When among Dragons... Chapter 1 Home again

by Machara and Chryos Stormwing

Special thanks to
my love Chryos who creates this with me,
Gabe as my editor and friend
as well as Sammi for ideas

Garrus had arrived. His worn-down coupe was crammed so far with his stuff, beyond what would be considered safe limits, that it was impossible to see out of the back. He had stuffed everything he could manage from his former apartment.
Now he was standing in front of the door of his mother's house, having rung the bell after a moment of hesitation.
As he was waiting, he looked around and noticed just how quiet it was. This sleepy little village had not changed one bit. He noticed the outline of the alps in the distance and there was no hint of the bigger town that he came from, the buzz of which seemed to linger on within him.
Hera opened the door, caught his sight, smiled and held open her arms. Being left with no other option, he accepted her embrace, although somewhat shamefacedly.

“Nice to have you back. I have missed you.” Hera soothed.

Garrus was left with an odd feeling, caused by both the less than smooth circumstances when he moved out of here a few years ago - mostly attributed by his father – and the unaccustomed warm welcome back. After a short moment that he still thought courteous he ended the embrace.

“Is it really ok that I stay here for now?” Garrus asked.

“Of course, it is. To be honest, I actually think it well timed…
But first, come in - I just cooked. We can eat, then we can talk.”

Hera moved to the side to let Garrus in. He looked at her in bewilderment but followed her to the kitchen and as he looked around, recognized much was just the same as when he left, except that many of the shelves and walls were now empty, and there were many stacked boxes sitting off in a corner.
Garrus sat himself at the same old table but saw a new refrigerator. Hera placed a plate with steak and potato wedges in front of him, causing his mouth to water. Garrus never managed Steak quite as good as her’s, not for lack of trying.

“I hope you like it…”

Hera sat herself at her own plate and studied Garrus with wakeful eyes, curious, but also somewhat pensive.

After a few minutes of eating with gusto, Garrus slowed his chewing and swept the room and the hall beyond with his eyes, both the boxes and empty areas coming to his attention again.

“Well timed? What is going on here? I read your emails. You have separated from him… but that was about a month ago, just when my issues started. What are you up to?”

Hera sighed.

“Where should I start? Hmm.
It all began with a phone call. A woman from Canada. She asked me if I knew a man in his late forties named Horst…
Well, we started chatting and it turned out that that it was my… well, not anymore now, I guess … Horst. He lived a double life.
You know how he gets to travel around the world due to his job, and his company has a bigger office situated in Vancouver?
It turns out he spent far more time there than I thought and had another family there and it was his other wife – Marian – I was talking to.”

Hera paused with a dark look in her eyes, yet Garrus also thought he saw a glimmer of something else in it.

“He doesn't anymore, mind you.
After hours of conversation, I flew to her to plan my divorce.
Marian wanted to marry him, but he told her that this would not work, leaving them to be ‘just’ life-partners. Now we know why, I guess… and Marian does not know whether she should be glad or frustrated about it.
We did what I went there for, and the divorce went well, even though it’s not fully over yet. We’ll get the majority out of the marriage. Whether he can retain his job, remains to be seen.
Thankfully Marian owns the House in Vancouver, and Drew, her son, still gets child benefits from his father even though he’s already over 19, but still lives at home.”

Garrus seemed to stop paying attention to the finer details after a while and just stared absently into the void. Having cleared his plate, he reclined and looked at her pensively, unsure of what to say.

“… I understand. I guess that he gets to keep his job. Of course, I do not know Canadian law and don’t know where the company resides in. Anyway… do you still have contact with her?”

“Yes, and here we come to the second part of the story…
It seems that I have something left for women, or at least I have for her.
We have fallen in love. Since I visited her in Canada, we’ve been living in a relationship.
There is nothing that holds me here anymore. I just went through the motions in my job lately and I feel like a change of scenery. I might have a good chance of finding something in the legal sector, Marian tells me there is demand there.
I am moving to Vancouver, to her house. You are welcome to come too, by both of us…”

Hera looked at Garrus with an inviting smile.

Garrus just stared at her, stunned. He took a while to process all of this.

“To tell the truth… no, thanks. I never had much love nor respect for my father. Maybe I have seen something of what I just learned in him before. But as you describe it, you want to leave him bleeding for what he did, even though he managed to feed two families.
As little as I like him, nothing of that agrees with my moral compass. I want to get an explanation from you, or this will be the last time you see me.”

Garrus’ stunned stare was now mixed with anger and disappointment and even some fear. Either his mother was dumb enough to be duped by a deceitful man – something that did not throw a good light on the genetic material he had received from her side, or his father was dumb enough to get involved with the wrong, apparently conspiratorial women, something that challenged the heading of the moral compass that was conveyed to him as he grew up.

Hera paused in her seat, astounded. Her initial spiteful reaction returning to patient motherly tone.

“You don’t seem to have much of an idea about my life and that of your father, do you?
No, he was not the sole provider… In regards to money, it was half and half. I had my Job, Marian has hers and Horst has his. Horst gets most of the liquid assets, and I get the house. Overall, he gets about 40% of the total, based on an estimation of the worth of the house and some investments.
So, I don’t think we will leave him bleeding, but we want what’s left of our family and he needs to leave our lives. What he gets is adequate and I think, quite fair. Aside from that, he earned a lot more than he told me. I think that’s how he could do his part in regards to both families.
Besides him living a double life and that he seemed more distant and cold in the recent years, he was not a bad man. I think he loved us both and was fair in his own strange though hurtful way. I suppose he could not decide between the two of us…
I guess it was the frequent travels involved in his job that allowed him to separate his two lives.

Is that the explanation you wanted?”

Garrus still watched Hera uncertainly. Most of his anger was gone, but it left a void. He had never been confronted with such a situation and did not know what to say. He looked at her forlornly again for a moment and left the room almost silently, heading for his old room, not even knowing if it still existed.

“I need time to think… sorry.”

Hera looked at him sadly, supporting herself with her arms on the table, holding her face in her hands.

“I’m sorry…”

Two days later, Garrus finally returned from his room, bleary-eyed, knackered and somewhat aimless. In the living room, he looked around aimlessly and, for a start, sat himself on the couch.

Hera dropped off another box in the adjacent room and then headed towards Garrus, sitting down beside him. She turned towards him more closely, with a twinkle in her eyes.

“Among the living, again?”

She just sat there looking at him, waiting for an answer, patiently.

“Depends on how you take it.”

He remained sitting there, deciding not to look at her.

“I have decided to come with you if you still want me.
What have you been doing in the last couple of days? I just heard loud noises.”

“I have packed and gotten rid of some furniture. Most of it was either sold – some of it to an antique store – thrown or given away. I’m only keeping a few pieces.”

She stopped for a few moments, looking at him sadly.

“Listen, Garrus… I am sorry, I know this is much to take in, all at once. Your own fate does not make it easier, either. It just happened, and I do not want to force you into anything.
If you want to stay, you can. I am keeping the house here and you can live in either the upper or the lower floor. I would support you as far as leaving it to you, rent free, but I plan to rent out at least half of the house.
However, I would like to see you at my side. We did not meet again under the happiest of circumstances, but I hope to make the best of it, and get to know you again.”

Garrus nodded, and after a pensive pause sighed loudly.

“I understand, but no. Staying here in this house is also not something I would particularly like.
And Canada does not sound so bad. Maybe a bit cold, though…”

He tried a smile, but it came across as lackluster and tired.

“If there is something I could do to help, I’d be glad.”

Hera picked up at that, smiling.

“I’m certain we’ll find something.
Tell me about yourself, please. I just know about your job and girlfriend, but not how it happened.”

For the first minute, Garrus looked at the floor embarrassed, but pensive. With his hands folded before his head, he pondered the past weeks and months.

“It began half a year ago. I should have gotten promoted, but that never happened. I never got an explanation as to why, and I had to press to find out the reason I was passed over. Two months later I found out I had been bugged and evidently spied upon by someone as I rummaged my equipment. It took a few weeks to find out that my girlfriend had accused me of rape and that I was under surveillance. This went so far that I was finally dismissed, apparently without reason. To top it all off, when I asked for an explanation from my girlfriend, she said she had done it to create a situation so that an ex-boyfriend would want to take her back from the claws of a rapist. For that, she denounced and slandered me! I was neither put on a proper trial nor was the real reason for my dismissal explained to me.
She of course then left me, also because I set an ultimatum for her to move out. I am back here again because I lack the financial means to support myself, anymore.”

Hera sighed.

“Our family seems to be cursed by bad luck. What a bitch; and she had made such a good impression, initially.”

She moved closer to Garrus and took him in her arms.

“I understand your chances of a good job with your knowledge are not the best?”

While appreciating her affection, her son freed himself from her embrace and laughed bitterly.

“What did you expect? Currently, my chances are miserable. Until my case is through with my current lawyer, something that I expect might take months, I can’t get a job in the police force. I checked on private security organizations, but they currently only look for younger and cheaper people.”

“Maybe you will have a better chance in Canada. Even if not, we have a room for you in Marian’s house and I can imagine some change might do Drew some good, too. I think you’ll like him.”

Pausing and looking around the much emptier room, Hera changed the subject.

“There shouldn’t be much more to do here. Maybe you can help me with some of the bigger furniture remaining. I plan to leave some of these for use by future tenants. I can show you around the house to describe what I have in mind, and you can share your opinion…
I want to move some of the bigger pieces I cherish for storage in the cellar. You can put some of yours there too. I thought to only bring the most necessary stuff with us to Canada. If we decide we want more of it later, I can ask my sister to send them over. She will take care of the occasional business of the house. Since her kids are old enough now, she has more time and doesn’t mind a little secondary income.”

Garrus nodded and stood up, reconsidered the past, present and possible future and straightened himself up, already looking different – more determined, with more perspective and a goal before his eyes. He decided to let his past rest and maybe even dispel it.

“That sounds very good. If you keep the house it does make sense to rent it out. I guess it would make life easier when it comes to paying the bills and you would not be so hard pressed to find a new job. Where to in Canada are we going?”

“We will live in Vancouver. I like the area around Marian's house, it is not in the center of the city and somewhat suburbian, but still not too far away from downtown. The road is called Sparbrook Crescent. Some parks are nearby, too, Everett Crowley Park is the nearest one. I’ll show you some photos, later.”

When among Dragons... Chapter 2 To a new future

by Machara and Chryos Stormwing

Special thanks to
my love Chryos who creates this with me,
Gabe as my editor and friend
as well as Sammi for ideas

After two more weeks in which they emptied out the house, sold furniture and guided Hera’s sister on the management of the house, they finally sat on the plane to Vancouver. Their visa had also been authorized by then, even though that did not, at least for now, include a permit to work. The check-in had been more stressful than they remembered, each passenger had been subjected to a pat down and medical scan. At last, the plane was just rolling up to the runway and preparing for acceleration.

“Not that I think that it will be necessary, but I don’t understand why we can’t work right away. I’m afraid I have to familiarize myself with Canadian law and take some additional English courses first, anyway.”

Hera wondered, and then turned to Garrus beside herself.

“Do you have plans for what you want to do in the near future?”

Garrus looked at her questioningly for a moment.

“You have not caught up yet, have you?
The liberal Canada from a few years ago does not exist anymore. I have read up on it in the last days.
Since all that mess with the mutations started, there were some particularly nasty manifestations, especially in Canada. More rigorous medical checkups were able to prevent or at least anticipate some manifestations. Those are now especially done before long flights, explaining what we had to go through, just now. If such a scan shows genetic change, you have to acquire a clearance certificate for it within three days, or you are contained or deported, especially if you are there just on a visa. They don’t handle this much differently in the US, I hear. Fortunately, manifestations have not been so bad in Germany.”

“Ah, that all sounds rather familiar, but it does not explain why we can’t work, yet.
I’m already excited to learn about the details of Canadian law and its recent changes. Maybe I can encourage something concerning work if I know more. I so look forward to seeing Marian again. It seems like an eternity has passed since I last saw her.”

Garrus nodded slowly and tiredly. He felt like falling asleep but would have to wait until they had lifted off.

“Well, you do know that incubation can take days, weeks or sometimes even months between the trigger and actual manifestation? They don’t want unknown mutants and desperately try to avoid new outbreaks of variations of the retrovirus. They are also especially careful when it comes to a permit for employment. That’s why it usually takes three or four months until you get such a permit.”

Garrus yawned.

Hera looked sideways at her son.

“Incubation period? I thought we were already checked for transmitted illnesses by those Bio Mutants when we were scanned.”

She noted his sleepiness and some unrest.

“You look tired. Don’t worry, I’m sure the flight will go smoothly. I don’t really understand why flying makes you so nervous. Maybe you can have a nap.”

Garrus rolled his eyes.

“I’m not nervous. But turbulences during takeoff and landing and all those announcements annoy me. That’s why I wait. As to incubations… well, not all are detected right away, and many manifestations have no discernible trigger.
Almost all manifestations require the person to possess dormant mutant genes passed on from their parents. Almost all of those stem from the outbreak of the mutant retrovirus of 1981, but some come from smaller more recent outbreaks stemming from persons already bearing the mutant genes. The majority of manifestations are random and without a discernible trigger, but some are triggered by injury, illness, strong emotions or other external influences. They can also be triggered by catching an infection, the common cold or another strand of the retrovirus.
Aside from the manifestation that I just described that require dormant mutant genes in a person, each person that already possesses mutant genes bears a small risk to cause the outbreak of another often mutated form of the retrovirus, typically caused when they catch some normal contagion, such as a common cold.
So, they just want to make sure. I can’t wait for those confirmatory checkups…”

After reaching traveling altitude, the flight proceeded normally and Garrus managed to sleep for a few hours.
As the plane was flying over Canadian soil, a local news station was brought up after the credits of an in-flight film. A news moderator was seen below the title ‘Super-Fight in Calgary’s Zoo’.

“A fight between a local Super-Hero team and a yet unknown group of Asian fighters on and over the grounds of the Calgary Zoo led to the evacuation of all visitors of the Zoo. Apparently, the attacking group held some grudge against the local team. Unfortunately, two people from the Zoo staff were killed, and one visitor was wounded. Part of the Zoo was destroyed. We have some live footage, for you.”
Some pictures from a Helicopter were shown.
“The Zoo has been forced to close down for the next couple of days, and some of the animals have to be relocated. The Vancouver Zoo is offering at least a temporary place for the animals, transportation is in progress. Next on the Agenda…”

Hera turned to her son.

“Wow. I hope such altercations won’t become commonplace. Back home, I have only heard of two larger ones over the years… and this one did not look like a trifle. I hope this is not a bad omen. What do you think, Garrus?”

She nervously grabbed after his hand and held it.

Having awoken and following the news, Garrus was not nearly as worried as her.

“It’s hard to tell how this will develop. It is not an order of the day, considering we only had one such incident while I was with the police where mutations played a role. Maybe that is because we barely have any ‘superheroes’ like the U.S. or Canada, however. Vigilantism of untrained citizens usually backfires. I don’t know what they taught them except ‘those are the bad guys, hit them’.”

Garrus looked at her questioningly, and possibly somewhat annoyed. While he was not really annoyed with her, the topic that did seem to have become more and more present recently.

“Don’t worry. I’m sure everything will be fine, we already had enough excitement with our relocation.”

Garrus looked at his mother, smirking.

Hera chuckled.

“I’m with you there. I did not expect it to be this much work with so many details. Finding tenants brought more complications, too. For now, we’ll have some time out and a chance to get to know everyone and the country. Well… after moving in that is.”

The plane landed, and after an eternity at immigration, another health scan and waiting for their luggage they entered the arrival hall which was full of humans with searching glances – well, besides one or two exceptions where their humanity seemed doubtful.
After a few long moments, Hera’s face lit up and she indicated two individuals to her son.

A good-looking woman in her mid-forties stood there, moderately tall brunette at just below 180cm, with hair in a flapper-esque french girl cut that reached just to the bottom edge of her roundish face. Fashionable clothes – a white blouse and snug jeans that widened towards the feet – showed off her feminine and curvy figure.

To the right beside her, Hera saw a young man whose face reminded her somewhat of Garrus, however in the much more soft and roundish manner of his mother. He stood just about as high as his mother and had lightbrown slightly curly hair that reached down to his shoulders. His figure also somewhat followed that of his mother’s, even if it was not quite so curvy or feminine. His clothes were on the androgynous side with tight jeans and a male shirt, that seemed, however, inspired by his mother. Both Garrus and Hera noticed his reticent nature even though he stood straight and did not seem shy. It was just his somewhat feminine face and androgynous body language that made you wonder.

Hera left her suitcases and hurried to Marian to embrace her. The half-siblings heard a “Hi, my dear” before she stepped back again.

“Garrus, this is Marian my Girlfriend and this is Drew, her son.
Marian, Drew, this is Garrus, my son…”

Garrus looked at Drew in confusion.

“Drew? I thought Drew…”

He eyed him up cautiously, feeling abashed by his misconception that he chose not to articulate, fearing it might either embarrass him or Drew.

“Hi! I’m Garrus. Umm… as you’ve just been told anyway.”

He extended a hand as he moved towards the two of them, curious who would shake it first.

Meanwhile, Garrus’ mother was somewhat giddy with excitement about the situation, probably hoping it would go smoothly.

When among Dragons... Chapter 3 A new family

by Machara and Chryos Stormwing

Special thanks to
my love Chryos who creates this with me,
Gabe as my editor and friend
as well as Sammi for ideas

Marian stepped forward, to take Garrus’ hand, smiled and shook it. It was a reassuring handshake, while not strong or uncomfortable, not exactly soft either.
“I've heard quite some things about you from Hera and look forward to getting to know you.”
She stepped back, her eyes remaining on Garrus, mustering.

For a few seconds, everyone remained standing. Drew seemed a bit nervous as he glanced over from Hera to Garrus, and remained there, looking up. Seemingly coming to a decision, he took a noticeable step forward, first shaking Hera’s hand briefly, giving a simple "Hi" with a smile. Then he turned to Garrus and looked up at him again. He held out his hand but waited uncertainly for a moment, forcing Garrus to take his hand to shake it.

Giving her the benefit of the doubt, Garrus shook Marian’s hand, nodding and smiling carefully. Over the past few days, he had slowly lost his reservations towards that spectre of her that he had in his mind. Now that he did get to know her, he was slowly thawing.

“Hoping to live up to it.”

He raised his eyebrows.

“… unless the things you heard weren't good ones.”

"So… half-brothers? I'm still reeling somewhat from this… and other…”

Drew glanced towards Hera for a moment.

“… revelations. Maybe we have some stuff in common to share some time… I've always wanted a sibling."

Garrus responded.

“Pleased to meet you, Drew. I'm grateful for the opportunity to get to know you. Maybe Hera already knows more, but unfortunately, apart from you being my half…brother, I learned very little about you from her. How about we let our two … mothers get reacquainted and, after I’ve brought in the suitcases, we can also have a chat.”

Marian continued the conversation.

"Your mother thinks highly of you, Garrus, and I think they are well founded. I hope what little I know about your … bad luck has run its course. Let me grab one of your cases, Hera, and maybe Drew can take one from Garrus. I have missed your mother, and some catching up time with her is appreciated."

She took one of her cases, took Hera by her arm and turned towards the exit, leaving Garrus and Drew to themselves.

Watching both women take the lead, Drew turned to Garrus.

“You sure packed quite a bit. Let me take that one…”

He pointed to the biggest, took it, and then waited for Garrus to follow up and then turned after their mothers.

Taking two of the smaller cases himself, Garrus followed them. Unfamiliar with the place, he took his time, letting it all sink in a bit while he helped with the hauling.

“Sure, we've packed quite a bit; as far as I know, we're not going back anytime soon.”

Before exiting the Airport, the two men found themselves entering a cozy little Café that seemed somewhat out of place there. Their mothers had already taken a seat on two barstools, ordering. Finding no place at the bar, they sat on a wall bench behind a small round table. While it was a nice place to sit, finding a place for all the suitcases proved difficult.

After having settled and watching the two women for a few moments, Drew turned to Garrus and cautiously and silently asked

"Have you known about your mother… you know? The way they behave, they seem so relaxed and happy… almost like it's nothing new to them."

Garrus listened to Drew as he spoke.

“Uhm… what is nothing new to them?”

The remark seemed curious to him. He watched Drew intently after having set down a set of cases, waiting for him to respond.

Drew chuckled.

"You know… being in a relationship with a girl. It feels right somehow when I watch them. My…. our father… I could never really warm up to him. Well, not since around when we moved to Vancouver. Not that he was unfriendly or bad… just distant. Mom told me that when they met he was different. But over the years something changed, albeit slowly. And he was away more often than he was there. The love she must have felt for him must have cooled down, and it showed.”

Garrus remembered his childhood and smiled.

“I think I know what mom meant. He really was different. I remember an affectionate father that smiled and joked. He played and spent time with me. Sure, he was almost always never there, but it was enough. Now, this…”

He nodded to the two figures in front of them, now holding hands.

“… feels warm.
I… am surprised, actually, even though she did mention once or twice that she has been in a relationship with a girl before."

Nodding slowly with curiosity, Garrus glanced at their two mothers for a moment before returning to Drew.

“You're very observant. We'll have to see how their relationship develops. Given time, all of them cool down somewhat. In some areas. I’m willing to give the two of them a chance now anyway.”

He hummed in thought.

“… The relationship itself though… as in… women together, that's hardly noteworthy don't you think? I mean… don't get me wrong, I’m happy for them, but it's far from out of the ordinary, right?
What about you though?”

He raised his eyebrows in curiosity.

Drew deadpanned.

"Out of the ordinary, no. Well, not really. If I were to see a gay or lesbian couple in public I’d probably just give them a curious glance and maybe smile. It makes a difference to me, however, if it’s family and I’m incorporating this new trait into how I see them. There WAS a 'but' in your sentence, though. I hope you mean ‘giving them a chance’ similar to how I feel about it. It may be a bit quick for them… for Hera to move here… and I hope that they know each other well enough to be sure it will work. That’s about the only ‘but’ I feel about it.
What about me?"

Garrus reciprocated.

“Of course. It all being brought about so … abruptly? That's bound to throw up some dust. We'll have to see when it settles how much it was and what might need dusting.”

A twinkle formed in his eyes.

“About you? Well… Do you have a special someone in your life? I don't mean to intrude or anything, if you're not comfortable talking about it, that's alright as well. Just trying to get to know you…”

Having really settled and feeling more comfortable on the bench now, Garrus took yet another moment to look around, still not quite grasping the concept of having moved here, apparently.

After having stretched his arms on the couch and looking into Garrus eyes, Drew responded.

"I don't currently have a significant other in my life. During high school, I briefly had two short relationships… a girl in the same class and a boy one class above me. They never worked out.

How about you?"

Chuckling to himself about the info he’d given him, Garrus played around with it in his mind and thought about the answer for a moment, murmuring somewhat.

“Nothing during my school years. Two years ago, I got together with that woman… no use in telling you much about her, other than it too didn't work out in the end. I’m afraid the experience might have left me a bit bitter… or at least wary towards women. Though I suppose I should work on myself to remedy that. You don't sound worse for the experience though… so the time in those relationships did have its good moments I suppose?”

Drew laughed.

“It did have its perks while it lasted. It was not really me who ended them… both were experimenting and found other… more interesting people to… hook up with, and I guess I should have known they did not enter in the relationship with the intention of keeping it through the years. But I was different. I always wanted something stable. I guess those two tries… left me feeling somewhat empty. And more cautious. Maybe that's why I've been single for two years now.

But I guess there is no sense in pondering too much about it, it will just get you down. I try to focus on other stuff… and hope I meet Mr. or Mrs. right someday.”

“Ah well…”

Garrus decided to pat Drew gently on the shoulder.

“Best of luck with that. Who knows, maybe we both will get lucky someday.”

He raised one eyebrow suggestively.

In the meantime, a waiter had looked after the two and had returned with two cups of coffee. Garrus still stirred his, having put two packets of sugar in. Drew had only used one and taken a sip contentedly.

“What do you do, anyway? And why did you choose to join your mother?”

Sighing and thinking again for a moment he then decided to tell Drew the whole story. How he got his job at that police station, worked through his apprenticeship and found a girlfriend, only to lose her a year later when she went crazy and tried to play him for a rapist. In the end, he added a short review over the last few weeks. How he’d talked with his mother and decided to accept her invitation to move here with her, including the reasons that he wouldn't have any prospects back ‘home’.

Drew looked sadly up at him, at one time laying a hand on his knee without conscious thought, just to take it back right away with embarrassment showing on his face, and continued to listen to his tale. When Garrus had finished, Drew hugged him closely. After he released the embrace, Garrus saw anger on his face.

“Of all this…”

He raised a hand, wavering helplessly into the air.

“… I think you seem to have had the worst luck.
But maybe we can turn that around.”

Smiling, he looked Garrus right in the eyes.

Feeling a certain amount of attraction towards him at this moment, Garrus couldn’t help himself and hugged him right back. A moment later, including a deep sigh, he drew back once more, looking a bit awkward.

“Sorry… Umm… That… helped. You seem genuinely nice. Thank you for … letting me talk about it?”

He paused.

“A turnaround would be wonderful.” Garrus said, smiling.

“Anytime…”

He hesitated, then laughed.

“I would have said ‘bro’, but I hate that kind of language…”

Drew thought of continuing that conversation but decided he needed some more coffee, so they continued sipping it in silence. After a short while just sitting there and talking about the flight, Marian and Hera were finished and they paid. Together they walked to the car, a comfortable looking newish minivan, and drove home. Drew gave the odd comment about the city and what they saw while Garrus and Hera just watched. Finally, they were nearing their destination and Drew spoke up.

“I think we'll be there in another minute. How about I show you your room and help unpack?”

They arrived and all stepped out of the car. Marian unlocked and opened the door, welcoming all into the House. She showed them around the house, mostly for Garrus’ benefit. It was a mid-sized two-story house with a short driveway and lawn and a slightly bigger garden in the back. The car was parked in a kind of open garage where the roof was part of the upper floor. It was open on two sides, the other two being the walls of the house, with a side door leading to a storage and tool-room. The kitchen and a well-sized living room made up most of the ground floor, besides a toilet and the mentioned storage room. The upper floor was made up of three bedrooms and a bathroom. The living room had a door that led out to a terrace sheltered by a wood and glass veranda on the backside of the house, overlooking the garden.

Marian continued. “I can show you more, later, but I’d like to unpack first. Drew, can you please assist Garrus?”

The two women left for the garage, leaving Drew and Garrus in the living room. Drew picked up the conversation that he felt they had left in the Café.

“What should I call you, anyway?
Brother? seems strange and long… Garrus? Or do you have some other nickname?

Hey… now that I think about it… I'm delighted your English is so good. I had feared language might have caused a barrier between us…”

Drew pulled his stuff after him as he proceeded to lead Garrus through the house and towards the stairs.

“Wow, this place isn't half bad. Sorry, just rambling… it's just… I’m used to about 60 square meters for two.”

Together they carried some of the suitcases up the stairs and Drew showed Garrus into the room that would be his own from then on.

“Oh, me? Just plain and simple Garrus. I doubt you'd like the nicknames I had at work very much. 'Argus' for one, or… Eagle-Eye. though not for precise shooting.

He mumbled in thought.

“… Although I did win a competition about three months before I was terminated - it was rather due to tackling a VIP I was scheduled to protect because I thought there was someone lurking behind a trash can. It turned out it was just another trash bag. Eagle-eye. It's ironic. Except when it isn't.”

He grimaced at the memory.

Drew looked curiously amused but was confused.

“Does a trash can really need eagle eyes to be noticed?” He winked suggestively. “What's a competition got to do with protecting some VIP, anyway?”

“Given the lighting conditions back there, I think you would require eagle eyes - like mine - for that feat.”

Sticking out the tongue for a second Garrus was quick to respond Drew's question, though.

“Oh, no. They were two separate occasions. One was a shooting contest where I won first prize, the other was a... uh... mission? where we had to protect some locally well-known figurehead who later that day had given a speech about... oh... I don't remember. Something terribly important, I’m sure.”

Garrus chuckled and turned the original question around.

“You got any nicknames for yourself, Drew? Besides cute…”

He stuck his tongue out with a grin.

“’Eagle Eye’ does not sound so bad! … - hey, I swear I won't use it.”

As Garrus’ cute comment sunk in, he blushed. He tried to hide it by turning his head to the side, but failed.

“Are you one of those I can add to my list that thinks ‘Drew, the girl'?”

Garrus blinked after having once more put down the suitcases in his new room.

“I … beg your pardon? Drew? The girl? I would certainly say you do have … feminine qualities about you, but not that I would hold that against you in any way.”

Half-chuckling, half-laughing he shook his head, patting Drew on the back gently.

“Don't worry. I'll give more than ample warning, should my feelings for you get awkward in any way.”

Drew laughed at first, then turned and saw the look on Garrus’face. He stopped for a few moments, and then put on a devilish grin.

“Does it take two to make it awkward?”

Not sure he wanted to hear the answer, he changed the subject.

“Anyway. Your room still seems a bit sparse. How about I show you the area, and we get some things to make it livelier and pick up some groceries for dinner? It seems a nice day for a barbeque, but I have to ask our moms about that.
What do you think?”

Garrus looked in surprise and then smiled.

“Barbeque… that's a wonderful idea.”

Not quite sure how he should take Drew’s first comment, he decided to let it sit for now and rather wanted to see how it played out. He wondered if that was an admission of feeling attraction.

“Right. I’ve heard a bit about Canadian cuisine. Is this gonna be an example of that?”

“Um… Tell you what. I'll try. But I can't make promises.”

They then went down to find Marian and Hera on the sofa, snuggling and talking.

“We're going out to get some stuff for Garrus' room. Is barbeque ok for you?
Mom, any ideas to make that a bit more Canadian?”

Both women sat up straighter. Drew could see Hera slightly blushing. Then Marian turn to him to respond.

"Why don't you get some salmon, Drew - you know, those filets that still have scales on one side - and some chicken. I think we still have some cedar wood to improve the aroma, and maybe we can coat it with maple syrup if that's not too sweet for you?"

Drew smiled, liking the idea.

"Sure. But if you want the good stuff we might take a bit longer… you know, that shop that specializes in barbecue is some ways off…"

"No problem” Marian agreed “Do you think you could make it before 7? We'd then fire up the grill."

Looking satisfied, Drew nodded and turned to his half-sibling.

"Ok. Garrus, you coming with?"

Watching the scene unfold, Garrus chuckled at Drew as he mentioned the time required.
“‘Wish I hadn't sold my bike before I returned to my mother. We could probably use it now. Well… given that it would've been far too expensive to bring over here, I guess I could get a new one someday, instead. That is, once I get a job.”

"We can get you one here if you like,” Drew enthused “but Vancouver is big and you might not want to use your bike for regular transportation. It will take at least 20 minutes by car where we need to go. Come on…"

He went through a side door in the hall which led to the open garage that was sheltered by the first floor. Two cars stood there, the nicer minivan Garrus was already familiar with that they came back from the Airport in, and an older cheaper model which looked to be in a similar price class to the one he had just sold before coming to Canada. Drew took the second one and they took off to do their errands.

Later that evening, everyone sat at a table on the back terrace of the house, plates empty, the grill close by, still radiating a bit of warmth.

"Wow, mom… “ Drew waid with a sigh, sated from the delicious food and smiling. “I forgot how good this could be. We should do this more often."

Garrus chuckled.

“We should. And maybe you could show me a thing or two about that cooking of yours. I've never really tried ‘Canadian’ food before. Well obviously, salmon isn't that rare in other cuisines though to be fair, it does seem much more… affordable over here. Compliments to the chefs, in any case.”

He looked at both Drew and his mother.

“Though… I do have to ask. The cashier asked us if we were mutant. Was that about that tax I heard about that's being levied for more 'equality' between mutant people and … ‘normal’ ones?”

Marian frowned but explained.

"Taxes and Insurance have become quite a bit more complex, aside from changes to the law. You might already know that most Insurance companies, even if they are state-sanctioned, require information on Mutant status and details, and this affects costs on insurance. Many types are affected, foremost Medical, Transportation and also Lodging.
I understand this is similar to most Countries, but Canada took it even further. They allow anyone that has a business that sells to private clients to adjust the sales tax depending on whether the buyer is a Norm or a Mutant. I don't really understand it and I think it's not fair, but there you have it…
It is typically businesses that have had bad experiences with Mutants or that are scared or otherwise negatively inclined that make use of that option."

“I guess some of that might be warranted.”

Garrus looked rather thoughtful at the moment.

“Then again, I have little experience with mutants. Most of them are healthier by default, so shouldn't that make their health insurance cheaper? Dunno about accidents but they might be more prone to them though, especially if they're inexperienced with those abilities of theirs. Do tell me if I’m talking out of my ass.”

He raised an eyebrow rather dramatically. Whether it was meant with irony or sarcasm was hard to tell. Hera merely rolled her eyes, the Canadians, however, did not know whether to be amused or confused.

Marian chuckled.

”Some want to see it that way, and I know of at least one insurance that agrees if the conditions are right. But it's a minefield and when you choose an insurance company nowadays you need to look more closely at the details than before. I only have a rough idea of other insurances, but am somewhat familiar with health insurance, being a Doctor myself. While there are laws or at least guidelines on how and how not to incorporate Mutants into health insurance, it's still new and only vaguely defined, so it's up to the company and their opinion on mutants on which conditions you get. As far as my knowledge goes, I and Hera can never become conventional mutants - well, at least the chance is exceedingly low - but there is still a possibility for you and Drew. I know that both I and Horst have contracted the mutant retrovirus. While it now becomes more and more unlikely that Drew is at risk, and even more so you Garrus, I chose an Insurance that is friendlier.
Some insurances say they are a liability and just generally increase the fee but many adjust it depending on powers and levels. For instance, if you are just a low-level exemplar you get off rather cheap, or even cheaper than normal, but if you have, say, level 4 or above then you may become even more difficult to treat in some cases, or - and that's what most argue - a liability to yourself and people around you. For instance, higher level Mutants are more likely to incur in a burnout."

She paused, then looked around and blushed.

"Oh, sorry, I must have droned on about that… it's just such a fascinating subject, wouldn't you agree, Drew?"

Drew just nodded, feeling rather pushed into a corner and under a spotlight. Seeing him flushing and rather silent, Marian chose to change the subject.

"How is it in Germany, actually?"

Garrus sighed a bit after that lengthy explanation of hers. He tried to clear his head before responding.

“… No worries, it’s just a lot to take in. Uhm…

Since apparently anti-discrimination laws are stricter than here, everyone pays the same in Germany. That being said, there is some insurance that is required for mutants yet optional for normal people and vice versa. The 'same price for all' only applies to insurance that is mandatory. It seems that we haven't had as many outbreaks as you, but I’d say the mutants with … destructive powers have the worst of it as they are automatically in a higher level of liability and thus pay more for their insurance, they also aren't eligible for any but the most basic insurance and in order to receive any coverage at all, they're required to undergo a psych evaluation every six months. Not that that would be unwarranted seeing as gun laws are very similar in that regard by now. Their abilities are, by law, classified as uh… inherent or acquired weapons or weapon-like capabilities and are regulated - in most other aspects, like conventional armaments.”

Marian found Garrus’ summary informative and to the point, and felt that she started to actually like him.

“I think your system might be better. Maybe I have over-dramatized how it actually is in Canada. Officially there is an anti-discrimination law, and to some extent, that is upheld, but as I said, I feel there is too much leniency. Like Germany, in Canada, some insurance also does not apply to Mutants, and I'd like to see some psychological evaluation, but maybe it's frequency should depend on the results of the last one."

Marian looked around.

“I'm tired. How about we clean up? I feel like retiring.”

She then particularly looked at Hera. Drew stood up, finding himself more in his element and took charge.

“Sure. I'll take care of the grill. Maybe you can help, Garrus?”

“Sure. I'm more than spent after this long day.”

Garrus smiled and got up. He walked over to Drew to help him with the cleaning tasks at hand, mainly the grill itself as well as the dishes.

”You were noticeably quieter than before, Drew. Are you just exhausted or is something else the matter?”

Drew looked up from brushing together the ashes remaining on the grill, with a slightly surprised look that turned into a small smile.

"You noticed… hm… well… yes and no. I am a bit tired, but there are things on my mind - not anything bad, though - AND Marian showed her occasional tendency to dominate the conversation."

He sighed and brushed the now collected ashes into a metal bucket.

"I feel like taking a little stroll in the park before going to bed. If you like and are not too tired, you can join me."

Garrus smiled while he carried the plates into the kitchen, and placed them in the sink.

“I'd be delighted to spend the evening with you, Drew…”

Garrus cringed and sought to compensate.

“That sounded sappy. My bad.”

He chuckled as he returned, and gazed over at Drew while he was working on the grill.

Drew then took the grill and the bucket into a small shed alongside the house. After taking a last look over the backyard, and was apparently satisfied, he turned to Garrus.

“Well then, I'd be happy if you joined me.”

When among Dragons... Chapter 4 Out for a stroll

by Machara and Chryos Stormwing

Special thanks to
my love Chryos who creates this with me,
Gabe as my editor and friend
as well as Sammi for ideas

Author's note: This and following chapters contain what some might consider incest (however there are no actual sexual acts). I am well aware that some readers may not feel comfortable with this. While the author is not happy with this either, the story just happened that way and incest was never intended. Some time in the future (unfortunately at a point not written yet) this will resolve itself.

It was now mostly night, even though a slight glow in the west still reminded them of the sun that had set a while ago. The air was humid and somewhat warm, though a slight chill seemed to creep in. It was silent, only distant street sounds could be heard, along with a very slight wind blowing.

Drew headed towards the street.

Garrus was curious where Drew was headed and followed along, trying to pick up the conversation from earlier.

“So… Drew… you mentioned you had things on your mind. Would it be too nosy of me to ask you about what those things were… or are? I don't mean to pry of course. That much you know, already.”

He tried to sound lighthearted and had a wink in his eyes.

“But I’m curious, it seems to be the only sign of even a hint of tension between you and your mother. How you mentioned her ‘dominating’ the conversation, just before.”

As they continued walking along the street Drew looked to his side watching Garrus finishing his question. Drew then continued looking forward, guiding both of their direction and pondered an answer.

“It's hard to describe. She recently got a promotion and now oversees a whole wing in her hospital. She is happy with that, but it also means more work and responsibility. We've always been quite close, and now that she has less time I miss that. I think she may have also become a bit more intense and … dominating … as you say because of that. Maybe out of necessity.

The other part, the more pensive one, is all these new impressions and the full day we had. It's been busy, and I enjoyed our previous conversation… and I'm also annoyed about that shop owner. It feels discriminating, and I'm particularly sensitive about that lately.

I'm now in my fourth semester at Capilano University, attending to become a Healthcare Assistant. We got new courses this semester, and I took two specializing in the treatment of Mutants.

I don't know what I'd do if it happened to me. I don't want to bore you with the details, though…"

Drew guided him along the sidewalk of the road and then turned into another sidewalk, which they finally left after a short while, and after going through some bushes, they entered a footpath off the beaten track which lead into a much greener area.

“This is just a shortcut that I always take when I want to go for a stroll in Everett Crowley Park. We'll come to a small road just around the corner.

What about you, Garrus? You did not seem very talkative either, during dinner.”

Listening intently, Garrus didn't even notice the change of scenery until then but opened his eyes wide in surprise.

”Whoa… nice park. Tell me next time we come here. I want to remember the way.”

Chuckling a bit at that moment, Drew then continued listening to Garrus.

”Ah, well… it's true I didn't say much during dinner… but I had the best of reasons: Dinner.”

Chuckling even more now, he watched the last vestiges of sunlight disappear.

”You know, this place is roughly the same… latitude as where I came from; I had kinda hoped to see exceptionally long sunsets, but honestly, now that I have this conversation with you and being in this bit of nature and such… guess that makes up for it.”

“Wow, you are a charmer! Hmm… maybe that came out wrong.

I guess I'd need to visit Germany to have a comparison. The weather is ok, but it feels a bit unpredictable at times… On and off it rains so much that you feel like this must be England, and at other times it’s hot and even dry.

You know, I have not always lived here. We originally came from Whistler, well that's how I remember it, anyway. I miss the mountains, it's so flat here. Not that it's all bad.”

Drew looked and smiled at Garrus, then took him along the gravel and dirt road. Occasionally Garrus could get a peek of the city around, mostly though just as the distant lights shone through the undergrowth. After some time, they got to a place that was a few meters up on a partial clearing, with a few benches.

Drew took a seat and waited for Garrus to do the same, enjoying the outlook over the area that was much more impressive and serene here but still seemed much to flat for him.

“So, what do you think of Vancouver so far, and… well, everything. New family… well… what it may become sometime…"

”Whistler… that's some town nearby, right? My mother told me about it briefly. Much more … mountainous than around here? You miss it?”

As Garrus sat down, he spread out his arms on the bench rest, almost like he was offering Drew to snuggle up.

“I miss the country, and I do miss some friends, but it seems so long ago now. It was a small city in comparison, and Vancouver may be a bit big…"

Drew sat beside Garrus, barely any space left between them.

“But you deflect my questions.”

”You mean about dinner?”

Garrus felt Drew’s warmth and simply enjoyed the moment, not needing to get physical for now but almost feeling confident enough that Drew wouldn't outright dismiss the option.

“I’m sorry, it was mostly really just the hunger after that long flight. We did get something to eat up there but it was… well… airplane food. And not business class, at that. That aside, I was just reliving the past few weeks. All that changed on such short notice and with so little hesitation. It might not make any difference to the world at large but… to me; to have met y… I mean… your family, to have been basically thrown out of my old life. It widens my horizons, at least potentially.”

Drew chuckled.

“I actually was wondering about your impressions of Vancouver and … well… us, but I think I get a bit of the gist.”

Drew shuddered as the wind blew stronger now and it was getting colder. He snuggled up to Garrus, leaning against his body.

“I hope you don't mind… it's getting chilly.”

Watching Drew’s lithe body get so close until he finally touched him, left Garrus with shivers going down his spine as well, although not from the cold.

“I… am a bit surprised to say that but… not in the slightest, Drew. As a matter of fact, thank you.”

Slowly Garrus pulled his arm a bit closer around Drew, for some reason finding the feeling and even the thought of Drew hugging him very comforting.

Drew turned to Garrus, curiously studying his expression. There was something in Garrus’ eyes and that smile… Drew moved up to Garrus and their lips almost met…

Suddenly, Garrus heard rustling below, followed by a sharp pain in his ankle, a grip around it, tugging on it.

Garrus cried out.

He was startled, and stood straight up, looking down below the bench. There was a figure moving on the ground below the bench they sat on, partly hidden, and in the dim light, not clearly visible.

It tugged at Garrus again and then pulled, knocking him down partially but still laying on the bench.

Drew shouted, and then moved forward and kicked with his foot on what he could see of the… creature. Drew’s foot connected, and the thing let loose of Garrus’ ankle, only to lash out against Drew with its snout and bit him.

Drew fell down on his back and after a moment, raised his head to look down along his body to the attacker. The creature was still there, gripping his leg. Drew stumped with his other foot as hard as he could, and it connected directly with its snout.

It let go, hissed, and quickly slithered away, soon being lost in the underbrush.

Drew let out a breath and lay with his feet on the ground, groaning.

Garrus only saw part of the confrontation, and soon felt exhausted, without energy, and dizzy.

Aside from the wind that now only blew very lightly, it was silent, again.

It was dark all around the half-brothers as their consciousness faded…

When among Dragons... Chapter 5 Changes

by Machara and Chryos Stormwing

Special thanks to
my love Chryos who creates this with me,
Gabe as my editor and friend
as well as Sammi for ideas

Drew awoke in his bedroom, a familiar smell tickling his nose. He saw the ceiling above him and heard strange noises. Then there was a commotion. There were people in the living room below and he heard voices, arguing. He tried to move but only noticed the hard surface. It was not his bed he was in. Then, the bright light of day shone into his eyes, and he heard footsteps coming closer but were still outside the room, interrupted by Garrus voice, maybe a little raspier than it had been before.

“Wake up. That wasn't a dream. We were brought back home apparently. Try to make only slow movements.”

Drew felt so tired, and hurt all over, especially on his right leg. He tried to lift himself up but failed, barely even registering where he was or what was happening.

With a croak, he tried to shout, but "Mom" came out more silent than intended.

He tried to move his neck, and after initial resistance managed to turn it to one side in an attempt to see more around himself.

It was his room, alright, but he was on the floor apparently. Garrus sat beside him, gently holding Drews shoulder now, while he watched him carefully. Below it became silent for a moment but then the arguing started anew.

“Shh… there's law enforcement down there. I don't know if we're in trouble or anything. Something must've …happened. What was that… thing that attacked us?”

Drew grew somewhat calmer as he looked up into Garrus’ eyes.

“Some really large lizard. Scales all over, belly on the ground, four clawed paws, a snout with sharp teeth, and a long split tongue. I think I've seen something like that before…

What's happening? How are you?”

Garrus felt much more tired suddenly and was tempted to go to sleep again. He could barely move, having used so much of his strength to sit up and look after Drew. Each movement hurt, he felt sore, dizzy and nauseous, and had trouble focusing.

“Mmh…. dizzy again. I just awoke a few minutes ago. I tried to listen in on the conversation below but it's been too muffled. I Think I’m gonna lie down for a bit longer.”

He remained right next to Drew on the ground, he kept close to at least feel his presence.

“Mmh… Lizard. Around here? That's almost unheard of, I thought. Oh well…”

He dozed off, once more.

As Garrus woke up again, he still felt drained, but slightly better.

Looking around himself, he saw white walls and a tube leading towards himself. He recognized an infusion. It smelled sterile as he lay on a vaguely comfortable bed. A regular beeping could be heard, it's frequency picking up speed.

Garrus tried to turn his head around a little to make out more details about his surroundings, stopping immediately though as a headache set in. As he tried to lift his arm to his head, that started burning painfully as well, so he instinctively decided to lay still, for now, just taking in the surroundings with what little vision he had.

“Ugh… was… what… where am I?”

After a while, Garrus tried to turn his head again. He still felt a sharp pain as he did so and it was barely manageable. He saw a hospital room and another bed to his right with someone in it. To his left, there was a small cabinet with a bottle of water and a glass on it. Beyond that, there was a window, the sun shining in through partially drawn curtains.

After a little while, he heard the door to his right open, a figure coming in, and then the door closed again. The person approached him and took a look.

“Hi, Garrus. I see you have awoken. How are you?”

Garrus recognized her as Marian in a doctor's uniform.

He tried to turn his head towards her but it was too painful again. He finally closed his eyes tight and moved it in one single motion, gritting his teeth while doing so, as the pain set in again, leaving him with a feeling of vertigo. His vision blurred red as he opened the eyes again, then fading slowly back to almost normal.

“P… Pain. Whenever I try to move. Both… arms and head. What… happened?”

Marian’s lips were pursed together in a straight line as she watched and listened to Garrus.

“As you did not return from your walk after a few hours, we went out searching for you. It was nearing morning when we found you at the viewpoint in the park. Drew had his cell phone in his hand, apparently attempting to dial, but he never managed it. You were both unconscious when we found you, with bite wounds on your lower legs. We drove my minivan in the park to pick you up, but since you're not really allowed to drive there, we got into an argument with the police.

After I managed to get off with a warning since we had to pick you up conscious, I looked after you. It did not seem life-threatening but since I did not know what happened I thought it best to get you to the hospital for a checkup.

Along the ride, Drew awoke for a few moments and told us you were attacked and bitten by some giant lizard. I got scared and was worried about what this might mean, so instead of a normal hospital I got you into mine.

I want to keep this under wraps, so only one of my nurses and I are allowed in your room.

Can you tell me any more about what happened so we know what to check or treat for?”

As she mentioned the attacks to the legs, Garrus felt a tingling sensation down there, not unlike paresthesia but less ticklish, more like tiny needles. He let out a sigh, trying to think of the event for a moment, then responded, a bit croaky.

”I guess… there was something… lurking under that bench. I have no idea if it had been there from the start or crept up on us. It… grabbed me… suddenly. By the leg. Drew quickly got up, tried to kick it away, but it kept lashing out at him Eventually, he managed to drive it off. I have… literally never seen anything like it. Beady little eyes. A head that looked almost like it was made up of two halves, parted only by the wide mouth. A bit like those … axolotl things but … big as one of us? How can that be…?”

“Wait a moment…”

Marian left the room and came back in a minute later with a tablet in one hand, frantically searching for something. Finding it, she showed it to Garrus. On it, he saw a newspaper article.

<Oldest Comodo Dragon escapes during transport from Calgary to Vancouver Zoo

https://www.walldevil.com/wallpapers/u11/comodo-dragon.jpg

Circumstances of the escape are still under investigation, but human error may not be ruled out. A group of Comodo Dragons and some other Animals were transported from Calgary Zoo after it was partially destroyed during a Superhero brawl.>

After holding it up to Garrus’ head for a few moments, Marian looked him in the eyes and asked.

“Might this be what attacked you?”

“Mmh… not quite. I know Comodo dragons from pictures and that wasn't one. The size might be about right though.”

Garrus seemed to be able to speak easier now, his head also didn't feel quite as dizzy and sore anymore. It was just his arms that he preferred to not move for the moment… along with the whole rest of his body.

“Its head was more … round I guess? Not quite as slender anyway. I’d even say a bit pudgier but… might've been my vision as well, it happened rather quickly and I hit my head on the bench as it tore at me… sorry.”

“Oh. And I had hoped to have solved that mystery.”

Marian actually seemed disappointed now.

“If it was that, we might have known how to treat it. We took blood from both of you yesterday, I'm expecting the results soon. Maybe that will shed some light.

There is no indication that what you got is … life-threatening, but we can't know, of course. You have a rash on the wounds, but it does not look very bad, at least.”

She now looked over to the other bed, examining the person there and looked under the blankets.

“Oh Drew,” Marian sighed, with real worry in her voice “… what have you gotten yourself into?”

Watching her expression turn so worried as she examined Drew, Garrus felt some nervousness creep into him, as well.

”Wh… what happened to him? Is he going to be alright?”

At first, he had been tentatively relaxed after hearing that it might not be life-threatening. But he then felt the adrenaline rushing through his body which at first actually seemed to increase the amount of pain he was feeling. Only after a few moment that subsided, again. Still, Garrus wasn't able to do more than turn his head, this time though without a headache afterward.

“He's in the same condition as you are.” Marian replied.

“I'm just worried since we don't know much yet. The rash seems to be spreading, and I have never seen anything like this before.

To be honest, the reason why I brought you here… even though I should not have… is because I just had this strong feeling that you were manifesting. I've ordered all kinds of blood tests.

Even if you can, please don't leave this room. You are not supposed to be here and I might be in trouble if it gets out. You see, this is the general ward of the BC Women's Hospital… and you are not women. I have some leeway here since I’m the head doctor in this wing.

I'm afraid until we get results back we can only wait. I hope Drew wakes up soon…”

Garrus kept listening to her and finally nodded slowly.

”Women's hospital…. but this place is equipped for emergencies, right? So at least in that regard, it must be okay for us to be here?”

Feeling some deception on her part, either because she might be afraid or wanted to hide something, Garrus decided to keep asking.

”I’m not trying to get you into any trouble… and I promise I won't leave this room… Big surprise, I don't think I’m able to walk, anyway. You've obviously kept quiet about us so… please tell me… what's the deal? And what's… manifesting?”

Marian sighed, moved a chair beside his bed, and sat down.

“Manifesting is what some call it when a normal person with the potential to become a Mutant actually changes and becomes one. Sometimes it is triggered just by time, such as growing up - often through changes during puberty, but sometimes by some external influence as might be in your case.

I am afraid of what will happen to you when others find out you are a Mutant. I'm afraid of the PAX. They are often not as nice as they want the public to believe, and I have witnessed it first-hand that the Vancouver branch is not very tolerant.

And of course, we are equipped to handle emergencies… Though admittedly mostly for emergencies specific to women.”

The door opened and a nurse came in, holding a stack of papers in her hand.

“Marian, we have the results back.”

She handed her the papers, looked around the room, especially Garrus, and then left again.

Marian took the papers and read through them. Soon her face dropped.

“Your immune system is fighting something and is weakened, and you indeed are Manifesting….”

She read on some more fully engrossed, but with a stony face.

“You will need some shots to avoid some possible transmitted diseases, but the results are not very clear and some of them are confusing.”

Not quite sure what to make of this, all that Garrus was left to do, was to wonder about the developments that had taken place.

”I've… heard of the PAX. That they call themselves the Paramilitary Armed Citizens already belies their intents. They've recently been condemned by the European Union, but not outright outlawed. Still, some members of them have been taken into custody after some particularly rough behavior… which I think was in Munich.”

He paused, with a strain on his face.

”Yeah, I remember now. We were almost called out to move in on the scene as well, but in the end, they surrendered their gadgets. Not before a semdee crippled their own power armor though. I wouldn't want to have a run-in with them anyway. Not unarmed. And certainly not…”

As Garrus talked about the PAX, Marian only got the gist of his ramblings, rather focused on the notes and data of the papers. Marian saw some antibodies increased tenfold above the normal maximum, others were gone completely. Also, some form of tissue degeneration seemed to have taken place in parts of Garrus’ body, matching the areas of the rash. It didn't seem to cause any problems for blood flow, nerves, and the actual muscles or bones though… so far.

Garrus stopped in mid-sentence, looking confused and then alarmed.

“Wait… what? Mutant?”

Marian looked up as Garrus raised his voice. Torn from her notes she had an annoyed look on her face, but still turned to Garrus.

“Yes, you are a Mutant, now. Haven’t you heard me before?”

She looked exasperated but then calmed down to answer Garrus.

“The condemning in Europe is new to me… but I guess the PAX want to keep that low and hang onto where they still have power. I wonder what it means for them here… And who takes over… well, what their job was supposed to be. I'm worried about the both of you… both concerning the PAX but also what's happening to you… I'm not an expert but some colleagues have told me stories, and some of them are not pretty. Manifesting can be dangerous. Some have died because of it.

What's a semdee, anyway?”

Garrus responded.

“Ah. It’s a surgical electromagnetic disruptor. It's like the EM blast from an atomic bomb but created by a… well, good question. I’ve never got the training for that piece of equipment but it's used to disable pretty much anything electric and not equipped with shielding for it. Those power armors certainly weren't shielded anyway, unsurprisingly, as that much bulk only makes sense on stuff the size of tanks and upwards. Just from what I’ve heard…”

Marian was amused by Garrus’ focus on Military Agencies and Technical equipment. ‘Must be his training as a police officer…’ she thought. Garrus only then returned to the matter at hand.

“People have died from manifesting? I guess I should feel lucky that we both don't seem to be in mortal danger right now but… when will you be able to tell us more?”

“Unfortunately, I don't know if we can tell you more. I'm specialized in the treatment of women’s issues, I’ve only got the basic course on Mutants… something that's now required for most doctors, anyway. Anything beyond that is for specialists or those particularly interested.”

Marian looked over the papers in her hand again.

“I'll order some shots for you, and tomorrow we’ll draw more blood to see if we can find out more, but… there is only so much I can do… there is a ward for Mutant issues in Vancouver General Hospital, but they need to report to the PAX. And if I request too specialized blood tests it will draw attention. I'll ask around though if I can find a doctor that is more specialized and … friendly.”

Marian sighed.

“I am afraid, either way, we need to wait and see what happens. If you do remember more about what attacked you, that might help. There is still a risk that whatever bit you might have adverse effects… for instance poison, another kind of venom or bacteria…

But it looks like that bite triggered your manifestation since it's rare to manifest at your age on your own. Not only the changes caused by your manifestation can cause health issues, but also later use of potential powers. So please try to be careful…”

Garrus began to feel more tired again. Since Marian did not seem to have any more to say, he decided to go to sleep again.

He was awoken later by the clinking of metal against ceramics. Looking to the side by bending his neck - which was still stiff but did not hurt as much anymore - he saw Hera holding a plate and feeding Drew, who was propped up on two pillows.

Hearing the noise, she looked at Garrus and smiled. She set down the plate and headed over to him, bent down and then hugged him.

“I have been so worried about you!“

Garrus winced at the pressure and noticed how sore and sensitive his body was. Hera straightened up, first looking at him, then glanced at Drew, and back to him.

“Ah, I'm sorry, Garrus. How do you feel?”

Garrus moaned.

“Um… like if I had fallen off the bike and being sick at the same time.”

With a more cheerful tone, he finished “And… hungry!”

Hera chuckled.

“Ah, well, then it's good it’s lunchtime and I'm here for you… both.”

She pressed the call button for a nurse.

“Before that though, you need to endure a bit more, I'm afraid.”

A nurse came in, the same Garrus had seen earlier. She took another sample of blood.

"Another more detailed set of tests." she explained.

In the meantime, Hera fed the rest of the plate to Drew and as she turned to help Garrus with his meal, Drew watched mother and son.

After a bit of further talk about what has happened, how worried Hera was and an her expressing the frustration and fear she felt, she left again. Since both Mutants were both still rather tired and weak, they drifted off to sleep again after just a few sentences.

On the next day, Marian came back somewhat before noon, explaining that the tests did not show much more details, except that both of their bodies were undergoing changes but it looked like there was no immediate danger. To be sure though, she gave both some shots, one of which proved to be quite painful.

During the next few days, they remained rather tired and slept most of the time.

On the fourth day of their stay, both half-brothers noticed changes. As the rash progressively covered their body, the itching became so bad that they begged for some treatment - in vain. After a day or two, their skin became smoother and they lost all their body hair, except on their heads. It first started where the skin was initially affected by the rash, but slowly the changes swept over their whole body. Another day later the rash cleared following the same manner of progression, starting on their legs where they were bitten. The top layer of their skin shed off in flakes - something both found annoying to clean up after - along with the last traces of the rash, to leave skin with a different quality. It was slicker and had a more polished quality to it, yet still felt somewhat like skin. A further day later, it started becoming fragmented and somewhat scale-like and was changing color, but in a very slow manner - a process which seemed to take the better part of a week to finish. Garrus’ skin changed to a subdued red, while Drew's changed to a deep purple, in a soft way that did not strike the eyes too much, rather the opposite. Both Mutants’ skin had different shades of lightness and intensity depending on the area of the body. The lightest shades were found on the front of their neck, chest, and belly going down to their groin. The undersides of their arms and insides of their legs were only marginally lighter.

While they remained tired and lacked energy, the soreness abated mostly and was replaced by a prickling feeling, at first on the skin, but later on the inside of their bodies.

As time went on, both males were being nursed back to health again. After about three weeks, it seemed to have reached a level where they were still frail but in a stable state. They were able to stand by now, but given how their muscles had deteriorated after such a long time in bed, it was difficult to walk. After only a short time their legs hurt as if they had been on their feet the whole day. On top of it all, to keep it all ‘under wraps’, they couldn't go to any rehabilitation sessions in the clinic and were left to use the confined space of the room for some minor exercises.

It was enough, however, to make good progress, and after only another week, they had regained sufficient strength to be moved back home. In their last two weeks of their stay, some features of their bodies also started to change. It was hardly noticeable at first, but the changes picked up over time. Changes were more distinct on their heads, feet and hands, however, there were other places on their bodies where they noticed changes which they preferred to keep even from each other. The shape of their bodies changed more for Drew than for Garrus.

To keep it all as inconspicuous as possible, they had to move to Marian's car in the evening when she came for her night shift. Both males had to stay in the thankfully roomy minivan until she came back. It was only in the early morning hours that she finally drove them back to their home.

When among Dragons... Chapter 6 In Flux

by Machara and Chryos Stormwing

Special thanks to
my love Chryos who creates this with me,
Gabe as my editor and friend
as well as Sammi for ideas

Marian sat beside the steering wheel on the drive back home, glancing towards the back seats.

“I'm sorry I had to get you out of the hospital, but my superiors started asking why a room was 'unused' for so long. You seem stable enough, even though I remain worried since it's been so long now and the latest blood test still shows massive changes in your system. Even your hormones have dramatically changed.”

Garrus’ muffled musings could be heard from beneath the blankets covering both of them to avoid them being seen. He could dimly see the outlines of Drews face close to him that he was looking into, who was staring back, sharing the same amusement on his lips as his older half-brother.

”They have, haven't they…”

The tiredness was gone now, despite having rested in a parking garage for most of the time. Garrus felt just a little frustrated at the loss of agency regarding his condition. Not just due to the attack but the whole ordeal of being basically locked into a room for a good month, having little contact to the outside world and, last but not least, the change itself. The one thing that had probably kept him from developing depression from that, was having Drew besides him. Someone to talk to and, after the first couple of weeks of unmoving, forced resting, some minor physical, comforting contact, exclusively when no one else was around, of course. As such, he glanced at him for a moment before replying to Marian fully.

”I suppose short of submitting us to a full suite of scans and procedures and whatnot, there's no telling how our mutation will turn out. I'm very grateful to you for having taken such wonderful care of us, but… I'm glad we're out of there.”

Marian chuckled. As she drove she turned on the radio but let it remain at a low volume. Garrus was surprised to listen to a radio station that was playing progressive trance. It wasn't quite what he would have expected her to like as it contrasted to the usual vibe she had. He saw her relax and listen in silence for a bit. Drew still seemed somewhat tired and leaned against Garrus. Towards the end of the ride, she decided to pick up the conversation again.

“I have to admit, so am I. I saw how restless you were getting, and it made me increasingly nervous towards my superiors… I'm afraid, however, unless you are ok with showing yourself openly as a mutant you'll both need to remain in the house. I think it's best to wait with that anyway until your changes have finished, even if you decide to go public later.”

They turned up the driveway of the house, stopped, and after checking the coast was clear, left the car and headed towards the door.

“Hopefully Hera and I can help you deal with that a little… speaking of which… I think I already smell what she's prepared for us.”

All three entered the house to find her doing the last preparations on the large living room table, on which a large pot and a plate covered with a silver dome were centered. Hera greeted them.

“Maybe you can already guess what I've made Garrus… I thought I'd show our hosts a bit of German cuisine. Gulasch with Semmelknödel.” ^[1]

Garrus was tempted to reply with a snarky, joking remark. He had considered telling that they had left Germany to escape that cuisine, but the mouth-watering smell wafting towards him swept that thought away. He felt it was strange since he really didn’t like her traditional cuisine that much and usually preferred her Italian - or Spanish creations. Still, he at least let out a soft chuckle and nodded.

“That much is certain. We could smell it almost from back at the hospital. I’ve… missed you. Thank you for preparing that. Drew, not sure how familiar you are with that kind of cooking but… prepare yourself for something… homely.”

Drew sniffed again as he got to the table.

“Indeed, it smells great… lots of beef meat, I take it? I feel that's just what we needed…
Thank you, Hera.”

Drew took a step towards Hera and, not really knowing why he did it, took her in his arms and then give her a kiss on the cheek. She blushed but rolled her eyes.

“Hey, you haven't even tried it yet… so, let's…”

She seated herself and the others joined in.

Some light conversation about the food, about news and about how Hera spent her time ensued. She explained that she had read lots on the Canadian law with a focus on mutants and did some asking around to see which available jobs might fit her.

The Gulasch was really good and even though it was a full big pot, both women were astounded to find it empty an hour or so later, Garrus and Drew having eaten so much of it - but kept more restrained with the Semmelknödel - that it was almost scary.

After clearing out the dishes they returned to the table with coffee for everyone. Drew seemed pensive as he stirred the spoon in the cup.

After he had taken the last bit out of the big pot and emptied his bowl as well, Garrus had to hold himself back willingly to not lick it clean. As he finally looked up, he noticed Drew’s behavior and apparent mood. After a moment, he carefully placed a hand on Drew's that was resting right next to him on the table.

”Hey, what's on your mind?”

He asked, softly. Being unsure of how he felt, he tried to brighten the mood and grinned.

“Big breasts?”

He twinkled an eye and added

“Or big butts?”

Seeing the joke fall flat as Drew winced, he changed his tone, quickly. Before he could continue, however, he saw Drew's spoon clatter to the table and recognized a grimace on his half-brother's face. Garrus continued, now even more concerned.

“Sorry, that was… I’m just seeing you like this…”

He paused.

“What is on your mind? If you don't mind sharing.”

“How…?”

Drew shot out, astonished, then paused and added in confusion.

“Did you…?”

Drew’s arms clutched around his chest, retreating into his chair, staring at Garrus with big eyes.

Garrus first felt astonishment. Then anger and finally shame and fear washed over him. He grew confused since he knew it was not himself that was experiencing those feelings.

Puzzled by that sensation, Garrus nonetheless looked worried at Drew, inching a bit closer, especially as he retreated further into his seat.

“Hey… that was just a lucky guess… or unlucky? I don't know since now it feels like you're… scared of me? What is this? And why are you scared of me? Even if I somehow hit the nail on the head? I’m not making fun of you.”

Garrus let out a deep sigh. Somehow that seemed to help ease the tension that had been building rapidly inside him from those weird, conflicting feelings that seem to have come from somewhere. Another sigh and yet again, he felt much more at ease with himself again. He thought, inwardly chuckling that some of that might help Drew, as well…

“You should know by now… I do care about you. As do you about me.”

The two mothers just watched in confusion, and then astonishment. Both sat on opposite ends of the table, Drew in front of Garrus, on the other, closer side of its oval shape.

“You’re right!”

Drew shouted. He cried and huddled himself on the table surface, the coffee shoved to the side, and began sobbing.

“I’m changing into a girl… I think.”

It was silent now, all other three occupants of the room staring at Drew.

“I'm scared!”

He looked up again, still mostly hunched on the table, and glared at Garrus. First, his expression was one of defeat, then of anger.

“How can you joke around about such things!”

Then, as Drew actually looked at Garrus’ face, his expression melted, and Drew’s voice grew soft and husky.

“No, I’m not scared of you. I love…”

After a pause and a look of surprise, he continued.

“… being with you.”

He then lay flat on the table, feeling slight protrusions on his chest and remained there without energy, and sighed.

“What's happening to me?”

He asked, distantly, to no one in particular.

Being affected by Drew’s outbursts of emotions at least to some degree, Garrus was quick to remember how he had managed to handle those, though. Taking deep breaths - more controlled and less hyperventilating now, helped him return to a more relaxed state. He was sure the majority of those feelings were his own, however. Still, all those words flung at him left Garrus at a loss. Most certainly he felt the same about Drew, that much he could easily tell, but having it spoken right in front of their mothers took him by surprise.

“I'm not sure…”

Garrus whispered, though there was also something deep and growly in his voice.

“… but you've grown closer to me over these past weeks in which we were forced to stay in that room. Aside from that, the mutations received… aren't always the ones one wants. Insinuations won't get us anywhere. Let's focus on the issues at hand.”

Looking Drew in the eyes, sternly, Garrus tried his best to give a reassuring feeling to Drew.

“Please know that we all… care deeply about you. You're among friends. And you don't need to be scared of us. Of me… whatever.”

Both mothers still followed the interaction but kept passive for now. There was a look of amusement on Marian’s face, while Hera remained astounded but now only seemed half present.

“I'm not scared of… any of you. I'm scared for myself, about what's happening. And about others, about my future.”

Drew pulled himself up again, some tears rolling down his cheeks, and sighed, feeling a bit more collected now. Maybe Garrus’ composure was helping him, he thought, and there was this odd warmth in his heart that felt soothing.

Marian forced down a chuckle as she returned to seriousness.

“I did not want to say anything earlier, thinking you'd have recognized some of the changes yourself and came to us if needed. I did not know for sure, but during the last week, I did have a few glimpses of your figure. And the hormone levels seem to concur… I'm afraid you are right, it looks like you are changing into a girl, but hormone levels are not conclusive even if you were normal humans.

Your estrogen and progesterone levels are quite pronounced, but testosterone, while lower than in a boy is higher than for a typical girl.

As for you, Garrus, you also show changes, comparing to the levels when you were first checked on. Testosterone has risen moderately, but estrogen has also, but only by a small bit.

What this means in the end… we'll have to be patient, but I'm sure it will work out.”

She looked at Hera, who now seemed fully present again. She returned Marian’s gaze and contributed as well.

“Garrus is right, Drew. And this includes you too, Garrus:

You are among friends… among family. We care about you, and we're here for you.”

Marian continued, now chuckling.

“Well, it looks like now you won't need to pretend anymore when you work as a nurse to do your practical experience in my wing…

It seems we are all tired and drained now though, and maybe you two might still have some things to talk about. Do you want to join me in retiring, Hera?”

Hera looked at Marian and smiled.

“Sure, dear. Let me help Garrus with some stuff in his room first, ok?”

Hera tilted her head at Garrus and then in the direction of his room indicating for him to go. Marian just raised an eyebrow and nodded.

“Maybe Drew can use your help, too?”

Hera twinkled her eye.

Not entirely sure what the two women were up to, Garrus nodded in agreement, quickly getting up. At that point, he noticed he probably shouldn't move so quickly as he was beginning to feel dizzy again. However, the effect was small enough to play it down and keep his footing and so Hera, Drew and he headed up to Drew’s and his own room. Up there, he turned around towards Hera and looked at her inquisitively but with a chuckle and a grin.

“What was that about?”

Still in the hall, Hera responded.

“Just come, alright?”

She indicated the door to his room. He followed her into the room and after closing the door, she sat on the only chair, waiting until Garrus sat on his bed.

“We need to talk about a few things…”

Looking at her with even more curiosity, Garrus sat down on the bed and pulled his legs up to his chest. He moaned silently, still feeling a bit sore. Garrus noticed his skin was still softer than it used to be.

“Sorry… Yes? What is it you wanted to talk about?”

“This is hard for me…”

Hera started. Garrus noticed her blushing. She, however, took heart and continued.

“My own life has changed so much for me… and you too… and my horizons have broadened… living in a same-sex relationship, something that I have barely ever dreamed about…

But you are pushing my limits, and I'm not sure how to handle it. I guess I can deal with you being a mutant… somehow…

But…”

She sighed and paused for a bit.

“What is it with Drew and you? Are you a couple now?”

Taking a moment to let that question sink in, Garrus stared at the floor in front of him. As the moment passed and he turned his head directly to her, looking her straight in the eyes.

”I cannot talk for Drew. I will not talk for Drew, so you will have to ask him about this, as well. I know my feelings. I know what feelings can do to people… what they can make them do. This is affection. Drew has been there for me. He has been someone I could talk to, and he listened after being talked down to for the longest time those last months ‘at work’.”

More quietly and sheepish, he added “You haven’t been one of them, no worries.”

He paused, finding his train of thought again.

“Ehm… Yeah, someone to talk to. Someone who I’ve had the privilege of sharing a room with for the last month. Aside from the fact that I never knew I could be into guys before, I think this was bound to happen, given Drew's predisposition of being so… heart-warming. You of all people know what kind of feeling I’m talking about. I’m not sure if our father would know, but I’m getting a feeling he might, as well. It's universal after all.

After a while of listening to Garrus and then saying nothing, Hera looked at him again.

“Thank you for your honesty, Garrus.”

She came over, sat beside Garrus and gave him a hug.

“You know… I missed… something like this.

I was not sure how much has happened between the both of you, and I guess since it is still rather undefined it's a bit premature to act - if any acting is even necessary. I'm not sure if I can be comfortable with this, but we will see…

I think your father did know that feeling, very well.”

She smiled for a moment, and looked into nothingness but then caught herself again.

“As we were speaking about your father, we come to the other topic I need to talk to you about.

Your father has contacted me. He wishes to speak to you, and maybe spend time with you - possibly Drew, too, I imagine, but Marian will handle that. You are an adult and I can only pass it on, however.

I'm not sure how I feel about it myself, but I guess that’s not the point here. He has stressed that it is important… and I actually believe him. I think you should at least hear him out.

Will you do that?”

As she started mentioning his father, Garrus started to frown a bit, which only got more serious as she continued. After she finished, Garrus pondered for a moment before responding, setting his feet down on the floor in the process.

”I was about to decline, actually. But seeing how we've … changed, and him stressing the importance, I guess it's alright to talk to him. I won't promise any hugs or stuff like that. We didn't part on the most… amicable of terms, what with him wanting me to study law, like you. But alright. I will hear him out. Did he have a preferred date and time?

Marian responded, somewhat relieved by his attitude.

“Oh, he just said I should call him about that.”

She took out her phone - a new one apparently, though not one of the elite ones - and made a call.

“Hi, Horst. I was just talking to Garrus… Yea, he's willing to talk to you. Why is it relevant where we are? Um… in Garrus new Room, on his bed. Yea, the one beside Drew’s. Why is that relevant? Um… ok…? Well, if you say so…”

She ended the call and turned to Garrus in confusion.

“He would like to talk to you, right now actually.

He was acting rather strange… He said we should just wait for him on the bed and remain calm, whatever happened.”

A few moments later, in an empty space on the other side of the room, a shimmering transparent sphere appeared. It hovered in the air and became bigger until it hit the floor. The inner space of the sphere changed to black, and then a moment later, a figure appeared in it. As the sphere dissolved, the opaque darkness vanished as well, allowing a shocked Drew and Hera to see the room again, aside from a clear view of the figure, standing there.

He was large. About two meters. He was covered with deep blue scales, walked digitigrade, had claws on both hands and feet and sported a tail covered in those same deep blue scales that started slightly thick but still nimble. It would have reached the floor if it’s thinner tip was not poised up slightly, hovering inch above it. The figure looked a bit like a lizard, but made Garrus think more of a dragon, and somewhat of himself. His eyes were orange and he wore casual clothes - a shirt and jeans, but no shoes. His features reminded Garrus of his father.

“Hello, Hera… Garrus.

I'm sorry to barge in like this… but I think we have quite a bit to talk about.”

^[1] Goulash with bread dumplings

When among Dragons... Chapter 7 Family history

by Machara and Chryos Stormwing

Special thanks to
my love Chryos who creates this with me,
Gabe as my editor and friend
as well as Sammi for ideas

Instinctively, Garrus let out a low growl the likes of which none around had ever heard before coming from… anyone. With his eyes wide open, Garrus looked at the creature.

“The fuck?”

Horst flinched back a bit, almost physically struck, but then recovered himself - his aura, however, seemed somewhat deflated.

“I'm sorry, both of you…”

He sighed.

“I thought of telling you for the longest time, but I chose to keep you out of this… complicated part of my life.

Having sensed that you, Garrus and Drew, have manifested, however, I thought it necessary.

More for your own sake…

I would understand it if you rather not have contact with me, but I thought you might need some help regarding your new situation.”

“I… we…”

Garrus looked around at Hera for a moment, then back at … his father? He considered that weird yet strangely familiar form of his. His expression was still somewhat wary, but mostly confused now.

”You…”

Garrus recognized his voice after all, though it did seem a bit distorted.

“Complicated part of your life? You mean the one not involving having two separate relationships without even the courtesy of letting them know of each other?”

Garrus just goggled at his Father. He was taken by some form of rage bubbling up inside him but was able to control it, for now.

”Explain. Yourself. NOW.

And if you even so much as try to come off as high and mighty, you will know the meaning of personal vendetta.”

There was no shred of doubt about the sincerity of Garrus’ words left in his entire being. His eyes were fixated on him with a boring, piercing glare. It was almost like he was being driven… controlled by that rage instead of his rationality. It was like taking a back seat and just watching. But then it snapped again and he was back in control.

“I have no idea what that was just now… but I suggest you heed that warning. Seeing you appear out of thin air? I have no idea what I’m capable of… willingly or otherwise.”

The door slammed open. Marian stood in the doorway, Drew behind her. She looked around, seeing … HIM … flinched, having a mind to run from the room, but shock held her in place. She then saw the rest of her growing family on the bed - Hera had moved to sit beside Garrus’ left in the meantime - and looked between the two parties. For a long while, everything just stayed still. A pin dropping would have been audible.

Finally, Drew’s voice was heard.

He looked towards Marian in astonishment and saw the anger on her face. Then he turned back to Horst, and back to Marian again. That look of confusion, then recognition, then horror on her face.

Drew roared, and with it, Horst was thrown back against the wall in one short burst.

Everyone twitched as they felt the outburst. Then there was silence again.

After a few moments, crying was heard. Drew stood there, his hands quivering and his eyes shimmering. His sobs quieted down quickly and he stared at his hands in confusion. He had felt some force inside him, and as it vented outside, he had seen Horst being pushed towards the wall. He then looked at Horst again in anger, a finger pointing at him, venom in his voice.

“This, if you have not guessed it, Marian, is your EX-Boyfriend.

And he owes us all an explanation… and an apology.”

Horst sat there, his legs flat on the floor, his back pressed against the wall. He was shocked himself, at first. Then, looking at each of the family members he had lost, he slumped over and tears started rolling down his cheeks.

Having calmed a little, Drew flopped down on the bed closely to Garrus’ right, feeling drained. Marian sat on the only chair in the room as the bed was rather full, already.

Horst tried to pull his head up again, but only managed partly. His face was contorted in sorrow, pain, and remorse. As he started talking his voice was quivering, husky, and in a tone that none of them had ever heard.

“I am ashamed and sorry. But none of my apologies will suffice, even though I will try to do so.

I lived a normal life, back when I was still 20. I had just met Hera, and I fell in love with her.”

He looked at her with a smile, but also regret.

“I still love you, Hera.”

His gaze drifted to Marian who stood beside the bed on which Drew had found a place to sit on, closely beside Garrus.

“… And you, Marian.”

Then, he continued his tale.

“We got together… and life was good. Then in 81, the mutant retrovirus hit. As opposed to the public opinion and knowledge, a very select few already manifested then and I was one of the very few. Our condition is similar but not identical to the mutants of later generations, the main one being that it affects the way their children manifest - IF they do.

I was young and stupid then, and I chose not to tell Hera. It was hard for me and I think she felt me being more distant. I had a lot to digest and learn. I originally did it because I was both scared anyone would find out, but also drunk with the power it gave me as I learned to control it over time. Soon we had you, Garrus, and life went on. I tried to be a good father, but I was still so consumed by what I had become and only later realized what I had missed out on.

After a few years, I was able to use some of my abilities to help with my work. My ability to sense how others felt helped me rise in the ranks of my corporation. As I started in the research department partly through the aid of my abilities, work at my company got more involved and was more demanding and time-consuming. That was another reason why I was rather distant towards Garrus and Hera. As I started to travel frequently for my work, the ability to teleport that I mastered by then helped me there, too. Though I still used airplanes between America and Europe, as the distance is just too much.

Around that time and as part of my new role as a senior bio lab technician and researcher I traveled to speak on behalf of my company to other companies and even universities. But I also initiated sales talks with interested clients where my empathic talent helped me facilitate deals and anticipate and accommodate client’s wishes.

At one guest lecture, Marian approached me as a medical student at the University of Vancouver. We got to talking and occasionally spent time together. I think it was initially just Marian who felt for me, and I never considered I could fall for another woman and did not look out for my own feelings. When I realized I felt the same, it was too late and I was infatuated.

He now looked to Marian again, with a smile of affection on his face.

“Being empathic, I knew how you both really felt. I knew you loved me. Having learned much about emotions I usually knew my own as well, and I knew I loved you too. And that deepened our relationships.”

He sighed, pausing, trying to remove the tears from his cheeks, but they started rolling down again.

“I knew I should choose, end it with one of you. At that time, work life had become particularly hectic, and it distracted me for a while, causing me to postpone my decision.

But my feelings had deepened during that time, and I learned that Marian was now expecting… And I could not make that decision. I did not want to ruin either family, either of my kids’ futures. And yes, I was selfish, as well. I had become dependent, it was like I fed on your emotions.

So, I did nothing, aside from trying to learn from my mistakes when I helped raise Drew and be a better husband to my wives. I knew I was not faithful to them in a monogamous way, and that ate at me, but I tried to make up for that by listening to them more and being there for them. At least whenever I could be present.

But then, after more than a decade since Drew arrived, my life took another turn.

The mutant aspect of my life became bigger. My company found out about me being a mutant, but instead of firing me, or making my life hell, they made use of me. They now had other mutants working for them, and a new branch was created, dealing specifically with mutant biology, much of which was dealing with mutant clients. We even had a division I loosely worked with that dealt with mutant law, typically when it came to biologic aspects. In addition to managing the section, I was also asked to train a team of other mutants. To observe them and see whether the new ones were stable enough for our company, and to get them stable if they were not. Of course, mutants trusted other mutants more, which helped with mutant clients. This caused me to travel much more, as well. I regret that it caused me to be so preoccupied that I lost touch with you all. That is why I grew more distant, along with the guilt I had to live with that I could not choose, and still not tell you about my being a mutant. Many of the mutants in my company are also not registered with the PAX, it being an advantage for business, so that was another reason why I could not tell you. I was actually not allowed to tell you, by that time.

And so, we finally arrive at the present.

With you finding out of my …. two… or even three lives, finally, in a way.

The pain I caused in all of you, and the hate… feeling all of that actually crushed me. I could not work anymore. I had to quit work.

I am so sorry for all my wrong decisions, or those that I avoided.

But I knew then, with Garrus and Drew manifesting, that I finally needed to tell you. Not only to offer you my help in dealing with your changes but also to finally apologize for all that I did.”

Horst looked tired and defeated now, leaning against the wall again, his arms supported on his knees. He just looked at all of his family, in turn, with an expression that seemed empty and drained.

For a while… it might have been minutes, or quite a bit longer, Garrus just stared at him. An unmoving mask of stone that had become his face, hiding emotions and thoughts. His whole mind was in turmoil that was raging on, and he was not even sure what he felt, but looking around the room, it seemed like he was not the only one.

Much too early for it all to have sunk in completely — then again, how much time would one need for that much to sink in? — Garrus got up surprisingly nimble and walked over to him, standing right before him as he looked down.

“Leave. Now.

Return tomorrow. If you have appointments you will make the time for us. If you're held back by unexpected circumstances you will make those circumstances go away and come here.

There is much to discuss. But also, much to… stomach.

Clearly, you're not the man we thought you were. Do not expect acceptance of your… apology. But I for one will want to talk to you more. Then. Tomorrow. Same time, same place.”

The same piercing eyes that were locked on his father when he had arrived had now returned as Garrus stared at him, waiting for his reaction.

Horst looked back at Garrus, fear showing on his face for the first time.

He finally nodded and stood up. Before leaving the room, he nodded at everyone in it, with love and uncertainty in his eyes.

Everyone in the room remained silent and stunned, but after a few minutes both Mothers also left.

Drew remained sitting, watching Garrus, his harshness and commanding air unnerving him. He had half a mind of just leaving, being somewhat afraid now, he still felt stunned, but a certain tug towards Garrus kept him from getting up.

He also felt that he needed some space, so Drew shuffled back against the wall and to the edge of the bed, his knees drawn against his chest, which he held with his arms. For a long while Drew just looked down, staring at the blanket. Then he nervously glanced at Garrus.

After he had watched his father leave the room and it had grown rather quiet again, Garrus wondered where it was that he was going. He wondered whether he had made a mistake. And how this life kept spiraling out of control. Then again, control was always just an illusion, was it not? All those thoughts left Garrus somewhat dizzy and he returned to Drew and sat on his bed. Slowly, similarly to his half-brother, he had drawn his legs up to his chest.

In the other room, the two mothers were concerned about leaving both in the same room but ultimately thought it best to leave them be for now. Maybe, they argued, it would help them come to terms with what had just happened. That was a far bigger issue anyway, and they found they needed the comfort their closeness brought as well as the need to cry and talk.

Garrus finally looked up and at him, just as Drew glanced over at him.

“Hey… how are you holding up?”

When among Dragons... Chapter 8 Bonds

by Machara and Chryos Stormwing

Special thanks to
my love Chryos who creates this with me,
Gabe as my editor and friend
as well as Sammi for ideas

Garrus’ words broke the spell Drew seemed to have been in, and at first, he considered just saying something non-committal. But then everything in him broke and he huddled himself against Garrus, half leaning against, half holding onto him, and he started crying.

Taken back by the sudden outburst, Garrus was a bit slow to wrap an arm around Drew. Holding Drew softly against himself he felt Drew gripping him strongly. Breathing calmly, Garrus just sat there in the near darkness of the room, with Drew sobbing, and he stared blankly at his half-brother for a while. Finally, Garrus seemed to comprehend the situation.

“Dear? Drew? What… what has gotten into you?“ Garrus asked while comforting him, by gently stroking his back.

After a while, Drew calmed down enough to say something, his first words being rather raspy.

“Everything, I guess?

A different family, meeting you, us slowly changing, me feeling less like myself by the day with these mood swings. And now this…. revelation… the only constant left in my life seems to be my mom, but even she has changed a bit.

How to answer 'how I am holding up' with all that?“

He looked up towards Garrus, noticing that he felt smaller as he did so and gave a weak smile.

“And there seems to be more… isn't there?“

Drew paused to let the hint sink in before asking Garrus the same question.

“So… how are you holding up?“

Eyeing him with a curious expression and a sideways glance, Garrus took a moment to ponder his response.

“Still processing, I’d say. There's a lot to take in. And it will take days until I even halfway know how I should feel about it.“

He smiled at the remark about Drew’s mother.

“Has your mother really been your only constant? For me, that one constant has been you. Despite all that change that is happening to the both of us, as well as to our family at large - and even larger, the whole world - you've been there with me, watching and feeling similarly. I’m grateful for allowing me to share this experience with you, Drew.“

He paused in thought before continuing with another topic.

“Hera asked me earlier… whether we were… a couple? Is that how you say it? I don't know.“

He blushed and added.

“But I liked the feeling the thought gave me.“

Drew chuckled to some of his remarks as he listened to Garrus. His words actually felt soothing.

“For me, it's my mother because I was thinking on a larger scale… since I was a kid, she's been there for me. Maybe you perceive things differently than I do, you being older than me. Now that I look at you, however, you look younger… well, softer, at least.”

He gave Garrus a meek smile as he glanced at him.

“Anyway, you have had more drama than me in your life. Maybe if I was your age, my relation to my mother would not be that close…“

As Drew continued, he had to look up, not feeling able to look at Garrus.

“I'd like to get to know you better to get a feeling for what ‘my being some constancy in your life actually means’, even though I have an inkling. Whatever we are, let’s just ride it out and maybe we will know?“

“Me? Softer and younger? Huh, I haven’t noticed yet, but then again, I haven't seen a mirror since we were in the hospital and even then, I think I only consciously looked at myself once. That was about a week ago. Your description sounded… ambiguous, however.“

All of a sudden, Garrus had to grin at that thought, but he covered that up, quickly. Smiling at Drew now, it felt like some big weight had been lifted off his shoulders and he let out a deep sigh.

“Thank you. You're… cracking me up. In a good way. And I have to say, if I’m looking younger, your looks are changing as well, they’re definitely even more… androgynous. And remember, I told you that I mean that as a compliment. We had that little argument back in the hospital.“

“Argument? I don't remember no argument.“

Drew grinned.

“And don't sugar-coat it for me. I'm looking more like a girl than a boy.

Well, if anything, maybe that makes me more … interesting to you.“

He tried to deadpan but didn’t really succeed, a smirk creeping in.

“I feel wasted now, though. I might fall asleep, on the spot.“

Drew closed his eyes.

For a moment, he still considered getting up and leaving for his own room, but feeling the warmth of Garrus’ body and the events of the past day catching up to him made Drew feel so sleepy it made him not want to consider the possibly resulting awkward situation, and just let go. With that, Drew started drifting off to sleep.

Dreams were strange that night. A feeling of lightness, of wind blowing against him that he cherished, taking a weight off his chest. Just a tugging on his back, but a good and powerful one, as his wings carried his weight. The luxurious stretching of those limbs as they were pulled open by the wind.

Then there was a cry. A body fell to the ground. He followed it, landing just in front. He recognized his father. Anger was building in him, along with that dreadful feeling of a weight settling in his chest once more.

He started to jump towards the body, fangs drawn out, claws open, but someone stopped him.

He looked at a human girl in front of him, who stood between them in a defensive stance. He recognized her to be him… herself.

“He does not deserve this! Let him go!“ She wailed out.

Drew awoke with a start and a crying shout. He tried to sit up, but his right hand was stuck in the bed, holding him back.

Drew felt Garrus lying next to himself seemingly half-asleep, half watching him, during his own slumber, having an arm wrapped around his waist. Garrus let out a soft yawn as Drew seemed to have been startled, then he curiously glanced at him.

“Doesn't deserve this? Who doesn't deserve what?“

Looking at Drew, now with a puzzled expression, Garrus fully sat up, right next to him.

Drew glanced at him for a moment, then nervously back at his own hand. With his free hand, he held down the bed sheet around his other one, which was somehow stuck there. Then he pulled up the hand that was still caught there in a more careful and straight way.

After it was free from the bed, he looked at it more closely.

Instead of fingernails, there were claws coming straight out of the upper part of the tips of his fingers. They looked to be about two centimeters long, were completely black and seemed to have feline qualities, but were not as thin and as curved towards the end, being somewhat straighter, but still ending in a tip with a certain sharpness.

As he looked at those claws, he also saw the rest of his hands. The finger pads seemed more pronounced, probably to also accommodate the thicker claws, but the overall shape of his hands, which reminded him of paws somewhat, was more slender than he remembered.

As Drew took in those details, the claws slowly retreated until they looked more like nails again. They still remained thicker and had a pointed tip, however, and their color remained black.

After watching this and drawing his focus, Drew returned to the rest of the world, and looked back at Garrus.

“I… had a dream. I was flying, found a body falling to the ground, followed it and saw it was our father. I wanted to attack him. But my human girl-self stood between us and told me he did not deserve this… to let him go.“

Slightly more perplexed about the change of the shape of Drew’s hands and fingers, Garrus needed a moment to process the description of his dream.

“Uh… what?“

You could almost hear his cogs slowly spinning up.

“Your… girl… self? What an interesting… manifestation? I do hope that with all those changes ahead of you… ahead of us… you won’t get a split personality.“

Garrus first had an amused smile on his face, then it grew more serious and caring. Drew felt Garrus’s arm slowly wrap around him as he caressed his side, watching him and looking down at his body.

“I think I dreamt something too… but it was more a jumble of scenes and… I think there was jazz music. Weird.“

At first, Drew reacted a bit surprised, but as Garrus’ hand brushed along his side and touched his skin - the shirt must have gotten drawn up while they had slept - he drew his breath and looked at him with big eyes, then Drew’s whole body relaxed and he closed his eyes.

As Drew drifted off to sleep again, Garrus murmured to him.

“Rest well, my beautiful. I’m glad about everything that has happened. Even the stuff that’s going to make our lives complicated. Because we’re going to see it together.“

Then, as a final gesture before surrendering to the velvet beckoning clutches of sleep, Garrus lay down right next to Drew, snuggled up against his back with his arm still wrapped around him, his face buried at Drew’s neck.

A purring sound escaped Garrus’ throat as he relaxed.

In Drew’s sleep, he cuddled towards the warmth and grabbed Garrus’ arm to hold on to it.

In the morning, Drew woke and sat up, Garrus’ arm sliding off of him.

He just sat there for a while, looking out of the window as the sun shone in. It was apparently not very early in the morning, anymore. Then he turned carefully to look after his half-brother, still seeing him sleeping.

Drew felt a tingling in his belly, and pressure on his chest.

The previous day caught up with him as he was still relishing the feelings that came with a new bright day and those that promised more changes. As he remembered everything about the encounter with his father the tangled strong emotions of anger, disappointment, empathy, and fear returned and struggled to dominate the ones he had been feeling just moments before.

Drew stood up silently, and went to his room, stripped, saw some changes that he didn’t quite know how to feel about - aside from a churning feeling in his stomach - and lurched to find something baggy, something that would cover him.

He put on sweatpants, a hoodie, and sneakers. He then walked into the shared bathroom and looked around among his mother’s creams, finding a thick foundation. He put it liberally on his face and hands, trying to cover the inhuman deep purple color. Drew didn’t really look good with that much on and was not satisfied with the results, but it would have to do, he thought.

As he was leaving to go downstairs he glanced inside Garrus' room, only to find him staring back.

When among Dragons... Chapter 9 Compensation

by Machara and Chryos Stormwing

Special thanks to
my love Chryos who creates this with me,
Gabe as my editor and friend
as well as Sammi for ideas

Sitting up now, perched on top of his bed Garrus smiled at Drew, his head tilted slightly. Once Drew noticed Garrus, he lept up, dashing towards him until Garrus’ nose was pressed right up against his.

“Peek-a-boo.“

With the slightest hint of a kiss, Garrus slid past him towards the wafting fragrance of freshly baked waffles that he had picked up upon. Then Garrus paused for a moment until he turned towards Drew, smiling expectantly like it wouldn't be fun without him.

“You coming?“

He smiled, smirking.

“And what’s with the facepaint, anyway?“

He brushed the bit of ‘paint’ off of his own nose that had rubbed off when he had touched Drew.

Drew just stared back at him.

“I… I… can’t. I need to run. I don't know how to deal with…. all this!“

He flailed with his arms helplessly, chin quivering.

“I have to get out. And this…“ he pointed to his own face “… is the only thing I could think of to avoid getting into trouble…“

Garrus’ jaw dropped. Surprised to the point of fear almost, Garrus froze, watching as Drew’s emotions slowly unraveled before his eyes. Not sure what he was seeing … hearing even from Drew as he talked to him, Garrus decided to come back to him slowly.

“Maybe you're feeling more of the change than I am? I’m feeling almost normal right now… aside from those hunger pangs.“

Looking almost helpless now as he stood before Drew, he hesitated to lay his hands on his shoulder out of fear it might drive him away.

“… Let me be there for you. If you will let me.“

“Then just come with me. I just need to get out. Get …. things out of my system. I don't care if it's dangerous…“

Garrus was about to mount a protest but then he saw Drew’s desperate expression on his face. Growing silent he then nodded, grabbing one of his hands.

By being careful, they managed to sneak past their parents after Garrus had put on some clothes of his own. Since he was not a wussy girl he did not need makeup, Garrus thought. However, he was a wussy non-Canadian, so he required more warmth, so Garrus opted to wrap a big, wooly scarf around his neck and most of his face, hiding most of it. Apart from that, Garrus went with a hoodie just like Drew.

Once outside they smelled the fresh, cool air. For Garrus’ tastes, it was almost a bit too freezing but he put that thought away as he looked at Drew again, air condensing in front of their faces as he showed him a warm smile. Drew couldn’t see it but he could certainly feel the affectionate emotions like enjoyable tickling.

“No places with lizards lurking close by this time, please.“

Garrus joked with a grin.

“Nah, we won't give anything the time. Come…“

Drew just took off. At first, he was tempted to run to the park again, but as he remembered the previous time, he just ran along the sidewalks of the streets. At first, his tempo was moderate, but after a few minutes he picked up the speed. That seemed to suffice him for a while. They entered another park - Garrus noticed a sign depicting it as ‘Central Park’ - and this one was a bit more open and noticeably better cared for. Unexpectedly, there were quite a few people there. Some were just bystanders, but quite a few of them seemed to be running, having numbers fixated on their backs, and were apparently following a marked path.

Drew just followed them, looking out for Garrus more frequently to be sure that he was still with him.

He picked up the pace again, and Garrus followed him. Although it actually started to be exhausting, Garrus felt that he could still go faster, and that confused him since the half-siblings seemed to have already left all other runners behind who looked to have slowed down to a walking pace. Garrus also thought he knew his limits as a result of all the training he underwent for the Police. Garrus thought that he probably would need to reevaluate them. Their quick pace seemed to have been noticed as attested by the looks towards both of them.

Drew could hear Garrus’ noticeably heavier breathing under that scarf which he now probably wouldn't dare to take off with all the people around. Thinking about their having garnered unwanted attention, Garrus quickly amped up his panting, even more, to appear exhausted and signed Drew to follow his example.

After a few more minutes, Drew changed the direction at a turn to leave the marked road onto a smaller path that soon led back to a normal road onto a sidewalk.

Drew looked back and then slowed down to a walk.

“Thanks for coming with me. I know I'm stupid going out like this…“

Garrus took a few moments to actually respond.

“Phew… stupid… maybe. Sometimes you need to do stupid things. It clears your mind of all the not-so-stupid but dreadfully boring and dull things in the world. Not to forget those that keep bogging you down…

I'm with you on this… but …“

Garrus stepped towards him until he was just about the only one to actually see his face. Then he pulled down the scarf a bit to feel closer to each other.

“You're not going to ruin my chance at some of those waffles, are you?“

Garrus grinned, mischievously.

“Ok, ok, you got me there…“

Drew nudged against him and bumped his nose against Garrus’ own.

“I'd say 'last one home serves waffles' but I guess you don't know the area yet and we'd draw more attention.“

A little bit of Drew’s makeup remained on Garrus’ nose and a small speck of Drew’s 'normal' color could be seen as they parted again.

“Aww, you look cute with that dip on your nose.“

Drew reached out for it and attempted to wipe it off, just to make it even worse as his hand was covered with the stuff.

“Oh… sorry.“

Drew looked at his hand rather sheepishly.

Looking at Drew dreamily, entranced by his touches on his skin, Garrus ultimately wrapped his arms around Drew, holding him tight. Drew was enthralled by the deepness of the moment that had drawn him in, as much as the sheer force of his hug. Garrus was almost trembling while trying to take in the sensation of feeling him.

“Thank you.“

Garrus whispered and then, drawing back, he suddenly grinned.

“That was… wonderful.“ He paused, smirking. “And my head start!“

The moment he had said that last bit, Garrus sprinted past Drew towards the exit of the park from where they had come from, though on a less frequented path this time so people would not gauge his speed so easily.

Drew followed Garrus and tried to gain lost ground, but was astounded by his speed. He just couldn’t manage to catch up to him but for most of the way, he held the distance. However, on the last two streets Drew needed to slow down. A bit later he returned to the house.

In the hall, he found all three family members waiting for him; Garrus had already taken off the scarf and the top of his hoodie. Both of their mothers had their hands on their hips, looking upset.

“You should have known better Drew, you know you can't just go out like this! We were worried!“

Garrus flinched at Marian’s loud words and looked down to the floor in shame.

“And you Garrus…“ Hera followed up “… you should not have let he… him go! I thought you were the responsible one in the family. This was reckless!“

Garrus nodded in agreement at first.

“It was.“

But then he took a stance right between Drew and them.

“And it was necessary.“

He paused to explain.

“Mother. You yourself took this… spontaneous leap of faith of moving over here to Canada. Not that I am implying anything with that but it is just that. A leap of faith… something… reckless. You sometimes need that in your life. Don't you see?“

He turned to her girlfriend.

“Marian. I am … deeply moved that you were so worried, but I also have to defend Drew. It won't do to just coop us up in our rooms. For one thing, neither of us is underage anymore and second, would you really want us to go stir-crazy up there? If you intended any sort of punishment, let me have it, instead. Drew acted out of …“

He paused for a moment before continuing.

“… her almost instinctive needs. There’s no use in fussing over that. Please… let her arrive first before bombarding her with your worries, however well they may be intended.“

Garrus tried to convey an imposing sight, helped by a few years of police work. The change of his skin color should also help, he thought, even if his body was built more slender now.

At first, Drew looked at the ground as the conversation seemed distant to him. But then, as Garrus defended him, he felt … more aware. This feeling of determination, of righteousness, washed over him, and then pride crept up from his insides. That then all washed away when he heard the pronouns addressing him. The feelings dripped away and were replaced with confusion, then understanding. Drew didn’t know what to feel or think, leaving him somewhat dazed. He stepped up to Garrus and held his hand.

“Thank you, Garrus.“

Drew looked towards the two women.

“I'm sorry I just went out for a run… Garrus actually tried to keep me here… but then understood - quite well really - that I needed this.“

With a smile, he glanced towards Garrus, for a moment.

“I think he needed it too, actually. We've been indoors, almost in the same rooms, for weeks. And I was scared I might never be able to go out again, normally, without being… labeled. I just had to break that funk… and that’s just one aspect of my reasons.

I don't know how … deeply … dad’s story yesterday has affected you, I can only guess. Actually, I'd like to know and I’m here for you if you'd like to talk - I'm sure it needs some venting… I needed to vent, too, and the only thing to do that I could think of, was to run.“

Marian and Hera's cheeks had turned red, grasping each other's hands, having difficulty looking straight at them.

“I'm sorry, Drew… you are right. Maybe talking would help… when we're ready…“

Marian glanced at Hera, who just nodded slightly without much expression, so she decided to change the topic.

“Um… maybe you still want some of those waffles? They may not be as fresh now anymore but I kept them warm.“

When among Dragons... Chapter 10 Time well spent

by Machara and Chryos Stormwing

Special thanks to
my love Chryos who creates this with me,
Gabe as my editor and friend

Garrus deadpanned.

“… right. Dem waffles.“

He couldn’t keep a straight face however and started grinning, his mouth watering.

All hard feelings then seemed forgotten and so they went to the table and ate.

Much was discussed over the course of the belated breakfast. And yet again, both mothers voiced concerns regarding their safety and it was hard to deny that their warnings had some merit. Ultimately, the result - at least for now - seemed to be to only leave the house at night and use sufficiently warm clothing to cover up most of their appearance so that people would not notice them being different, should they be spotted somewhere.

At that point, both women left for work and to buy some supplies for the upcoming winter. Drew’s mother had taken the smaller car to head to work while Garrus’ headed out to apparently buy firewood - which, given their location, was sold in many places, even convenience stores had some in stock in smaller quantities.

Once she was home again the half-siblings helped her with the unloading. As they did, they noticed that while their bodies felt more nimble and agile as they had also seen on their run earlier they were only barely able to lift more than their mother, a sign that their bodies still seemed to be recuperating.

After that she left again with a list of the offices and departments of the municipality where she needed to sign some papers for herself and Garrus, leaving the half-siblings to their own devices.

After seeing Hera drive off, Drew and Garrus entered the living room. Drew had his arms crossed with his fingers under his armpits, shivering slightly.

“I'm feeling chilly. Are you ok with starting a fire and spending a bit of time here?“

Drew pointed to the big couch that was currently standing particularly close to the open fireplace on the far end of the room.

“I would be… delighted.“

Garrus smiled warmly, his belly now full of waffles and happiness as he went towards the fireplace to start it after having collected the necessary items. Almost immediately, the flames came forth and he could feel the warmth radiating outward. Walking over to Drew, he caressed his cheek before wrapping the other arm around his waist, pulling him into a gentle hug.

“Thank you.“ he said, looking deeply into his eyes.

Drew looked at him, watching him do the work and taking control like this. Maybe it was something to get used to, he wondered. He had intended to start the fire, and here he was, watching it being taken care of, even being taken into a hug…

He looked a bit astounded at first but then he settled onto the couch with Garrus who was careful to gently guide him to sit close with him. Drew smiled broader than he may have actually felt.

After the hug he distanced himself just a bit, yet remained still close enough to touch Garrus, and looked back, laying one hand close to one of his thighs.

“Are you used to being the man in the… err… house?“

Garrus was slightly bemused as he listened to Drew, tilting his head a bit.

“What, you mean because of the fire? Yes, ve, ze germahns are used to playing wiz ze fire, ja.“

He dramatized, the humor sparkling in his eyes.

“Chuckle nuts aside, … I'm used to being the only one at home… had been for half a year before moving here, or originally rather back in with my mother. And even then… if I had wanted a housemaid as a wife back then… I must say my choice was wayyyyyy off target. But with you… I do it gladly. Admittedly… I do feel an attraction towards you that goes even as far as being protective of you. I haven't had that before.“

Garrus hummed.

“Maybe it comes with the changes? What about you? Are you used to being the man in the house?“

With his eyebrows raised he paused, but then added.

“If you want to retain that, just say so.“

Drew grinned genuinely.

“You’re funny!“

He chuckled.

“It’s nothing bad, I was just surprised since I usually take care of the fire and similar stuff. Maybe I never was the manliest, but you could still say I was the man in the house, and with my mother being at work all day, a larger part of the housework - including what some may call female work - fell to me.“

Remembering Garrus’ previous beau, he frowned exasperatedly.

“I still can't fathom what was up with that… girl of yours. I thought you had lived together until more recently, actually.“

He then paused a bit, wondering how to continue, but with Garrus’ words on his mind, he slipped closer and leaned his own body into his.

“I like you too, Garrus. I'm surprised you expressed your feelings towards me this clearly. Maybe our changes just make it easier for us to express how we feel, but I think that started before we changed.“

He looked into Garrus’ eyes.

“I guess I'm ok with not being the man in the house anymore…

Maybe it's on you to be that now, but you need to be careful not to step on Marian’s feet…“

Somewhat flushed Drew stared into the flames.

“I'm confused about my own feelings on… who I am, or want to be, or am supposed to be.

My … gender … was never really something I worried about. I knew I was not very manly, but I liked it that way. I liked to be closer to girls, yet still be … me?

Now I worry. Will I be a girl? And I don't just mean having the body for it. How I feel is changing too. I've not told this to anybody… but my … um … crotch looks more like that of a girl now, at least it’s general outline does.

It’s strange though, my …“

He blushed even more now.

“… willy has not really shrunk, but things are changing… it’s mostly on the inside now and only comes out if I need it. If I still have … testis… then they are not on the outside anymore, either.“

Blushing because of the sudden change of subject, Garrus turned his head a little to look out of the only window towards the front of the house, seeing a car pass by slowly and pull up on the driveway of another house on the opposite side of the road.

“Errm… yeah, I was kinda wondering if I was the only one with those changes. Though I still somehow feel my balls they're now on the inside. It's weird and I guess I’ll need some time to adjust to it, just as much as you do.“

He grinned shyly.

“About the other stuff you mentioned before though… what was it? Ah yes. I don't plan on … stepping on her feet or something like that. She is the mistress of the house, after all. That's not to say that I won't help when it's welcomed or required. I could never prepare such a wonderful dinner like last night…“

Garrus changed the subject.

“You're right though…“

Garrus’ mood changed slowly to something more calm, almost somber.

“My feelings started even before you… we… started changing.

I’ve never had these kinds of feelings before towards a … uhm… male. Then again, maybe you're just that girly.“

He smirked teasingly. Sighing softly, Garrus leaned back, his head half sunken into one of the bigger pillows of the couch.

“So what if I have a thing for men… or at least… girly men? The one thing I do have, is for you…“

He blushed.

“… that came out wrong.“

With a frustrated look, he tilted his head away from Drew that feigned depressiveness. There was, however, some earnestness in those feelings since he had tried to say something nice and moving. But felt he had botched that, now.

Drew turned his head closer towards him, having just leaned side by side before, and gave him a peck on the cheek.

“You said it yourself… ‘so what’. You may not be feeling relaxed about it yet, but I'm sure you will. It's something I went through when I started puberty.

I noticed both girls and boys. It took a year until I even understood what I felt. You hear about being gay, but nobody tells you it can be much more complicated. I only 'liked' some girls, and maybe even fewer boys, but for most there was nothing.

It took another year until I could associate names with what I felt and knew how some people could feel. There were so many terms. Straight, gay, bi, asexual, demi, trans… just to name the more important ones. Well, at least for me.“

He then hugged Garrus affectionately.

“I can give you one piece of advice… don't worry about how it usually works, or what people expect. Just give your feelings room and live out what your gut tells you.“

He smiled and teased.

“Not that you're doing a bad job at it.“

Drew blushed and stopped for a moment.

“Um… I must be coming across like a know-it-all. I think I should have rather just asked…

How did people that mattered to you feel about such subjects? And how do you?“

Garrus grumbled, more to himself. Drew heard a silently mumbled “Fewer.“

He nodded at his remarks as he took them in slowly and finally chuckled as Drew finished.

“Just teasing you…“

He changed to a more serious tone.

“Hrmm… feelings.

Towards most people, I was required - both externally and by myself … I mean my personal standards - to keep it professionally. To exactly not let feelings break through the proverbial ice.“

As Garrus talked, he caressed Drew’s back while looking into the distance and towards the flames that were dancing almost silently on the firewood.

“I don't care for these labels. In some cases, they help you distinguish but I feel most of them do little more than trying to make people feel special about something… well… something wonderful… but still mundane. Love doesn't decide. Love just happens. No sense in bickering over it, neither for nor against. The only thing one can do is to choose to follow those feelings… or not. With you, I’ve chosen to follow them. Because it feels right.“

Garrus was astounded by his own straightforwardness and growled silently.

“I’m sorry. Too serious, I guess…“

“My peers were… a mixed bag actually. Quite a few of them - other policemen that is - had seen enough… sorry… shit in their lives to know it doesn't mean anything to care so deeply about arbitrary dividing lines. A few were still far stricter with their own set of rules than others of course. I’m not blaming them if that works for them, though. As for my ex… she was rather… outspoken about it all, so I see no problem in divulging that info… she was adamantly against men even so much as kissing but was lukewarm towards lesbians. ‘Said stuff like she'd sick old friends on them if she found gay men in her circle of acquaintances. I never gave it too much thought or worry as, frankly speaking, her old friends were either in prison - and thus out of the way - or too drugged up to even know up from down.

Yeah, I know… writing on the wall… should’ve seen it. Guess I was kind of blind.“

With a well-meant smirk, Garrus added.

“Not that I’m much more clairvoyant now given that I’ve fallen for someone again, so quickly.“

Drew had listened to every word and taken Garrus’ hand in his own, holding it firmly.

“You amaze me. Here I thought I was open, yet I still cling to labels because it makes me feel … safer. Because you can define yourself. Because it helps to put yourself and others into… boxes.

Maybe you can be the teacher instead. I'm curious where our journey will lead…“

Drew let go of Garrus’ hand and pulled one leg up and grabbed the foot absentmindedly, kneading it.

“Oww…“

Garrus watched Drew and noticed him staring into the fire, probably somewhere else entirely.

The profile of his face really looked different to what he remembered and he didn’t know what stood out to him more - the more feminine curves or that they were not really human anymore. He noticed that the mouth stretched out more, the nose was flatter and broader, and the skin's scaly look was more pronounced.

That, however, was still not something that struck him as much as the shape of his feet. The toes and footpads were bigger and broader and the nails looked more like claws. The heel was further away from the footpads and the foot’s instep was more slender. The overall shape from the feet up to the ankles had changed and reminded him more of the digitigrade stance of the cat he had as a child.

Watching him silently as he gazed, Garrus’ hand caressed his cheek softly.

“Mhh… I still use labels. Under some circumstances, especially when things get more stressful, it's hard to avoid doing it. It is a very… aloof and idealistic way of looking at it… that labels don't matter. Society as a whole doesn't work that way and there's literally no way around it short of moving into another society. Though there is none that I’m aware of that wouldn't use labels at least to some extent.
Our entire perception is based on labeling stuff. Without labels, we cannot even fully function as a biological species - however broad the term species would need to be defined nowadays, with mutants and so forth. Those sexualities that you mentioned earlier… that is just an area of life where I’ve decided, for me at least, that labels are irrelevant. Aside from ‘legal’ and ‘not legal’ of course.“

Garrus then sat silently, a silent “mmmh“ suggesting the thoughts still mulled around in his head.

Somewhat suddenly he lunged closer to Drew, burying his head near Drew’s neck to nuzzle and nibble at him.

Drew squeaked.

“You're tickling me!“

He pushed Garrus back and he landed, lying on the couch. Drew dropped onto him.

“Ha, you're mine now!“

He licked the tip of his nose and also grazed over a lip since the nose had become less pronounced, following similar changes as Drew’s.

Drew hugged Garrus, first in a playful manner. Then, as he felt the warmth of Garrus’ body and he still felt chilly, he grasped the blanket that laid along the edge of the sofa’s rest. He pulled it over them both and laid down on him, being a bit surprised about certain protrusions on his chest that had a cushioning effect.

“Ouch…“

Drew tried to lie on him a bit softer to reduce the slight pinching that he felt. As he got more comfortable, he smiled down at him.

“Of course, losing labels would be rather sad… I couldn’t call you adorable, otherwise.“

He grinned broadly, revealing more pronounced canines.

They continued playing and teasing each other, eliciting a few giggles and chuckles from each other before Garrus once again continued on with more gentle caressing, Drew’s back now being the prime target for his hands while he, too, felt the softness of Drew’s chest, which apparently quite pleased Garrus.

Garrus chuckled.

“Me? Adorable? And then you'd be the queen of cute?“

He pouted but then smiled mockingly. In a more thoughtful “Hrrrmmm“, he continued.

“If you're still cold though, maybe I should add some more wood to the fire. It will probably still take quite a while until the whole fireplace starts radiating enough heat, but still… Also… you on top of me?
When did that happen?“

Gently slapping Drew’s butt, Garrus murmured up at his face, before suddenly, quite delicately kissing him, if only briefly.

First Drew chuckled, then sighed, relaxing his back to Garrus’ ministrations.

“Aww, am I bad for taking charge? I just want you …“

Now crouching, Drew rubbed himself against and alongside Garrus, allowing him to look down straight into his eyes.

“It's hard to decide between you and …“

Drew was interrupted by Garrus’ lips brushing against his, in a kiss.

“… mmm fire.“

He savored the aftertaste.

“I'd like both, actually.

Maybe you can take that choice away from me, hmm?“

When among Dragons... Chapter 11 Discoveries

by Machara and Chryos Stormwing

Special thanks to
my love Chryos who creates this with me,
Gabe as my editor and friend

Garrus hummed, still focused on each other’s ministrations.

“As much as I’d love to, I’m not sure either of us can lift the other, at the moment.“

A hint of sarcasm shone through Garrus’ humor.

“I'm afraid I’ve got to ask you to…“ he harrumphed “… step down.“

He gently nudged Drew to let him loose and hurried to the fireplace after having garnered his freedom. Grabbing a few pieces of wood, he put them on the remaining embers. He paused however as he held his hand above the flames that were lapping up again after a few moments.

“What's going on?“ Drew wondered.

Startled, Garrus got up and then returned to Drew. As the first flames started blazing again he sat down next to him and gently touched Drew’s cheek with his hand.

It was smolderingly hot, but to his surprise, it didn’t actually hurt and felt rather calming. The sensation of warmth quickly spread and Drew’s whole face felt heated up after a moment as if the whole room had been heated for a good while.

“It doesn't burn.“ Garrus goggled. “Errr I mean… it doesn't hurt.“

Having watched Garrus at the fire, Drew looked at his half-brother’s hand in astonishment. It didn’t look burned at all.

“Uh… how are you doing that? Why are you not hurt?“

At first Drew retreated back, slightly flinching, but then he just closed his eyes, letting Garrus’ hand touch him again and he found he enjoyed the warmth.

“I’m not doing anything.“ Garrus exclaimed. “I just put some wood in the furnace and noticed that it didn't hurt in the slightest. Normally, when you put your hand in areas of such immense heat it'd be at least uncomfortable. That wasn’t the case here… at least not at those levels of temperature. I’m not going to test the limits though… still… cool find! Maybe later, when we know more, though. If we're going to be mutants then there might as well be some boons to it.“

Garrus sat back on the sofa with Drew.

Drew eagerly nodded at Garrus.

“But it's more than that, I think. I had the feeling that the heat did not harm you because at least part of it traversed it unhindered and you might have absorbed another part of it. I mean that it did not just warm up your body but that some of the warmth was converted into energy. Maybe inadvertently you even amplified or controlled it. The heat emanating from your hand felt similar to as if I was standing close to the fire itself.

Normally if a person exposes a limb to a different temperature it changes its temperature slowly to a degree - aside from possibly damaging tissue. It did not feel like your body was conducting the heat - for instance like metal does - and giving off the heat that way. Rather it felt like your hand was the heat source. My head felt warm just like that, and not just the front where your hand was. I felt it radiating through and down my body. But it felt a little different than if I just stood before the fireplace. Or at least it felt different to how it did before our changes.

I wish we had some way to really test this out. I hear the PAX and some private people have test facilities to determine mutant powers.“

Drew yawned.

“This warmth makes me sleepy.“

He grabbed and pulled Garrus towards him onto the couch so his whole body lay alongside his, comfortably on the cushions…

“Why do I feel so… “ yawn “… sleepy?“

He cuddled his head to Garrus’ neck.

As quickly as he had dozed off, Garrus was left with a sleeping Drew in his arms. Not feeling tired in the slightest though, Garrus remained with him in that manner for only about an hour before he got up and took care of some stuff around the house, checking in with Drew occasionally to make sure he was alright. Around noon, Garrus’ mother returned from her trip and he caught her at the door so as not to wake his half-sibling. Being the motherly figure in the room, she found him adorable sleeping there and agreed to let Drew rest. Garrus took her to the kitchen to talk about the things they had experienced so far.

Hera sat at the small kitchen table, taking a freshly brewed pot of tea and poured the liquid into her own and then her son’s cup. Feeling more at ease now, she sighed.

“I've been driving around the place like a maniac. Two stores and three offices may not sound like many, but it felt like it to me. I only got a few tips, unfortunately. It's difficult to find a place to work. I don't have an education in the local law, so I can't get a higher job - yet, at least - but people also tend to say that I’d be overqualified for a secretarial job.

So, I'm afraid I have to continue to search and look to improve my education.“

She paused, looked at her still full cup, frowned at it, drank a few sips and put it down again. Then she faced her son with a smile.

“You look like your day has not been entirely devoid of action, either?“

Garrus smiled as she poured him that cup of tea. Closing his eyes, he curiously sniffed to determine the flavor.

“Mh. Vanilla… good one.
Let’s remain in our mother tongue, I don’t want to play lost in translation with this.
I’m sorry that you did not find anything yet. But hey, this is just the first day. It will take me a while until I can have my first day too. Anyway So… consider yourself lucky.“

He took a sip and sighed, unwinding. The tea was scaldingly hot, but it did not seem to bother him. Garrus then explained in short extracts what he and Drew did in the living room, including the experience with the ember and heat.

“I hope you understand why I did not want to translate this in my head, first. On the other hand, considering what our father ‘demonstrated’ to us yesterday, it would be foolish to assume we would just get off with barely noticeable changes.“

Garrus paused and sighed.

“I would have preferred to be able to perform some kind of police service. Well, we will see…“

Hera chuckled.

“Your days in the hospital must have seemed like out of another life to you. Stagnant, somehow?
Our life did not stand still. I have experienced quite a bit in the last month here, and have gotten used to talking English so much that I did not even consider speaking German, now. Unfortunately, this is not my first day looking for a job, but it’s not all black. Beside my anxiousness concerning you two and some other frustrations, I have learned a few things and had fun with it, besides savoring the time with Marian, of course…“

She grinned across both ears.

“Yesterday evening was a revelation. Everything makes so much more sense, now. I have to confess that we did not sleep half of the night. After the first shock was over and we sorted our emotions somewhat, we talked extensively about your father. For a long time, I have had the feeling that there was more to him. And I’m not talking about another woman… I really hated him. But yesterday… it changed something. He felt more human again after he had seemed like this monster, to me. Ironic, somehow, considering how he looked…“

She rolled her eyes and then stared into her half-empty cup, remembering Horst’s alien look that had grown to be a bit more normal to her considering the changes her son underwent. She took another sip and continued.

“Maybe I cannot yet forgive him, but I can face him, now. It helped appease some emotions.

I think you need him, to learn to handle your changes. You are more alike than you think, and I’m not talking about your… abilities. I’m not even sure I’m surprised about your experience with the fire from what you described to me… Just look at your hand…“

Hera gave a short laugh and gestured to it. Looking at it, the hand that Garrus had in the fire now seemed more claw-like.

“Maybe he can even help you to find a place in life. Maybe you can ask him?“

Garrus eventually looked at her, questioningly.

“You mean…“

He stopped his sentence as he was not sure what he actually wanted to say, the concept Hera had introduced him to felt alien.

“Why should I want a job under him? Sure, I can try…“

He still looked rather skeptically.

“But I don’t like it. He just steps into our lives again and just like that, I should find work through him? Let’s just wait and see what happens this evening, ok?“

Garrus looked at her again, gently. With his changed features, this seemed more predator-like.

Hera smirked.

“I did not mean a job with or through him… But he might be able to give you some pointers. As to how much you want to allow him back into your life… that's your decision.

Suddenly she looked surprised.

“Oh. I switched back to English. I guess I got more used to it than I thought… To be honest it feels better like this… a new chance, new … lover… Wow, that sounds so cheesy.

She held her hand in front of her mouth.

After a moment, she relaxed again and looked at Garrus, at first just like that, but then more closely to study him. She carefully put a hand on his… his claw, felt it, and stroked his arm. Slipping closer towards him, she looked at his face.

“You look so different. It's still a bit strange.“

Garrus looked at her bemusedly as he noticed her switching languages and chuckled for a moment.

“It is, though, isn't it? And weird as well. It feels like I’m less sensitive to the heat but more so to the airflow… I noticed that earlier when I felt a draft of air flowing towards the fireplace after I had lit it. I don’t know if that is a direct result of the changes to our bodies or some other indirect change caused by our mutations.“

He hummed in thought and grinned at her.

Hera returned his grin and hugged him. At first, it was tighter than he had expected, and then it changed and she snuggled more. In a flash, he remembered the last evening where Drew had snuggled up to him and the similarities confused him.

“Maybe not all of it is because of your changes. I'm excited but also scared about what is happening to you and what you experience. I wonder how it all fits together. It's like watching a crime movie where you try to puzzle together the whole story before it unfolds.

I always wondered how it would be… you know… That question is now more relevant than ever to me. If it weren’t for all the problems that come with it, I wouldn’t mind having a bit of what you… got.“

She had talked with fascination and empathy, looking at Garrus’ claw-like hands with a smile. She then turned more serious.

“How do you feel about it all? Do you have any idea how to approach your new life?“

Garrus held Hera for a little while longer but drew back again as soon as she loosened the hug because of his confused feelings.

“I… guess not, huh.“ Garrus answered somewhat forlornly.

“I don't have a plan… though I was taught to always have one.“ He chuckled.

“Guess there are situations in life where your … education and upbringing fails you. I think we have to take it day by day.“

He paused and then noticed a detail in what Hera had said.

“‘Have what I got?’“ Garrus quoted, questioningly.

“You mean… the changes? I could say ‘trust me, you don’t want to’, but… honestly? No idea.“

Garrus was surprised Hera was so open to the idea and felt a hint of eagerness in her.

“We may have yet to see the full extent of them.“

“Relax dear.“

Hera smiled.

“You don't need to know exactly what to do. It's also about attitude.“

With conviction, she continued.

“Maybe what happened to you isn’t bad. I'm sure there are a lot of good sides to it that make you want to take the bad ones in stride. I've read up on impressions from affected people. Some were very inspiring.“

Hera suddenly seemed more awake and stood up.

“Now, how about you help me make dinner? You even get to choose what we make.“

“Make dinner?“

Garrus looked up at his mother. Infected by her eagerness, he thought and had an idea.

“Oh, I know. There was this smoked pork I’ve been wanting to try. We've had it in the fridge for two days now. Should be ready to be cooked, right?“

Garrus grin looked a slight bit toothier than what she had been used to but it was friendly, nonetheless.

“Sure, dear. Since you seem to know the recipe, why don't you lead?“

They moved to the kitchen workspace and Hera followed his directions. That felt odd to Garrus since it had previously always been the other way around and it was such a long time since they had both worked in the kitchen together.

After having done most of the work and the pork had been put in the oven, Hera asked.

“I wonder how this evening is going to play out. Horst feels almost like a stranger to me now and I can't anticipate him. I don't know whether to feel scared, angry or apprehensive.“

For the most time, Garrus was focused on the work at hand. As she spoke to him again, he paused scrubbing a cutting board and looked thoughtful. Before responding he put it in the dishwasher.

“Well if he's a stranger to you, you can imagine I’m no better off than that. I have no idea what to expect of him, of course. I guess… 'uncertain' would fit the bill. He is - put as plainly as I can think of - an unknown quantity in this whole thing. For all we know, he could've had something to do with our manifestations themselves, after all… Though I guess that's a too far-fetched possibility. I just hope he doesn't want to bunch me in with other mutants, or something. As interesting as it would be to get to know those people - assuming he knows any - I don't think it's for me to be in that kind of 'organization'.“

Hera turned to Garrus, contemplating the possibilities of his suggestions.

“I think we should just keep an open mind and see what he has to say. Were it not for your changes, however, I would not want him in this house.“

After wiping the work surface that she had used clean and dry, she turned her back to it, leaned against it, and looked through the door into the living room.

“I think dinner is almost ready now and just has to simmer and rest. I'll prepare the table. Why don’t you go and look for Drew?

I hope Marian is not delayed this time, she should be on her way back from work, by now.“

“I guess… I think as far as reasons are concerned for going undercover, his seem to be a pretty solid one. Though that's not to say his having two relationships at the same time - and without consent… “

Garrus trailed off.

“You get what I’m saying…“ he implied.

Abruptly he stopped his babbling and nodded to her in agreement, putting the plates and cutlery on the table.

As he entered the living room to look for Drew, he heard keys turning the lock of the house-door. He turned to see Marian enter, hang up a coat and set down her bag on a small table in the hall. While she seemed casual enough initially she remained rather taciturn - only offering simple greetings - and focused on getting a bottle of white wine and some glasses. She sat at the living room table and only glanced at the others. She poured herself a glass and took a few sips. She sighed with some frustration and deflated into her seat, waiting for the others to join her. It was mostly Drew that kept up a conversation once he joined the others at the table. Marian remained rather passive and only gave short answers and that soon affected Hera. Garrus focused on serving dinner and was rather vocal about how well dinner turned out and that it was “fit for the gods“, digging in with gusto. While Drew noticed the somber mood he tried not to be deterred and attempted to rouse the others into conversation with some cheerfulness, however, he steered clear of the difficult topic of the previous evening. While Garrus managed a neutral attitude he too remained rather passive when it came to day-to-day conversation. After dinner was finished with a second empty bottle of wine remaining, the two mothers went out on the patio for some fresh air.
Garrus returned the dishes to the kitchen. He was in a pensive mood and had preferred to just observe the others, the good food being a respite from the general atmosphere. He then realized he had felt oddly disconnected from Drew since his time with him on the couch by the fireplace in the afternoon and thought it was high time that they spent some more of it together and so the half-siblings headed up to their rooms.

As they arrived at the landing of the stairs of the upper floor, Drew halted when they stood between his and Garrus’ room. He turned to Garrus and studied his expression.

“You barely said anything at dinner… other than enthusing over the admittedly wonderful food. I couldn’t stand the rain clouds that seemed to have been hanging over our mothers… I can't stand this gloom.“

He stepped closer to him, looked up, and smiled.

“You need to cheer up, as well. Come with me…“

Drew grabbed him by his collar and pulled him after himself. Garrus found himself sitting on Drew’s bed and being cuddled by him, energetically.

Garrus let himself be drawn in.

“Awwwrrr.“ he purred.

Grabbing Drew in turn, right then and there on the bed, Garrus pulled Drew on to himself, caressing his sides. After a while, he pulled him down against his own body, his arms tightly locked around Drew, and Garrus enjoyed the warmth and closeness with closed eyes.

“If there was any gloom about me then it was because I was longing for this…“

Caressing his head now, Garrus looked into Drew’s eyes.

“This is all so strange to me, still… and yet it feels like I’ve missed it, for so long.“

Drew smiled as he looked back, putting a hand behind Garrus’ neck to pull him even closer, giving him a slow kiss. Pulling back, Drew smirked.

“Aren't you the charmer? Seems like you're head over heels in love.

Not that um…“

Drew’s light lilac cheeks turned to a darker more intense shade.

“… I don't feel something similar.

I don't feel strange, it’s just new. I've heard a bird telling me that your feelings of strangeness will fade, soon enough.“

Garrus let out a sigh and watched his half-sibling with a sheepish grin. He sat upright once Drew started explaining, though.

“I… guess? Strangeness? What kind of bird have you been talking to?“

He grinned.

“I mean… it's no secret, especially to you, how strange this …. transition is, by itself.

I would very much agree though, that what I'm feeling for you is kind of head over heels.“

He turned more serious, still smiling.

“Not that I’m complaining, what with your beautiful heels and such.“

“Heels?“

Drew looked down, wondering what Garrus meant.

“Hmph. Well… your… heels.“

Garrus looked down, ogling Drew’s feet, gently grabbing one of his now more paw-like appendages that Drew had laid on the bed in some angled fashion. He began to caress them gently, one after another.

“I’m just being silly… hon. But you have noticed their changes?“

Gently nudging his nose with his own, as Garrus returned Drew’s previous kiss.

Drew looked at his feet more closely and raised his eyebrows as he saw the differences. Aside from the scaled pattern he had gotten used to, even if it was more pronounced now, the toe pads were bigger and broader as they now hosted claws but the rest of the shape had gotten more slender and thinner, being pronounced by the longer bridge. If the changes continued like this, he doubted his heels would remain touching the floor for much longer.

“Hm. Interesting. I did not notice those changes before. I assume they'll look like our dads, soon enough.“

Drew hummed in thought but soon turned to Garrus again, smiling with mischief.

“Relax your lips, dear, don't force your kisses so much…“

He moved his head closer to Garrus and held both sides of his face, tenderly.

“Let me try…“

He returned the kiss after a moment, having given Garrus time to react. Drew pulled him closer, one hand now holding his back, and touched his lips to Garrus’, very softly, just playing with them for a bit…

“Uhhh… better.“

Drew pulled a pillow from Garrus’ back to cause him to flop back onto the bed. He rolled on to him, sitting on his lap, smiling down at Garrus.

When among Dragons... Chapter 12 Family matters

When among Dragons... Chapter 12 Family matters

by Machara and Chryos Stormwing

Special thanks to
my love Chryos who creates this with me,
Gabe as my editor and friend

With a loud crack and a flash of light, a portal formed right next to the half-siblings. While this was totally unexpected to them, at least this time they knew what was likely happening. Someone walked through the opening that looked eerily like a hole in space.

As quickly as it had appeared it vanished, leaving their father behind who was looking down at Drew in concern as he noticed the two with him on top of Garrus.

Drew turned around quickly, adrenaline pushing his speed, only to see the last bit of the portal vanish and his dad standing there. At first, Drew looked at him in shock and fear, but finally, embarrassment crept in.

“I… thought you'd use the door, this time?“

After looking at Drew, Horst’s gaze turned to Garrus. He was remarkably silent as he walked closer on big brawny yet still elegant legs. His gaze remained fixed upon them as he handed Garrus a big letter that looked sealed.

“Read it… if you please. And you… Drew…. come with me. I would like to speak with you, in private. It is of some urgency.“

As opposed to last time Drew didn’t see Garrus turning aggressive, instead he rather looked concerned after having scanned the envelope.

“I think he's sincere, Drew… maybe you should … humor his request.“ Garrus said meekly.

Drew stood up, looking down at himself once more. The last minutes with Garrus were still very present in his mind and he wondered if he was dressed appropriately. He only noticed the sweater which he must have discarded somewhere during their ministrations and he put it back on quickly, and looked back to his da… father.

“Ok, where are we going?“

Horst merely took Drew outside the room and made sure the door was closed. Looking around for a brief moment he let out a sigh.

“Good to be back here… but I just needed a moment with you.“

His words came out fast enough for Drew not to be able to get in between, so all that was left to him, was to listen.

“Listen… I do realize there are feelings both of you are developing for each other, I’m not blind to that. However, I must urge you to caution. There are things at stake here that are bigger than the two of you, bigger than this family even. I don't want to divulge too much, partly because some of it is classified information, but…”

He paused but then resolved to come out with it.

“Well, I guess there's no helping being candid here, the two of you being together like this could lead to… side-effects when combined with your mutations.“

“Side effects? What side effects?“

Drew questioned.

Horst looked defeated… deflated even, for a moment but then pinched his nose in a manner that would look natural on a human face but here, with his draconic face and a broad nose that was part of his snout, it looked a bit more akin to a rude gesture of an alien culture. Drew was amused about that, also because he thought his father was likely not aware of the weirdness of it. Looking at Drew again, Horst had that frustrated 'why…' look that was desperate and sad in some way, but also driven by urgency.

“Please don’t ask me about stuff that I can't give you the answers to. I don't want to lie to you. I can not lie to you. So, I must tell you that I can not tell you more. For the most part, because I don't know myself, if that's any consolation.“

“Look, I'm trying to be helpful and I realize I may be overstepping my boundaries. At any rate, that's what I wanted to tell you specifically. You two getting close like that… might be dangerous. That's all I got. Sorry…“

“Ok.”

Drew said, rather emotionless, at first. Then he added, with some desperation.

“If you can't tell me why, then at least tell me how close we can get without danger, or rather, what to avoid?“

“Sex. Definitely sex.“ Horst replied.

He stared at Drew in a very deadpan way, blankly and as blunt as he could muster.

“Sorry, just wanted to be as clear as possible about that. Other than that, I suppose any… exchange of…. sorry, this is a bit difficult for me… well… liquids… might pose risks, but I cannot say for certain. Still… telling you to use your own discretion would be not to try to help you to the best of my knowledge.“

With a softer voice, he continued.

“Anyway… I didn't want to … pull you two apart, really. That's not my intention. Despite all the… awkwardness for me - which I brought upon me by myself after all - it's really encouraging and … beautiful to see you two like each other, so much.“

“Beautiful?“

Drew asked, quickly and out of instinct. Then confusion set in, but he pulled himself together and thought about the bigger picture.

“Um, anyway… uh…“

He blushed again, hard.

“Eww… really?“

Again, he tried to pull himself together.

“So, you already know how far I might go, huh?”

With more force, he continued.

“And that’s why you pulled me away, and not… both of us? Right?”

Half to himself, he added.

“I had not even thought about um…“ he reddened again. “… getting pregnant.“

He shook his head, exclaiming “No!“ as he tried to rid himself of the thought.

“Is it just that issue, or could just … mixing fluids … be a problem?“

Drew stared at Horst for a moment, watching him as he tried to formulate a response but struggled with it, partly due to awkwardness. So Drew continued after Horst did not respond, right away.

“You… You don't need to be so awkward… d… dad. I remember us talking about stuff like that. You always managed to make it feel … normal… to me. Even if it was just so… new, and … pressing at the time.

I'm glad I've not fully lost you. Even now, you are trying to be straight with me… care for, and accept me. Like the dad, I remember…“

Drew just stood there, looking up at him, into his eyes as tears rolled down his cheeks.

“I just wish you did not need to be so… secretive.“

He thumped a foot against the floor but remained looking at him, a bit forlornly.

Horst looked at his child, clearly saddened by the tears but he still had to pull himself together, obviously knowing the role he was required to play, very well.

“Oh dear… Drew. Please. I’m sorry for all the pain that I've caused your… mothers, and both of you. I'm glad that you still see me as your father. That much I can say.

As for … the two of you in terms of intimacy… no… I cannot say more. Yet.

That's to come though, but I cannot not say when.“

One awkward pause later he again looked at Drew’s face.

“What do you say about returning to your room again, to see what Garrus has been up to?“

“Uh, ok…“ Drew answered, meekly.

He turned around and returned to his room, sat on the bed and then directed his father to have a seat at his desk.

Horst looked at the seat and paused. Glancing at his tail he decided to remain standing. Garrus, on the other hand, was still sitting on the bed, watching as both entered.

“Hey…“ he greeted.

After a moment, he looked at Horst questioningly but as no response came he turned to Drew.

“I got this… 'letter'…“

Garrus handed it to him.

Drew took it and started reading, at first in confusion and then concern.

“Aren't you technically already committing treason by showing me this?“

He then turned to his dad.

“What’s this about?“

Horst chuckled.

“Technically, he is. Though given the circumstances, I won't tell, if you don't.“

Their father walked closer until he stood right next to them at the bed.

“This is part of the reason why I came here with a thunderous sound rather than the silent, gradual portal that you saw yesterday, as I felt more haste was needed. I work for these people… in some manner. You…“

He looked at Garrus.

“Should you choose to accept their offer, you would soon be doing so, as well, though I doubt we would get to see each other much during the course of our work there. As for you…“

He now turned to Drew.

“I didn't bring another letter because their interest is focused on Garrus. Personally, I’d like to see you two staying together and the CSIS seems to consider it as an option, but that’s off the records, for now. Maybe there's a way for you to get a job there, as well… I can't make any promises, though.“

Drew handed the document back to Garrus and looked at his father.

“What kind of work would we be doing there, anyway?”

Horst shrugged but gave Drew a humoring smile.

“You’ll find out if you come with Garrus…”

Frustrated, Drew probed further.

“Um… do they know of you, as a mutant? And what about us, when it comes to that, anyway?“

Horst let out a soft chuckle.

“My dear… me - us being mutants is precisely the reason they're offering this position.“

“Oh, ok. But… we tried to keep ourselves…“

Drew pointed at Garrus and himself.

“… secret. So how do they know?“

Sadness came back to his face, though this time a smile also remained.

“In this day and age, if a big enough corporation or a government wants to know things about you, they will find a way.

In this instance…

Garrus and his mother came by airplane. Standard security sweeps these days gather enough material for DNA samples. Linking him to me wasn't difficult and… as much as it pains me to admit it… your… awakening… might've been a government plot as well. Though not of this institution. The Kraken has many arms.“

His voice deepened to a growl as he tried to sound ominous at the last sentence.

“… pathos aside, it's true though.“

Drew hissed at that. Surprised by himself, he stopped and put a hand over his mouth, with big eyes. Relaxing after a moment, but looking confused, he look first at Garrus and then at his dad.

“You know... I had hoped this would be just a simple evening where you begin to teach us about… ourselves. Maybe to find a way to continue with our lives, mostly normal.“

When among Dragons... Chapter 13 Lessons

by Machara and Chryos Stormwing

Special thanks to
my love Chryos who creates this with me

Please note that my editor did not yet get to fully review this chapter. I may update it with corrections later.

 

“Oh, but the evening has barely begun, hasn't it? Well then… let's get started…“

Horst looked at both of his children and smiled.

“I think it would be far more comfortable and adequate, however, to begin your training in the living room. Why don't you follow me and we'll start?“

He led them down, looked around and then started moving the couch standing near the fireplace to the corner of the room opposite of the entertainment wall, clearing space on the floor. Then he took three big cushy pillows and put them down on the floor. Two of them side by side close to the fireplace, and a third more distant to it, but more centered, having the three pillows form a triangle. Then he went to the fireplace, put quite a lot of logs on it and lay a hand on them. The siblings watched and could feel the heat emanating and air start circulating around the room, and after a quarter of a minute, the logs first singed and then caught fire.

He turned around and looked at their curious and slightly amazed reaction.

“Why don't you seat yourself on a pillow nearer to the fire and face towards the third one, please?“

He waited until they went to their spots and had an amused grin as they bumped into each other, apparently somewhat entranced as they attempted to head to the same pillow. After halting, looking at each other with an apologetic and embarrassed smile, they each found themselves a pillow and sat down.

Then, Horst took the third pillow and faced them.

“So… let’s begin by letting me explain some things to you. I can of course only tell you from my own experiences, however since we all seem very similar, I think most of what I am going to describe will apply to you, too.

However first, really try to make yourself comfortable. Maybe by sitting similarly to me…“

He directed an open hand to his cross-legged stance, his back straight upright, and his hands resting on his knees.

“… might help you too, but any way you feel relaxed should do.

Enjoy the warmth radiating from the fire, feel the air circulating, but don't concentrate on it too much, just let it flow towards you. It will help, later.

The attribute that defines us most, is that we are shapeshifters. We have two main forms we can be in, human and draconic. At least that is what I feel we are… some form of dragons. You may choose other names if that makes you feel more comfortable. However, even in our human form we still remain somewhat draconic in our cores. Our genes may mostly shift to that of humans if we assume our human forms, but in detailed analysis, if you look for it, will always show some differences. Our human form has no real variations, but our draconic one does and can be controlled, to some extent. You always had those genetic variations in you, but until recently they lay dormant. Now that they are active, they will remain so, and you need to learn to deal with the consequences. Learning to shift between human and draconic form is your first and most important task if you wish to live somewhat more easily. Not that you should be ashamed of who you are, but there are too many people that will treat you differently.

Another important attribute that you can use to your benefit and make it easier to manage the rest, is the absorption of light and heat. It allows you to acquire energy which makes shifting easier and less painful. It can also make your day to day lives easier with that additional strength and energy, among other things. I think you already felt the effects of the fire. The absorption of heat and turning it into internal energy is something you do passively. However, if you allow it to happen and make yourself open to it, you can draw more energy. Light can charge you to a lesser degree but that requires more experience. It can also help to avoid sunburns.”

He smirked, at that.

“Rest and calmness makes it easier to draw from this energy. Meditation will help you gain more calmness and learn more easily. This is why we are sitting like this, aside from me preferring this posture.“

Horst smiled at them, and let himself sink deeper into the cushion without losing much of his upright stance.

“Your bodies are currently still in transition, even though I feel the better part of your changes are finished. Basically, your bodies are slowly shifting on their own. When I manifested, the same happened to me, but shortly after finishing the manifestation to the default draconic form it reverted to the human form again. Only later did I learn to control the form, over months and even years.

I will help you gain some control. Shifting is like a muscle you can train. Without training, it will feel difficult, and active shifting can cause some pain, aside from being tiring. As you learn and train it - there is also a mental component to it, of course, more so than normal muscle training - it will cost less energy and happen more quickly, and allow you a greater range of forms.

Without applying some direction to the desired form, your body will slowly return to your default one. For me that is the human one, however, I am not sure if that is the case with you, so you will have to find out by yourselves.

Aside from telling and describing to you what to do and what to feel for, I can guide you in another way, if you consent to it. I think you already have noticed that you are susceptible to feeling some emotions of the people around you, typically when they are more intense. You may even learn to let others feel a bit of what you do. It sometimes happens to you without your control if you feel particularly strongly. That is another reason why you should learn to meditate. It will help to avoid uncontrolled surges since it can be dangerous and I consider it an invasion of free will and even privacy if you force it on others, willingly or not.

If you allow me, I can direct some of my emotions and feelings to you, and it should help you learn and find your way to direct your shifting.

Now, before we continue, if you have some questions for me, go ahead and ask them.“

Garrus looked at the 'father figure' as he swayed slowly back and forth, being dazed, entranced and cross-eyed.

“Teach us. The ways of the mind and body….“

He collected himself somewhat and added.

“Seriously? I don't doubt your words but… you're basically saying we're shapeshifting battery packs?“

Horst grinned.

“Did I mention battery packs? It is a bit more complicated than that, but you got the jist of it.“

More seriously, he continued.

“Now…. Drew, Garrus… are you ok with me directing some of my feelings on to you?

I should warn you though, it may be a bit rough at first. I’d like to remind you at this point to please not to try sending feelings to others, even to each other. It could have drastic side effects if not moderated and directed carefully.“

Garrus goggled.

“Okay.“

He tried not to feel anything and eyed Drew curiously to see whether he’d agree, as well.

Drew first looked to his father after a pause of silence, almost coming out of a trance, and then turned to his brother, questioningly, but smiling. He then answered, as well.

“Then I'm fine with it too, dad.“

Horst continued with the lesson.

“So, before you do anything yourselves, just sit there, relax and allow yourself to feel. As you learn to feel and guide your own emotions it will later also allow you to block out unwanted external ones. Your own can never fully be blocked, however, only calmed.“

Horst closed his own eyes, becoming tranquil.

“Close your eyes.“

Doing so, and trying to be calm as well, Garrus felt nothing change. Some thoughts came drifting in and with them, associated emotions, and they seemed to drag at him, at first, somewhat chaotically. However, as minutes drifted by, the crackling of the fire seemed to draw to the forefront, and with it, the heat emanating from it seemed to hit Garrus. Minutes later the feeling of heat subsided somewhat but he then felt it permeating him more subtly and a feeling of being alive came with it.

“Good. Now you are starting to absorb more energy.”

Horst commented as he felt the progress of his offspring.

“Soon you should start to feel something new. Just try to allow the feeling, and don't be scared …“

The last minutes of calmness caused a feeling of security seeping in. Those were then pushed in the background and he at first felt a tingling all over and inside his body which were soon replaced by some twinges. These initially just seemed to tickle but then got more pressing and he felt a bit uncomfortable. A new feeling of soreness and then pricks of pain started. He felt somewhat restless for a minute as that continued but then something felt being pushed and moved. Finally, all those feelings faded out, again.

“Open your eyes again.“

Horsts words pushed Garrus as well as Drew - who had also perceived all those feelings - out of their trance. Following his command, Garrus and Drew saw their father still sitting there, however now fully human, just as they remembered him before all the changes to their lives started.

“What you sensed is to a degree what I felt as I shifted to this form. It is not exactly the same as you will feel, I think, but it should come close enough. Now, if you feel ready, I'd like you to try the same. I should warn you however that some of the feelings may be more intense as it will be your first attempt. Don't try to push too hard, rather allow it to happen. Do so by remembering how your body looked like before your manifestation. Then, once you got a feeling for it and see it before your mind’s eye, recall the feeling of energy and warmth that permeated you when you allowed it to flow through you. Expect some discomfort and pain, but let go if those get too strong.

Just try it. I'll feel out for you. Maybe it's easier if you start first, Garrus.“

“… right. like I could replicate that.“

Totally disbelieving now, Garrus closed his eyes, yet again, trying to focus his mind on what just happened. He felt like he was already missing some of the pieces. Was it more twingy in the stomach or the chest, he wondered.

The room was silent except for an occasional popping in the fire.

He managed to calm himself enough to enter that relaxed state he was in before, again….

Minutes passed and nothing happened. Finally, Garrus sighed deeply, exhaling almost completely and then, slowly, gradually, something started to change.

The clouds of unordered thoughts drifted away, leaving a thick veil of blackness on his mind. He could sense it and then he pictured himself, remembering his own face and body as he had seen himself in the bathroom mirror the last time he had still been in his own apartment seemingly months ago… though something seemed off.

Some of those clouds moved through his consciousness again, altering the vision, giving him fragments of images from other parts of his life and even fictional scenes he had seen on television. And then something within him started incorporating those images into the pictures he had of his life, changing all of it.

The images never formed perfectly, they always seemed somewhat jumbled, but he felt it was enough.

More time ticked by in silence, and finally he felt the vision coalescing into changes and he felt his body shift, similar to how his father had relayed them before.

Garrus awoke again. His body was slender and soft, pointed ears and slanted eyes adorning his face, chiseled from the fairest of marble so that Tolkien himself probably couldn't discern him from an elf now. Almost all the draconic features were completely gone, save for a very slight pointedness of two of his fangs that Host and Drew still noticed.

Garrus started grinning like a fool.

“I… it didn't work, did it?“

A breath escaped Horst’s mouth. He stared at Garrus, who heard an “Eek“ coming from the other side.

“Um, in some way, it did. I did not expect it like that, though… seems there are some differences, after all.

Wait a moment…“

Horst stood up, left the room and soon returned with a hand mirror. He sat back down.

“Why don't you see for yourself?“

He turned the mirror towards Garrus, who looked at his reflection and saw himself, yet not him, at the same time. Garrus remembered some of the images that just flew by in his mind, a minute ago, and recognized semblance. Startled by his own appearance, he felt a rippling in his body and watched his features shift back to his previous draconic self, just that now those traits seemed a bit more pronounced.

Horst just chuckled, being amused rather than surprised.

“Don't be alarmed. While some details in your human form just now were not expected, your changing back is not. It was a good first attempt, well done. It takes practice for you to 'lock in' to a form. Your body tends to be drawn to either the form your mind imposes, or back to your default. Whichever that is, depends on circumstances. But it does prefer not to be in a form of flux. Your emotions can cause it to shift or ripple, however, or to return back to what it feels is more stable.

I did not manage multiple stable human forms, but yours seemed to be at least semi-stable. Can you explain what you did or how you felt?“

Still confused after a moment, longer than would seem necessary, Garrus finally looked up at his father, then back at Drew.

“What just…“

“I just… tried to clear my mind… didn't work too well at first but then it got better. The problem was that when I tried to imagine myself, other thoughts kept creeping in… I don't think that's something I can control though. It felt… directed.“

“Hm. Something that just happened, or was it something imposed on you?“

Garrus stared, unsure.

“Damned if I know. That's like asking a kid what piece in the carburetor is missing when you see black smoke coming from the exhaust…“

“Ok. Maybe we'll find out as you get more experienced. I don't think it’s concerning, but I am curious why it happened, and whether it was an accident or a trend.

Anyway, Drew, why don't you give it a try now. Meanwhile, Garrus, similarly to how you opened yourself to the fire, open yourself up to Drew’s feelings. It may not work just yet, but if and when it does it will help you with your own efforts.

Drew, just try, just as I described before. Some stray thoughts are common at first, but try to hang only to those that you have in mind or that feel right to you.“

Horst watched his offspring as he sat there, closing his eyes, and Garrus watching him.

For a minute or so, nothing happened but Drew got calmer. Then he felt a tug followed by a rushing flowing feeling, with tingling and small pricks of pain. Those came and went, for a while.

Watching Drew, they saw his features melt and the purple color left his skin, but that soon returned. His features fluctuated back and forth for a few times but then his original draconic form returned.

Drew’s eyes opened, and he looked around frustrated.

“I tried, and I could feel something happening, but something kept pushing back.“

Horst just sat there at first, a humming faintly audible. He looked thoughtful. Then he looked at Drew again, studying his features… her features… then he started smiling.

“I think I know what the problem is. You remembered yourself as you used to be. Unlike Garrus, your natural form has changed more dramatically. Your feminine side is the dominant one now. I have seen you yesterday and today. Not just your body has changed. When you tried to shift back to your old self, your body and part of yourself pushed back.

I'd like you to try again, but before that please remember how you felt and behaved lately and rediscover yourself. I have confidence that you will manage, but it is ok to take your time until it feels right. It needs to, for it to work. Garrus has it easier since he can picture his previous human male form and go with that, but you need to find your new more female form, first. Study yourself in a mirror as you are, it should give you hints.“

Drew looked at Horst, confused, then shocked, and finally angrily. His stare bore into his father’s eyes. He felt frustration and anger. This was his father’s fault, he thought - without him and his damn genes, this would never have happened! He felt hot, but not uncomfortably so. The pillow below him started to smoke, and his clothes singed.

Realizing this, it stopped instantly. Feeling defeated, he slumped forward. His hands shot out to steady himself. Having managed that, he raised his hands towards his face as if to hide, almost touching his face. He began sobbing and tears started rolling down his cheeks, but before they dropped they evaporated into steam, instead.

He looked up again, at his father, angry and in pain.

“I can't. Let me alone, dad!“

Drew stood up and looked around. As his gaze rested on Garrus, he felt better, and he could not help smiling briefly. He looked up towards the stairs and the door to his room, almost longingly, but decided to keep standing.

Horst stood up as well and sighed.

“I understand, dear. Take your time. Please try to practice again soon, though. It is important.“

He looked over at Garrus.

“Let me know if you want me to come again tomorrow evening, ok?“

Horst turned and headed for the door. After it clunked shut it was silent again. Garrus felt Drew’s body trembling as he stood close beside him. He then watched Drew walk away and head for his room, rather quickly.

When among Dragons... Chapter 14 Acceptance

by Machara and Chryos Stormwing

Special thanks to
my love Chryos who creates this with me
and Gabe as my editor and friend

Looking at the glimmer of the embers in the fireplace which were now almost gone Garrus gathered his thoughts before heading up after Drew. Back in his room he looked around to find Drew lying on his bed, rolled together in the fetal position close to the wall, holding a pillow to his head, sobbing.

After watching Drew for a while as he stood there, observing, Garrus decided to sit down right beside the bed on the floor. The hardwood floor was cool to the touch but not entirely uncomfortable, giving off a kind of warmth of its own after a bit. Breathing calmly, Garrus sat upright and remained watching Drew’s form, almost a bit like a cat waiting for someone to finish preparing its food.

After a while, the sobbing ebbed away and the room was silent. Garrus watched Drew sitting up, hunched over slightly, looking down at the bedsheets that he did not see. Then he raised his hand in the air before himself, looking at it.

He stood up, walked over to the wardrobe and looked at himself in the mirror that was embedded into one of its doors. Very slowly and deliberately he took off his shirt, then his pants. Then his undershirt, socks and finally boxers followed.

Standing there, stark naked, he looked at himself for a long while, his face unreadable beside a hint of sadness but also relish.

Garrus remained watching him attentively, his head tilted to the side a little while Drew stood near that mirror and despite the face that he was making he seemed to be enjoying himself at least to some extent.

His curves now looked undeniably female and only left a hint of maleness. Small breasts protruded from his chest along with female labia between his legs. All of it felt naturally feminine to Garrus and were it not for the deep purple scales and draconic features he’d have thought for Drew as a human girl. But those differences feld more normal every day.
He walked back to his bed, and with a sigh, sat down.
Looking up, gazing at Garrus, he tapped on a place on the bed beside him with a flat hand.

Garrus chose to remain where he was but asked.

“… What was that all about?“

Drew looked at him by turning his head to his right giving him a sad smile, then leaned against him and put his head on Garrus’ shoulder.

“Intentional or not, father had me confront with what I'm becoming and made me realize for the first time that I can't go on like I used to.

I thought I took it in stride. I was wrong. That’s why I reacted this hard.

But I realized now that I have to face it, so I deliberately looked at myself … like this, and choose not to hide any longer, also from you.

When … dad took me aside before, he warned me not to have sex with you. I think he meant to tell me there were risks if I were to get pregnant. It scared me how adamant he was about it, yet not telling me much at the same time.

I… I think I'm really a girl now, Garrus, for the most part. I explored myself earlier today when I needed to go to the loo because I was surprised I no longer pee through my penis but some hole below. When I looked more closely I found my penis is still be there, and I managed to get it out. It's still about the same size. But further below there is another hole forming. Dad was right!

What hit me then when I tried transforming is that I can't go back. My body changing is already too much to handle, but my mind changing as well… that kind of loss of control… it's scaring and confusing. Not because I hate how I’m changing, but because it feels natural. Part of me is going along with it… just like that… but it made me question what it means to be me.“

All of a sudden, just as Drew was telling him about all that stuff, Garrus started to smile. Openly. Warmly. But patiently waiting until he finished.

“The meaning of being you… hrm… wanna know the meaning of life?“

Drew giggled.

“I was not gonna go that big. But if you managed to find the answer, I'd like to hear it.“

“The meaning of life… is to give meaning to your life.“

Garrus chuckled and returned to smiling, but explained further.

“As in… what feels meaningful to you? Apparently, there is something within you that thinks it means something for you to be male. Or female. Another part doesn't seem to think that… as if it's not important at all. So … you are at odds with yourself. And you'll have to find that meaning.“

Drew held on to Garrus by putting his arms around his body, pulling him closer to himself and then looking up to his face.

“Maybe both are true?
For most of the time, it was not. Or at least for me, it wasn’t.
But sometimes, it is. Like now. Or for some reason, when I am close to you.“

He paused thoughtfully, then frowned.

“Maybe I'm just a bit of a sissy.
Looking at you, this has not left you untouched, either.“

He traced a finger along Garrus’ cheek, studying his face.

“How do you feel different?“

Garrus paused and looked at him, but not quite - a distant smile was on his face as he pondered the question.

“It's … weird, in a way.

It doesn't feel different at first thought, but then… it's like changing a melody to a different baseline. Like… I don't know… driving a diesel instead of a petrol engine, like … playing Shakespeare in the Klingon original?”

He smirked.

“I'm really confused, that's some mental… imagery I’m producing right now. I guess it's not very coherent.

At the very least it feels like I’m only on the brink of this… change. A tension that runs through my body at times, makes me all giddy for a second and then … I can almost hear myself growl.

Does that make any sense to you?“

Garrus remained with an empty but pensive look.

Drew sighed.

“Partly.

I take it you are speaking of your overall feeling? Your change to a different species, the abilities, and dangers it implies, how your body feels? Or how your face looks now… what has more impact on you? That it has a draconic flair or that is androgynous and changes to look more feminine as before?

I'd like to answer your question in more detail, but I need to better understand you at first. I care how you feel. Both in general about anything, but also about these changes.

I think I also feel some of what you described, but that’s subdued since the concerns about my gender identity are more pressing. So I wonder whether your gender identity - maybe how others might perceive you - has been challenged at all.“

“My… pardon what?” Garrus eyes were big with surprise. “… gender identity?“

He looked at his half-brother, flabbergasted, dumbfounded and utterly speechless for a moment. Then he vehemently shook his head.

“Goodness no. T'is true, my face has changed for the more androgynous, but so what? That doesn't change who I am? Does it matter what my sex organs look like? I guess it does… under the sheets, if you will? But other than that I think I have more pressing matters. And lastly… I guess… yeah… No. I still feel male. No more. No less.“

Sighing softly, he looked at him again after his gaze wandered off during his elaboration.

“I’m sorry, I hope that answer didn't disappoint you.“

Drew smiled and hugged him tighter once more.

“You did not. You actually made me feel better.

Maybe I worry too much what others think of me. But there is no chance that anyone will consider me male anymore. Garrus, some may mistake you for a girl under certain conditions, but from what you told me, that would be it. Maybe you think it annoying, or even funny.”

Playfully suggestive Drew smiled.

“You still feel all male to me, though.“

As he continued leaning against Garrus he closed his eyes and sighed.

“… But I no longer do.

When I put that aside, however…“

Garrus felt Drew relax somewhat and he slumped down slightly, allowing gravity to pull him down and further against him. Several moments passed.

“… I do feel different, somewhat. I know what you were trying to describe. There are two aspects to this. The first is how my body feels. Even though I still feel somewhat strained since our changes don’t feel finished, I also feel more alive. I feel lither and my senses are sharper. Maybe not better, I’m not sure about that, but like the clogs have been drained and my brain can process them more fully.

It leaves me a bit restless, however, like I could and want to do so much, yet am wary of it, but at the same time, as you said, giddy to try.

The other is that the meaning of those changes are starting to sink in. I may still feel somewhat like me, but I'm also different. A new feeling to life. Changed responsibilities. I feel childlike with what it means, yet I also feel some maturity infused into me, whether I like it or not.

Is it like that, for you?“

Halfway through Drew’s explanation, Garrus started chuckling and only stopped as he finished his descriptions. Still grinning a bit Garrus paused for a second and then nodded eagerly.

“It does. And it does sound like every other 'psyche-enhancing' drug, XTC foremost. ‘Might be wrong though.

Mh… I guess we should not trust these new 'senses' completely, is what I’m saying. If we're still changing then there's no telling what that's doing to our nervous system.“

Drew frowned.

“What do you mean? Do you think they could cause a false sense of confidence or make us do stupid things?“

“Basically…“ he smirked.

Grabbing him with one arm, Garrus pulled Drew to the ground and started tickling him under the arms in an attempt to lighten the mood.

“… like so.“

“Hey!“

Drew tried to press him away and shake him off, but that did not work as he felt so weak compared to Garrus. So instead he hugged Garrus back hoping for it to open a point of weakness.

But he found none. Only affection, closeness and warmth. The next thing he knew, they were holding each other, Garrus hand gently stroking the back of his head.

Drew still felt shaken and unsettled by the tickling - not that there wasn’t some fun in that, he thought - but that melted away with Garrus’ ministrations and he settled down in his arms, feeling more secure. His giggling ceased and he began to murmur instead. Closing his eyes, Drew smiled.

“Way to turn around the mood, Garrus. Thanx.

I'm sorry for the rather serious subject… I guess it's not so easy for you, either.“

Garrus smiled absent-mindedly, but soon he was more attentive again.

“Oh… don't worry… the unfamiliar topic as it is… is just that. Unfamiliar. All this is new, or rather… it's not just the 'topic', it's this whole new aspect to life that's new. Sure, mutants themselves aren't exactly big news any more… but being one? It will take lots of time to get truly used to it… and the way you're feeling… un-clogged or how you called it… is just part of getting to terms with yourself, just as it is for me.“

 

Note from the author:
I'm not doing very well and have just managed to prepare this chapter in time for the weekend, but I've not had the energy and positivity to work on adapating the following chapters, so you may have to wait longer on future chapters. I'm considering putting the current status and thoughts concerning the future of this story in a blog entry.

Please give your thoughts on the story so far and whether you'd like to see it continued.