Present Day

I started to wonder through the snow in the woods, since I'm just a hatchling, my little feet are digging through the deep snow. I shivered as the cold snow went up to my stomach.

But I really love the snow!

I looked up at the trees, trying to look for mommy. I haven't seen her since...Twenty minutes ago.

Mommy just picked me up and then hid me in a hollow log nearby, telling me to stay put and she'd be back.

But she has been gone for a long time. I wish she just come back.

So for a while, I've been searching for her on foot. But I wish I could fly just like her! I'd try, but not too far. I'm still practicing on flying.

My daddy and brother said they'd be back later, maybe they'd help me find her.

I hollered for her, my voice echoing in the woods, "Mommy! Where are you?!"

No answer, except the sound of my feet through the snow. I tried again, "Mommy!"

No answer still.

I cocked my head as I strode, my face filled with worry. Mommy has never left me like this before. Where did she go?

Is she playing hide and seek with me? Because she never mentioned that before she left. She just told me to stay hidden in that log and didn't come back.

Now I'm just...Worried.

I can't fly just like her yet, and I wish I did. I could find her from up in the air.

I reared back my head and yelled for her name, "Mommy!!!"

Again no answer.

Tears were about to form in my face, but I held them back. Mommy....

Then I could see something up ahead and it looked...Big and black.

I beamed when I saw her. Mommy!

I ran through the snow, jumping and bounding toward her. I screamed happily to her, "Mommy!" I laughed as I came closer to her.

As I got close, I saw that mommy's hurt. My expression was then changed with worry and fear, I ran right to her and stopped in front of her face, "Mommy?"

Mommy looked at me and said, "Daughter..." She groaned in pain.

I asked, "Mommy? What happened?"

Mommy blinked her eyes and said, "I'm....Sorry."

I cocked my head at her, "Why are you sorry? You didn't do anything wrong." I looked at her body and saw some...Very scary wounds on her. She seems to be very hurt. I could see her...Blood on the snow. All red on the ground. Something attacked her.

I gasped in fright. Mommy's really hurt!

I have to help her!

I turned to mommy's face and nudged her with my nose, "Mommy, please get up."

Mommy shut her eyes and grunted in pain, "I...I'm not sure if I can."

I smiled and assured her, "Yes you can. Get up."

Mommy tried to stand up with her front feet, but she fell back down with a thump. She cried out in pain.

I nudged her again, "Come on, mommy! We need to find daddy. I...I want to go home."

Mommy looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, "Daughter? ....Do...Do you remember...The stories I've told you about...Humans?"

I nodded and she sighed, "Well...They've found me and they were after me. I...I was trying to hide you, only to protect you....I didn't want to lose you."

I cocked my head at her, my eyes filled with curiosity, "Where are they?"

Mommy said, "I...I killed them, but there were...Too many of them. A...Few ran off and I...Couldn't go after them."

I nudged her again, "Mommy....I want to go home. I want to find daddy."

Mommy gave me a lick on my face and said, "I'm sorry....I'm...So sorry."

I frowned, "Mommy?"

Mommy shuddered in pain and swallowed, trying to hold back from sobbing, "I...I want you to promise me....Ok?"

I nodded and said, "Promise me....That you'll....Be a good girl...That...You'll never forget all the times we had together. And...Don't let vengeance destroy you." Some tears fell down her face and she sobbed, "Promise me, that you'll...Live a long and happy life, and you...Always stay with your family. When you grow up...I hope that things in the world will change."

I asked with worry in my voice, "Mommy...What are you saying?"

She said, "I'm sorry for leaving you....But....There's nothing you can do."

I asked, "Where are you going?"

She smiled, "To a beautiful place. A place...Where our ancestors live."

I was about to cry when I realized what she's saying, "No! Mommy, don't go! You always told me you'll always be with me!"

Mommy then nuzzled my face and gave it a lick after that, "I'll always be with you...Even when you cannot see me....I'll be here for you, when you're sleeping."

I shook my head profusely, tears falling down my face. She can't go! She can't! She's my mommy!

Mommy said, "Promise that you set your father straight, don't let him go on the path of vengeance, and...Never leave your brother. Please...Be strong for me...And don't fight the humans for revenge....Don't live that life. Please...Live a long, happy life. Please...Daughter, for me."

I stared at her for a long moment, mommy's breathing in ragged breaths. Until I nodded slowly and said through a sob, "I...I promise." I closed my eyes in sadness, "Mommy....Please don't leave me."

Mommy said, "I'm....So sorry and...I love you...Daughter." Then she closed her eyes and let out a breath.

And then...She wasn't moving anymore.

I opened my eyes and noticed. I let out a frightened gasp. Momma!

Then I placed my front paws on her face and pleaded to her, "Mommy! Mommy, wake up!" More tears streamed down my face as I shook her, "Mommy!"

But she wouldn't move, she wouldn't opened her eyes.

I sobbed on her face and then I looked up at the sky and cried out for daddy and my brother, "Daddy! Brother, where are you?! Help me! Mommy's, hurt!" Then I buried my face into her scales and cried some more.

Then I shouted for her, "MOMMY!!!!"

Then I jerked my eyes open and gasped. I raised my head slowly off the furs and started to take slow deep breaths. I realized that I was....Dreaming about her again.

I had that dream a few nights ago and now it happened again. I let out another breath. It was another dream. I shut my eyes tight. Just another dream about my...Mother.

I'm still haunted by that day. I'd never forget it.

I let out a sigh. I wish...Me and my family never went to play in the snow outside the city.

Then mommy would be...Alive and so would daddy.

Father left me and my brother days after she died. He...Couldn't let her go.

I wish I haven't begged for them to lets go play in the snow in the forest. It's just....The snow always looked beautiful in the snow.

I sighed again and then I heard a moan near my body. I looked to my body and then I remember that someone has been sleeping by me all night. Under my wing.

Brandon.

I smiled at Brandon, who's still sleeping underneath my wing. He looks...Peaceful sleeping under my wing. He turned his body over, only facing my body now. I could even feel his body warmth next to mine. He must have been very comfortable laying by me.

I still had a smile on my face. He's real lucky to sleep by me.

I feel lucky letting him sleep by me.

At least...He would make me feel happy today, after that dream. I looked outside at the balcony and saw that it's morning.

I looked back at Brandon and laid my head back down, I'll just wait for him to wake up. I don't want to ruin his beauty sleep.

*****

Me and Rain have already been up about an hour ago and now we're both wondering in the park. Just enjoying the day it has developed.

I looked up at Rain who's strolling beside me. I noticed she has ben looking down at me as we walked. I giggled and asked, "What are you looking at?"

Rain laughed and she shook her head, "Nothing. I was...Thinking about how cute you were sleeping under my wing. I've been watching you sleeping like a little hatchling close to me, all morning."

I laughed too and remarked, "Well I am small to be a hatchling after all."

She lowered her head to my level as she walked and said, "Yep, you are human. YOU ARE." Then we both laughed and then she said, "But hey, you might as well be MY hatchling since you sleep by me."

I playfully raised an eyebrow at her, "I only slept with you once, big girl."

Rain said as she rose her head above my level, "Still feel like a hatchling to me."

I laughed again and nodded, "Okay, whatever you say." I looked ahead and we continue to stroll through the park.

As we strode, I remember what happened last night. I formed a smile as I remembered. I'm glad it happened.

That me and Rain are now friends. Soon, she'll be friends with Jessie.

I'm glad she doesn't distrust and hate us anymore. I didn't want that from her. I wanted to help her most of all. I wanted to help her because she lost...Tommy.

But I'm glad she'd let me be her friend. I'm glad she's willing to give me and Jessie another chance.

Boy, Jessie would be surprised about this. That the dragon who kidnapped her, wants to be friends!

I giggled a bit. Jessie would be VERY surprised by the development coming from Rain, she really would. Even Jessie wouldn't hesitate to her offer.

I'm also still glad that Jessie's willing to give the dragon city a big chance. That we're going to live here from now on.

We both wanted to get away from our lives and now...Here we are!

Not the kind of place I expected to live in, but still...Nice place after all. A city full of dragons!

I wonder where she's at? She's probably with Wayne, I'm sure. She did spend the night at his house last night and she's going to stay there.

Maybe me and Rain will walk there, that way she'll talk to Jessie and make amends with her already.

I can really imagine those two already, being friends.

I can really imagine.

Then suddenly, mom's face came into my mind. My smile melted away to a blank expression. Mom...

A small part of me actually misses her. But a bigger part, that's bigger than the small part actually doesn't. Because she didn't listen to me about Gerry.

Well she can just do whatever she wants with him. If she doesn't want to listen to me about him, so be it. I'm not going back to that life.

But why am I still thinking about her?

It's because she's my mother and...I still love her.

Dad...What would you do in my place?

Would you have run away just like I did? Or would you just stay with her and face the music.

Mom...Why wouldn't you listen to me?

Why wouldn't you listen to me about Gerry?

Why can't you just leave him? He hurts you!

Honestly you would have loved this place. You really would. You really wouldn't believe your eyes that dragons do exist!

I can also imagine your face too...Dad.

Up ahead, me and Rain saw Jessie along with Wayne, Neal, and Amanda. Apparently they're all chatting away.

Me and Rain walked up to them and I waved at them, "Hey guys."

Wayne whirled around and grinned, "Hey pal." Then he looked up at Rain, "Hey big girl."

Rain lowered her head to his level, "Hey Wayne." Then she nuzzled him and pulled back, then raised her head above our levels. She asked, "How was your morning? I suppose it was good?"

Wayne nodded, "Oh yeah, and Jessie here." He gestured her with his thumb, "Was good company last night. I haven't had company living in my house since...I forgot when."

Jessie beamed at him, "Yeah, and he was being a good host at his house. Showing me around, I really love it. It even has a balcony with a nice view."

Neal smiled, "That's what I love about his house, it has a good view."

Amanda shot a look at him, "Don't give Wayne that crap. You're a dragon, you can just fly up to the sky to get a good view."

Neal looked down at her and shrugged with his paw, "Well still...It has a good balcony view. And yes." Then he narrowed his eyes at her, "I can fly up in the sky to get a good view. I have wings, you know!"

Amanda smirked at him and said, "Well I know THAT for a fact. I just ride on your back sometimes."

Neal lowered his head to her level, "I know that." Then he winked at her. Amanda giggled and they were just staring at each other.

I smiled at them. They really are best friends.

Now that my mother wouldn't believe her eyes. That a human is best friends with a real dragon. Something that's bigger than her.

Now that I think about it, Amanda said that she rode on Neal before, I wonder what that feels like? All Rain did was carry me in her paws only twice now.

Honestly...I don't know if I could do that. I'd be...Scared.

I guess, I'd rather let Rain carry me in her paws than fly on her back. It doesn't seem scary that way.

Now back to Amanda and Neal, I wonder how Amanda met Neal? I wonder how she met Wayne? Wayne hasn't really mentioned that part yet. They haven't either. Maybe I'll ask them sometime. I'm sure it'd be a good story. 

Wayne only did say that he met a blue dragon named...Sierra. That's how he ended up here. And that was years ago.

Then I looked at Wayne and now another question is on my mind. Now that I think about it when I'm looking at him. Since I've been in this city...I haven't met this...Sierra yet.

Where is she? Doesn't she live in the city? Doesn't she talk to Wayne these days? I thought they are best friends.

I looked up at Rain. I do know for a fact that Rain knows Sierra too and so does Neal and Amanda.

I'll ask one of them sometime about her. I actually want to meet her. From what Wayne told me, she was a bitch at first, but then she became nice, just like Rain here.

I'll ask on of them one day. But right now, is not the time.

Wayne gestured to Neal and Amanda and said, "Well guys, you better get to the Braveheart and open the place up. There outa be hungry customers waiting for you!"

Neal laughed and raised his head above Amanda, "Oh, we'll get right on that! Don't want any hungry dragons getting angry over good food!"

Amanda patted his leg, "Come on, big guy. Lets go." Then she and him walked off away from us and I heard Amanda say to him, "Well at least we can close early today. I still feel tired from yesterday!" Then Neal laughed his head off as they walked away.

I said to Wayne, "They really are the best of friends. I can see that."

Wayne nodded, "Yeah...They are." Then he looked up at Rain and said, "So...I see you two are actually walking together. Does that mean that you and Brandon are cool now?"

Rain smiled down at him, "Since last night, yeah. Me and him actually slept close together."

Wayne smiled at her, "That's good. I knew he was a good guy. You just had to give him a chance."

She nodded, "I know and I'm glad you talked to me about him yesterday. And." She looked at Jessie, "And I'm glad you talked to me about her too. I had to give her a chance as well."

Jessie had an apologetic look and she glanced down at the ground, "Look um...About before. How I treated you before...I'm sorry."

Rain lowered her head to her level and said, "No Jessie...It's my fault. I've treated you and Brandon badly at first, not trusting you. Not to mention that I've kidnapped both of you. Making you feel so scared and fearful for your life. I'm the one who should be apologizing."

Jessie looked at her face, since Rain's face is real close. Rain said, "I'm sorry for being a...Black bitch. And I'm sorry for treating you so badly. Can you forgive me?"

Jessie smirked at her and said, "Well I'm the one who wanted to escape from the city, so that's MY fault. I was the one who was so mad and upset, I didn't want to see the whole thing through. And...I'm sorry about how I was treating the dragons. Not every one of you would understand me and that's why they didn't trust me. But...I know that in time, I'm sure they would. I'm trying to rectify all my actions, and try to think dragons as friends."

Jessie reached out her hand and placed it on Rain's nose, "And I'll have you as another friend. I already have Cody, and Neal as friends. I'll have you as the third dragon friend I'll make."

Rain nuzzled Jessie's hand with her nose, "Thank you...Jessie."

Jessie then threw herself into Rain and hugged her neck. Rain's eyes bugged out of her skull.

My eyes went wide too. Wow...I didn't see that coming.

She really has forgiven Rain.

Jessie removed Rain from her embrace and backed away from her, "Ah...Sorry about the hug. I-"

Rain shook her head, "Don't worry about it. It was nice." Rain put on a smile.

Jessie smiled back, "Thank you." Then she asked, "So uh...Do you want to show me around the city today? I think we should start over, starting right now."

Rain nodded, "Sure! That's what I've wanted. I wouldn't mind it at all."

My stomach growled and I placed my hand over it, "Well I'd love to come with you guys. But I want to go eat right now."

Wayne nodded, "Yeah and I need to go to teach a bunch of hatchlings today. So I'll catch you guys later." He waved at us and then ran off. Leaving me, Rain, and Jessie alone.

I looked at Rain and asked with curiosity, "Wayne's a teacher of some sort?"

Rain answered, "He teaches hatchlings the way humans are these days. What your history was like, how much humanity has changed through the years. All that. The hatchlings really find the whole thing interesting."

Then she placed a paw on her chest, "Even I'm shocked to have all this knowledge! How Wayne told me about this Martin Luther King, Jr. How World War Two came about. How-"

My eyes went wide, "Holy crap! He actually does that? That's pretty cool. How the hatchlings would know that we humans have changed since...Over a thousand years ago. I think that's a good idea."

Rain giggled, "Well, if you want to find him, he goes to his Human Education Classes, that's where he usually works at."

I nodded at her, "Human Education Classes. Got it!"

Rain nodded too and she looked at Jessie, "So...Ready for the tour. Just to make up for MY bad behavior."

Jessie giggled, "Of course, you black bitch." Then she winked at her and laughed.

Rain laughed too and raised her head above her level, "You know? I think we're gonna be best friends after all. We're both just a couple of bitches."

Jessie chuckled a bit, "Lets not go that far just yet."

I asked with a teasing voice, "Why not? You do have a mean streak, after all."

She shot a glare at me, "Careful, or I'll have a mean streak on YOU." Then Rain laughed.

I waved at them, "I'll see you guys later."

Rain nodded down at me, "Alright. I'll...Talk to you when I'm not busy. Maybe you can talk to me about your life and all that."

I nodded, "Sure, maybe I'll do that." I waved again and walked away from them, "Later."

I smiled to myself after I left them alone. I knew things would work out in a heartbeat.

Now Rain's friends with both of us.

I think things will work out after all.

Then mom's face came back into my brain again.

I wonder how she's doing right now?

I guess I'll never know really. But my guess is...Gerry's treating her like crap and mom's in denial.

If she knew what's good for her, she'd leave him right now.

And for just being the good son that I am, I hope that's the case.

*****

Diana is sitting on the living room couch, sitting with Gerry beside her.

They're both watching a reality show called 'Shark Wars'. Which the TV shows one guy spearing a shark to the head.

Gerry chuckled a bit, "God, can you imagine ME fighting a shark? I'm sure that I'd win. Show the bastard not to mess with humanity."

Diana however, was not in the mood for watching TV. She still had her son on her mind.

Gerry looked at her and asked with annoyance, "Are you listening to me?" Then he took a long sip of beer.

Diana sighed and muttered, "Sorry...I'm still worried about my son."

He asked in a sarcastic tone, "Who?"

Diana looked at him, "Brandon."

Gerry chuckled, "Well at least, I don't have to see that punk ass kid here. He has been nothing, but trouble. Always bad mouthing me and crap."

Diana shook her head, "Brandon's always a good boy."

He glared at her, "Maybe it's because you keep enabling his behavior. You don't show him discipline."

She started to say, "But-"

But Gerry got up from the couch and cut her off with his voice, "And I think it should start off like this." Then he turned to face her and slapped her across the face. She cried out and her body fell to the floor.

Diana looked up at him and said with worry, "Gerry stop, you're drunk."

Then he pointed a threatening finger at her, "Then quit talking while I'm watching my favorite show. And quit worrying about Brandon. He's gone, so quit being the mom and let him go. I hate him anyways." Then he picked the beer can and drinked out of it again. Gulped it down until it was empty.

Diana trembled a bit below him, as he still stood over her. Then he dropped the beer can on her and sat back down on the couch, "I'm going to sit down and watch my show, so do me a favor and get me another beer."

Diana slowly got off the floor, picked up the beer can, and said to Gerry with a trembling voice, "...Y-....Yes." And with that she left him alone to go to the kitchen.

While Gerry is watching TV, he remarked after she left, "Ha...Whore."

*****

Me and Jessie are strolling in the streets of the dragon city. Having a great time.

I know that I've treated her horribly and I thought she was a bitch.

But she's actually not as bad as I think.

I really should have gave her a chance sooner. She's perfectly like a girl I can hang out with.

I showed her most of the city already. Like the temple, that most dragons go to because they're religious.

I showed her a few stores that I remember I go to while living here. Since after she's a female, I thought I show her a few jewelry stores. She's actually surprised that dragons like me even wear jewelry!

Which that made me laugh. I never been to any human jewelry stores. Why? Because I'm freakin tall and big for human buildings!

Honestly back then before humanity changed, I wish they'd build their stores big enough for dragons to fit in. But of course I'd remembered that Wayne said that costs a lot of money!

Oh well, I'll stick to my kind's jewelry stores. They outa be better than human ones. Besides...They couldn't have jewelry that'll fit on a dragon like me!

Up ahead, I saw that my brother came padding towards us. He seemed to have a...Grim expression.

My eyes went wide. Oh ancestors, he's pissed. I can see it.

I bet he's mad at Jessie still because of that night. He still doesn't trust her.

Well come to think of it, he doesn't even trust Wayne and Amanda. Even when they're my friends. He still doesn't care about them. Not to mention doesn't approve of them.

I hope this conversation goes well. I'm trying to have a good time today with my new friend!

My brother stopped in front of me and Jessie and he said to me with almost a smile, "Hey."

I smiled at him, "Hello brother! I see you're...Mighty happy today."

He said, "Well honestly, I didn't have a good day being an officer today. So I told everyone I'm done working today."

I blinked twice at him, "Oh...I see."

Jessie just beamed at him and said, "So...Rain's brother, do you want to hang out with us today? We could use more company for entertainment."

He looked down at her, with a narrowed gaze, "I don't know what kind of entertainment you're looking for with me, girl."

Jessie put both hands to her hips, "Don't call me girl. I'm Jessie."

My brother let out a bit of a growl, "I'm not in the mood for your kind's names."

My eyes went wide a bit. I better tell Jessie to leave. He probably wants to talk to me alone.

Well I haven't spent any time with him ever since I came back to this city. So...I think right now is the best time. More time to spend with Jessie will have to wait.

I lowered my head to Jessie's level and said, "Jessie...Can you leave me and my brother? I don't think he likes your company."

Jessie frowned at my brother, "I can see that. He's acting like a big ass."

My brother hissed at her and I said to Jessie, "Please go...I'll talk later. I promise."

Jessie stared at me, until she nodded, "Well alright. Just let me know if you need help with the scaly ass kicking."

I winked at her, "I'll remember that." Then I motioned my head for her to leave, "Now go."

Jessie nodded again and went away. Leaving me alone with my brother. I raised my head to look at his face. He still looks angry. Typical of him.

I smirked at him, "You can wipe that angry scowl right now, you grumpy brother."

My brother gave me a tooth filled grin and shot at me, "You should know me all too well. I'm usually the grumpy one in the family. And plus." He narrowed his eyes, "I hate humans and I don't trust them."

My smirked melted off my face and I shook my head at him. I sighed, "Still hate humanity, huh? That's typical of you brother."

My brother said, "Yes and you know why."

I nodded, "I do."

My brother took a step toward me, with a concerned look, "I'm trying to protect you, sister. But you always keep brushing me off."

I shook my head at him, "But you don't have to protect me anymore. I'm not a hatchling like I was before."

He said with a hiss, "And lets not forget, what happened to you that night...When that drake attacked you and-" He growled with all anger in his eyes, "If I find out who did that to you and if he's still around, I'll kill him. Because I'm an officer and I won't tolerate it!"

I knew what he was talking about and I nodded, "I know. And...Even that night still frightens me. I...I can still remember it. And that drake..." I shuddered at the memory. Now's not the time to think about it.

My brother said, "Well it's not only that drake, I'm talking about humanity. They killed our mother and then dad went after the ones who killed her and he didn't come back. Why do you think I hate them?"

I sighed, "I know your pain. But not all humans are evil. Wayne and Amanda haven't tried to kill me for years."

My brother flared his wings and said, "And lets not forget this CERTAIN human who tried to kill you. Did you ever think about that? He never cared about you at all! He tried to kill you and you came back home crying. Because you've felt betrayed by this so called friend!"

I shot a glare at him, "Tommy wasn't always that way. He's...My best friend."

My brother shouted in annoyance, "Are you kidding me?! Tommy is evil! Humanity is evil! When are you gonna get that through your head?! HE NEVER CARED ABOUT YOU!"

I shouted back with my wings flared, "Why can't you just stop being so stubborn?! Why can't you let go of the past and move on already?! I don't think mother and father would approve of your behavior!"

He thrashed his tail and it hit the stone ground, "And what about this Brandon and Jessie?! Do you think they care about you?! They escaped the city two nights ago! They're probably plotting another escape plan right now!"

I took a deep breath and said, "Brother, they do care. They just didn't know us. Even Jessie said it was her fault and it was her idea and she apologized for it."

He bared his teeth and glared at me, "And you're making excuses for them! Not to mention YOU slapped me across my muzzle that night, after we took them back home from their escape!"

"Only because you were being an asshole and I was knocking sense into you!"

He shouted again, "I'm trying to protect you!"

"WELL I DON'T WANT YOUR PROTECTION!"

My brother's face went wide and then he sighed, "Fine." Then he narrowed his eyes at me, "I'm tired of warning you about humanity. But just remember who looked after you after mom and dad died. I was the only family left to look after you. I won't let anyone hurt you again. And if Brandon or Jessie, or any of your human friends EVER hurt you...I'll kill them."

I glared at him, "And if you ever hurt any of them, especially Brandon, I'll be the one who'll either kill you or kick your scaly ass." Then I whirled around on him, my tail hitting him across the face hard.

He cried out and I looked back at him over my shoulder, "And as for my tail hitting you, THAT'S for knocking more sense in you! Now have a good day!" Then I shook my haunch and tail and strode away from him in fast strides.

I was just huffing in anger as I strode on the street. Why can't he just let it go and quit being so overprotective of me?!

I hate him when he's being that way! Calling my human friends evil, how dare he?!

I know he's trying to protect me, after mom and dad died, and not to mention that drake attacking me on that night when Wayne and the others met me. But still...He needs to stop doing that.

My friends would never hurt me. Not even Brandon. I know Brandon would never hurt me. He cares about me.

Just like...Tommy.

Then I stopped when I had Tommy's face in mind. I had a sad look on my face. Tommy....

My brother hates you for what you did to me.

I called you my best friend and you tried to kill me.

I know you Tommy...You were never evil.

But...Why did you change? Why did you suddenly change?

I shut my eyes tight, trying not to cry in the middle of the street. I wish I knew.

I wish I knew.

*****

The night came and he I was walking on the streets. On my way to a...Bell tower.

I'm actually trying to look for Rain. Since Jessie told me that her brother was talking to her earlier today and since I came back to the motel, she didn't come back.

So the rest of the afternoon, I've been looking for her, asking around, all that stuff.

One dragon actually knew who I was talking about and he saw her flying to a bell tower earlier tonight, while the sun was about to set.

I could see the bell tower up ahead. I wonder why she would go there?

Guess I'll find out if she's up there.

The bell tower looks pretty much made of stone just like any stone building in this city. It's about as tall as...Big Ben. I never knew the dragon city has a bell tower here.

I walked through the big opening to enter the tower and I saw the big, wide stairs. Big enough for a dragon to walk on.

I made my way to the stairs and I started walk on them, taking one step at a time.

I used the steps to reach the top of the tower and saw one very big bronze bell hanging on the ceiling, and I noticed and I could see four big square openings for each side of the building that you'd look out. I could see the skyline of the city from where I'm at.

And in the tower with me, laying on her stomach to look out through one of the openings is Rain.

I smiled when I found her and walked up behind her. She must be enjoying the view from up here, the view of the city looks pretty nice.

I said to her as I got close behind her, "Hey."

She jumped a bit by my voice and she twisted her neck to look behind me. she grinned, "Brandon, what are you doing up here?"

I giggled, "I could ask you the same thing. I've been wandering around the city trying to find you." I gestured my hand to her and asked, "So what are you doing in a...Bell tower?"

Rain said, "Just enjoying the view. Wanna join me?"

I nodded, "Sure."

And with that, I walked around her, until I was standing beside her. Then I took a seat next to her while she's laying on her stomach. I sat down on the edge of one of the openings of the tower.

I sighed as my legs were dangling over the edge of the building and I looked at all the lights of the city. A really beautiful view indeed.

I looked up at her and asked, "So...Why are you here really? Something special about this place?"

Rain looked at me and said, "Pretty much is." She smiled at the memories, flowing through her mind, "I used to come here a lot when...I was a hatchling. I used to remember me and my brother would wander up here and just look out at the city. And that was...Ancestors, years ago. We hardly ever come up here anymore. Usually I come up here these days, just for the solitude. No one doesn't use the bell tower anymore."

I smiled at her, "You and your brother?" Then I raised an eyebrow, "I'd imagine you coming up here as a hatchling, but your brother...Different story with him. He's pretty grouchy."

Rain giggled, "Well my brother has been that way for a long time, even he's such a brat back then. Thinking that he'd be the best flier, better than any dragon who knew how to fly. I have to say, that's ego for you."

I remarked to her, "I thought all dragons have egos."

She shot a playful glare at me, "Not EVERY dragon, you little shit."

I laughed, "Could not have fooled me, big girl."

She rolled her eyes at that, "Don't care. But...At least, if I had an ego, it didn't drive you away."

I nodded and patted her leg next to me. And then we both stared out at the skyline in silence.

Then Rain broke the silence and asked, "So how was your day today? I know that I haven't talked to you after I left you with Jessie. So how did it go?"

I shrugged my shoulders, "Pretty good I guess. But I think most of the dragons just look at me curiously when I walk by them. They mostly make me nervous."

She cocked her head at me, "Why?"

I shrugged again, "Well I don't know...I think it's because not every dragon trusts me here. And I'm afraid they'd pick a fight with me, you know?"

Rain said, "Dragons usually don't pick a fight with anyone, unless someone picks a fight with them."

I pointed at her and said, "Well there was those three dragons who tried to pick a fight with Jessie the other day. What about them?"

She said, "I wouldn't worry about them. If they do try anything, I'd just ignore them. Don't feed their bull crap." She winked at me, "I know that from experience."

I chuckled and nodded, "Well alright, I'll try. But no promises, or I'll come running to you."

Rain giggled and said, "Well since you're little as a hatchling, I'll protect you and look after you like one."

I playfully grinned at her, "You really are committed to protect me, are you?"

Rain said, "After what happened to you and Jessie with the wolves, I might as well keep you out of trouble." She narrowed her eyes at me, "Or else otherwise, I'll ground you."

I gave her a mock expression, "Ground me? For leaving the city with my friend?"

Rain added, "Well if I had my way, I'd ground your girlfriend too. Just for the heck of it."

I groaned a bit, "Jessie's not my girlfriend. I went over this with you."

She asked, "But you do like her, don't you?"

My eyes went wide by the question. Well...I do like her that way. I even tried to kiss her that night before the wolves attacked us. I shyly said, "Well...I sorta do. But it's complicated. I mean...I don't even know her that well. When I tried to run away from home, she just found me and we both went running away together."

Rain said, "Well you guys do seem to act like you know each other, like you've known each other for a long time."

I waved her off, "Well...I do think about her that way, but-"

Rain said, "Oh, those feelings will come forth one day. I'm sure of it. These things take time to develop."

I sighed, "Well I'm pretty shy about it...Most of the time. I just think...I'm not good enough for her, I guess."

She lowered her head to my level and said, "I think you can do it. If you feel like you want to tell her, then tell her. Don't let it fall away in time." Then she added with a devious grin, "Because, she might get swooped away by a drake who wants her."

My eyebrows went wide and I asked, "Really?"

She laughed and raised her head, "Oh I'm sure THAT would never happen."

I sighed, "Well I just hope I have a big dragonhood to do it."

Rain groaned, "You do have one, now be quiet!" Then we both laughed in unison.

I stopped laughing and said, "I'll...Give it a try...One day."

Rain nodded, "You better. Grow a big dragonhood."

I sighed again, "Great, now you sound just like your brother."

Rain shrugged her wins and shoulders, and smugly said, "I have my moments."

I giggled a bit and she asked, "Now I have a question to ask you, you want to hear it?" I nodded and she asked, "Why did you run away from home? Why did both you and Jessie run away from home to begin with? I'm curious."

I glanced away to look at the skyline and said, "Well Jessie said she wanted to get away from her life and so did I. We both just wanted to be...Happy."

She cocked her head at me, "But what about you?"

I closed my eyes at the thought, "It's...Complicated."

"How complicated?"

I looked at her and answered, "Lets just say it's so bad and I wanted to get away from it. I...I just hate it."

She had a pity look for me, "You're not going to tell this dragoness anything, are you?"

I waved her off, "I really don't want to get into it."

She asked, "Maybe later?"

I shrugged my arms, "Perhaps...But who knows, maybe I'll never tell you. I just hate it, pretty much."

Rain sighed and looked out at the city, "Well...Whatever your life was like, my life wasn't exactly the greatest either."

Frowned at her, "Why?"

Rain looked at me, "Can I ask you one thing before I tell you?" I nodded and she asked, "Do you have any siblings?" I still frowned and she went on, "Do you have siblings who are so overprotective of you, they won't let go of their past and crap like that?"

I shook my head, "I'm an only child."

Rain hissed a bit in frustration, "Well MY only brother that I really have, who's basically the only family that I have left, has gotten under my skin today. While I was hanging with your potential mate." She added with a grin, "Which she was great company, by the way."

Then her grin melted away in a instant and went on with her tale, "My brother came over and I had to tell Jessie to leave."

I nodded, "Yeah, Jessie told me that you were talking to your brother, what happened?"

She had an angry expression, "My brother said that he hates you and Jessie and he hates humanity."

I grinned at her, "What else is new? You didn't like me all that much before."

Rain shook her head, "Oh he's worse than THAT. He hated humanity for years. He never approved of my friendship with Wayne and Amanda. Not to mention, he said that if any of you hurt me, he'd kill you all. For protecting me."

I exclaimed, "That's crazy! I would never hurt you!"

Rain tossed up her head and said with wide eyes, "I know! But he's so arrogant and overbearing for my safety, he just doesn't get the fact that not all humans are evil. But he doesn't believe that. He hasn't believed it for years. Not even around the time when both our species co existed. He really hates them."

I got up from the edge, turned to face her and asked, "But why does he hate humanity so much? Why?"

She had a sad look on her face and she closed her eyes, "I...I don't want to talk about it."

I titled my head, "Is it...Bad?"

She sighed, "I just want to forget about it. But...For years...I can't forget about that day...That day in the snow."

"The snow?"

Rain got up on all fours and she opened her eyes to look at me, "I...I really don't want to talk about it, okay?"

I looked into her eyes and I could see pain in her eyes. I finally nodded and said, "Alright...You don't have to talk about it."

She lowered her head to my level and nuzzled my chest, "Thank you."

Then a thought crossed my mind while she was nuzzling me. I asked her while she was nuzzling me, "Rain...Did Tommy know?"

Rain pulled back a bit, looked into my eyes and she slowly nodded, "I hardly ever told anyone that...Me and my brother knew, and so did Wayne and the others, before I told Tommy." She shut her eyes and said, "I can never forget that day. It...Really changed my whole family. Pretty much changed my brother. He was never overprotective, until everything that happened back then."

I reached out to touch her nose, "I'm sorry."

She opened her eyes and said, "It's alright. Maybe...I'll tell you about it later." She sighed and said, "Honestly...Humanity is not the only reason why he's so overprotective of me. There's another reason why."

I tilted my head and she raised her head above my level, "I don't want to talk about THAT too. It's...Horrible."

"What's horrible?"

Rain let out a trembling breath and said, "Look...Only Wayne and the others knew about it. That's how I met them. They found me one night near the fountain in the middle of the city. That was about...One year before I met Tommy."

I pressed her, "What happened?"

Rain looked own at me, "Brandon...That night really haunts me and I'm afraid of it. Afraid it might happen to me again."

I asked, "Again?"

Rain turned her body and started walking away, "I need to go."

Before she could go any further, I ran until I stood in front of her, pressing my hands to her chest just to stop her, "Rain, wait a minute."

Rain closed her eyes and said, "I don't want to talk about it, Brandon."

I backed away from her and said, "Look...If it's horrible than whatever else, then tell me."

Rain said, "Brandon...I can't tell you about that one. It's...Really horrible." She opened her eyes and said, "I'd tell you abut the day in the snow, but...I don't even want to think about the night I've met Wayne and the others...It happened a little bit before my first meeting with them."

I pressed her, "Rain...Did Tommy know about that too?"

She nodded, "Tommy has always comforted me when it came to that. He asked me that same question once and...I just told him about it. I...I hate thinking about it. That night still haunts me up to this day. It...Scares me."

I shrugged my arms, "But what does scare you, Rain? What is it that Tommy comforts you from?"

"Brandon please-"

"Rain, I told you I want to help you. And we're friends, are we?"

She nodded and I said, "Well tell me. Let me be your friend."

She had a tear fall down her face, "I wish Tommy was here with me. I always did like his comfort. His comfort was better than Wayne's. A lot better."

I yelled, "Rain, just tell me! I want to help you, but please tell me!"

"But-"

"Please Rain...Tell me...I want to help you."

Rain shuddered a bit and she said, "Brandon...You're not Tommy...I don't know how you can help me through the pain."

I narrowed my gaze, "I comforted you last night, because you were sad about Tommy. How would whatever it is you're hiding be any different?"

Rain looked at me for another moment and she let you a sigh, "You really want to know?"

I nodded and she nodded as well, "...Okay...But once I tell you it, I don't ever want to talk about it again." She shut her eyes and began her tale, "Before I met Wayne and the others...I got attacked by a drake. I was wandering through a alley, on my way back to my brother's home and some drake who I couldn't see, attacked me out of nowhere."

I frowned at her and she went on, "He beat me up pretty good. Left me a couple of scratches. I know how to fight back, but...I'm not as great as my brother. While I was lying on the ground, I thought the drake would leave...But he didn't."

I asked, "What did he want?"

She turned her gaze away and I pressed her, "Rain...Remember I only want to help you. I may not be Tommy, but don't hold it back on me. I know it still bothers you up to this day, even when you told Tommy this, you still wanted comfort. You always wanted his comfort. You...Wanted someone to comfort you when you think about it. It's something you can't let go, I can see that now." 

I placed my hand to my chest and said, "Well let ME be your comfort, now please big girl...Let me help you. I can do this, now let it out again, just this once, for me."

Rain was about to cry, "Brandon."

I shouted, "Picture me as Tommy then! Think back to that day you told him and then picture me as him! Come on Rain!"

She lowered her head to my level and she looked directly into my eyes, "Brandon...."

I gave her a comforting smile, "I know you can do it. Just one more time."

She hesitated at first and she started to say this, "After the drake knocked me to the ground and I was just lying around on my stomach, he...."

I held her face in my hands, looked directly into her eyes and I said, "Take a deep breath with me." Then we both took a deep breath and let it out. After that I said, "Alright...Now try to tell me. And I promise, you don't have to speak of it again."

Rain then started with a little bit of hesitation, "I was...Lying on my stomach and the drake was still there...He.....He..."

I kept my stare, until she finished it, "He mounted me."

I frowned at her, "What does that mean? Did he-"

She pulled her head back from my grasp and raised it. She screamed her answer, "I was RAPED!!!"

My eyes went wide at that and I said, "W-....What?"

Rain trembled her body and went on, "He...Raped me."

I held a sad look for her. Oh...Rain.

Rain started to have tears fall down her face, "He was mating me and I didn't want it. I didn't ask him to mount me, I never had. I never invited him to be inside me. It was...Horrible!"

I just looked at her and she went on, "He almost claimed me with his seed, but...I managed to get him off of me....I flew away from him after that. And...I was crying for a long time. I was so scared, I've never been that scared in my life."

She sighed and she trembled, "Wayne and the others found me after that happened and I've been close to them ever since. They were the true friends I could ever have. But the comfort I liked the most was Tommy. He...He'd always hold me when I'm thinking about it. Always hold me when I'm dreaming about it."

Rain crashed down on her stomach in the middle of the tower and said to me in sadness and despair, "But...Tommy's not here for me now! The comfort that I've had is gone. His touch...Always soothes me and it's gone now! I want Tommy back, Brandon! I want him back!"

I said to her with more pity in my voice, "Oh Rain." Then I walked up to her and wrapped my arms around her neck, hugging her tight. Pulling myself into her chest, hearing her heartbeat.

Rain wrapped her paw around me and she sobbed very loudly. A lot of tears coming down her face, and her frame being wracked with sobs.

I was stroking her neck and one time I kissed her chest, comforting her.

We held onto each other for a long time, until she finally stopped crying. We both pulled away from our embrace and she said, "Thanks Brandon...I needed that."

I smiled and asked, "Are you okay?"

She answered, "A little. But it's not something that just fades away. It always haunts me."

I nodded, "I know that. I heard rape doesn't really go away. It's a scar, but that doesn't mean that you're not strong, because you are. You have been strong for years."

Rain let out a sad sigh, "I know that I have friends, but only two things kept me really strong and happy, one was Tommy. He always helped me with his touch." She added, "Another one is Wayne, he's really good at fixing me. He cheered me up with a song after that night, on that morning. When I was so depressed and such, I felt like I wanted to give up. But he saved me, just like one year later Tommy saved me too. I like Wayne, but he just...He doesn't have Tommy's touch. Tommy's comfort and touch was more soothing than Wayne's."

I asked, "Wayne singed to you?"

Rain sniffed her nose and nodded, "He did and so did Tommy, in fact the song that Wayne singed to me after that night, it was the song he always singed to Sierra, it was Open Arms."

I smiled at her, "Really? I...I didn't know that."

Rain smiled at me, "I'd never forget that day. The day that really forged my friendship with Wayne and the others. He really does give out good advice and so does Sierra and the others. They would comfort me as best as they could because of what happened. But the best comfort I had, was Tommy."

I had a pity look for her, "I'm sorry, Rain. I really am."

She said, "It's okay and...You really have helped me."

Then a idea popped up in my brain and then I smiled at her again, "Maybe I know something else that'll help you."

She cocked her head at me, "What?"

I asked, "What if I...Singed you a song? Would that make you more happy?"

Rain's eyes went wide and then she giggled, "I'll be honest...I saw you singing in the forest before we met in my cave. I saw you that day, all alone singing. I was just...Watching you."

My mother opened agape by the revelation. Holy crap...She saw me singing before I ended up in her cave? Did she saw me sing High on You?

Judging by the look in her eyes...She did. Then Rain said, "You did have a nice voice after all."

I giggled shyly and said, "Thank you." Well I guess it wasn't just the creatures in the wilderness that I was singing to. She was listening to me and she saw me.

Rain gestured me with her paw and said, "Well...I suppose if that's what you want...Go ahead. I could use some more healing. I...I need it."

I smiled at her, "Okay." I know that I sometimes have stage fright, but I'm only doing this for her. 

She needs it, she wants it.

Then I immediately knew what song I should sing to her, after her moment of depression and despair.

It was 'The Search is Over' by Survivor.

I cleared my throat and saw that Rain is waiting for me do to my thing. I sighed and then I hummed the song's music.

Then I singed, "How can I convince you? What you see is real! Who am I to blame you? For doubting what you feel!"

"I was always dreaming! You were just a girl I knew! I took for granted, the friend I had in you!!"

She smiled at me as I was singing, "I was living for a dream! Loving for a moment! Taking on the world! That was just my style!"

Then I closed my eyes and raised one hand in the air, "Now I look into your eyes!!" I opened them and lowered my hand to my side, "I can see forever! The search is over! You were with me for a while!"

I tapped my foot in rhythm and just stared at her eyes, not gazing away from her, "Can we last forever? Will we fall apart? At times it's so confusing! The questions of the heart!"

I clenched my fists tight and held them to my chest and sang, "You followed me through changes! And patiently you wait! Till I came to my senses through, some miracle of fate!!"

"I was living for a dream! Loving for a moment! Taking on the world! That was just my style!"

I held both my hands high in the air, "Now I look into your eyes!" I shot my hands back down to my sides, "I can see forever! The search is over! You were with me for a while!"

I motioned one hand behind me and sang some more, "Now the miles stretch out behind me! Loves that I have lost!" Then I placed the same hand over my heart, "Broken hearts lie, victims of the game!" I winked at her, "Then good luck, it finally struck! Like lighting from the blue! Every highway's leading me back to you!"

"Now at last I hold you! Now all is said and done! The search has come full circle! Our destinies are one!"

I raised my arm and pointed at her, "So if you ever love me, show me that you give a damn!" I shot my arm back down, "You'll know for certain, the man I really am!!"

I took one step toward her, "I was living for a dream! Loving for a moment!" I took another step toward her, I was close to her now, "Taking on the world! That was just my style!"

I reached my hand out to her, "When I touched you hand!! I could hear you whisper!" I lowered my hand to my side, "The search is over! Love was right before!!!"

I stopped singing and then I walked more closer to Rain, she eyed me with curiosity. I motioned my hand to have her lower her head to me and she did. After she had her head close to me, I took her chin in my hands, looked directly at her eyes, and sang softly the last two words with so much care and devotion to her, "My eyes."

I hummed the song's tune and then it finally ended. Now we were just staring at each other.

Rain smiled at me and I asked her, "Did you like it?"

She said, "Yeah...I did." And her words hold true honesty.

Then I planted a tender kiss on her nose, "Did it help you more?"

She answered with a happy gleam in her eyes, "A lot more than you could imagine." Then she nuzzled my chest and said, "Thank you."

I petted the top of her head, "You're welcome."

Rain sighed in content as she nuzzled, "You know...I've been searching for this comfort for a long time. And I was afraid I'd never find it. But now, I'll be honest...You're the best comfort since Tommy. You really helped me. When I'm sad about him, you'd comfort me. When I'm sad about what that drake did to me, you'd help me and comfort me."

I said, "I'm glad it does, girl...I'm glad it does. And you don't have to search for it anymore. Because I'm here now. The search is over, Rain." Then I yawned and asked, "Well...Do you want to go back to the motel now?"

Rain was still nuzzling me and said, "Just give me a few more minutes of this. I'm really enjoying this comfort."

I giggled and then I stroked her cheek as she still nuzzled me, "Sure, alright. Take all the time you want." And we were like this for a bit.

I'm glad that I really helped you, Rain.

You needed that kind of comfort and I'm here for you when you need me. You don't have to face that memory alone anymore.

Wayne is your friend, but Wayne can't be with you all the time. And Tommy, he was always with you, he was your REAL comfort. The comfort you needed back then, but....He's gone.

But I'm here now and I'll stay with you.

I'll hold you when you cry and I'll hold you while you're dreaming about that night.

The search is over, Rain.

The search is over and I'm here now.