Present Day

I was in one of the jewelry stores in the dragon city. Just trying to find something to look good for Wayne's big night at the Braveheart.

My thoughts went to him from last night. Well at least he doesn't hate me and at least he's not afraid to talk to me. Even though he didn't sleep by me last night, but I can understand why. He's still worked up about that night.

When I confessed my love to him.

I had a glum look on my face, when I was looking at all the beautiful necklaces here. Wayne...I wish you could understand my feelings.

I mean...I wish that you weren't seeing me for what I am, but WHO I am. And I don't love you because you remind me of Eric, but for being YOU. You're better than Eric actually.

Eric would always be in my heart, but it's like that promise he made me keep. To find someone else to love and be with, after he dies.

But I've ignored that promise for a long time after he died. I...Couldn't let him go.

But I've found someone else that I love, and he doesn't want me.

I want to keep the promise, but I can't. Hopefully something will change.

I won't give up on Wayne, not like I haven't gave up on Eric before I told him how I've felt.

I know Wayne will come to me, as a lover. I know he will.

I will keep that promise. I will do it for Eric.

Time will tell...Time will tell.

The clerk who is a yellow dragoness came to me with a smile and asked, "Find anything?"

I looked at her and nodded, "Yeah, can you get me this necklace here?"

The clerk nodded and opened the display case and got it out, then handed it to me. She said, "That'll be fifty coins please."

I handed her the coins I was saving for a rainy day. See so many years ago, I've still had my money that I've had from a long time ago. When I've lived in the cave. But now since I came back here with Wayne for the first time in years, I thought I better pack up my money as well.

After I had the necklace in my paw, I tried it on and I looked at a mirror nearby. I smiled at my reflection. I look pretty good.

The necklace is a beautiful sapphire. Bright blue and all that. Just like me. I'm blue and the sapphire's blue, works for me. Wouldn't want anything else. I still can't believe the dragons still find those sapphires. I thought no one would find them anymore.

I was still staring at my reflection when I heard a familiar voice behind me, "Hi Sierra!"

My eyes went wide and I turned my head to look over my shoulder and saw Amanda behind me.

I turned my whole body around and lowered my head to her level, "Hello there, Amanda! You having a good morning?"

Amanda nodded, "Pretty well. Actually I was looking for Wayne. He wasn't in his room at the motel. Got an early start I guess."

I said, "Well I saw Wayne this morning and he said he was going to find Cody and remind him about tonight at the Braveheart."

Amanda smiled, "Oh yeah I forgot about it! Wayne will be singing there in front of all the dragons who are going to be there! I have to admit...That's awesome!"

I smiled, "Yes...Yes it would." Then my smile melted away and I looked away from her.

Amanda gave me a concerned look, "Sierra, you ok? You don't look to good."

I looked at her and gave her a smile, "Yeah I'm fine, I just...Couldn't sleep last night."

Amanda shrugged, "Anything I need to worry about?"

Honestly I wanted to scream and let all of it out, right now. I wanted to tell Amanda about my feelings toward Wayne, that I've got rejected by him. That he only thinks of me as a friend. But I just...Couldn't tell her. It's just...Awkward to me.

Of course I would've told my uncle about it. I mean, I've talked to him about me wanting Eric and I took his advice. Maybe he would know what to do.

But still, I can't change what Wayne wants. It's his choice.

Amanda's voice interrupted my thoughts, "Sierra?"

I shook my head, "Sorry, what did you say?"

Amanda frowned, "I just asked you if there was anything I need to worry about? You were just...Staring at me."

I waved her off with my paw, "No there isn't trust me, I'm fine."

Amanda sighed and nodded, "Well ok, if you say so." Then she asked, "Hey Sierra, do you want to hang out with me today? I mean, I think Wayne's big night is tonight right? Several hours away, I mean it's still morning."

I nodded, "Sure, of course. I could use a different human every now and then."

Amanda giggled, "Ah, don't tell me you're getting tired of hanging with Wayne all the time."

Honestly her saying Wayne, just hit my heart a bit, but I didn't show it. I pretended I was happy and giggled, "Maybe, maybe not."

Amanda laughed and whirled around, "Well come on, lets walk together on top of the wall. I love the view. I already walked up there yesterday."

I nodded in agreement, "Yes please."

And with that Amanda walked out of the jewelry store. I trotted after her.

Maybe having her company would cheer me up. Us females having our girl time together.

I wonder how Wayne's doing? I wonder.

*****

I was in the big motel hallway, just got back from talking to Cody and Neal. I already talked to them and reminded them of my big night at the Braveheart.

I smiled to myself at the thought of it. Oh man, it'll be sweet! Me the first human in history will sing at the Braveheart in front of a lot of dragons! Mom and dad wouldn't believe this!

My thoughts went to mom and dad. God...I hope they're doing alright. I've been gone for days, maybe almost a week. I don't know.

I wish they were here in the dragon city. Watching me sing at the Braveheart. Hell they would love the food there!

Maybe I'll have Sierra or someone take me back home sometime. I mean according to Amanda, she says that my face is all over the news. They must have went to the police and they put out an APB on me. Everyone's looking for me.

I hope they won't get to mad for not returning home to them days ago. Hell mom probably has an heart attack over me.

Don't know about dad though. He's a toughie.

I giggled to myself. Well I know where I get that from. I'm a toughie as well.

I walked to Amanda's room, wondering how she's doing since her first day living here in the dragon city.

I went through the opening of her room and saw her sitting on a pile of furs, rummaging through her bag. I smiled and walked up to her, "Hey there."

Amanda looked up and smiled back, "Hey Wayne. Where did you go today? I thought you would be at the Braveheart practicing your singing for tonight."

I shrugged, "Well I haven't been there yet. But I will, just need to have some thought into it. Just feel like I don't need any distractions."

Amanda giggled, "Distractions? Would I be a distraction?"

I shook my head and asked, "No. Why?"

Amanda said, "Because I'm a girl." After she said that we both giggled.

We stop giggling and she asked, "So what song are you singing?"

I tilted my head, "Huh?"

Amanda said, "You know for tonight. I mean, you said that the gem in the Braveheart can read your mind and then it'll play the music you think of. I mean it's awesome, but what song are you thinking of?"

I waved her off, "Sorry can't tell you. It's a surprise."

She gave me an mock expression, "Surprise? Well the dragons wouldn't know the song anyways so who cares? At least tell me."

I grinned and shook my head, "Nope, won't tell you."

Amanda rolled her eyes, "You're no damn fun."

My eyes went wide and then I narrowed my eyes at her, "Did Neal and Cody tell you I'm no damn fun?"

Amanda giggled, "Nope can't tell you, it's a surprise."

Now I rolled my eyes, "Whatever, I'm damn fun."

Amanda laughed, "Looks like you're right."

I asked, "So what did you do today?"

Amanda smiled, "Well this morning I was hanging out with your friend, Sierra. I have to say she's really nice. I mean we even walked on the wall that surrounds the city together. It really is a beautiful day to be up there."

Her mentioning Sierra brought some guilt back to me. I still feel sorry for her. Feel guilty for hurting her. She loved me and I've rejected her.

But I can't think like that about her. She's a dragon and I'm a human.

She just needs to really understand that, and find someone else to love her. Not me.

I can't be Eric. I can never replace Eric. I'm not him.

Amanda interrupted my thoughts, "Wayne? What's wrong?"

I shook my head and waved her off, "Nothing. Did you say something?"

She frowned, "Gee, why is everyone that I know acting weird today? I mean first Sierra, now you. I mean give me a break."

I frowned at her, "What do you mean, Sierra's acting weird? What's wrong with her?"

Amanda shrugged, "I don't know. I mean, at first she keeps talking about you and then she doesn't say anything else. I mean...I don't know. Mostly we were just quiet together. Guess it's not every day she gets to hang out with another human. I guess that's why she's acting weird around me."

I just looked at Amanda. She's probably still thinking about me that way. Maybe it'll take some time to settle in.

I hope Sierra will be okay. I really feel sorry for her. I don't want to hurt her anymore. That's not me.

Sierra would always be my friend. And I would always protect her.

But how can I protect her, if I'm hurting her? This is...Complicated.

Amanda looked at me for another moment and then rummaged through her bag again.

I sat down beside her and asked, "What are you looking for?"

Amanda shook her head, "Well nothing much, I just wanted a protein bar."

I raised one eyebrow, "Protein bar? I thought you loved the food here?"

Amanda shrugged, "Well I thought I would have something that doesn't belong in this city. I'm sure dragons don't make protein bars."

I held out my hand, "Can I have one?"

Amanda nodded and reached into her bag and got two protein bars out. She handed me one while she had one. I opened the protein bar and had one bite out of it.

Amanda giggled with her mouth full, "You know, I thought YOU loved the food here."

I giggled as well, eating the whole thing and shot back, "Look whose talking." I stared at the bag and said, "You kinda travel light, don't you?"

Amanda glanced at me and then she looked at the bag, "Well it's not like I can carry all of my stuff from my home and carry it all with me."

I shrugged, "Point taken." Then I looked through her bag, "What else you got in here? I'm kinda hungry for another protein bar."

Her eyes bugged out of her sockets and she tried to grab my arm to stop me, "Don't look in that!"

It was too late to stop me, and by the time she'd tried. I felt something metallic in her bag. I grabbed onto it and pulled it out of the bag. I gasped when I saw what I'm holding.

A revolver.

A gun? Amanda has a gun?! What the hell?

My face went wide when I showed her the gun, "Amanda...What's this?"

Amanda looked freaked out and she shook her head, "Nothing."

I knew she's hiding something now and I put the gun down to the ground and I glared at her, "Amanda, what's going on? Why do you have a gun?"

Amanda looked down and muttered, "Nothing."

I still stared at her. Yeah, she's definitely hiding something. I pressed her, "Amanda."

Amanda looked at my face and I asked again, "Why do you have a gun? Look I'm your friend. If you did something wrong-"

Suddenly she grabbed my shoulders and had a pleading look on her face, "Please Wayne, don't send me back home! I don't want to go back! Please don't tell your friends to send me back!"

I nodded and held up my hands, "Alright, calm down. I won't."

Amanda took a deep breath and let go of my shoulders and they fell to her sides and muttered, "You...You wouldn't understand it."

I remember on the night before Sierra told me her feelings. On the day when me and the others met her. Amanda said that her life is complicated. And she did mention that Sierra reminded her of her mother.

Did something happen to her? I need to know.

I gave her a curious look, "Amanda, what's going on? What is this?"

Amanda sighed, "You wouldn't understand it."

I put a comforting hand on her shoulder, "Well then make me understand it. Now tell me, why do you have a gun in your bag? I mean, don't you know that they're dangerous?"

Amanda nodded, "I know and that's why I ran away from home."

I let go of her shoulder and stared intently at her, "What are you talking about?"

Amanda shrugged her shoulders, "Don't know if you'll believe me or not. No one did."

I waved a hand at her, "Try me."

Amanda sighed and she slowly told her tale, "Well...It's like I said before, My life's...Complicated."

I asked, "How complicated?"

Amanda answered, "Very. You see...I didn't have an easy life in Montana. I wanted to get away from everything. Start a new life. Head to California."

I asked, "Why?"

Amanda hesitated and finally she said, "Because my dad doesn't care about me."

My face went wide and then I frowned, "What do you mean?"

She said, "Look, it's not my fault that I have an abusive parent. My dad was like that before I was born."

I had a pity look on my face, "Your...Dad abused you? Why?"

She had an angry look on her face, "Because he doesn't care about anybody but himself, not even mom. You..." It sounded like her throat was tightening and she hesitated.

I gave her a comforting voice and said, "It's okay, just take your time."

Amanda took a deep breath and said, "My dad was always abusive to me and my mom. You see...He always beated her up the most. Cause he's a raging alcoholic. He drinks everyday! I mean...He doesn't stop."

I stared at her and she went on, "One day...One thing changed." She took a deep breath and said, "My dad beat my mom so badly she wounded up in the hospital. The doctors didn't save her in time and she died. Died from internal bleeding. And it's not fair. They even thought she had an accident, but it wasn't."

I felt really sorry for her and said, "I'm sorry for your loss."

Amanda gave me a smile and said, "My mother was always there for me. She was someone I could talk to. She didn't even mind that I'm a tomboy. She always said that I should always be myself. No matter where you go."

I asked, "Did the police ever arrest your dad?"

She had an angry look again and shook her head, "No, they didn't think he did anything to her."

I tilted my head, "You mean you didn't tell anyone?"

She shouted, "I was FORCED not to tell anyone! But I did tell someone anyway. My teachers at school and they didn't believe me."

"Why?"

She answered, "Well...I think it's because of my past drug use. I mean come on! Just because I did drugs, that doesn't mean I'm lying. I don't do them anymore. I only did marijuana, that's it."

I asked, "What about the police?"

She let out a frustrated sigh, "They don't believe me either. Because of my drug use and they think I'm just a girl trying to get my dad into trouble, but I'm not. I'm telling them the truth."

I shrugged, "So then...Why did you run away? Because of your dad?"

She looked away from me. I pressed her, "Amanda, just tell me. I can take it. Look I won't judge you, ok? Just help me out here."

Amanda started to cry and while her throat was tightening she said, "My dad didn't care about me. Even after mom died, he still didn't have a heart. I didn't have anyone else to talk to. Only I was alone, alone with my dad. He beat me until I ran into my room and locked the door. He hits me, calling me a whore. And..." She trailed off.

I put a comforting hand on her shoulder and she looked at me and said, "My dad tried to sleep with me."

I gasped and then I had an angry look on my face, fuming. I muttered, "That bastard."

Amanda while tears fell down her face nodded, "He tried to have sex with me. He was so drunk he tried to force himself on me. But I didn't let him. After I got him off of me, when he...Tried to rape me. I mean...He's sick!"

Amanda took a deep breath and said, "My dad started to chase me around the house. I tried to call the police, but he yanked the phone out of my hand. He screamed at me. Tried to chase me again and I actually ran into his room. I locked the door and he tried to break the door down."

She went on, "Then finally I...Found it on top of the dresser."

That's when I knew what she was talking about, "The gun."

Amanda nodded tear faced, "I picked up the gun. Held it in my hand. I never held a gun before. Dad broke the door down and before I knew what I was doing I..." She sobbed.

I knew where she went on this and I sadly said, "Amanda."

She said through sobs, "I shot my dad in the chest. He...Didn't get up. I backed away from his body. Pretty scared of what I've done. I...I've just killed a man! I mean he hurt me, and he deserved it. But...I'm no better than him. I've murdered him."

I exclaimed, "Murdered him? He was gonna murder you!"

She shouted, "Yeah and would the cops believe me?! NO! They wouldn't! Because no one would believe me about him hurting me, so what makes you think they would believe me now?!"

I asked, "Is that why you ran away? Because you've killed him?"

Amanda nodded, "I ran away from home. Because I didn't want to go to prison. I mean, there were no witnesses. So that would mean if there were no witnesses, there was no chance of me going free. So I didn't tell anyone where I was going and I just ran off. Without a car, I just walked from Montana to Colorado. I wanted to go to California, to just start over."

I really felt sorry for her. I...Didn't know what to say to her now. She ran away because she killed her father. But she was just protecting herself. And her...Poor mother as well, I could really relate to her. I still think about Joanna and she was like a mother to me as well.

Amanda sobbed again and said, "I feel alone now. More alone than ever. I don't have a lot of friends. No one to talk to. I...I...I want my mom back, Wayne. I want her back!" Then she buried her face into her hands and cried.

I pitied for her with every part inside me and then I scooted close to her. I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her.

Amanda eyes went wide and she looked at me, "Wayne?"

I said, "Amanda...I don't blame you for running away."

Amanda just stared at me and I went on, "And I could also relate to you as well. I...Used to have a mother figure, her name's Joanna Stanton. And...She died two years ago from cancer."

Amanda while her face was teared up, she also had a pity look for me as well, "I'm sorry."

I shook my head, "It's alright. I mean...I used to feel guilty when she died. I thought it was my fault. But the point is...Thanks to Sierra...I don't feel it as much. Sierra...Really helped me."

Amanda smiled at me and said, "Can I...Ask you something?" 

I nodded and she asked, "About Joanna, what makes her so special?"

I smiled at her, "Joanna is like the best person I could ever be with and she's the reason why I've started singing. Joanna listened to Journey a lot. And also too, she can also relate to you and your mom as well."

Amanda tilted her head and I said, "Joanna was with a abusive husband as well. Luckily for her, she left him and never saw him again."

Amanda still had that smile on her face, "That's good. I..I wish mom just left him before she died. It would've made a difference."

I nodded, "I know. But it's not your fault. And you had to kill him. He was going to rape you and you have to do it. Don't blame yourself."

She shook her head, "I'm not. It's...Just I didn't have anyone with me. I'm just so alone."

I said, "Sierra could totally relate to you. She has been alone for a long time. Because she lost Eric."

Amanda frowned, "The human she was...With?"

I nodded and Amanda giggled, "Well...I guess I can relate to her on that."

I asked, "Why?"

Amanda didn't say anything. All she did was stare into my eyes. Then very slowly, she leaned her head close to my face and she planted her lips to mine for a kiss.

My eyes went wide when she did that and soon I kissed her back.

But then suddenly while I was kissing her, a weird feeling stopped me from doing it some more. I pulled away from her face and turned my head away from her. Amanda had a shocked look on her face and asked, "Did...Did I do something wrong?"

I didn't even look at her, I only thought about the weird feeling. What was that? I never felt it before.

No wait...I did feel it before.

Sierra...

Amanda's voice broke my thoughts, "Wayne?"

I looked at her and said, "I...I need to go." Then I got up on my feet and just left her here alone.

Amanda called out, "Wayne!"

I didn't stop, didn't even look at her. I ran into the big hallway of the motel and ran through the entrance to the motel and onto the streets. I ran about four blocks until I was out of breath. I leaned against the wall of a stone building and breathed heavily. Trying to catch my breath.

That feeling. I did feel it before. When I was close to Sierra. I've felt that feeling more than once every time I was near her.

I would say ever since me and her became close, that's when I started to have the feeling. After the night she rescued me from the pack of wolves.

My eyes went wide when I figured out what that feeling means. Why I didn't kiss Amanda anymore. Why it...Felt wrong.

I'm fallen in love with Sierra, and I didn't realize it until now.

That's why I feel for sorry for her and guilty for hurting her feelings. That's why I care about her so much.

Because I love her.

After the realization, I went on walking after I've catched my breath.

I can't think that way about her. Can I?

I need to talk to someone.

*****

I sat outside Joanna's house. Waiting for her to come home from somewhere.

I knocked on her door a while ago, when she didn't answer it, I knew she was off somewhere. And I've just waited for her ever since.

How I knew where she lived, it wasn't hard to find out where. I've asked a few dragons about where she lived since they only know her as the owner of the Braveheart, and they pointed me the direction of her house. So that's how I found her house.

I know she's probably at the Braveheart, getting ready for the big event tonight. But I didn't want to go there. I wanted to talk to her alone without anyone bothering me. I knew she would come back to her house for a break or something.

I wanted to talk to her about Sierra and how I feel about her.

I mean, I care about Sierra. But now...Now I just don't know anymore. I don't know if it's normal for me to love a dragon. Especially her.

I mean, I've supported her for her love toward Eric, the other human she loved. But me...I just don't know anymore.

I looked up at the sky and the sun's already setting. My big night is coming soon. I sighed. I know I should be at the Braveheart now, but I'm not feeling it now.

Before I was about to give up. The old magenta dragoness Joanna walked up to me on the street and her face went wide, "Wayne? What are you doing here? I thought you would be at the Braveheart by now, you know your night's coming, right?"

I smiled at her and said, "Hey Joanna. Sorry that I'm not at the Braveheart, it's...Kinda of a long story."

Joanna had a concerned look and cocked her head at me, "What's wrong, hon? You look terrible."

My smiled melted away in a instant and I sighed, "Joanna, can I talk to you?"

Joanna sat down on her haunches in front of me and nodded, "Of course hon. You can tell old Joanna anything."

I looked up at her and hesitated. Should I tell her? Should I really tell her?

Joanna interrupted my thoughts, "Wayne hon, please tell me. Let me help you." Then she lowered her head to my level, "What's the matter sweetie?"

I looked down at my feet and answered, "I'm in love with someone."

She beamed at me, "Aw! That's very sweet! Who is it?"

I sighed again. Joanna's expression changed when she knew something was wrong and she asked, "Wayne? Why do you look...Sad? Is she a bad influence on you?"

I looked at her and waved her off, "No, no she's not. It's...Complicated."

Joanna frowned, "Well how about quit holding in all those things and tell me? Don't hold it all in, just let it all out to me. Please hon, tell me."

I nodded slowly and just blurted it out, "I love Sierra."

Joanna's face beamed brightly again, "Oh that sweetheart. I knew she loved you, just like she loved Eric years ago."

I groaned, "But that's just it! I mean, she's a dragon and I'm a human! I mean, I can't really think that way about her, can I?"

Joanna's face went to pity, "Wait? Is that was this is about? You...You don't think you should be with her? I thought you've cared about her."

I shook my head, "No Joanna,  I do. But this...This thing that I feel, it's so complicated I don't know how it'll work out. I mean, what would everyone in the dragon city think? What would...My parents think?"

Joanna raised her head and said, "Hon listen, I wouldn't mind it. I mean, I don't see anything wrong with it. I mean...Does she love you too?"

I nodded, "I'll be honest, before we came back to the city, she told me how she felt about me. But...But I rejected her, because I was just so shocked I...didn't know what to think."

Joanna smiled, "So she does love you. I'm not really surprised you do look pretty handsome."

For the first time ever since this conversation started, I giggled, "Yeah well, I guess that's one reason she loves me."

Joanna asked, "How long have you felt this way?"

I shrugged, "I can't be to sure. But I think I've felt this feeling ever since we became close. After she saved me from the pack of wolves outside the city. I think...That's when I felt it the first time."

Joanna cocked her head, "Well...What makes you realize it now? When did you realize your love for her?"

I answered, "Me and...Amanda were kissing, and then I've felt this weird feeling. And I knew it was about Sierra. I felt pretty guilty for doing that to her. I mean, I've felt this feeling for a long time and I've just ignored it because she's a dragon." I sighed, "But now...Now this is happening and I feel so conflicted, I don't know who I am anymore. I don't know if I'm a dragon on the inside or a human like I was before. It's really confusing."

Joanna had a pity look on her face and then she got on her feet and walked to where I was and sat down beside me. She reached out to me with her paw and wrapped it around me. She gave me a comforting smile, "It'll be okay hon. You just don't realize what you're missing."

I looked up at her and said, "But I'm a human Joanna. I just don't know if it'll work out!"

Joanna reassured me, "It will, believe me it will."

I shrugged, "How?"

She answered, "Because she loves you, and you love her. You two were meant to be together."

I asked, "What makes you think that?"

"Because you're kind and sincere. You have a heart just like she does. That's why you're meant to find each other."

I sighed, "But I'm not Eric. I can't replace him! I...I..."

Joanna shook her head, "Hon listen. She doesn't like you because you remind her of him. If that's what you're thinking. She loves you for who you are. Not that you're like Eric. You can't replace him no. But you can still be with her." She giggled, "And there's something I need to tell you. I never told anyone this. Not even Sierra. It's about Eric."

I frowned and asked, "What about him?"

She smiled, "He was just like you. Before he and Sierra got together. He was so conflicted just like you. Wondering if it's normal. But the truth is...It is. Because we have feelings too. We have a society just like you do. I mean, look at me I am like you. Our kind are just like yours. What differences do you see? What differences do you see between our kind and yours?"

I looked at her and only stared at her. And I think I can see it now. They look different, but they ARE us. Humans living inside every dragons body. And some dragons sees my kind as dragons living inside human bodies.

Now it make sense.

Joanna went on, "Eric died and Sierra felt so alone she couldn't let it go. And you want to know the truth? Before she met Eric, she was with several  drakes throughout half her life. They didn't love her like Eric did."

Joanna put a paw to her chest and said, "I know how she feels from experience. The reason why I didn't have a hatchling for years, is because I was always with the wrong drake. Most drakes have huge egos, they always think about themselves."

Then a thought popped into my head, "But wait, what about Sierra's best friend? Neal? Shouldn't they be together?"

Joanna shook her head, "Neal did love Sierra, but Sierra wanted Eric. So Neal let her go, cause he wanted her to be happy. And if you did try to get them together, Neal wouldn't be with her, cause he knows she loves you."

I stuttered, "But what about...What everyone else would think? I mean-"

She narrowed her eyes, "Wayne, if anyone has a problem with it, so what? That doesn't mean you should care how they feel. If anyone has a problem with you two being together that way, then to hell with them! They don't know what true love is, until it hits them in the muzzle!"

She lowered her head to my level and said, "You love her, don't you? You care for her, right? Well don't worry about what everyone else thinks, follow your heart. Follow your feelings! Because there is no one else like her. She loves you too. And I know you two are meant to be together. Believe me, you are. Don't let it all go away. Embrace it! I know it's a bit much but, be a dragon damn it!"

I giggled and then I thought about what she said. She's right...She's absolutely right.

I do love Sierra.

I'm not Eric, but so what? She does like me for who I am, not because I'm like Eric.

And if my parents or anyone had a problem with it, then whatever they can think what they want.

I do love Sierra, and I've ignored it. But I can't anymore.

I have to be with her. I have to make it right.

By doing something I should've done a long time ago.

By telling her I love her.

I never should have rejected her, I just ignored my feelings, but I won't anymore.

I'll do it. I will do it.

I smiled at Joanna and said, "You're right."

She knew what I was thinking and she smiled, "Good. Then you have to go to her."

I nodded, "I will."

Then me and her got on our feet and Joanna said, "Well lets go to the Braveheart, your big night's going to start soon, don't want to be late."

I nodded again, "Yeah lets go."

Joanna walked in front of me and then I said, "Hey wait."

Joanna whirled around and cocked her head, "Yes, hon?"

I smiled at her, "I never told you this before. But I guess now is the best time. It's the reason why I named you Joanna."

She nodded and I went on, "The reason why I named you Joanna is...I named you after my best friend. She was...Like a mother to me. She died two years ago, but you remind me so much just like her. That's why I named you after her."

Joanna smiled, "You know hon, you are like a son to me. A son that I've never had. I had called Eric my son and he did call me mother. But...You really are the best thing since Eric came here, and I really am glad I met you. I really felt alone when he was gone. You...Are the best thing that could ever happen to a old dragoness like me."

I walked to her and she lowered her head to my level.  I wrapped my arms around her neck and hugged her. I said, "I love you...Mom."

Joanna said, "I love you too, son." Then I pulled back and she nuzzled my face. I smiled when she did that.

She pulled away and said, "So, are you ready to go sing for the dragons?"

I nodded, "That's what the Joanna I know back then would want me to do. So yes, I am."

She nodded, "Lets go."

And with that, me and Joanna went to the Braveheart together.

*****

Me and Joanna saw the entrance to the restaurant while we were walking to it.

Outside the restaurant I saw Neal, Cody, Amanda, Sierra's uncle, and even Sierra outside waiting for me. They all smiled when they saw me and Joanna.

Me and Joanna smiled at them, I said, "Hey guys you made it."

Cody bounded to me, "Of course we made it pal! We wouldn't miss it."

Neal snorted, "I almost did miss it." Then he smiled and shrugged, "But now I'm here."

Sierra's uncle grinned down at me, "Well my boy glad to see you here. I can't wait to see this."

Joanna grinned and said, "Glad to see you all. But I need to get inside the restaurant and calm all the guests down." She looked down at me and said, "See you in there Wayne." Then she went through the entrance.

Sierra's uncle went in after her. Then Cody beamed at me, "Well I need to find my mother, see you on that stage Wayne!" He went through the entrance.

Neal lowered his head down to my level and winked at me,  "Good luck kid." Then he raised his head and went through the entrance as well.

Amanda came to me and I still felt sorry for leaving her alone and I said, "Look Amanda...I-"

She put a finger to my mouth and smiled, "Don't worry about it. I never should have tried anything with you. But we'll talk later about it, ok?"

I smiled at her, "Ok."

Amanda gave me a hug and said, "See you in there." Then she let me go and ran into the restaurant. Leaving me alone with Sierra.

I looked up at Sierra and smiled, "Hey."

She smiled down at me, "Hey Wayne."

Then I could see on her neck that she's wearing a necklace. A beautiful sapphire necklace, made for a dragon to wear. It really suits her.

I complimented her, '"You're beautiful tonight."

Sierra apparently blushed after my compliment and shyly said, "Thank you. You look handsome tonight as well."

I just grinned at her. I know that I do love her, I know it now.

But telling her how I feel about her right now is not the time to do it. I have some entertaining to do.

I beckoned her, "Come on. Lets go in."

She lowered her head to my level and gave me a lick on the cheek, "Good luck."

I gave her a kiss on the nose and looked into her eyes. Those beautiful eyes. Then I pulled away from her and we both went in the Braveheart.

When we went inside my eyes went wide because of so many dragons inside. Waiting for me to sing on stage. The very first human to entertain inside the Braveheart.

Oh boy...Well here I go.

Sierra and I went through the crowd. Sierra trying to find the others through the crowd, while I'm making my way to the stage. I bumped into a few dragons, one hissed at me but I've ignored him. I was almost to the stage when the mayor's son came to me with a grin spread across his muzzle.

He said, "Hello there! You've made it!"

I nodded, "Yeah I have. Good to see you in here!"

Then the mayor of the dragon city came up beside his son and looked down at me and smiled, "Good luck entertaining the dragons here human."

My eyes went wide. I thought his son said that his father didn't like my kind? I looked into his eyes, but there was something weird about them. Like the mayor has something planned ahead. About me. Like he...Wanted me like I'm his prey or something.

Now Wayne what are you thinking about? You're getting paranoid.

I smiled at the mayor and said, "Thank you mayor."

The mayor and his son went back to the crowd and then I looked at the stage. God I'm nervous.

That's when I saw Joanna get on the stage, the whole crowd started to quiet down and she hollered, "Males and Females! Thank you all for coming to my restaurant for this special night! Now it has been a long time since anyone has been on this stage. TOO long for my taste. But now for the first time in years, someone in this restaurant is performing up here!"

She cleared her throat, "So I want all of you to give this special guest a very warm welcome! Here's one of the humans who are staying in this dragon city. Here's Wayne!" Joanna saw me in the crowd and she beamed at me.

I hesitated to get on the stage at first and then I took a deep breath and I ran up there. Joanna greeting me with a smile. Several dragons cheered for me while several others just stared at me. Joanna got off the stage and left me alone up here.

I searched for Sierra and the others and finally saw them and they waved at me. I could even see Sierra smiling at me. Knowing what kind of singer I am, since I've sang for her before. She knows I can do it. She believes in me.

I smiled at her. Then I looked at the gem that's on here. I could see it clearly for the first time when I got close to it.

It's a very big red gem. Pretty big, about the size of a small desk. I just stared at it and then suddenly the crystal started to act weird. It changed color from red to blue.

I said out loud, "Wow." I jumped when I've noticed that my voice became louder, than normal. Wow Joanna wasn't kidding. The gem can make your voice louder. Like a microphone, except there is no microphone. There isn't any technology up here, only me and the gem.

I turned to face the crowd and I said, "Hello everyone." My voice still loud for everyone to hear. Then I cleared my throat and asked, "Are you ready for tonight?" All everyone did was just stare at me.

I took a deep breath and then I closed my eyes. Ok so the gem can read my thoughts and when I think of a song, it'll use it's magic to play the music from my thoughts so everyone can hear it.

Sounds simple enough. Now I just need to think.

I put all thought into it, trying to think what song I could sing for them, so the music out of my head can play.

One thought came to me and suddenly I was thinking about wind. Then the sound of the wind came out of my head and the gem's magic made sure everyone can hear the wind. My face went wide and so did everyone else. Holy shit, the gem really does work! It can read my thoughts and play them out of my head! How does that gem do that? I never knew magic existed, until now.

I shook my head and the sound of the wind went away immediately. No I need to think of something else.

I closed my eyes and put some thought into it.

Then one thought came to me. One song in particular, 'Don't Stop Believin'' by Journey. Joanna's favorite.

I started to think about the music of that song and soon the intro came into mind. The keyboard intro. The keyboard intro music started playing in my head.

Then suddenly the gem's magic read my mind and just like the wind, the music played out of my head so now everyone can hear it. Everyone can hear the keyboard intro just like me. I gasped and then the music stopped.

I heard one dragon growl at me in frustration. Then I collected myself. Now's not the time to screw around. Now is the time to do your thing.

I said out loud, "This is for you, Joanna." And everyone heard that. I saw my friends and Sierra smiling at that.

I closed my eyes and started to think about the song again. The keyboard intro first. The keyboard intro playing in my head. When it did the gem's magic played out of my head so everyone can hear it. I opened my eyes and this time the music didn't stop. It still kept going, just like the song would.

I smiled at the crowd. The music still playing from the gem. This feels like karaoke now, but no screen with words. Only me.

When the keyboard intro is almost over and my cue to sing began.

I sang, "Just a small town girl! Living in a lonely world! She took the midnight train going anywhere!"

The music still went on and I sang some more, "Just a city boy! Born and raised in South Detroit! He took the midnight train going anywhere!"

After I sang that, the 15 second guitar solo played out of my head and everyone can hear that! And it's loud!

When it's done I sang, "A singer in a smokey room! A smell of wine and cheap perfume! For a smile they can share the night!"

I gestured my hand repeatedly towards the crowd, "It goes on, and on, and on, and on!"

I let my hand fall down to my side and I sang, "Strangers, waiting! Up and down the boulevard! Their shadows searching in the night!"

"Streetlight, people! Living just to find emotion!" I raised one arm high into the air, "Hiding, somewhere in the night!!!!!"

I let my arm fall to my side and the guitar solo played again. I walked closer to the edge of the stage, and I could see several dragons actually smiling at me.

When another guitar solo was done I sang, "Working hard to get my fill! Everybody wants a thrill! Paying anything to roll the dice!" I raised one finger, "Just one more time!"

I put my hand down and I sang, "Some will win, some will lose! Some are born to sing the blues!"

"Oh the movie never ends!" I gestured my hand repeatedly towards the crowd, "It goes on, and on, and on, and on!"

I let my arm fall down to my side and then I started to tap my foot in rhythm, "Strangers, waiting! Up and down the boulevard! Their shadows searching in the night!"

I moved my left arm up and down in rhythm, "Streetlight, people! Living just to find emotion!" I raised both my arms high into the air, "Hiding, somewhere in the night!!!!"

My arms fell to my side and another 15 second guitar solo played and we all heard it. When it was almost over my cue to sing came again.

I sang, "Don't stop believin'! Hold on to that feeling! Streetlight, people!!!!"

I pointed my finger at the crowd,"Don't stop believin'! Hold on! Streetlight, people!!!"

"Don't stop believin'! Hold on to that feeling!" I raised one arm high into the air, "Streetlight, people!!!!"

I let my arm fall down to my side and started to move it up and down in rhythm, "Don't stop believin'! Hold on to that feeling! Streetlight, people!!!!!"

I pointed at the crowd, "Don't Stop!" Then the music stopped playing. And everyone cheered.

I was breathing heavily, watching the crowd cheering at a human like me. I smiled. I can't believe it.

I did it. I really did it!

Joanna came on to the stage, while the gem went from blue to red. Joanna smiled down at me and she lowered her head to my level and I hugged her.

Amanda came onto the stage and ran to me and hugged my tight. Cody and Neal came onto the stage as well, all smiles.

Cody said, "You did it pal!"

I smiled at my friends. But I didn't see Sierra.

While I was on the stage, I looked for her in the crowd, but I didn't see her.

My face went glum. Where did she go?

*****

I went to the park in the dragon city. Searching for Sierra.

Turns out someone in the crowd in the Braveheart told me she took off while I was singing. So I left the restaurant without telling my friends where I was going.

I ran in the park and finally I've found her sitting near the pond. I smiled when I saw her, but she didn't see me yet. Her back's turned. I walked up to her and said, "Hey."

Sierra looked over her shoulder and saw me. She turned her body all the way around and faced me. She cocked her head, "Wayne? What are you doing out here?"

I said, "I could ask you the same thing. What are you doing out here alone? I thought you would watch me sing to the end."

She shrugged, "I knew you sing well, so I just left. I just...Couldn't watch you."

I knew what she was trying to say to me and now is the best time for this conversation to happen.

Sierra cocked her head at me, "So why are you here? I thought you would be celebrating with the others."

I shook my head, "It wouldn't be the same without you. I came to talk to you."

She asked, "About what?"

I took a step toward her, "About us. That's why I'm here right now. I want to talk about us."

Her face went wide and then she had a sad look on her face, "There's nothing to talk about. I'm...Trying to move on from you."

I rubbed the back of my neck, "Look Sierra...I'm sorry about everything. But to be honest...I know how you feel."

She narrowed her eyes, "What do you mean?"

I said, "I mean...The truth is...I think I like you too. I mean, I didn't realize it until today."

Her face went wide again and then I went on, "It's just...I didn't want to believe it. I mean...I had this feeling about you, when we were close. After you've saved me from the wolves. But I've just ignored it, because you were just a dragon. I thought it was crazy, I thought I would always think of you as my friend."

Then I smiled at her, "But now I realize I feel something a lot more than that. I realize now, I have feelings for you too."

Sierra cocked her head, "Wayne-"

I took another step toward her, "Look I thought you only wanted me because I remind you of Eric, but I don't think that's the case. And the only other reason why I've rejected you is because I was afraid what would everyone else think. But now I realize I don't care what anyone else thinks. Not even my mom and dad. I...really care about you."

Sierra asked, "What made you change your mind?"

I answered, "Lets just say an old friend told me to think about it a bit more, than I did before. And now I came up with an answer." I smiled at her.

Sierra smiled, "You mean...You want-"

I nodded, "Yes...I want you. I've wanted you the whole time since I was with you. Ever since you've saved my life. I really want you. I won't ignore those feelings anymore."

Sierra then looked away and then I had a concerned look on my face, "What's wrong?"

Sierra said, "Years ago, before you were born, before Eric died, he made me promise one thing to him."

I asked, "What was it?"

She said, "He made me promise, to move on from him after he dies. To find someone else to love and be with. To really move on from him. Honestly for years, I've ignored that promise, because I thought humans were all the same. But now days ago, I realize there are more humans just like Eric." Then she looked at me, "And I'm looking at the one that I'm supposed to be with right now. I...I love you Wayne."

I smiled at her, "I realized something else as well." I took another step toward her and went on, "I think I know why Joanna died. She died so I can find you. If it wasn't for her death, I wouldn't be here right now. That's the reason I'm here. So I can find you and be with you."

Sierra started to have tears in her eyes, "Wayne...After all this time, even after our first meeting together, after how I've treated you, you still want to be with me?"

"I don't care about the past. Not anymore."

She asked, "Are you sure?"

I nodded, "Yes I'm sure...Old lady."

She giggled at me, "Well I'm a beautiful old lady aren't I?"

I nodded and smiled at her, "Yeah...You're pretty beautiful. You look beautiful under the moonlight."

She cried in tears of joy and she lowered her head to my level. I put both my hands to both sides of her face and I kissed her nose. She smiled when I did that, "Wayne...You have no idea how long I've waited for this. I thought you would never want me."

I looked into her beautiful eyes, "I do now, Sierra. I do now."

Sierra said, "You will always be my Wayne. I don't want anyone else, but just my Wayne. Nothing more."

Then without a moment of hesitation, she slowly got her mouth close to mine and she adjusted her mouth to mine for a kiss. She pulled away from me a bit and said the most beautiful words she could ever say to me, "I love you, Wayne." Then she licked my nose, awaiting my response.

I hesitated at first. My old fear came back like it did before. The same fear on that night when she first told me she loved me.

Sierra had a worried look on her face and she said, "Wayne?"

But then the fear went away when I looked at Sierra not as a dragon, but as...Sierra. Just Sierra. I don't care if she is a dragon. I love her as well.

And I won't let my fear stop me again. I won't.

I smiled at her and said, "I love you too, Sierra. I love you too."

Sierra smiled back and then I kissed her directly on the mouth, sharing our kiss together.

You've kept your promise to Eric. Now after all these years, you've found someone else to be with.

And it's me.

Joanna if it wasn't for your death...I wouldn't be here.

You gave me a new purpose in my life and it was to find her.

Thank you.

I love you, Sierra, I will always love you.