I walked back to my house after I was done taking a walk in the woods. Well at least I got my exercise in, I needed it.

While I was walking back home I saw smoke in the distance. I frowned. That's strange what could be burning? I jogged and jogged until I began to realize that the smoke is coming from my house.

My eyes went wide. Oh god no! I ran all the way back to the house, running on the dirt trail. I could see the fire in the distance and my fears have been confirmed.

My house is on fire!

I screamed, "NOOOOO!!!!" I ran to the front of the house, which is a blazing inferno. I cupped my hands to my mouth and I hollered, "MOM! DAD! ARE YOU THERE?!!!"

No answer.

My eyes were wide with shock, fear, and despair. No...

I backed away from the house and then something outside my house caught my eye. I gasped when I knew what I saw outside. I saw Sierra lying on the ground.

Sierra!

I ran to her running out of breath and I got on my knees and crawled to her head. I said, "Sierra! Sierra?"

I grabbed her head and shook her, "Sierra! Sierra wake up! Wake up!" That's when I saw the blood on her body.

I gasped once more. No she can't be dead, she can't! I shook her some more and kept shaking her until I began to realize she's not going to wake up.

I started to have tears forming in my eyes. No...Sierra.

I started to sob and I cradled her head in my lap. I cried my head against hers and I muttered, "I love you."

Then all of a sudden I saw a shadow and it's over us. I looked up and my eyes went wide when I saw another dragon that I didn't know is staring down at me with a fierce gaze.

The dragon is about to blow fire at me and I pleaded, "No." I could see the smoke coming from the dragon's mouth and I pleaded, "No." The dragon was getting ready to do it.

I screamed, "NOOOOOO!!!!!"

The dragon breathed fire down at me and I was engulfed in flames, my screams in agony and horror.

I woke up and screamed really loud, "Ah!!!!!!" Then I breathed heavily, until I breathed normally again. I looked around and realized I woke up next to Sierra in our motel room.

I sighed. It was just a dream. Sierra's ok. Mom and dad are okay. I'm okay. It was just a dream, a nightmare.

Sierra opened her eyes after I screamed and looked at me. She groggily asked, "Wayne...What's wrong?"

I sighed again and I looked at her, "Nothing it was-"

She finished, "Just a dream?"

I nodded, "Yeah and trust me you were in it and...I thought you were dead."

Sierra smiled at me, "I'm not dead Wayne. I'm not going anywhere."

I started to have tears in my eyes all of a sudden and I wrapped my arms around her head, I started to sob against her face. Sierra's eyes were wide.

I cried, "I thought I would never see you again. I really...I really thought you were gone." Then I closed my eyes.

Sierra comforted me, "It's alright Wayne. It's just a dream. I'm here, don't cry."

I muttered, "I'll never forgive myself if you're dead. I won't."

Sierra moved her paw and started to caress my back, "Don't worry. I'll be fine, I promise."

I sob against her for a long time. That dream still on my mind.

I'll protect you Sierra. I will.

Because if you die...I'll never forgive myself.

*****

Neal woke up with a yawn in his house. Morning already? Gosh, I can't believe I slept good.

Neal got up on all fours and let out a big stretch. He yawned again and shook his head. He sighed.

Then his eyes went wide in suprise when he noticed something's missing.

Hold on, where's Amanda?

He looked down at the furs and he noticed she's not in bed with him.

Neal cocked his head and he remembered what happened. Well I remember that Amanda said she was going for a walk last night and I waited for her for a long time. Then I felt tired and I slept without her, that's all that I remember.

But where did she go? I thought she be back by now. It's...Morning.

Neal hollered, "Amanda? Are you home?" He trotted around in his house, looking for Amanda.

He hollered again, "Amanda, where are you?"

Neal stopped in his tracks, still with a surprised expression.

That's strange. Where did she go?

*****

Me, Cody, and Sierra have went to the Braveheart to eat today. Pretty much the afternoon now.

Here I was eating a soup that Joanna said it's her special. Tastes pretty good actually. I'm wondering if the cook in the kitchen made it or if it was Joanna.

Cody's voice interrupted my thoughts, "Hey dude, did you hear me?"

I shook my head and looked at him, "Sorry what?"

Cody giggled, "I said me and my girlfriend went to the top of the wall together and she said the view was beautiful during the night. I have to say Wayne, I'm glad you helped me overcome my conflictions about asking her out. She's really beautiful."

Sierra smiled at him, "And here I thought you have mated her by now. After all you two seemed hooked together."

Cody's face turned red and he said, "Sierra, not cool!"

Sierra laughed, "Aw come on young dragon! You know you haven't had your first mating yet! At least give it a shot. Just remember if she's not in heat, then she won't have an egg. If she's is in heat, then-"

Cody shot a glare at her, "I know how it works Sierra!"

Her face went wide, "Oh." Then she shook her head and giggled, "Never mind then."

I laughed, "Boy Sierra, I never thought you would give mating advice to Cody. You're actually treating him like he's your son."

Sierra shrugged, "Why not? He's old enough to be my son."

Cody giggled, "Actually I think you're old enough to be my grandma."

Sierra narrowed her eyes at him, "What was that, you little shit?"

Cody waved her off, "Nothing, nothing at all."

Sierra said, "Don't make me regret thinking that you're like a son to me. Or else I'll disown you."

Cody smiled at her, "Awww, you wouldn't do that. After all I am lovable."

Sierra rolled her eyes, "What you are now is annoying."

Cody frowned, "You're no fun today."

Sierra shot back, "Don't have to be fun, you little green runt."

Cody shouted, "I am not a green runt!!!" Then me and Sierra laughed.

Joanna came to us and sat down on her haunches near the table, "What's going on everybody? Something that I missed?"

Sierra looked at Joanna and said, "I called Cody a little green runt."

Joanna laughed, "Well he won't be little forever sweetheart! He still has some growing up to do."

Cody shot up his head proudly, "Thank you very much."

Sierra rolled her eyes, "You know what? You, Neal, and Wayne all have a thing in common. You guys are a bunch of show offs."

I gave her a look, "Since when have I been a show off?"

Sierra grinned at me, "Just now."

I shot a glare at her, "At least I'm not old and have old lady wrinkles, like you."

Sierra glared at me, "Can it human." I giggled and covered my mouth so she wouldn't see me giggling anymore. She sighed, "Go ahead, laugh it up I don't care you little bastard." Then I laughed out loud.

Sierra still glared at me and she said, "You know what? You'll be old like me one of these days, so how about that?"

I stopped laughing and shrugged, "Well I don't have to worry about it. I got a whole life ahead of me."

Sierra rolled her eyes, "Like I said before...Show off."

Joanna giggled, "You know, you two are really made for each other. I'm proud of myself that I helped Wayne overcome his conflictions and started being with you. In a intimate matter of course."

Sierra looked at her and smiled, "Wayne did tell me about that, and still...I haven't thanked you yet."

Joanna waved her off with her paw, "No thanks sweetie. I'm fine."

Sierra said, "Well still thank you...For everything. I don't know what I would've done without him."

Joanna just stared at her and she smiled, "You're welcome." Then she lowered her head to my level and asked, "So hon, how's the soup? Ok?"

I nodded, "Oh yeah it tastes great! Did you make this soup?"

Joanna raised her head and said, "Lets just say it's an old recipe of mine. I use it every once in a while in my restaurant."

My eyes went wide, "Well still it tastes really good."

Joanna nodded, "Thank you hon." Then she whirled around and left us. Going back into the kitchen.

I looked at Sierra and said, "You know you can have to the soup too you know."

Sierra hook her head, "No thanks, I'm not a big fan of soups."

I deviously grinned at her, "Well I'm not a big fan of old ladies."

Sierra glared at me, "Shut up Wayne." Then all three of us laughed.

Neal came to us a moment later, he had a worried look on his face.

We all smiled at him and Sierra said, "Hello Neal! Nice to finally see you today."

I noticed the look and I frowned at him, "Hey you okay buddy? You look terrible."

Neal shook his head, "No, not really."

Sierra cocked her head at him, "What's wrong? Something happened?"

Cody cocked his head as well, "Hold on, isn't Amanda with you? Where she at?"

Neal still with that worried look said, "That's the thing...Amanda's gone."

All three of us had wide faces and I asked, "What do you mean gone? Like...Gone, gone?"

Neal nodded, "Right, as in gone. I looked all over the city for her, but I can't find her."

Sierra got out of the table and said, "Alright slow down and start at the beginning, what happened? When was the last time you saw Amanda?"

Neal took a deep breath and said, "Ok...You see me and Amanda were in my house together last night. Then before we would go to bed together, she said she wanted to go for a walk all by herself in the middle for the night, I think."

I asked, "That's odd. Didn't she come back?"

Neal narrowed his eyes at me, "No actually, I was playing a joke on you guys and I was PRETENDING to look for her. I didn't freakin think of that!"

I held out my hands to him, "Oh calm down."

Neal shot up his head, "Don't tell me to be calm! My female's missing!"

Sierra held out her paw and set it on his shoulder to calm him down, "Neal, you can't be calm if you panic. Now take a deep breath and calm down."

Neal took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She asked, "Better?"

Neal shrugged and looked at Sierra, "A little. But I'm still very worried about her. What if she just...Ran away?"

I shook my head, "I doubt it. She wouldn't do that to you. She loves living in this city."

He lowered his head to my level and said,  "Then what happened to her Wayne? I mean...I love her Wayne. If she's dead...I-"

Sierra got into this face, "She's not dead Neal. Just calm your ass down."

The three of us looked at his eyes and he's still afraid for her safety. Poor Neal, he really thinks she's hurt somewhere.

But where would she'd have gone to? That's the question.

People don't just disappear.

Something must have happened to her.

Wait a second. What if that blue dragon who tried to kill me and Sierra had friends? Could that be it? Did he really have friends and they have hurt Amanda because she's...Human?"

Maybe it's a possibility, but I can't jump to conclusions...Yet.

Sierra said, "Look Neal, I'll help you look for Amanda, ok? I'll help you find her."

Neal looked like he was about to break down and he nodded, "Thank you, old friend."

Sierra nodded and looked at me and Cody, "You two stay out of trouble and if you see Amanda, tell her that her big red scaly pervert boyfriend is worried about her and is looking for her."

I giggled and nodded, "Will do."

Sierra looked at Neal and said, "Alright lets go." And with that, she and Neal left our booth and left the restaurant.

Cody looked at me and cocked his head, "So...What did you think happened to Amanda?"

I shook my head, "I don't think I want to know. If she's in trouble, which I hope to god she's not. Then I hope she's okay."

*****

I just sat around on the furs in Sierra's motel room. Eric's crystal pendant in my hand. Still thinking about that dream from last night.

Jesus Christ, that dream really scared the hell out of me. I really thought mom and dad were dead.

I thought Sierra died too. Poor Sierra.

Sierra...

If you really did die, I wouldn't forgive myself. I love you.

I just hope it doesn't come to it.

And speaking of someone, I hope she and Neal have found Amanda. She couldn't have just...Disappeared.

God I hope she's okay. I'm just like Neal. I'm...Worried about her as well.

I hope she shows her face. And if it was all a joke, well no offense to Neal, but I'm gonna kill her it.

I giggled to myself. I really hope it was all a joke.

I hope.

I was just sitting around and that's when I saw Sierra enter the room. I looked up at her and smiled, "Hey old lady."

Sierra shot a glare at me, "Wayne, when will you just give up that saying already? You're making me feel old every time you just say it."

I giggled, "Well you are old, so-"

"Wayne!"

I laughed, "Alright, I'll shut up now."

Sierra came to me and walked, until she was right behind me. She laid down on her stomach and I laid my back against her side. Her wing close to me.

I sighed and she twisted her neck to look at me and asked, "Something wrong, my Wayne?"

I said, "I'm just worried about Amanda."

Sierra nodded, "Yeah I know. I am too. I've looked all over the city with Neal and we still didn't find her."

I looked at her and asked, "Where could she have gone? Why would she just up and leave?"

Sierra shook her head, "I don't know Wayne. But I kinda have a bad feeling about it. I mean...She's my daughter now."

I nodded, "Yeah I know. You care about her. So do I."

Sierra sighed, "I could really understand how a parent feels when they lose their hatchling. But right now it's not fair. She has been through a lot and she's all alone in...Wherever she went."

I reached and patted her body, "It's ok Sierra. She'll come back."

She asked, "But what if she won't come back? What is she just wanted to move on?"

I shook my head, "I don't think she really wants to leave this city. I guess we should just...Keep the faith in."

Sierra nodded, "Right...I guess." Then she sighed.

I looked straight ahead and said, "Hey Sierra...I want to talk to you about something."

She said, "What?"

I sighed, "It's...About last night."

Sierra nodded, "Yeah...That crossed my mind today. You...Still bothered by that dream?"

I nodded, "I can't get it out of my head. I mean...It was horrible. It really felt real. I...Really thought you were dead."

Sierra had a pity look on her face, "I'm okay Wayne. After all it was just a dream."

I got up on my feet and walked to her head. I looked up at her and said, "But it felt more than just a dream. I...I really could feel you and you were cold."

Sierra lowered her head to my level, she frowned, "You...Really felt me? In your dream?"

I nodded, "Yeah and that's not the worst part. My parents were in it too and they died. I saw that my house is on fire and only this time I was the only one who was outside. Then I found you on the ground and...You were dead. Then I died at the end by a dragon that I don't know. It was scary."

Her face went wide and she shook her head, "Wayne, it's just a dream. It wasn't real. I'm alive."

I started, "But-"

She cut me off, "I think you're still worked up about two nights ago. You almost died by that dragon and quite frankly, I'm still worked up about it as well."

I said, "But that's just the thing! I'm afraid you might die!"

She cocked her head, "Die from what?"

"Die from whatever. Or whoever the dragon probably had friends with."

Sierra narrowed her eyes at me, "You think I won't fight back against whoever? Come on, you know me better than that. They're not any different than a pack of wolves."

I had a concerned look on my face, "But that's just it. What if there's not one dragon, but TWO or THREE or maybe TWENTY dragons? You think you can take them all on?"

Sierra nodded, "No matter what the odds are, I will keep fighting. I don't care."

I shrugged, "Why?"

Sierra got her head close to mine, "Because I love you."

My eyes went wide and then I asked, "You would do all that for me?"

Sierra said, "Yes I would. No matter what happens, I would always protect you. You would do the same thing for me."

I lowered my gaze to the ground, "Me fight a dragon? I didn't do a good job the other night against that dragon. I was...Scared."

She said, "It doesn't matter. When you really love someone, no matter how big the enemy is, you would fight him. To protect someone you love."

I looked at her and said, "You know...If something terrible happened to you...I wouldn't know how to live. I could never find someone else like you. Not even a human."

Sierra said, "Don't stop believin' Wayne. That's what your best friend told you before. You just have to believe in yourself."

My face went wide and then I smiled at her. I think...She's right.

I should fight for her. I helped her fight her past and I helped her conquer it.

But if I had to fight someone to protect her, I'll do it.

I need to be a man. And quit running away.

I will protect her if it comes to it.

I said, "You're right Sierra. You're right."

Sierra nodded, "That's what Joanna would want. She would want you to keep believing in yourself. To fight what you believe in." Then she smiled, "And I know you can do it. You never gave up on me and you were always there for me. Even when I was a bitch to you, you never left me. You almost did TWICE, but you still stood by me. And I can't thank you enough for that. No words can describe this gratitude. You really do have a heart, Wayne. And you said to me once that you believed in me. Well I...I believe in you."

I then walked up to her and put my hands to both sides of her hands. I kissed her nose and then she kissed my lips. Sealing my mouth in a kiss. She pulled her mouth away after a moment of kissing and she smiled at me. She said, "I love you, my little minion."

I laughed and I rubbed her nose, "I love you too, old lady."

She groaned and raised her head and muttered, "Curse my own age." Then she giggled.

I backed away from her and said, "Hey listen, I'm going to find a vendor to find something to eat. I'll be back later."

Sierra nodded, "Alright, I'm going to take a break and then I'm going to look for Amanda again. I hope you find her on your end."

I nodded, "Me too big girl. Me too." And with that I went through the opening of the room and left her alone.

*****

I found a dragon selling apples from a wagon in the middle of the city. It's still the afternoon and the sun's setting.

I already went to Neal at his house who was taking a break from searching for Amanda and I asked him, can I look through Amanda's bag? He said sure and I got Amanda's gun out of her bag.

The reason why I got the gun is, I would rather protect myself during the night if I'm out during the night.

Just in case. Might as well protect myself.

I waved at the dragon who was about to close the wagon for the night and I said, "Hey there."

The male dragon who has brown scales said, "Hello there human. Haven't seen you for a while. I'm still impressed by your performance with those two dragons the other night at the Braveheart."

I smiled at him, "Thank you mister. Uh...Can I have one apple please?"

The dragon said, "Well kiddo one of these days I'm going to have to ask you to pay for one someday." Then he laughed.

I laughed along with him, "Maybe I should. But I will one day."

He picked up one apple with a paw and handed it to me, "There you go."

I waved at him, "Thanks, you have a good night."

The dragon waved his wing tip at me, "You too human." Then he put a closed sign that's made of wood on the wagon. I walked away from him and the wagon and started to eat the apple.

The apple tasted sweet. Man, dragons really know how to eat proper food. I giggled to myself at the thought.

I kept on walking and walking until I bumped into a black male dragon who came around the corner. I ran into his chest and I stumbled backwards in shock. My eyes went wide while the dragon glared down at me.

I backed away some more and said, "Oops, I'm sorry I-"

He didn't change his expression and he sternly said, "Watch it will you?"

I said, "Yes I-"

He cut me off, "Good now I'm gone, now good night." Then he walked past me, almost bumping into me again. After he walked past me, I shot a glare at him.

God, what an asshole. What was that all about?

I was about to walk off when a feeling started buzzing in my brain. Hold on, something didn't feel right here.

That dragon, he gave me that look. The look the mayor of the dragon city gave me twice. That weird look. Like I was being hunted.

That kind of look and that dragon just gave it to me.

Ok...I thought it was just my imagination, but now...I don't think so.

Something weird just happened and now I have a weird feeling.

I think they're...After me.

Wait a second, could...Could that blue dragon who died be working with them?

The mayor's son did tell me that his father doesn't like humans that much. Would it be enough to...Kill them?

I have a feeling that Amanda disappeared...Because of that dragon and the mayor.

I...I need to follow that dragon. I need to be sure.

I could be wrong, no doubt about that. But I need to be sure. I hope I know what I'm doing.

I felt the gun in the back of my pants. Making sure I didn't lose it or anything. Good, I still have it. Just in case.

While the black dragon is still in my sights on the streets, I decided to follow him without him seeing me.

*****

I followed the black dragon for a long time who is now walking with the mayor of the city side by side. The sun is still setting.

So far I didn't see anything weird with them. Nothing that relates to Amanda. I even saw the mayor's house and that stone building is big! Like a mansion.

I continued to follow them, not letting them out of my sight. I'm doing a good job so far.

I followed them in the streets. Still walking in a same pace. Then they started to walk up the staircase to the top of the wall that surrounds the city. I followed up after them. Taking one small step at a time. Keeping myself quiet.

The black dragon and the mayor made it to the top of the wall and started walking on it. I made it to the top as well and I stopped where I was when they didn't move either.

Before I could stare at them for another second, they both jumped off the wall and glided down to the outskirts of the city. They both landed to the ground and they just kept on walking. Walking away from the city.

I frowned when I saw them walking away from on top of the wall. That's weird. Why would they leave the city on foot? Where are they going? Why won't they just fly?

I don't like this. But...I better go after them. Before I could do anything like climb off the wall like I did before, Cody appeared out of nowhere and smiled at me, "Hey Wayne! You do know it's kinda getting late now? It's about to get dark."

I looked at him and nodded, "Yeah, I know." And then I looked outside the wall. To see if I can still see the mayor and his friend.

Cody asked, "So what are you doing up here?"

I looked at him and then to the outside of the wall, "Just sight seeing, you?"

Cody smiled, "Well I was planning to meet my girlfriend here, but I don't think she's coming tonight, maybe later I guess." Then Cody cocked his head, "Wayne? Are you okay?"

I looked at him and I nervously said, "Well...Cody do you trust me?"

Cody frowned at me and he nodded, "Yeah of course. We're brothers now." He gave me a smile.

I sighed, "Well ok...I think I know what happened to Amanda."

Cody cocked his head, "What?"

I said, "Look I think the mayor's behind her disappearance. I think he kidnapped her somehow. Or...Killed her. But I don't know. But I saw him and another dragon glide off the wall and started to walk away from the city. I think they're heading to the woods nearby. Where I got attacked by the wolves."

Cody was just trying to register what I've said to him and he frowned, "Well...I don't know what to think right now, but are you sure? What if you're wrong?"

I said, "Look the mayor is acting strange. He keeps looking at me like I'm his prey. And I think he has something to do with Amanda's disappearance. And I have to follow them."

Cody took a step toward me and asked, "Well Wayne, don't you think we should get Sierra and Neal about this?"

I shook my head at him, "No, by the time we get them, the mayor and his friend would already be gone. I have to follow them now. Cause if I don't do it NOW, I'll never find out what happened to Amanda."

Cody just stared at me and he said, "Well in that case, I'm coming with you. I don't want you to go out in those woods alone. You might get attacked by wolves again."

I smiled at him, "Well good, can I get on your back and we can glide down together?"

Cody said, "Sure, I may not be as big as Sierra and Neal, but I think I can carry you a bit." He turned his body and said, "Hop on and we'll glide down off this wall."

I nodded and I went to him and I climbed on his back. Trying not to put too much weight on him. I wrapped my arms around him and he walked to the edge of the wall. He flapped his wings and he jumped off the wall with me on his back and we glided to the ground together.

Cody landed at the ground outside the wall and he trotted to a stop. I got off his back and I patted him on the neck.

Cody looked back at the wall and then at me and smiled, "Well that was easy than I thought it was."

I giggled, "Yep." Then I saw the footsteps that the mayor and his friend left behind and I said to Cody, "Come on, lets go." Then me and him started to follow the tracks.

*****

We walked for a while and now it's nighttime. Me and Cody kept walking in the woods. Hearing the wolves howling nearby. My eyes went wide. Jesus, even the wolves still scare me.

Well at least I have Amanda's gun in case one of those wolves comes near me. I don't want my leg to get bitten again. Hell I even have Cody by my side. At least he'll toast them!

We followed the tracks some more. Even though the mayor and his friend are far away from us now, but we still kept on walking. They still left the tracks. They never suspected we would follow them. Not even ME, a human and Cody, a short young green dragon.

Cody whispered to me, "Wayne...Where do you think they're going?"

I whispered back, "I don't know. But I got a bad feeling about this."

We followed the tracks some more and finally we can see a cave in the distance. I knew they were going somewhere in the woods.

Question is...Is Amanda in there?

Me and Cody walked to the mouth of the cave and we peered through the opening. Kinda dark in there, but I think my eyes could adjust to it. Amanda is in there, I can feel it.

I pulled the gun out of my pants and held it in my hand. Cody saw it and his eyes went wide, "Wait? Is that?"

I looked at him and nodded, "Yep, it's Amanda's gun."

Cody frowned at me and asked, "A human weapon? What do you need that for?"

I said, "You know what for? For protection. I need this, just in case."

Cody asked incredulously, "Wouldn't that be...Dangerous to use?"

I groaned and waved him off, "Look the mayor and his black friend are probably dangerous as well. I need some protection."

Cody nodded, "Well ok, that's true." Then he looked in the cave and with a determined look he said, "Are you ready for this?"

I held out my hand in front of him, "Wait. I want you to go back to the city and find Sierra and Neal. And other than them, bring back more help if you can."

His face went wide, "What? What are you going to do?"

I answered, "I'm going to get Amanda out of there. I'm doing this alone."

Cody shook his head in fear, "No. I can't leave you alone. What if you to die? I don't want you to die, Wayne."

I looked at him and put my hand on his shoulder, "Listen Cody, I know what this looks like, but I have to find her. She's probably hurt. I want you to bring Sierra and Neal back here and if you can bring more help as well. Please alright? For me."

Cody just stared at me, still wondering if he should leave me or just stay with me. He finally closed his eyes and sighed, "Ok...I'll go."

I smiled at him, "Good, now go. Just fly back to the city and bring them here as soon as you can."

Cody nodded, "Ok. And Wayne...Please be careful."

I said, "Don't worry I will." That's when Cody made a running start, flapped his wings and flew away from me. Flying high over the trees.

I sighed and looked through the opening again. I started to get real nervous.

You can do this Wayne. Amanda needs your help.

Don't back down from this.

I held the crystal pendant that's around my neck.

Eric, if you're watching me right now, do me a favor. Keep me alive. At least do it for Sierra. Do it for both of us.

I will not die, I will not die.

I took a deep breath and I took the first few steps into the cave with the gun in my hand.

Walking into the darkness.