finally pulled himself away from me and I raised my hand and rubbed his nose. I smiled at him and said, "No problem...Brother."

Cody smiled at me, and then we both heard a voice, "Hey you!"

Both of us turned to the sound of the voice and we saw a female dragon with purple scales who is about the size of Cody, trotting toward us.

I stared at her. She must be young just like Cody. That's why she's not big like him. 

The purple dragoness sat down on her haunches and said to Cody, "Um hey can I ask you for a favor?"

Cody looked like he was blushing when he was looking at her and he shyly said, "Uh...Yes?"

The purple dragoness said, "Well classes are already over, but I want to study with someone. My best friend was suppose to, but she has plans. Can you study with me? At my house?"

Cody just stuttered,  "Uh...Err...." He trailed off.

The purple dragoness saw me and she smiled, "Oh sorry, I didn't even say hello to you! This dragon here told everyone at classes that two humans are staying in the city. And I can't believe I've actually met one! I never seen a human before."

I smiled at her, "Well it's nice to meet you. I'm Wayne."

She cocked her head at me, "Wayne? Talk about a name from your language. I would tell you mine, but-"

I finished for her, "I wouldn't understand it. I know, I know."

The purple dragoness giggled, "I see you're friends with this dragon here."

I nodded, "Yeah and I named him Cody. We're pals."

The purple dragoness cocked her head again, "Cody? You named him Cody? I think he did say that he was named Cody."

Cody nodded and he still stuttered, "Yes!...I did."

I gave Cody a look. What's wrong with him? Getting all weird when she's here?

That's when a thought popped up in my brain. Oh boy. I think he likes her.

The purple dragoness looked at Cody and asked, "So will you study with me? I need to pass this test."

Cody only stared at her. I could see he's still blushing. More redder than ever, "Uh..."

I whispered to him, "Well go ahead and say yes."

Cody shook his head when he heard me and he smiled at her, "Sure...I love to."

The purple dragoness beamed and nodded, "Alright. I'll see you at my house. Do you know where it's at?"

Cody nodded, "Sure, I do."

The purple dragoness said, "Ok, see you there." Then she looked at me, "Nice to meet you Wayne."

I nodded, "Good to meet you too. And by the way, you know the Braveheart? Well me and Cody here are going to be on stage together and sing."

The purple dragoness's eyes went wide and she asked, "Really? Wow that sounds cool! I could watch you guys when I don't have any other plans." She whirled around and looked over her shoulder, "I'll see you around Wayne. And Cody, please be at my house." And with that she ran off.

Both of us watched her run off, until she disappeared around the corner of the street. I looked at Cody when she was gone and frowned at him, "Hey are you ok?"

Cody didn't even looked at me. Still just staring ahead. After the purple dragoness left. He said, "She's...Beautiful."

I laughed, "Oh man...You're really hooked are you?"

Cody shook his head and finally looked at me, "I guess." Then he had a glum look on his face and looked down.

I shrugged, "What's the matter now? Don't tell me you're...Shy?"

Cody sighed and he looked at me, "I guess. I've seen her at classes more than once. She's really good looking. Those curves. Those scales. I could never get them out of my head."

I motioned at the spot where the purple dragoness was at with my hand and asked, "Well then why don't you just go talk to her? Tell her that you like her and you want to...I don't know. Go out on a date or something? Is she with anyone?"

Cody shook his head, "I don't think so. She always appeared to be alone. I never see her with a drake."

I urged him, "So go on and talk to her. Tell her already. Before someone else swoops her off her feet and takes her with him."

Cody's eyes went wide and shook his head furiously, "Nuh uh."

I just frowned at him, "And why not?"

He said, "Because she's a girl."

I burst out laughing, "So? You said you wanted to borrow Amanda the other day, when Neal's done with her!"

He shouted, "That's different!"

I sighed and I put both my hands on his shoulders, "Cody listen, don't be so shy about her. She really looks cute. Look you haven't asked her out yet. At least start with that. Go ask her out, while you guys are studying and ask her out. Don't put it too bluntly. Just take some time before you go off in that direction. Don't rush it. Hell, you said you haven't had your first mating yet, well I think there's your chance. Just remember, take it slow."

Cody stared at me for a few moments and then he nodded, "Well...Alright. I'll give it a try."

I smiled at him and let go of him, "Good. Now go ahead and study with her. And meet me at the Braveheart tonight, ok?"

He nodded, "Ok, I'll be there." Then he  was about to walk away, before he turned his head and said, "See you tonight." Then he trotted off.

I smiled to myself after he left. Well he's going to get a new girlfriend now and it's the purple dragoness. And he has a brother now and it's me.

Talk about life going well for him.

I just hope he's ready to sing with me and Neal tonight.

*****

After I was done talking to Cody, about an hour later I decided to look for Sierra. Thought I would spend some quality time with her before tonight.

I looked for her at the temple where her uncle was at. But she wasn't with him. I left her uncle and started to look all over the city for her. It feels like I've been walking for a long time. And it has already been an hour.

I walked on the streets and I finally found her and Amanda together at the big water fountain in the middle of the city. In the middle of the fountain it had a big statue of a dragon sitting on its haunches. I believe it's the statue of one of the ancestors who built this city SO many years ago.

But Sierra and Amanda weren't alone at the fountain, apparently several hatchlings have came to them and now they're talking to them.

I smiled at the sight. My mother loves children. Imagine if she met them. She would certainly adore them.

Suddenly my thoughts went to my mom and dad. How long has it been since I've seen them? Days? Over a week? It feels that way to me.

I...I think I miss them. I feel like I miss them.

I mean...I want to stay in this city forever with Sierra. But maybe I should go back home and tell them about everything. About Sierra. The dragon city. Everything.

I don't think I could tell them about my intimate relationship with Sierra though. I don't think they would understand THAT.

At least show myself to them so they won't have to worry about me anymore. I mean, I remember that Amanda told me on the first day we met each other in the woods that she said that there's an APB out on me and my face is on the news.

I need to tell Sierra to take me home. I have to get back home sometime.

Maybe tomorrow would be the best time to do it.

My thought were interrupted when I heard Amanda's voice, "Wayne!"

I shook my head and saw that Amanda saw me and she's waving at me from where she is sitting. I waved back and I walked to them

The hatchlings caught Amanda's gaze and they all saw me with wide eyes.

I heard several of them talking to each other when they saw me.

"It's another human." "Yeah!" "So cool!" "Is this human with the human female?" "How many humans are there?" "I want to touch this one!" "No, I'm touching that one!"

I giggled at all of them and I held out my hands to calm them down, "Hello everybody. How's everything?"

The hatchlings all said, "Great!"

Sierra and Amanda both laughed. I looked at them grinning and said, "Where did you find those hatchlings? Sierra did you kidnap them?"

Sierra rolled her eyes and shot up her head, "Ha! No, they just found us."

Amanda smiled and said, "Yeah me and Sierra attracted a group of hatchlings and they just came and talked to us."

I walked closer to Sierra and Amanda and just stood in front of them, "Oh really? What were you guys talking about?"

Amanda said, "Well...They were asking a lot of question about the human race, and I answered fully to them. They seemed to be very interested in our history, Wayne."

My eyes went wide and I giggled, "Oh really?"

Sierra nodded, "Yes. In fact she was telling the hatchlings about what the humans are like and what the humans do that kind of thing."

Amanda looked at Sierra and then looked at me, "Yes, exactly. I told them about what foods we eat. What historic events that happened to the humans. The cities. The music. The movies. All that stuff."

One of the hatchlings came to us and asked me, "Are you with the human female?"

Me and Amanda looked at each other and we giggled. I looked at the hatchling and waved the hatchling off, "No, actually me and Amada are friends."

The hatchling cocked its head at me. I giggled when it did that. The hatchlings look really cute.

That's when the grownup came out of nowhere and saw the hatchlings. It was a female with green scales and she said, "Sorry about that guys. They just ran away from me and I was looking all over for them!"

Sierra shook her head and smiled, "There was no trouble at all. All three of us were just keeping them company."

The female dragon smiled and nodded, "I'm glad you did." Then she looked at them and gave them a stern look, "And as for all of you. I'm babysitting you and you shouldn't run off like that! Wait till I tell your parents about this!"

The hatchlings all whined and they apologized profusely. The female dragon said, "Lets go home. All of you." Then she looked at me, Sierra, and Amanda and said, "Thank you for watching them."

Amanda smiled at her, "You're welcome. They look so cute."

The female dragon nodded, "Yes they are. But they get into all sorts of TROUBLE. Honestly, they really need to stay put where I tell them to." Then she started to trot away from us and called out to the hatchlings, "Come along darlings!"

The hatchlings started to follow her and one of them looked at me and waved a paw at me, "Bye." Then the hatchling ran off to catch up.

I smiled at all of them while they were walking away. I muttered, "They all look so cute."

Amanda sighed happily, "Yeah...A time or two, I thought about having a kid. If I had a daughter, I would name her after my mom."

Sierra giggled and cocked her head at Amanda, "You want to name one after me? That's sweet of you."

Amanda playfully swatted at Sierra's body and said, "No not you. My REAL mother."

Sierra just groaned, "Aw...Why do you have to ruin the fun?"

Amanda laughed and she petted her affectionately, "Oh you're still my mother. I thought my mother's name would be cuter."

I asked, "What was your mother's name?"

Amanda smiled at me and said, "Lindsey. Lindsey Fuller."

I giggled, "Well as if I have to ask, what happens if it's a boy? What name would you come up with a boy?"

Sierra raised her paw and giggled, "I got one. How about, Neal Junior? That would be cute!" Then she burst out laughing.

Amanda shot a glare at her and shook a finger at her, "No way! I'm not naming my baby boy after Neal!"

I shrugged, "Why not? Did your boyfriend, just became a big red scaly pervert again? Or did he just stood you up?"

Amanda glared at me and said, "No. Actually, I don't want to name my child after my boyfriend."

I rolled my eyes, "Whatever, none of my business anyways. You and Neal could just do whatever you want with each other."

Amanda's face went wide and I knew what she was thinking about. My face went wide as well and waved her off, "That's not what I meant!" Then she laughed.

Sierra rolled her eyes, "Seriously Wayne, you're lucky the hatchlings are not around to hear you say that. The grownup who took them away would never let it down."

I giggled, "Well at least I don't have to deal with her, I guess."

Amanda asked, "So what's up with you today? You still planning on singing at the Braveheart again?"

I nodded, "Yeah and I hope Neal is still up for it. He's working today and he didn't practice singing with me and Cody tonight."

Amanda smiled and nodded, "I'm sure he is. He may be nervous, but I think he's up for it."

Sierra smiled at me, "I can't wait to see you up there again."

I playfully glared at her, "Yeah, considering that you've left my last performance early that other night."

Sierra shrugged, "Well things were different before. But I won't leave again, I promise."

I deviously grinned at her, "Good, cause if you did, I'll kill you."

Sierra rolled her eyes and giggled, "Ah, but I'm too beautiful to die."

I walked up to her and I reached out to rub her scales, "Well I wouldn't kill you anyways. I like you."

She lowered her head to my level and nuzzled my face, "I know. I like you too." Then she tried to get her mouth close to my lips.

I stopped her by putting a finger to her mouth, "Hey watch it! We're in public."

Sierra giggled, "Well if they saw us kissing, then let them watch."

I petted her nose, "Very tempting, but no way." Then we both laughed.

That's when all three of us heard a voice, "Hey there."

I whirled around and saw that it's the mayor's son, with his yellow scaled girlfriend. I remember seeing her once before. Both of them sat down on their haunches in front of me, Sierra, and Amanda.

I smiled at the mayor's son, "Hey there. Haven't talked to you in a while."

The mayor's son grinned down at me, "Well you certainly kept yourself busy." Then he looked at Amanda, "Hello to you too, girl."

Amanda crossed her arms and said, "My name's not girl. It's Amanda."

The yellow dragoness looked down at her and said, "Hmmm, so that's what the female humans look like. Pretty good looking if you ask me."

Amanda uncrossed her arms and giggled, "Well thank you very much. You look beautiful as well."

The yellow dragoness smiled at her, "Thank you for your kind words."

Sierra just stared at the mayor's son and she said, "Hey you."

The mayor's son looked at her and Sierra said, "I heard that you've apologized to Wayne for your behavior. I got to say, I think you've learned your lesson."

The mayor's son nodded and said, "Yes, I have. I realized that I was being a bully to your friend here. And I did apologize for that. He seems to be a ok guy."

I smiled at him, "Thank you very much." I gestured my hand towards him, "You're ok too."

The mayor's son said, "I heard you'll be singing at the Braveheart tonight. Along with two dragons. I can't wait to see this!"

I grinned and raised my arm and pointed my finger at him, "Trust me big guy, you'll love it!"

He bowed his head, "Good luck to you." Then he and his mate both whirled around. Me and Amanda both ducked below their tails. They both walked away from us.

Sierra said this after they left, "He seems to have changed."

I nodded, "I think he did. For the better. Let him live his own life. Not live too much under the influence of his own father."

Amanda got up from the edge of the fountain and said, "So he's the mayor's son? Pretty big figure if you ask me."

I said, "Well he told me that his father doesn't take kindly to humans that well. I hope he doesn't mind that his son is friends with me."

Sierra huffed, "Well if he has a problem with you, he'll have to go through me."

I looked at Sierra, "Nah, I wouldn't worry about it."

Sierra got up on all fours and said, "Well I'm going to eat something, do you two want anything?"

Me and Amanda both shook our heads and Sierra nodded. Then she walked toward me and lowered her head to my level, "Talk later, handsome."

I smiled at her, "You too, old lady."

Sierra groaned and then she raised a paw and smacked my butt again. I yelped in surprise. Both Sierra and Amanda started laughing at me. Amanda holding her ribs in laughter.

I glared at Sierra, "That tears it!" Then I walked up to Sierra's behind and I raised my hand and smacked her butt with it hard. She yelped and she looked over her shoulder and growled at me.

I stifled my giggle with my hand. When I was done giggling, I removed my hand off my mouth and I said, "We're even now."

Sierra narrowed her eyes at me, "We'll see you little bastard."

I laughed at that and Sierra trotted off. Grumbling to herself.

Amanda was actually giggling as well and she said, "You really have a lot of balls. You just smacked Sierra's ass with your hand."

I shrugged, "So what? She smacked MINE more than once. And I'm a boy!"

Amanda laughed and we both started to walk away from the fountain. While we were both walking away, she looked like she was deep in thought.

I asked, "What are you thinking about?"

She looked at me while we were walking and she said, "I was thinking about starting a career here. In the city."

My eyes went wide and I looked at her, "Really? You're starting a career here? Alone?"

She shook her head, "Not just me. Me and you together. If you want, we can have Sierra work with us."

I frowned at her and asked, "What is it that you're planning on doing?"

She said, "I'm thinking about starting a human education class for all the dragons here."

I asked, "What?"

"Look I want to make a living here. I love living in this city and quite frankly, I don't ever want to move away from here. I want to stay here forever with Neal. And I thought since I've been talking to those hatchlings who were with us, that gave me an idea. You know teach the dragons about our way of life right now. Teach them about our history. All that stuff. We could even get paid with their currency for it."

I just looked at her while we were walking. Hmmm. That sounds interesting. At least since I'm planning to stay here forever as well. I want to make a living as well. I tried that by working at the Braveheart, but that didn't work.

Maybe this human education thing would work for me. After all I'm a human as well. Give the dragons a little human history lesson. Show them all that we're different people than we were back then.

Sounds like a good idea.

Amanda said, "Look if you don't want to do this then-"

I cut her off, "I'll help you make the business." Then I gave her a smile.

Amanda beamed at me, "Great! But that'll take some time, I guess. Maybe we should ask Neal or Sierra how we should do this."

I nodded, "I think you're right."

Amanda said, "Well I need to get going. I need to meet up with Neal back at his house. He might be done with work already. See you tonight Wayne." Then she walked off.

I smiled to myself after she left.

Human education classes. That's a good idea.

But first things first, I need to talk to my mom and dad. I need to tell them about all this. About everything.

I hope I don't forget to tell Sierra about it tonight.

*****

The night has come and the event at the Braveheart is almost starting. I was riding on Sierra's back and she flew me to the Braveheart.

I could see the restaurant down below and Sierra glided down to the ground. She flapped her wings to stop falling further and she landed on her hind feet first. Then her front feet. After she landed, I slid off her back and landed to the ground.

I could tell by the look of the restaurant, a lot of dragons are there again. Goodness! I must be real popular!

Sierra giggled when she noticed it as well, "Well Wayne looks like you really draw quite a crowd."

I patted her body and said, "Yep."

Sierra looked down at me and said, "You know, you still didn't tell me the name of the song you're singing with Neal and Cody. What is it?"

I sighed and I looked up at her, "Alright, but I'm only whispering."

Sierra lowered her head to my level and said, "Alright fine get it over with." I whispered the name of the song to her and her eyes went to a frown and she looked at me, "Hmmm, What an odd name for a song."

I smiled at her, "Trust me, you'll like it."

Sierra smiled and nodded, "I know, because you're the best." Since there was no one outside, Sierra leaned her head and gave me a kiss on the lips. I giggled when she did that.

She raised her head and said, "There was no one around. So I took the chance."

I said, "Thank you."

Before me and Sierra went inside the restaurant, Neal, Amanda, and Cody came to us running and they stopped when they were close to us.

I frowned at them, "Wow guys. I thought you would be in the restaurant by now."

Neal said while he was trying to catch his breath, "Well I had to get my armor off of me and Amanda here had to help me get if off. It was stuck for some reason."

Amanda said, "Yeah it was stuck tight on him. Especially his helmet."

Cody said, "My mother made me do chores for her and that's why I was a little late as well."

 I waved them all off, "It's alright, the point is we're all here."

Neal smiled at me, "That's right little buddy. I can't wait to do this."

Cody nodded, "Yeah and I hope that the dragoness that I like is here tonight. Because while me and her were studying, I already asked her out for a date. She said she'll be here."

I smiled at him, "Really? Great dude!"

Cody beamed at me, "Yep but first, I need to sing with you guys."

I nodded at all of them, "Lets go in."

They all nodded and all of us went inside the restaurant.

As soon as all of us went inside, a lot of dragons stared at us. My eyes went wide. God they really were expecting us.

We walked through the crowd. While Sierra and Amanda left me, Cody, and Neal to find a place to stand in the crowd.

While all three of us are walking through the crowd, I saw the purple dragoness that Cody liked has shown up. Sierra's uncle has shown up. I even saw the mayor of the dragon city and his son in the crowd as well.

I could see the mayor looking straight at me with those eyes. Those menacing looking eyes. The way he smiled at me.  He had that look when I performed on the first night here. Like he was...Planning something.

What's up with this guy? I kinda don't like it now. But then again, it's probably still my imagination, so maybe I'm wrong about him.

Joanna came and found me, Cody, and Neal and she led us to the stage. She hollered, "You're kinda late!"

I hollered back, "Tell us something we don't know!" We trudged through the crowd until we got on the stage.

After we got on the stage I looked at Neal and Cody. Neal seemed calm, but Cody still seemed nervous.

I sighed to myself. Well as soon as Joanna is done announcing us. I better use my thoughts to remember the song and the gem will do its thing. To play the music from my head.

Joanna hollered, "Ladies and gentlemen. For our tonight's performance, here's the human Wayne! And also singing with him here's the dragons, Neal, and Cody!"

Neal and Cody bowed their heads to the crowd and all I did was wave at them. Joanna turned her head away from the crowd and gave us all a smile and she walked off the stage.

All three of us looked at the crowd. I was standing in the middle. Cody to my right and Neal to my left. The whole crowd was staring at us. Waiting for our performance to start. I could see Sierra and Amanda in the crowd and they waved at us.

I took a deep breath and I looked back and forth at Neal and Cody. They both looked at me, waiting for me to do my thing.

I looked at the gem that's on stage and the gem turned from red to blue. Meaning that the magic is ready to do it's thing.

I looked back at the crowd and I closed my eyes. Putting my thoughts at work. Trying to remember the song and the music. I do know what song we're singing.

It's 'Separate Ways' by Journey. God that one's going to be great!

I thought of the intro to the song and then I thought of the electronic keyboard doing its thing. The magic from the gem played the music from my head and everyone can hear it.

Neal and Cody's faces went wide. Surprised how the music sounded. Then the guitar played from my head as well. I opened my eyes and the song kept playing from my head. The guitar was loud!

When the cue for me to sing came I took it. I sang, "Here we stand! Worlds apart! Hearts broken in two, two, two!" 

"Sleepless nights! Losing ground!" I raised one arm into the air, "I'm reaching for you, you, you!"

I let my arm fall to my side and I sang, "Feeling that it's gone!!! Can't change your mind! If we can't go on!!! To survive the tide!" I held my arms close to my chest, "Love divides!!!!"

That's when only Neal sang first, "Someday love will find you!" Then Cody, "Break those chains that bind you!" Then all three of us sang at the same time, "One night will remind you!" I sang by myself, "How we touched, and went our separate ways!"

All three of us sang at the same time again and I pointed a finger at a random dragoness in the crowd her eyes went wide, "If he ever hurts you! True love won't desert you!" I pulled my hand back, "You know I still love you!" I sang by myself now, "Though we touched, and went our separate ways!" 

The music played on for about fifteen seconds.

The cue for me to sing came and I sang, "Troubled times! Caught between confusions and pain, pain, pain!"

"Distant eyes! Promises we made were in vain! In vain, vain!"

"If you must go!!! I wish you love! You'll never walk alone!!! Take care my love!" I raised both my arms into the air, "Miss you love!!!!"

I let both my arms fall to my side and me, Neal, and Cody sang at the same time, "Someday love will find you! Break those chains that bind you! One night will remind you!" I sang by myself, "How we touched, and went our separate ways!"

All three of us sang together again and I pointed a finger at Amanda in the crowd, "If he ever hurts you! True love won't desert you! You know I still love you!" I pulled my hand back and I sang by myself, "Though we touched, and went our separate ways!"

The music especially the guitar played on and everyone can literally hear it. That guitar's loud! I looked at Neal and Cody and they both smiled at me. For beginners they're pretty good. Especially Cody, he did a nice job.

The music break lasted for 50 seconds and then my cue to sing came again. I sang, "Oh!!!!!!"

Me, Cody, and Neal sang at the same time again, "Someday love will find you! Break those chains that bind you! One night will remind you!"

We sang, "If he ever hurts you! True love won't desert you! You know I still love you!"

Then I sang by myself and pointed a finger at Sierra in the crowd, "I still love you, girl! I really love you, girl! And if he ever hurts you! True love won't desert you!"

I pulled my hand back and I sang, "No!!!!!"

I raised both my arms high into the air, "No!!!!!" 

I let both my arms fall to my side and the music stopped playing from my head. The song's over. I was breathing heavily. Sweat falling down my face.

The dragons in the crowd cheered for us on stage.

I looked back at Cody and Neal and they cheered as well. I smiled at them. You guys did really good. I saw the gem on stage change its color from blue to red.

I looked back at the crowd and I saw Sierra, Amanda, and the purple dragoness that Cody liked came up to the stage and they embraced us. Sierra embraced me, Amanda embraced Neal, and the purple dragoness...Well she pounced on Cody, got on top of him, and she rubbed her nose against his. Cody was smiling up at her, then was returning the favor by pressing his nose back against hers. He didn't mind what she just did to him at all.

I smiled and chuckled when I saw the whole thing. Hope those two get a room. 

Oh man tonight was great! That was the best performance I've ever done.

Then my face went glum and I thought about mom and dad.

If only you guys just saw what I did with them tonight.

If only you did.

*****

I sat down on the pile of furs in the motel room.

After the performance tonight, I came back to the motel all by myself. All of us, even Neal and Cody were all celebrating for our performance, but I wasn't in the mood for celebrating. I was kinda tired. I went back here without Sierra though. She wanted to eat at the Braveheart and she said she would meet me here when she's done eating.

I sighed to myself, my thoughts still on mom and dad.

God guys you would've been so proud of me. I mean you really would.

I shut my eyes tight. If you're worried about me, I'm sorry I didn't come back to you sooner. I was trying to be there for Sierra. She needed me. Because of everything she went through.

I hope you guys don't think that I'm dead. Because I am still alive.

I will come back home. I just need to talk to Sierra about it. I can't do it alone.

I heard footsteps coming toward me and I opened my eyes and saw that Sierra came back to the motel as well. She smiled at me.

I smiled back "Hey there, how was the food there?"

She said, "Well considering that you just left me alone there, it was great! Great as usual actually."

I laughed, "Good! Sorry I didn't join you guys on the celebration. I was just tired."

She waved me off and shook her head, "Don't worry about it."

I giggled, "I'm not." Then I gave her a devious grin, "Old lady."

She rolled her eyes and sighed, "I swear Wayne, you are going to be the death of me."

I shot back, "Well you're old, so you're bound to die sooner or later."

Sierra narrowed her eyes at me, "Shut up, you little twerp." Then we both laughed. She came toward me until she was behind me. She laid down on her stomach and got real close to me. I laid my back against her chest and I could feel her heart beating. Still beating as usual. Then she laid one of her paws on my lap. 

Sierra looked down at me and she said, "You know Wayne, I'm very proud of you for tonight. The music your kind has is amazing! I never heard anything like it in my life!"

I looked up at her, "And lets not forget about Neal and Cody. They did a good job just like me."

Sierra beamed when I mentioned them, "Oh ancestors yes! That young dragon Cody, did a nice job. And Neal...Oh goodness, I've known him since we were hatchlings and I never thought he could do it like you. He was amazing as well."

Sierra sighed happily, "History has been made at the Braveheart. They are the first dragons to sing at the Braveheart with you. First, you became the first human to sing there and now they're the first dragons to sing with one."

Sierra lowered her head to my level an she smiled at me, "You really know how to change things, Wayne. You really do. And I'm proud of you for that." Then she nuzzled the back of my neck.

My thoughts went back to my parents again and I sighed unhappily. Sierra heard me while she was nuzzling me. When she stopped, she had a concerned look on her face, "What's wrong? You don't look very happy."

I had a glum look on my face and while I was stroking her paw, I cleared my throat, "Nothing."

Sierra cocked her head at me, "Wayne, I've known you for a while and I know that face. You're sad about something. You know I want you to be very happy. Now what is it?"

I sighed again and without looking at her I said, "I was just...Thinking."

She nudged me a bit at the back of my neck with her snout, "About what?"

I said, "About my parents. My mom and dad. I...I think I miss them."

Sierra said, "Mary and Henry? Well you haven't talked about them for a while now. I was beginning to wonder if you forgot about them."

"That's the problem Sierra. I think I have forgotten about them. I mean, I think it's already been over a week and five days already. But I don't remember now. I lost track of how many days has passed."

She asked, "So...You want to go home?"

I said, "Yes."

She had a terrified look on her face and asked, "Forever? Are you staying in your home forever? Because I don't want to live in that cave anymore Wayne. I'm done living that lifestyle now. I want to live here, in this city. Where I belong."

I looked at her, "No, I don't want to stay in my home forever. I want to stay here with you. I feel like I belong here too in this city." Then I looked down, "But I need to see them. I need to see my parents. I've been gone for several days and I think it's by time I see them. You know let me introduce you to them. Tell them about everything. What I've been through. When I'm done telling them what I've went through, me and you will come back here. Me living with the satisfaction that my parents know that I'm okay."

Sierra nodded, "When do you want me to take you home? Tomorrow?"

I nodded and she said, "Then I won't deny your request. I'll take you home to see your family. But I seriously hope they won't be TOO afraid of me."

I shook my head, "They won't be TOO afraid of you. Not while I'm around. And if they try to hurt you, I'll stop them somehow. I'll convince them you're not a threat to them and me. Alright?"

Sierra smiled and said, "You know Wayne, I know you would always protect me, somehow. After all you never would have given up on me."

I shook my head and then I kissed her nose. I pulled my head away and said to her, "I love you Sierra."

She said back, "I love you too Wayne." Then we both just sat here together.

I'll come home mom and dad.

I will come home now.

Tomorrow, we both leave after morning.

*****

The blue male dragon flew to the mayor's house after learning something about the blue dragoness and the human male. The house is a big stone building, a little bit more larger than the other buildings in the city. Like a mansion.

He landed on the balcony of the mayor's house. He trotted until he saw the mayor sitting on his haunches staring at his comrade.

The mayor narrowed his eyes and the blue male dragon said, "Boss, I need to talk to you."

The mayor said, "This better be good this time."

The blue dragon  said, "It's about the blue dragoness Sierra and her human male friend. She's going to take him home tomorrow after morning. Believe me, I was on their motel room balcony when I heard them talking. They didn't notice that I was there."

The mayor smiled, "Perfect! Then you know what to do right?"

The blue dragon nodded and then the mayor started giggling evilly. Before anything else could happen the mayor's son wandered in the room to talk to his father, "Hey father, me and my mate are planning to-"

The mayor's son cut his sentence short when he saw the blue dragon in the room with them. The mayor's son cocked his head at his father and asked, "Is something wrong?"

The mayor shook his head and waved him off with his paw, "No nothing's wrong. Look the celebration at the Braveheart is over now. At least go to bed. I'll go to bed myself in a minute."

The mayor's son just stared at him and he nodded, "Well...Alright, goodnight father." Then he left the room. Leaving the mayor alone with the blue dragon.

After the mayor's son left, the mayor started grinning evilly. The blue dragon smiled back.

The mayor then started to walk to the balcony outside his room and stared out at the dragon city.

The mayor said, "Once the blue dragoness and the human male are dead, my war will begin. Then all the humans will die." He started to giggle evilly.