I walked softly on my usual trail in the woods. Just taking my route as usual during the summer months in Alaska.

I always hated the winter, of course I know I have scales all over me and they usual keep me warm sometimes, but the only reason why I hate the winter is because of the snowstorms. They always get on my nerves.

Every time I fly into a snowstorm, I'm always blinded by the snow. That's why I don't get out during the winter a lot. And it always sucks. Even I have to get out of my cave sometimes to get firewood so I could breath fire on it. Only to keep my cave warm at least. Also to travel to Nome to get some food for me.

Sometimes I wished I was living in Nome still with my whole family, but now since I'm older and...Bigger, I don't live there much like I used to.

Now these days I live in a cave in the forest, probably fifty miles away from Nome. No car can come through the thick forest, I'm sure anyways.

Of course there would be hunters who wonder in my woods every now and then, but it's the hunters from Nome that I've known who usually show up. I don't mind it when they hunt in these woods, just as long as they don't hunt ME down in fact.

I am a dragon after all.

My head ducked low beneath a tree branch, I hate it when I hit the damn tree branches. It feels like my horns are about to fall off every time I do hit one. But that's a ridiculous thought, my horns are always stuck to my skull.

I'm a tall dragon, almost as big as tall as a small house. I have green scales on my body and back, and the color of my underbelly is tan.

Two horns sticking straight out of the top of my head and a few frills near my ears. Sometimes, I look pretty majestic.

I mean, it's not like there are...Other dragons living in this world.

Well I've never met another one, so I always come up with the fact that I'm probably the only dragon living in this world. I even wonder who my real parents were.

Of course, my human parents found my egg years ago and I have lived with humans when I was a hatchling. Before I became big and lived out here alone. They just found my egg on some mountain, my egg pretty preserved from ice, until they've took it back home and kept it warm. That's how I was born in this world.

Oh I miss those days and how I've missed my whole family. Sometimes, I wished that I could somehow turn back time, you know...Just to relive them.

But there is no going back to live there, I only visit Nome every day only once. I really do like having company.

But the only company I would have are the animals living in the woods.

You see apparently I can understand what the animals are saying. Better than what the people hear.

One time when I was hatchling, a dog living in Nome actually talked to me. It was a purebred husky.

I tried to introduce the dog to my mom and dad, and the dog tried to talk to them. But they couldn't understand what the dog was saying at all.

I was the only one who could understand him.

I never knew why I'm the only one who could understand what every animal says in a human voice. I guess it's because I'm a dragon.

I think somehow dragons have this ability to understand what every creature is saying. Which I think it's cool.

But what's not really cool about it...Is because I don't talk to the animals in the woods at all.

Why? Because they're afraid of me.

Deer, bear, wolves, birds, you name it.

They're always afraid of me. Every time I try to talk to the one animal that I see, they always turn and run from my appearance.

I sighed to myself when I thought about it, as I continued to pad along on my trail. I'm not a monster to them. I'm not some human who hunts them down. I don't eat them. I don't hunt them.

Basically I always eat human food, that's it. I'm not even a very good hunter anyways.

But they always see me as a monster trying to eat them, but that's not true.

All I want is a friend who lives in the woods like me. Not turn and run away.

I growled a bit in frustration, showing my teeth. Why couldn't I live as a human just like everyone else? I used to have people to talk to. But now since I'm big and tall, I don't have a house to live in.

I just live in a dark, cold, lonely cave.

And up to this day, maybe about five years ago since I've lived there...It sucks.

No company...No anything.

I honestly have given up the fact that I'll make friends in the woods. No animal wants to talk to me.

I shut my eyes tight as I walked. I hate this life!

I hate being different! I hate being a dragon!!!

I WANT TO BE A HUMAN!!!!

I opened my eyes and took a deep breath, just to calm my nerves. I let it out slowly. No need to get worked up about it as usual.

It's not the first time I've been this way. It's now a new normal to me.

I've always lived with the fact that I'm different and there's no shame in it.

My friend Phyllis from Nome always told me, there's nothing to be shameful about your appearance. Because you are special for who you are.

I love Phyllis, because she's like a second mom to me. She was always there for me, even when I was a hatchling.

I do try to see her when I'm in Nome and we always have something to talk about.

I hope I get to see her today, because when I'm done having my walk, I'm going to Nome.

I was still having a relaxed walk, when I heard whimpering in the distance. I stopped where I was and titled my head, so my ear can hear where it's coming from. I muttered, "What the?"

It sounds like a dog's hurting. And the whimpering didn't sound very far away.

Something's in trouble out here! I need to help!

I followed the sound of the dog crying, until the whimpers were getting closer. I just walked fast on all four of my paws.

I ducked down under another tree and came to a clearing with a few big rocks sticking out of the ground. My eyes went wide and I gasped at what I saw.

It wasn't a dog in the woods, but a wolf. A gray wolf, and it's hurt. I saw it crawling and limping toward a rock. Yelping in pain.

I had a pity look for the poor thing. I could see why it's hurt so bad.

Apparently judging by the claw and bite marks on its body and back, it must have been attacked by another animal. Another red mark is also on one of its legs. A big gash. And those wounds look BIG.

A bear must have gotten to him and the wolf got away before the bear could kill it.

The wolf limped to the rock a bit more closer, until it just crumbled to the ground near it. Apparently already accepting its fate.

The wolf didn't see me yet, because it had its back turned. I sighed unhappily for the poor creature.

I can't just leave that thing out there. It needs my help.

I better do something about it.

I walked slowly to the crumbled, broken wolf. Laying down one paw in front of the other. Walking slowly towards it.

My shadow casted over it, and the wolf noticed it. The wolf raised its head off the ground and turned to look up at me. The wolf's eyes went wide with fear and it screamed, "Ah, don't hurt me!!!" Then it buried its head under its paws.

The wolf must be male, judging by the sound of his voice. I could see the poor thing trembling in more fear now.

Well I can see the reason why, because I'm big like the bear, but only bigger than the bear.

I wouldn't blame the wolf at all for being afraid of me. He almost died today.

Well I'm going to save him, right now.

I lowered my head closer to him and said, "Hey."

The wolf removed the paws off his head, his eyes still sad and fearful. The wolf tried to scamper away, but he couldn't move because he's crumpled on the ground. He asked, fear in his voice, "What...What do you want?"

I gave him a sincere look, "It's okay, I'm here to help you."

He shook his head furiously, not believing a word I'm saying at all, "No you're not! You're going to kill me!" His whole body and muzzle was shaking with fright.

I shook my head, "No, I'm here to help you!" I got my nose close to his head, "Please, listen to me, I'm-"

The wolf tried to bite my nose and I pulled away before his teeth could get it. My eyes went wide when he did that. Better not do that to him again.

I gave him a stern look and said, "Look, I'm trying to help you."

He asked with a quizzical look on his face, "What are you? I've never anything like you before."

I sat down on my haunches and said to him, "I'm a dragon, wolf."

He cocked his head, "Dragon?"

I nodded, "Yes, dragon. Look, I know that I look scary, but trust me I'm not here to hurt you." Then I raised my paw to point at his wounds, "Look, you're wounded, and you'll die if you stay here." I put a paw to my chest, "Let me help you."

He glared at me, "I would rather die, than being eaten by you!"

I stared at him only for a moment and then I sighed. This is tougher than I thought.

I lowered my head to the scruff of his neck and latched my teeth onto it. I said through my teeth, "Hang on." Then I started to lift him off the ground, and the wolf yelped in surprise.

He started whimpering when I carried high off the ground. I started to walk away with him in my mouth. On our way to my cave.

*****

The wolf tried to move away from me, after I laid him on my cave floor. But he let out a pained yelp when he tried to stand.

I grinned down at him in amusement as he tried to escape from me, "You really do have spirit. I set you down and now you're trying to move."

The wolf snarled, his head held high, "I won't die. I'm a wolf, I'm not suppose to die!"

I closed my eyes and sighed. I nodded, "Yes, I know, wolves are pure and all that." I opened my eyes and said, "But you still needed my help. Now, LET ME HELP YOU."

The wolf and I only stared at each other. His gaze was still fierce, while mine is just calm and patient.

Finally the wolf broke his silence and said softly, "What are you going to do to me?"

I smiled at him, "Simple, I'm just going to give you my blood."

His face went wide with shock, "WHAT?!!!"

I narrowed my eyes down at him, "Quit you worrying, pup! My blood will help you heal."

He asked, "What are you talking about?"

I answered, "Dragon blood has excellent healing properties. Trust me, I know. One time when I was wounded, my blood healed my wound faster than you think. Now I'm sure, it'll work on you. Why? Because I gave it to someone else before you."

The wolf stared at me and he started to nod slowly. He said, "....Ok...Get it over with. I don't want this pain anymore." Then he narrowed his eyes and asked, "Can I trust you?"

I gave him a reassuring smile, "Better than trusting the bear who almost killed you. Just give me a minute with this." I raised a paw and unsheathed my claw. I got my claw to my forearm and made a cut on it. I winced in pain a bit. I could see some of my blood coming out of the cut. Just red on my green scales.

I used the same paw that I've used to cut myself and smeared it all over my paw. When I was done, I went to the wolf on the floor and said to him, "Hold still." I lowered my paw onto his back, getting ready to heal him.

When my paw started rubbing his back, the wolf yelped and whimpered in pain. I said to him, while getting my blood on his wound, "I know, I know. But it'll pass."

The wolf sighed and laid his head on the floor. His nose, breathing deeply.

I started to rub my blood on his leg now. His leg twitched in pain as I touched it.

I did my job on the little guy for a while, until I was finally done. I backed away from him slowly, admiring my work, "All done."

The wolf groaned a bit and said, "My whole body still hurts."

I nodded, "I know, but it'll go away. Just have to give it time. It might take one day or two, for it to fully heal."

The wolf growled a bit and said without looking at me, "Fucking bear. I never should have fought with it. What was I thinking?"

I cocked my head down at it, "Yeah, speaking of which...Why did you fight a bear anyways? Were you protecting your children or something?"

He said, "I don't have pups."

I lowered my head to his level, my nose close to his, "Then why were you fighting a bear? If I was you, I would run away, not fight it."

He growled a bit and glared. I grinned at him and smugly said, "Just for the record, little one. I would have been a better match to the bear. I can breath fire at it, if it tried to attack me."

The wolf muttered under his breath, "You like to show off, don't you?"

I shook my head and said, "No...I'm just smugly stating the facts. A wolf like you shouldn't pick a fight with a bear. You could've died."

The wolf snapped, raising his head off the floor, "Tell me something I don't know!"

I glared at him, "What the hell's your problem?"

The wolf took his gaze on the cave wall, not looking at me at all. I could see he had a sad and ashamed look in his eyes.

I stared at him. What's wrong with him? Its like he did something wrong. Or that he failed at something.

Well I don't know anymore. It's not like he's going to tell me now anyways.

I raised my head off his level and said to him, "Listen little one...I'm going to Nome right now. So I'll be back later."

The wolf turned his gaze to me, his face with shock, "Nome? The place where humans live? You're leaving me here alone?"

I smirked at him, "Not unless you want to come with me to Nome. I'd hope you like talking to humans there."

The wolf's face color drained and he shook his head, "Nope...I'm fine here."

I nodded, "Good, then stay here and don't move. I'm going to get us something to eat. So just stay here." I turned my whole body on him and started to walk to the mouth of the cave.

He called out, "Hey wait!"

I stopped in my tracks and twisted my neck to look over my shoulder, "Yes?"

The wolf had a curious look on his face, "Why are you helping me? And...I thought you're an animal like me. So how could the humans accept you?"

I turned my body a bit to face him, "I'm helping you, because I'm not who you think I am. I can be your friend. And as for the humans accepting me...Well that's a long story." I nodded to him, "But I guess, I'll tell you about it when I get back. You're probably going to be here for a while." I turned my back on him once more and said, "Be back later." I started to walk out of my cave, leaving the wolf alone in there.

I padded outside and looked up at the summer sun. Well...I better get going, I'll try to see Phyllis today, then I'll get him and me something to eat and bring the food back here.

I started to flap my wings and took to the skies, flying over the Alaskan woods. I can still remember the first time in my life that I really know how to fly. I remember I was bad at it at first, but then I've started to get used to it.

My wings beating against the wind, I've started to make my journey to Nome.

*****

After my decent to the ground outside of Nome, I was now walking on the streets. Greeting the people who knew me.

Another friendly face came, a young man with short brown hair. He smiled and said, "Hey big guy!"

I greeted the fellow with a smile on my snout, "Hi there!"

The guy smiled and he ran off, and I continued my trek towards Phyllis's house. I could see her house, not far from where I'm walking.

It's a small white cottage, with a black roof. I went to her front door and raised my paw to softly knock on it. After I've knocked, I peeked through one of her windows. I could see her coming to the door.

Phyllis opened her door and peered outside. She smiled when she saw my scaled face, "Travis! I was wondering if were coming here today." She walked outside, already dressed up for today and she pressed her hand against my snout. Rubbing it tenderly.

I licked her hand in response, "Hi Phyllis. Sorry I was late, but I was a...Bit tied up back at the woods."

Phyllis shook her head, as she continued to pet my nose, "Oh, don't be sorry, you're free to come here anytime you want." She giggled and lowered her hand away from my nose, "But now I'm curious about what held you back in the woods."

I grinned at her, "It's a long story."

Phyllis gestured her hand toward me, "Well please do tell! I want to hear it!"

I sat down on my haunches, while she was sitting on her lawn chair outside. I told her everything and she told me what was happening with her.

You see what Phyllis looks like, well she's about fifty six years old. Has long brown hair, her skin color is dark and tan, she always told me she has some Indian blood in her, so that's why her skin's dark. Also her cheekbones, make her look cute on her face. She wears glasses, pretty much all the time.

Her body is a little large, because her chest is barrel chested, but even that doesn't bother me and her. For all things considered, she still looks good for her age.

You see how I've met her well...Mom and her knew each other. They knew each other since they were kids. And when mom and dad found my egg and when I hatched years ago, Phyllis met me. She really thought I was the cutest thing.

I always spend a lot of time with her back in my younger days. I really feel pretty close to her. She really does feel like a second mom to me.

I could tell her anything and everything I could think of and I won't feel judged about it. Phyllis always was a good listener.

After my human parents died two years ago, she was always my confidant. She'd always steer me straight, nothing more to it than that.

Hell, she would even risk her life if anyone tried to hurt me. She's that kind of person.

Phyllis smirked up at me as she still sat in her chair, "So...You found a poor wolf all alone in the woods? Just like that, you took it to your cave?"

I nodded, "Oh yes, and let me tell you this, he was pretty afraid of me. He actually thought I was going to hurt him."

Phyllis giggled, "Well he's a wild animal, can't say that I blame the creature for being afraid."

I giggled a bit, "Yeah and he wanted to bite my nose off, just for the heck of it." I pointed to outside of town with my wing tip, "He's just laying around in my cave, just letting my blood inside him run its course."

Phyllis reached out to touch my leg. She rubbed it and said, "Well you did a good thing sweetheart. You really did. And I know that your mother and father would be very proud of you."

I let out a long sigh and said, "Yeah, but I wish that I could have my own life back here. You know, just like before."

Phyllis shook her head in pity, "Yeah, I know. You really miss being home."

I lowered my head to her level and looked at her eyes, "I just miss you the most, other than my mom and dad."

She then raised her hand to touch my nose, "I know that." She leaned forward to give me a tender kiss on my nose as well. She pulled back and looked at my eyes, "But we've been over this before Travis, more than once. You know you belong in the woods now."

I sighed again, "I know that. But...I really wished I was.... A human just like you. You know what I mean? I just feel like I want to live a normal life." I closed my eyes and went on, "I hate living alone in the cold, heartless woods. I tried to make friends with the wildlife, but no animal wants to talk to me. This is really frustrating me and it's been five years already."

Phyllis said to me soothingly, "Everything will be alright. I know you'll make some friends there one day."

I opened my eyes and asked, "How can you be so sure? You don't live in the woods like I do." I giggled shyly at that.

Phyllis grinned and said, "Well of course I don't live in the woods." She raised a finger with her other hand, "But that does not mean that I don't get it. You always come here to tell me that you hate the woods and you want to go back home. I know, I get it." She lowered her hand off my nose and we both stared at each other.

I raised my head and sighed, "Well I need to get going, the wolf is probably hungry by now." I got off of my haunches and started to walk away from her. My tail nearly missing her.

Phyllis got off of her chair and said to me, "Travis."

I whirled around to look at her, my face frowning, 'What?"

Phyllis came to me and said, "Well I've been thinking just now....Maybe that wolf that you have in your cave can be your friend. The wolf must be grateful by now."

I had an uncertain look and waved her off with my paw, "Thanks for the encouragement. But I doubt he would talk to me still. He's still pretty afraid of me."

Phyllis said, "Give it a chance. I'm sure he'll come around. He can't stay being afraid of you forever. Things like this take time."

I stared at her for another moment and nodded, "Yeah...I guess you're right."

Phyllis started to back away from me, heading toward her house. I stopped her with my voice, "Hey Phyllis?"

She frowned, "Yeah?"

I smiled at her, "I've been thinking lately...I'm planning to leave Alaska, at least for a little while. I plan on seeing the world like I should have done a long time ago."

She beamed at me, "Really? That sounds amazing! You get to see the sights around the globe with your wings. Honestly I wish I had wings like you do."

I giggled and then I had a nervous look on my face, "Well I was thinking...Do you want to come with me?"

Her face went wide by the question and I gestured my paw toward her, "You know, just to travel with me. So I won't be alone. I'm sure you'd love it. You get to see the sights with me and-"

Phyllis pondered for a moment and she cut me off with her voice, "Well....I don't think I could do that. Because of all the bills that I need to pay on my house. Not to mention I don't know anyone who would watch the house while I'm gone."

I had a glum look on my face and looked down, "Oh."

Phyllis had an apologetic look, "I'm really sorry."

I shook my head and looked at her, "Don't worry about it. It's not your fault. It's life." I puffed out my chest and exhaled, "I guess....I can put up with it on my own."

Phyllis smiled and nodded, "I hope you can. And...When are you leaving?"

I answered, "After the wolf is healed, I'm leaving. That's the plan anyways."

She waved at me, "Well I bid you good luck on your trip then, my favorite green friend!"

I laughed and waved my paw back at her, "And you have fun on your life without me." And with that, I whirled around to get some food for me and the wolf.

Since I got some money from Phyllis, I can pay the person for the food. I know that when I come here to Nome to have some food, the owner always gives it to me free of charge. But since Phyllis is being polite, she wanted me to pay for it. Either way, it didn't matter, I'm getting my food anyways.

I hope the wolf doesn't mind the food I'm willing to share with him. Because he needs it.

*****

About a few days after I saved the wolf from dying, his wounds were already healed. I knew that my dragon blood would work on him and he was happy for it.

I know that I was planning on leaving Alaska to see the world after he has felt better, but not long after he felt better, he asked if he could stay with me.

Of course, I asked why, then he said he doesn't have a home.

When I think about it, I began to wonder why he was out in the wilderness all alone. A lone wolf like him without a pack. I still wonder.

But just for being the good person that I am, I decided to just let him stay with me. Since I can tell he wasn't afraid of me anymore.

Now it has been a few days ago and he's even starting to like me. Starting to get used to my huge bulking self.

We even talked to each other, telling each others names and all.

His name's Jacob.

Of course, he didn't really talk much, always mumbling his words. So I basically told him a lot about my life.

I can really tell he's really shy, I know how that feels.

I was always the shy one back then. When I was a hatchling, I hardly ever talked to anyone at all. Except my parents, Phyllis, even that purebred husky that I told you about.

But as I got older, I was starting to get over my quietness and started to chit chat with other people. Before I started to live in the woods of course.

I'm just glad that Jacob is not afraid of me anymore. I really am.

Phyllis was right about him warming up to me a bit.

So maybe...Just maybe....

I've finally made a friend in the woods, and it's a wolf.

But I do still plan on leaving to see the world, but I also have to worry about Jacob.

I can't just leave him out here all alone. I know that I don't know him all that much, but...He seems like a nice wolf.

I wish he had a home, so that way I wouldn't have to worry about him.

But I wonder why he doesn't have one? And why is he all alone in the woods that day, after fighting a bear?

That's a good question.

Right now it's nighttime and me and him are sitting around the fire in the woods that I made, he was sitting across the fire and I was sitting on my haunches near the fire just staring at him.

He still hadn't talked much about his life. All that he told me was what he liked, that kind of thing.

Never talked about his family and what not. It makes me wonder if he had a family at all.

Not living with his kind like me. I guess that's another thing we have in common.

While he was in my thoughts, Jacob interrupted them, "Hey Travis."

I shook my head, shaking my thoughts. I looked at him and asked, "Yes?"

Jacob looked up at me and cocked his head, "Well...I was wondering...Why did your parents name you Travis?"

I playfully grinned down at him, showing my teeth, "Aren't you gonna tell why you were named Jacob?"

Jacob grinned back and said, "I was named Jacob because it just sounded strong, at least I think so anyways. I guess nothing more."

I giggled, "Oh, I see."

He cocked his head, waiting for my answer. I took a deep breath and said, "Well the reason why I was named Travis is....Because my parents were about to have a child of their own. They were about to name their child Travis, but the baby died. So when they found me years ago and when I hatched, they gave me that name."

Jacob looked down at the ground and giggled, "You know big guy....I still can't even believe that you lived among the humans. I still don't."

I asked, "That hard to believe?"

Jacob looked up at me again and nodded, "Pretty much. I mean...You are different than everything else."

I cocked my head at him, laying down on my stomach, putting one forepaw over the other, "What do you mean?"

Jacob glanced around at the trees and muttered, "Well..." He looked at me, "You aren't even threatening me. I mean, you bring me food, you talk about your life, you have lived among humans even made friends with them, and...You're even talking to a wolf like me." He cocked his head at me, "I don't get it, how can you be so nice to everything?"

I shrugged my shoulders, "I think, it's because I'm not a monster that everyone thinks. I mean..." I looked down at the ground and said, "I know that sometimes the humans portray dragons as monsters. Actually they always do. But I'm not like that. The whole humanity just doesn't really get me."

Jacob asked, "You said that dragons are just...Mythical creatures and the whole humanity thought you don't exist...Does every human know about you?"

I nodded, "Oh sure. Years ago, when I came into the show, everyone in Alaska knew about me. They even call me the guardian of Nome or something like that. Even the whole world knows about me and they don't seem to be afraid of me at all."

Jacob's face went wide, his ears perked up high, "Damn big guy. I wish I could live the life like you did. I think it's better than living the life of a wolf." He growled a bit and put on a angry glare, "Humans always hunt my kind, killing them at every turn. But hey you wander in our territory, we fight back. That's how it works."

I shook my head at him, "Not everyone gets that. There are some humans who are just...Heartless." Then I had a glum look on my face, "I'll be honest....I wish that I became a human instead of a dragon."

Jacob asked, "Why?"

I sighed, "Because my life hasn't been the same ever since I started living in the woods. I sometimes hate my life."

Before Jacob could ask why, I started, "Because I don't live in a warm house anymore. Because I'm big and crap like that. I can't talk to anyone in the woods, because all the animals are afraid of me, and that's bullshit, thinking that I'm going to eat them." I rolled my eyes at the statement, "Give me a break."

Jacob giggled a bit and replied, "Well, I'm not afraid of you."

I exclaimed, "I'm glad you aren't afraid! But I guess it was pure luck that I've found you in the woods to begin with."

Jacob looked down at his paws, "Yeah..." Then he looked at me again, "But I don't think you should be a human. I really like you the way you are." His eyes went wide and he pointed a paw at me, "You really look amazing with your wings and such!"

I smiled and showed my gratitude, "Thank you."

Jacob went on, "I mean...If you became a human, then you wouldn't have wings! I bet you can't imagine flying without them!"

I said, "Well, I guess you're right."

Jacob grinned and looked up at the night sky, "I always dreamed of flying. You know, like a eagle. I even dreamed that I had wings."

I eyed him, curiosity getting to me, "You really are a pretty different wolf. I don't think that any other wolf would dream, like you."

Jacob shrugged his shoulders, "Well we wouldn't know until someone says it."

I raised one claw and said, "Too true!" Then we both laughed at that.

I stopped laughing and looked at him, an idea has came to me, "You know...I can take you flying if you want. I can carry you or you can just ride on my back. I don't care which."

Jacob had his smile back and asked, "Really? You would do that for me?"

I nodded, "Sure! We are friends, aren't we?"

Jacob nodded and said, "Well you haven't tried to eat me or anything so..."

I rolled my eyes, "Whatever you ball of fur!" That's when Jacob only laughed.

I stared at him some more and finally I asked him a question that has been bothering me for a while.

A question about his past.

I need to know why he was all alone in the woods, fighting a bear.

He hasn't talked about his family and everything.

I need to know the truth.

I took a deep breath and asked, "Jacob....Why are you out here?"

Jacob cocked his head, "Excuse me?"

I got off of my stomach on all fours and walked around the fire. Just to sit down on my haunches beside Jacob, who followed my every movement. My big long tail curled around me. I asked again, "Why are you out here alone? In the woods without a wolf pack? Do you have family? What's going on with you?"

Jacob looked away from me and stared at the fire. I asked once more, "Jacob, please. If something's bothering you, let me help you. You know I can."

Jacob shook his head and muttered without looking at me, "There's nothing you can do about it."

I put on a smile for him, "What are you talking about? There has to be something I could do. I'm your friend, remember?"

Jacob shut his eyes tight and I said, "Jacob, come on. Let me help. My human friend Phyllis always told me." I raised a claw and recited what she said to me before, "It's not good to keep things bottled up like that. You have to let out these things or these things will keep eating at you. Until you just snap."

Jacob said without opening his eyes, "I have snapped."

My face turned to a frown, "What are you talking about?"

Jacob let out a canine growl and he got up on all fours, walking away from the fire. I let out a small gasp and I padded after him, "Jacob!"

Jacob stopped and just stood there, his back still turned. I said to him, my wings curled behind my back, "I want to know what's wrong."

Jacob only angrily said over his shoulder, "Leave me alone." His body tensed.

I could see the anger boiling in him. Something must have happened to him. I pressed him about it, "Jacob, don't hide this from me."

Jacob angrily whirled around and shouted, "WHAT PART OF LEAVE ME ALONE DO YOU NOT GET?!"

I glared at him, my wings flaring, and my tail thrashed at the ground, making a small indentation, "Leave you alone?! Is that what you want from me now?! After everything I've done for you, you want to turn your back on me?! What's the matter with you?!"

Jacob's glare melted away, only replaced by guilt now. He shamefully glanced at the ground.

I composed myself as well and took a deep breath. I let it out and I lowered my head to his level. My nose almost to his, "Jacob...You haven't talked much about your life since we've met. I can't just shake it off pal. I can't. I really want to help you."

Jacob's body looked trembled and he shut his eyes again. Trying not to cry.

I said while my face was close to his, "Jacob, I know you like being with me and I like being with you." I bumped my big nose against his, "But you can't keep it hidden forever. I know something happened to you. I can see it, and you don't want to tell me."

Jacob said, his eyes still shut, "Travis...Just let it go."

I shook my head, "No, I can't." Then I gave his cheek a small nuzzle and said, "I'm your friend, little one. And I want to help you. If you'd let me, I will."

Jacob breathing trembled, his emotion about to overtake him, "You wouldn't understand it."

I assured him, "Yes I will!" I sighed, "Jacob, I'm only asking-"

Jacob opened his eyes and shouted again, "I don't care anymore! I don't care about anyone or anything! I'm done with everything!!" He lowered his voice, "I'm tired of being disappointed about everything in my own stupid life. I hate it."

I asked with a concerned look, "Why do you hate it?"

That's when he backed away a bit and shouted, "BECAUSE MY PARENTS AND THE PACK HATE ME!!!"

My eyes went wide and my jaw dropped a bit, "Wh- What?"

That's when Jacob finally broke down and fell to his stomach. He started to cry in his paws.

I shook my shocked gaze and now had a sad look for him. Oh no...

I...I don't believe it.

Jacob lifted his head from his paws and said without looking at me, "I hate the pack, just like they hate me. I hate my family, just as they hate me." He sniffed his nose, wiping it with his paw. His ears dropping.

Jacob then explained his tale, "My parents always hated me. They haven't at least TRIED to love me."

I asked, "Why?"

Jacob let out a growl a bit and explained, "Because I'm just the runt of the litter. They always saw me as weak and I wouldn't be good to the pack. Even my brothers and sisters never talk to me. Always giving me those glares. Calling me a weakling." He shook his head, "But I'm not weak, my whole family just doesn't understand me."

Jacob went on, "Not even the whole pack doesn't understand me. Thanks to my father who is the alpha of the pack, he had everyone turned against me. Always picking on me, calling me names. I...I can't even have a mate of my own."

Jacob sighed, "I can't even hunt with the pack and eat with them. I always do the hunting on my own. I mean...I know that I'm not a good hunter, but I still try to be. But even they don't want me!"

I had a pity look for him. Jacob said, "The reason why I don't have a mate, is because even the females see me as weak. They like strong, proud males. Even when they're in heat, they don't want me!!" He shut his eyes as more memories came to him.

I only said his name softly out of sadness and worry, "Jacob."

Jacob opened his eyes and explained some more, "I wanted to be accepted, but they don't care about me. No one does. Not even my whole family. I..I was an outcast in the pack. So they...Banished me from the pack. I was the lone wolf." He sighed, "I hated everyone and my life, I hate being who I am. But...I wanted to prove to them that I can be what they want."

I asked, "What did you do?"

Jacob looked at me and replied, "I wanted to fight that bear...Just to be accepted. I thought it was the only way to get back home."

I gasped. So that's why he was alone and fought that bear. That's why he's alone.

Jacob's body trembled as his sobs threatened to take over him now, "I'm such a loser. I...I don't think I'm born to live. That's why I'm the runt of the litter, I was born to die."

I shook my head at him, "Jacob, no."

Jacob finally broke down in tears, his tears wetting the fur on his face, "I...I feel like I can't relate to anyone." He took a glance at me for a second, "Not even you. I...I feel like I'm an outcast to everyone who sees me. I'm not special like you. So...So that's when you'd think that I'm such a loser too."

Jacob said this that really broke my heart, "I hate being who I am. I hate the way I am and...I wish...I...I....I...I wish I was like you!" Jacob cried loudly now, burying his head in his paws again. His sobs wracking his body.

Now I really feel sorry for him. I...I never really knew he went through all that.

This isn't fair. Not fair at all.

No one in his family should treat him that way. Not even the pack as well.

I got my head closer to his and said this, "I'm not special either."

Jacob lifted his head and looked at me. I said, "We're both not special, but we don't have to be like them. All of us are special in our own way. We can relate to each other."

Jacob cocked his head and I went on, "We're always special, no matter what anyone says." I narrowed my eyes at him, "Listen little dude, you shouldn't let what your family or what anyone says get to you. WHO CARES WHAT THEY THINK?!"

I said with a bit of anger in my voice. Angry at his family and the pack, "Who cares what they want? What about what YOU want? You don't have to be with your family, you can still make a good life for yourself. You don't have to prove anything to them."

I moved my paw to his back and laid it on him. Comforting him. I said, "Jacob...Don't say that you want to be different. Because I've been down that path more than once. I've always accepted who I am, even when I want to be different like everyone else, I always have. Do you know why?"

Jacob shook his head and I answered, "Because of Phyllis. She always said, there's nothing to be shameful about your appearance. You're special for being who you are." I smiled at him, "And despite what I think, Phyllis's voice always came to me. And I know that you should never think that way anymore. You are special, Jacob. You don't have to be like them! They're not even worth it! You're not a jerk, just like them, so who cares what they think?!"

I took a deep breath and let it out, "I understand you, pal. You don't have to think I would turn my back on you, because I won't." I rubbed his back with my paw, tenderly, "I promise. I will never turn my back on you."

Jacob finally smiled at me and he got up a bit and he threw himself into my body. Nuzzling and hugging me with his paws. He cried some more.

While he was hugging me, I returned the hug by wrapping my paw around his back, rubbing it in comfort.

Jacob said to me, "Thank you."

I smiled down at him, "You're welcome...My friend."

*****

The next morning after that night, I stood outside my cave, getting ready to leave to see the world. A smile spread across my muzzle.

But I won't be going alone.

I'll be going with Jacob.

You see, after we got back to the cave last night, I've asked Jacob if he would want to get away from Alaska, just to see the world, see the wonders.

And not a surprise to me, he accepted my offer without hesitation. He wanted to get away too.

My original plan was to have Phyllis come along with me, but now there's a reason why she didn't come.

Because me and Jacob were suppose to do this together.

Jacob finally woke up in the cave and he walked outside to meet me. He let out a big yawn, his tongue curling. Jacob looked up at me and smiled, "Morning, big guy."

I looked down at him and smiled in return, "Hey there, you sleep well since last night?"

Jacob nodded, "Yeah, I'll have to admit though...It was the best sleep I've had in a long time."

I nodded, proud that he's doing fine, "Good!"

Jacob walked up beside me and asked, "So are we ready to leave?"

I laughed, "Pretty eager to fly on my back, huh?"

Jacob nodded furiously, like a dog begging for food, "Oh yes. I've wanted to fly on you since I met you."

I nodded and said, "Well I'm pretty much ready to go. But should we eat first?"

Jacob lowered his front half while he shook his back end playfully, "No way! I want to fly NOW!"

I laughed and said, "Well then I hope that when we land somewhere, I hope me and you can find something to eat."

Jacob raised his front half and stood straight. He said, "Well I'm a wolf so if we're in the woods or something, I can just hunt for us."

I grinned at him, "If we're near a town or something I can just ask for food. After all I'm well known to the world now."

Jacob shrugged and grinned, "Well okay, but I like the hunting for us part better."

I lowered my body to the ground, ready for him to get on my back. I said, "Lets do it, little guy."

Jacob hesitated getting on my back and he asked, "You won't let me fall, will you?"

I looked him in the eyes, "I promise."

Jacob stared back for a moment and he nodded. Then he walked close to my body and he lowered himself to the ground, getting ready to ponce up to my back. He used his hind legs for power and jumped on me. He landed on me with a sigh. My wings curling on my back and he watched them with his eyes wide.

I raised my body off the ground and stretched out my wings. I looked over my shoulder and said to him, "Just remember, try to hold on to me and don't look down. It'll make you scared."

Jacob looked at my face and he sat on his haunches on my back. Jacob grinned at me.

I asked, "Are you ready for this?"

He lowered his body on my back, wrapped his paws around my neck. Then he answered, "I am." And by the sound of his voice, I knew he's ready.

I smiled and nodded and looked ahead. I let out a breath and I started to flap my wings. I heard Jacob gasp behind my neck and I could feel his paws wrapping tighter around me.

Soon we were off the ground as my wings flapped loudly. The wind caused by my wings blowed the leaves around us.

I kept flapping and flapping, until we were over the woods now. I looked over my shoulder again and saw that Jacob looked down at the ground, but he didn't seem to be bothered by it. He was in total awe. Never being so high up in the air before.

I grinned again and then I flew forward, going easy on him since this is his first flight on me. We were flying over the trees fairly fast.

Jacob's fur was being blowed by the rushing wind, but he still kept his eyes opened. He still held onto me.

We were flying far away from the woods now. Over the bare land of Alaska. We were flying near the blue sky.

We were flying smoothly now and Jacob loosened his grip on my neck. He sat on his haunches now on my back. He was smiling brightly.

I flapped and flapped some more, as my friend sat on me in awe. I knew he would love it.

And now, on our adventure together.

Jacob raised his head to the sky and howled into the air. A howl of joy and amazement.

I joined him with my very loud roar over the lands. My wings flapping to where we are going.

In the woods, I've finally made a friend, and I'm not as alone as I was before. And neither is Jacob. Thanks to me, he's happy as well.

So now here we are, a dragon and a wolf, seeing the world together.