Dragon's Fang
Author:
Organizational:
Audience Rating:
All Rights Reserved.
(Cover typography by Joyce Melton.)
Dragon's Fang ~ Chapter 1
Author:
Caution:
Audience Rating:
Publication:
Genre:
Character Age:
Permission:
All Rights Reserved.
(Cover typography by Joyce Melton.)
Grae'Bar surveys the encampment of dinosaurs from above. He is fully aware that it is currently in one of the American's satellite windows and the feed is showing the growing army to the weak Light faction across the planet's ocean. He couldn't care less about the planet, itself … or the experiment that he started on it eons ago as a fledgling Dark Dragon. The Dark Magic he has embraced has let him survive the time … strengthening him and letting him transfer his essence to the hosts of his own choosing. That is a testament to the power he has accumulated … that is normally something only a God, Goddess, or the reigning Emperor/Empress of Dragons can control.
He is pleased that his plan is coming together to take over the planet and squash the last flicker of the infernal Light Magic that the Empress was able to spark here. It is time for the reigning line of Emperors to change … no more weak females at the head of the Dragons. No more being the scales of balance …. A new line of Dark Emperors will rule, and the scourge of Light Magic will be extinguished for good.
It is time for the next phase of the plan to begin on this backward planet. He almost laughs at the thought that it is the last hope of the Light Magic faction. It is just further proof that Dark Magic is ultimately fated to rule over the universe.
"I thought they would never leave!" I sigh as I close the door and lock it behind the pack when they are finally out of the house.
Race growls and reddish smoke escapes his nose and lips. He's obviously aroused.
I giggle. "I take it, His Highness agrees. Shall we continue from where we were so rudely interrupted …? Now … where were we?"
His beautiful blue eyes are even bluer than normal … if that's even possible! They appear to be pools of sapphire-colored water as deep as the ocean. Come here mate! I need you … now!
My eyebrow goes up in surprise at the gruff command. Other than the brief encounter I had with his dragon form when he flew in to carry me out of the woods, I've not had any real contact with that side of him. It certainly seems to be dominating him, at the moment. Race? Is that you … or your Dragon?
He laughs and it sends shivers of desire down my back. We are one and the same, Princess. You will learn that soon enough when you accept your destiny and your own Dragon Spirit. When the Dragon's Spirit enters you, you will learn to completely bond with him or her … and become a new unified being. Although, your human side will mostly retain control and will also maintain your primary form. The only thing stronger than that bond would be to fully merge with the spirit, but that is a very rare occurrence. And that is all beside the point. It is time for us to complete our bond and become full mates. I need you!
I look up into the bottomless, swirling pools of his eyes. Even after my growth spurts initiated by the emergence of my magic and the resulting inches added to the height of my old decrepit body, I'm still a good six inches shorter than he is. But I'm not going to complain about my height. I'm free of my shackles and rid of that infernal wheelchair, forever. It may have cost me my manhood, but my soaking wet panties are a testament to the fact that I am now a whole person—even if that is in the form of a "hot babe." One with very real needs.
I reach up and wrap my forearms around his neck. I lace my fingers behind his head and slowly use my strong arms to pull myself up to his level. I wrap my legs around his waist once more and kiss him deeply, savoring his musky scent and his unique smoky flavor. My lips smile hungrily around our lingering kiss.
And I need you! You know where the bedroom is, Your Highness.
He growls again and moves us toward the bedroom door, our tongues still fully intertwined. He unzips the back of my dress as he walks and pulls it down from my shoulders as soon as he sets me down on the bed. It falls down around my waist as he deftly unhooks my bra, leaving it hanging loosely on my arms.
I break our kiss and let go of him long enough to let the bra fall to the floor and to fully shimmy out of the dress.
He lifts me up and deposits me in a laying position on the bed, wearing nothing but my drenched panties. I'm not sure if dragons have a heightened sense of smell, but even I can smell my own arousal … and his. He slowly crawls up the bed and hovers above me on his strong arms, like he's doing a plank over me.
I can barely contain my need as I unbutton his shirt with trembling fingers, then unbutton and unzip his jeans.
He rolls over long enough to remove both items and lets them fall to the floor to join my dress and bra. Then he rolls back on top of me, his engorged manhood nearly splitting the front of his underwear.
I lightly run my fingernails over his underwear and along the pulsing bulge stretching them as he gasps and growls. I grasp the waistband and pull his briefs down to his thighs, freeing his member and letting it spring forward like a canon shot. I pull my feet up enough to hook my toes into the elastic and pull his underwear the rest of the way down, then unceremoniously flip them off my toe to join the rest of our clothing on the floor.
He rubs me with his member through the scant lacy material of my thong and sighs. Finally, he can't contain himself anymore.
I feel his fingers pull down on my panties, tugging the G-string down and out of my butt crack. I feel the sopping wet material slide down my legs and off my feet. Take me now, Race! I gasp and lift my hips up toward him to punctuate my need.
He slowly enters me until he hits the slight resistance of my virginal womanhood … and he hesitates.
Desperate for him to be in me, I lift myself up and force him further into me. I gasp a little at the slight popping feeling of my virginity being taken, but quickly forget about the momentary pain of my hymen tearing as we fully join with one another. I pull my legs back up around him, taking him fully into me. If I thought our bond was strong before, I was wrong. With each stroke of his huge, strong member in me, we get closer and closer to an explosive orgasm and our bond increases more and more in strength.
His lovemaking is not frantic, but it is forceful … almost feral. And with a final strong thrust that I can feel all the way up my body to the top of my head, we both release. I let out a combination loud moan and scream as wave after wave of a rolling orgasm hits me and he pumps his hot seed into my trembling body. Our red magic mixes and intertwines, and our bond finally completes. With that, we are permanently cemented as mates, and now truly can only be parted by death.
I love you so much, my mate! I truly have never felt this way about anyone or anything before. He has suddenly become my sole reason for living.
I idolize you, too, my mate. We're now forever one. Truly until death do us part … and parting would mean our certain death.
We lay there panting. My heart is racing, and I'm covered in sweat … both his and mine. I gently nudge him to roll over and he slowly obliges. I straddle him, with him still hard inside me, and start gyrating my hips.
He lovingly looks deep into my eyes.
I, in return, get lost in those deep dark blue pools of his, as I brace my hands on his rock-hard pecs and alternatively start squeezing my pelvic muscles and gyrating my hips. I feel my erect breasts swaying in time with my gyrations and he reaches up to cup them and squeeze my swollen nipples. I catch my breath and he smiles as we both suddenly come again, and I'm once more consumed with an explosive round of rolling orgasms.
I finally collapse on top of him, completely exhausted. He strokes my hair as I take in his scent … his muskiness now slightly overpowering his smokiness. I purr into his chest and fall fast asleep in his arms, with him still twitching inside me.
I sigh as I reluctantly put my hands on his granite-like pecs and push him out of the shower so I can finally finish getting ready for the day. My heart is still racing from the multiple orgasms I've had in the last several minutes. What should have only taken a few minutes in the shower to get clean and wash my hair has already turned into nearly an hour. I can only thank Otohime that the house has a tankless water heater! Of course, I did thoroughly soap and rinse his member for him before I pushed him out … and almost gave in to getting it dirty all over again, instead of making him leave.
I wash my hair once he is out and think about last night. I lost count of the orgasms we had after my quick, but deep catnap on top of him. When I came to after about thirty minutes, our bond was all-encompassing and the resulting need the only thing on my mind. There was not much sleep to be had, after that, but I feel as energized as if I had slept deeply all night long. Why am I so … awake? We barely slept last night!
He laughs in my mind, and I shudder with desire at the sweet sound of it. We can draw on each other's energy, now. Plus, you're still pulling energy from your sister. She's probably really feeling your drain, about now.
I blush as I rinse out my hair. I can always sense when she and Ginger are having sex through our emotional bond … sometimes it even triggers a spontaneous orgasm in me. I guess that must now go both ways. Sis? Ummm … sorry if I was a … burden last night ….
I hear her giggle in my mind. No worries, Sis! Honeymoon and all! You're forgiven. I sense her yawn before she giggles again. That was one epic night. But trust me, I got more from your bond than I donated! When you two finally mated and completed your bond, your red magic combined and it gave me a huge influx, too! But … I'm still taking a nap, this afternoon! I had several orgasms unrelated to my mating games with Ginger thanks to you two. Why didn't you ever tell me about that little side-effect of our connection?
I laugh. Because it wouldn't have changed anything … besides, it was … nice to get some side action! I giggle. Love you, Sis! Over and out!
I quickly rinse off and get out of the shower to finish getting ready.
I'm honestly relieved when it's time to leave. We're just about to open the front door when a bright red flash blinds us and Otohime appears.
Race steps back from the door and bows deeply. "Mother Otohime. Thank you for gracing us with your presence. What can we do for you?"
Otohime gives me an amused look. It's clearly at the fact that I'm not bowing … or groveling. "At least your mate has the proper decorum and manners around a goddess."
I can tell she's not really upset … or at least I'm pretty sure she's not. "Sorry! Like I said, I don't do the bowing thing … even if I am out of the chair, this time." The last time we met, I didn't bow to her because I was not fully out of my chair yet—a fact that she quickly rectified as she unceremoniously sent it flying into the river out from under me. I still didn't bow after that episode, and I have no plans to start now.
Race looks a little worried at my disrespect. You do know she could end you right here … or worse, right? It's not wise to test a goddess' patience, Princess!
Otohime laughs with her signature tubular bell melodious tones. "Relax, Your Highness. I don't really hold it against the Princess … this princess. She's going to save the universe and magic … and she's going to go through Hell for us all to do it. So, I'll cut her a little slack."
I pale. I don't like the sound of that … at all. "Ummm … Come again? Who said anything about going through Hell? And what's this about saving the universe and magic?"
"Patience, young princess. Patience!" She taps her pursed lips with her pointer finger. "You need to go see Master Yoshi straight away. Your other training will be put on hold. You need to quickly become proficient in the martial arts and get in tune with your war magic. To that end, you need to receive the first of the endowments from your mark."
She flicks the same pointer finger at me and my back starts burning again. The last time she did that, right after she scuttled my wheelchair, she "endowed" me with my effing dragon tattoo, and it burned a lot like it is now. The tattoo covers my back and is somehow "alive." It slithers around on my back which really is a freakish thing to behold when you watch it, and it feels a lot like ants crawling in my skin.
After the latest nonchalant flick of her finger, I feel the dragon agitatedly moving around. It feels somehow different than "normal." Then I sense a strange pressure exert itself in my back, around where the metal mass still sits from the accident that put me in the wheelchair to begin with. I saved my sister that day. But I was left a crippled boy in a wheelchair … with an inexplicable metal mass from a molten bolt surrounding my spine. I feel that mass get extremely hot and gasp as I somehow feel it begin to swirl around my spine, nearly causing me to lose the hard-earned strength in my legs … and my breakfast.
Suddenly, there is a final searing pain in my back, and I nearly pass out as I feel something cutting its way out. I scream in agony as it exits and moan in immense relief when it's finally gone. I sway on unsteady feet as I hear something fall with a metallic clang to the hardwood floor and truly almost lose my breakfast this time.
Race growls and reaches over to steady me, ready to catch me if I start to fall. He looks totally pissed … and is obviously looking around for something to contain my breakfast, if needed.
"Princess Alexa, you sacrificed yourself out of love for your sister and have borne the metal of that sacrifice for far too long. Now, forged from that very metal, your love and sacrifice to your sister, the white magic and love of your sister, and the intertwined red magic and eternal love of your mate, I present you with your katana." Unconcerned with my struggles, Otohime has an utterly serious look on her face.
I lean heavily on Race, still not trusting my legs … or my stomach. My head is still swimming a little.
She turns and motions at whatever came out of me and is now laying on the floor. She comes around in front of me as a flash of metal flies by me and into her extended hands. She then ceremoniously presents me with a gleaming sword, holding it outstretched on both of her upright palms. "Lexi, meet your mated sword, the 'Dragon's Fang.'"
I hesitantly reach out and take the unsheathed Japanese-style katana from her. I gasp as I feel a jolt and it somehow connects to me with a bond similar to my connection with Sis, and now Race. It seems to hum with magical energy in my hands.
I close my eyes and focus on the weapon. It's surprisingly light and even with closed eyes, I can see the blade's metal gleaming with a now all-to-familiar pink sheen in my mind's eye. Although it's a bit more on the magenta side than Sis's wolf, and I assume that's from a higher amount of red magic being infused in it, since Race and I both contributed. I somehow sense that it's sharp enough to effortlessly split a human hair lengthwise several times, and hard enough to shatter even the hardest of substances without breaking … or even chipping its indelible edge.
I open my eyes and turn the blade over in my hands. The handle is well-fitted to my small, feminine hands and seems to be made of bone with intricate markings on both the handle and the blade. The markings appear to be some sort of mixture of Japanese symbols and … something that I have no idea what they represent.
Race gives me a worried look. "Are you OK, Love? That had to hurt like Hell!" He gives Otohime a scathing look. "Was this supposed to be a taste of what's to come?"
Now who's being disrespectful? I grin wanly at him.
I flex my shoulders and hold the katana with both hands in front of me as I swivel from side to side. My back feels completely normal … not at all like a magical sword just cut its way out me. "I'm fine, Love." I look at Otohime with confusion. "Why would I need a blade, if you're saying that it's my destiny to accept a Dragon Spirit?" I look at Race. Do you have any weapons … or know of any dragons that do?
He angrily shakes his head but remains silent.
I assume his tongue is bleeding from biting it … I can feel that he is through our bond.
"You will learn to use the blade to connect to your magic … both your source and your core. It is imperative that you become one with it. Master Yoshi will help you connect and learn to use the katana like the warrior woman that you're destined to be. Once you have completed that training, you will be ready to connect to your Dragon Spirit. So, now it is time for you to train!"
I start to retort, but she flicks her hand before I can get a sound out.
And the world disappears in a sickening, swirling vortex of reds.
The world comes back into focus and quits spinning as quickly as it had started. The vortex that I was sucked into spits me out and I fight an onset of vertigo, which I lose this time. While I'm happy to be released from the vortex … and my breakfast … the bigger problem is that … this desert planet isn't our world. It's clear to me that I'm no longer on Earth. I forget the vertigo and my lost breakfast as I start to panic for real!
Race? Are you there? Can you hear me?
Your mate cannot hear you, Princess. You need a place with no distractions to train. He also doesn't need the distractions that a newly-minted bonding creates, short as the interlude may be for him. You both have work to do. I have let him know that you are safe and not to worry. Master Yoshi will be with you shortly and your training will begin. With that, there is radio silence.
I'm busy loudly cursing the gods, goddesses, and the universe at large when Master Yoshi gets unceremoniously dumped from a vortex, much the same as I had minutes ago.
Except he seems to be more accepting of his plight than I am. "Good morning, Princess." He looks around. "Or I think it's morning." He shrugs, then bows deeply and continues in his heavy Japanese accent, "Otohime has informed me that you are ready for your training to begin."
I'm baffled. He has never initiated any bowing to me before. I bow back, since it is expected of a student when greeting their master. It's the one exception to bowing that I can live with. Someone who is a master of their craft has earned that respect. "Master Yoshi! Thank the Heavens! Do you have any idea where we are? And … ummm … why were you bowing to me?"
"Thank the Heavens?" He smiles crookedly. "Would that be the same ones you were heavily and loudly cursing when I arrived?"
I blush deep red and meekly nod.
"We are on a different planet, as I assume you have surmised." He takes a deep breath. "I do not know which … or whether we're in the same universe, or even dimension. All I do know is that, according to Otohime, it is an old training site for aspiring dragon empresses." He gives me a serious look. "And I bowed to the future Empress of Dragons and Queen of Earth's Light Magical Beings. It is customary to bow to one's queen."
I shake my head. "I haven't earned the right to be bowed to." I look at him in confusion. "Are you saying that you're a dragon, Master Yoshi?"
"No." It's his turn to shake his head. "I have no Dragon Spirit in me. I do however possess magic. I possess white magic with my core in air magic. I will demonstrate later. As for you not believing you have earned the right to be bowed to … that is precisely why I bow to you, Princess! But I understand your sentiment. So let us have you earn that respect, no?"
I'm lost but I can't admit to it, at the moment. I think he's saying he respects that I don't expect to be bowed to because of some title. I nod, unsure what to do next. "Okay. So … how do we do that?"
He smiles. "Taking out your katana would be a good start."
Oh shit! I look around desperately … the sword wasn't in my hands when I was spit out of the vortex and I haven't given it a second thought since being stranded here.
Master Yoshi smiles and his eyes crinkle with mirth. "Keeping up with your weapon is one of the first lessons typically taught to new students … much like keeping up with your purse is taught to you by your mother as a young girl."
"I never was a young girl, so my mother never taught me that particular lesson." I shake my head in embarrassment. "But what do I do? The sword must be somewhere in that vortex … wormhole … whatever it is. How do I get it back?"
"You just said the magic word, Your Highness!" He laughs at my confused expression. "The katana is mated and bound to you … it is literally a part of you, as it was born from you. It will always return to you, no matter when or where you lose it. It is safely stowed in your back where it belongs, when not in use."
I pale. I remember the pain of it cutting itself out of me! I don't want to go through that every time I need it. I guess I'll just have to get good at fighting without it. I shake my head with finality. "If that's really where it is, it can just stay there!"
His head cocks to one side, and he gives me a bewildered look. "You don't want to use it?"
"It's not that I don't want to use it." I sigh in frustration. "I don't want to … ummm … give birth … to it every time I need it. That hurt like Hell!" I shake my head again and shudder at the memory.
"I see." He smiles. "Did it hurt when it returned to you?"
My eyes open wide. "Well … no …."
"Then reach behind you, Princess, and take your sword." He nods encouragingly. "As if you were pulling it from its sheath strapped to your back."
I swallow hard and try to settle my rapidly beating heart. I look at him and he nods encouragingly, again. I take a deep breath and, feeling completely idiotic, reach over my left shoulder with my right hand … as if I were going to grab a sword strapped to my back. My eyes open wider in surprise, as I feel the bone handle of my katana vibrate with energy in my hand. I pull it over my shoulder, and it appears in my hand. "Just like magic …," I mutter.
"OK, Princess. Defend yourself!" He swirls his arms before I can think, and suddenly a powerful gale of wind starts blowing toward me, picking up the copious kernels of sand from the ground below. He is somehow creating a sandstorm and it's headed straight toward me.
I stand there stupidly for half a heartbeat and then the dragon on my back flares red-hot and I somehow instinctively create a dome of red energy over me, causing the stream of sand to split and flow harmlessly around me. The dragon moves on my back, and I suddenly have the urge to stomp my foot. I feel like a petulant princess that isn't getting her way when I stomp my right foot hard on the ground.
But Master Yoshi is knocked back, and half buried in the very sand he is blowing toward me … as a strong ground tremor spreads in his direction from the spot I was just compelled to stomp my foot on.
The howling wind goes silent, and I stand there completely stunned and totally dumbfounded. Let's just say I was entirely unsure of what I just did! The red energy shield dissipates, and I shove the sword back into its "sheath" as I run to check on Master Yoshi. "Are you okay? What just fucking happened?"
He shakes his head to clear it and smiles brightly. "You just confirmed the reason that people will bow to you! You did that reflexively. With training you will be near unstoppable, even as just your basic human being. Add a Dragon Spirit to the mix, and you will make a very worthy empress!"
The weeks pass by in a strange mixture of speeds. At times, it seems like time is going by as slowly as molasses pours in sub-zero temperatures. Other times, it disappears as quickly as iodine sublimates at high temperatures. At any rate of passage, the crux of the problem is that we've been here for weeks!
That's not to say that I've not made progress. I have. Loads of it. I've learned that the dragon on my back is as much a part of me as my katana is an extension of me. That very first "attack" that Master Yoshi sent my way … the dragon "guided" me to put up my shield and to send out the tremor. With time, I've learned to not only "listen" to my dragon, but to also command it. The same is true for my sword … I can wield it as a seamless part of me. As if it were any other of my natural appendages.
The scariest part, however, is what I've learned about my core war magic.
According to Master Yoshi, war magic is rare … and there are really no two known individuals with exactly the same type of war magic. It isn't uncommon, in general for magic to differ between individuals, but it's usually a fine gradation of difference in those more "common" types. Since war magic is so rare, the differences are more apparent.
Mine seems to be an offshoot of earth magic … specifically attuned to metal. I can attract it and repel it … not unlike a magnet, but I can do it with any type of metal—not just ferrous metals. That original tremor that I sent Yoshi's way on the first day was me simultaneously pulling and pushing on minerals in the soil … causing the ground to quake. I've also found that I can pull/push metals so violently into one another that is literally causes an explosion … big ones. Especially when I add a little red magic to the mix.
I sit back with a sigh as my dragon's tail twitches on my back, alerting me to the same stealth attack that I had already detected with my now always-alert senses.
Yoshi is testing me again.
I put up my shield and close my eyes, reaching out with my magically enhanced "normal" senses and probe the energy that triggered my "Dragon-Sense," as I've come to call it. If Spiderman has a "Spidey-Sense," then it seems logical that mine is a Dragon one.
I smile as there's a sudden loud crack and a huge bolt of lightning bounces harmlessly off of my shield. "Nice try, Yoshi! But I felt the energy build-up way before it got to a critical mass!" I say it loud enough that he should be able to hear me … wherever he is. I could push it mentally, but I want to see if he'll respond.
I hear him laugh from far away. A few minutes later, he comes into sight and waves. "Nice job, Princess! I don't know that there is really much more that I can teach you." He sits down across from me and smiles.
"How much longer do you think we'll be here, Master Yoshi? It's been weeks and there's no telling what's going on at home. I miss my mate … and my family!" I pout petulantly. I also miss being able to tap into Sis' magic … or Race's as I assume I now can. I've had to learn to both gauge my internal levels and gather energy from my surroundings. I've become adept at it … and do it subconsciously now. But I still miss my pipeline to Sis, especially for healing.
"I don't know, Your Highness." Yoshi shrugs. "Like I said, there's not much more I can do for you, at the moment. But Otohime didn't give me a 'phone home' option." He grins.
I start to retort something smart-ass but feel an unfamiliar energy building nearby. Without thinking, I put a shield over Yoshi and me and pull out my katana, as we both get into a fighting crouch.
A familiar red vortex suddenly appears about ten feet away and Race steps out with a bewildered look on his face.
I gasp and let the shield fall as I rush over to him, tears forming in my eyes. "Race! You're here!" I barely stifle a sob as I jump onto him, wrapping my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist.
He barely has a chance to give me a grin, before he leans in and passionately kisses me. After a full … well, several minutes … he breathlessly breaks the kiss. Miss me, Princess? He gives me a cheeky grin and waggles his eyebrows.
Yoshi clears his throat. "Welcome to … wherever this is … Mr. Cannon. Are you our ride home?"
Race smiles at Yoshi. "Hello, Master Yoshi. That depends …. Has my princess been a good girl? Is she ready?"
Yoshi smiles with a bow. "She is ready, Race. Or … as ready as I can make her. I would suggest you watch out, however. She's not the same person she was when you last parted."
Race gives him a funny look. "You taught her all of that in four days?"
I punch him in the shoulder. "Race! Four days indeed! How long have we been here? It's been weeks … months …?"
It's my turn to be plied with Race's funny look. He shakes his head. "No … you've been gone half a week. Otohime let me know you were coming home today, and I'm trying to get home in time for our dinner reservation. Tonight … to celebrate our … completion ceremony." He winks at me … obviously not wanting to say more in front of Yoshi.
You know you could just say what you mean … it's not like we can't telepathically talk. Not that I think Yoshi would care, either way!
He shrugs. "I'm sorry, Master Yoshi. My mate is chastising me. We recently completed our bond and there is a lot to celebrate."
"I understand." He smiles with a bow. "I do not understand the whole bonding, since I do not have a Dragon Spirit, nor am I a shifter of any sort. But I am very happy for you." He looks at me. "Princess, it seems that I was correct. We are in a different dimension … time must flow differently here. What was weeks or months for us was … much less at home. That is very interesting!"
I smile at Yoshi. I've come to love him and his ways. "It seems so. Then again …!" I bow to him. "I've never known my master to steer me wrong!"
He twitches a little … and bows back. "I am honored to have been able to serve my queen. You have certainly earned my bow!"
I go over and give him a huge hug … completely surprising him. I whisper in his ear … not that Race can't hear it with his enhanced hearing. "Thank you, Yoshi. If anyone deserves a dragon, it's you!"
He stiffens at my words, then hesitantly returns the hug. "Thank you, empress-to-be. That means the world to me that you think so."
And as empress-to-be, you will be able to bestow him with that honor … as soon as you receive your own Dragon Spirit.
I break my hug with Yoshi. Or I can convince Otohime to do the honors, herself. Now, how do we get home?
Race smiles and hands Yoshi a small gem. "This will open a portal for you, Master Yoshi. It's a one-way trip, I'm afraid. But I doubt you want to explore the realms, just yet. Am I right?" He winks at Yoshi. "Since time here seems to flow much more slowly than at home, it would appear that I can spend a few days of quality time with my mate and only delay our arrival back home by a few minutes." He grins broadly as he clasps Yoshi's hands in his own. "Thank you for what you've done for Alexa, for magic, and for the dragons, Master Yoshi. I'm sure it won't be forgotten by the goddess. It certainly won't be forgotten by me!"
"Thank you, Your Highness. I know you're not technically my king, but you certainly have earned the title. I will see you back home, I'm sure. I have a feeling that it will soon be 'all hands on deck!'" Before either Race or I can say anything, he does something with the gem … I have no idea what … and a vortex swallows him.
"Well … I hope he activated that thing correctly!" I grimace. "I would really miss him if he was sent somewhere … or sometime … where I would never see him again!"
Race pulls me into a deep, passionate kiss. I promise, he's fine. Now … do you have a bed somewhere … or is here okay? It's been a few days ….
I punch him in the shoulder … hard! "It's been months! Here is just fine!"
Dragon's Fang ~ Chapter 2
Author:
Caution:
Audience Rating:
Publication:
Genre:
Permission:
All Rights Reserved.
(Cover typography by Joyce Melton.)
(Cover Image Source: Photo 6936442 / Girl © Marek Paju | Dreamstime.com)
We were a full thirty minutes later arriving back on Earth than Master Yoshi … not that anyone would ever know … or understand the significance of that slight … Earth-time … delay. Well, other than maybe Otohime.
But those days with Race on … whatever planet that was … were magical. On a whole other level! Well, and dinner last night at one of the most elegant restaurants in DC was a close … ummm, not second. Maybe third? Nothing gets anywhere even close to our … intimate time!
Unfortunately, however, Yoshi was right. It's time for all hands on deck! Grae'Bar is rapidly making more progress with his nefarious plans than we are with our potential counter measures. War is pretty much inevitable, at this point. And we still aren't sure what that means … for Earth … or beyond.
I'm glowing in post-orgasmic bliss from our morning shower and look at Race. We just arrived in the War Room a few minutes ago … after taking a little longer than normal to get ready this morning. It's really hard for us to break away from each other. "So, I take it that Grae'Bar has made progress since I was … side-tracked … five days ago?" I don't make mention that that was in reality months ago for me.
Sis looks at me and grins. She knows … everything … after talking to Master Yoshi, and then grilling me over our link. "Well, yes. There has been a lot of progress in the time since you were last with us." She's obviously trying to suppress a giggle … but suddenly gets deadly serious. "The dino-army is … best guess … over 50k strong, now. A mix of bad-ass carnivores and deadly 'support' types … but we still don't have a handle on what their protection factor is. We're obviously … just assuming … that conventional weapons won't have any effect on them. According to His Highness we need to err on that side of safety in our planning." She looks at Race and nods.
"Our entire current shifter population is well under ten thousand." Race grimaces. "Of course, the majority of Grae'Bar's dinosaur army won't be able to shift, but they will certainly be deadly to mortal humans. Even with our magical force added, the numbers aren't in our favor. If every registered mage was added to our 'army,' we would still fall short of their estimated fifty thousand. Like Sarah said, we don't know how magic plays into their side … our higher number of mages could be a slight advantage. We just don't know. And none of that is taking their mages and regular humans into account."
"Do we have any idea how Grae'Bar intends to get the dinos into the war zone … assuming he intends to invade our side?" I sigh. "Could he portal them … like … I was?"
"Normally, he shouldn't be able to … at least not in those numbers." Race shrugs. "Generally, normal dragons can portal themselves, but not others. He could ferry them maybe …." He shakes his head. "But there's a lot about Grae'Bar that we don't know, at this point. He really shouldn't have been able to do what he has, so far. He must have really let the dark magic consume him."
It's clear we need to figure out a way to somehow get better info than what we're getting through the satellites. But I have no idea what that might be …. I don't think we could send a spy, since it would be obvious they're not a dinosaur! I'm about to bring up the issue for discussion when the room darkens, and red lights start flashing all over the room.
Race? WTF?
"Battle stations, everyone!" Race is outwardly calm, but I can feel his agitation through our link. "Come on people, let’s move! George, what's going on?"
Vick, the only other person I know with war magic would normally be in the hot seat to answer Race, but he has been out for weeks now, on a long-term assignment, and his lieutenant, George, is at his station reading something on the computer monitor. He looks up and frowns. "A T-Rex has been spotted in Idaho. It's in one of our known hotspots for a group of anarchists out there. That's all that flags of interest for the area."
Race cusses loudly, then takes a deep breath. "Is there any other indication of an invasion?"
George shakes his head. "None that we're aware of, but it can't be a coincidence that it showed up where it did. I would bet anything that it's an attempt to recruit some spies … or allies on our soil. It was just pure happenstance that it was seen. If we hadn't been monitoring that group for other reasons …." He lets the sentence drop with a shrug.
Race nods. "Cancel the red alert, then." He looks at me. "Ready to go, Princess? We need to investigate."
I blink in surprise. "Ready? Ummm … sure?"
I'll meet you on the roof in ten minutes. And he rushes out of the room.
Ummm … sure. I shake my head and go over to hug Sis, Ginger, and Momma. "It seems we're going to investigate?" I laugh. "I guess I'll see you later … hopefully not after months, like last time!"
Well … this was unexpected! I hold tightly onto the "go bags" that Race had handed me before transforming into his sapphire dragon form and commanding me to get on his back. We are now steadily climbing in a steep ascent from the roof of the West Wing.
What? You thought we were going to walk? I don't normally fly from here, but this is an emergency.
I laugh. No, not walk. Jet maybe? Are you faster than a jet? I hear his booming laugh in my mind and smile as sexual tingles run up and down my spine. Of course, it makes me wet down below, which doesn't make my tenuous "perch" on his back any more comfortable.
I'm not faster than a jet, no. But a jet can't do this …! A red vortex opens up in front of us and he flies straight into it.
Fortunately, I know what to expect, so the vertigo that hits me doesn't make me fall from his back and into the void. What seems like minutes later, but must have only been seconds, we pop out of the "tunnel" and DC is replaced by forested mountains below us. The trees are brown and struggling to survive the heat and insect infestations that have exploded with global climate change.
Welcome to Idaho, Princess!
I sigh. It's been a long time since I was this far west. I fight tears. Mom and Dad were still alive then ….
I'm sorry, my mate. He quickly lands and transforms back after I dismount, then gives me a strong hug. "I wish it didn't have to be under these circumstances that we came out here." He points at one of the bags. "There's some special armor in there. A gift from Otohime. It's made of dragon scales and blessed by the gods and goddesses, so it's nearly indestructible. Your katana could cut through it, but little else. I don't know about a direct dark magic hit from Grae'Bar."
I open the bag and take in a deep, awed breath as I remove and inspect the garment from its depths. It looks like a hooded unitard with built-in feet. But the "material" is the amazing thing. It's very similar to Race's skin when he's in his dragon form, except the scales the garment is made of are much smaller … and are a translucent, iridescent, pearly-white, not the deep sapphire of my mate's scales. The armor must contain millions of the tiny scales that seamlessly overlap, but move freely, as needed … the same as Race's larger scales do when he moves.
"It's … beautiful!" I can only whisper the words in a subdued, awed voice.
Race nods. "That it is! Now, strip and put it on. We need to move!"
Strip? "You want me to put it on with nothing else under it?" I grin and wink naughtily. "We obviously don't have time for any fun before we go … investigate!"
He groans. "You don't know how much I want to, right now …. Later! This is why I avoided us mating for so long!" He gives me a feral grin. "And yes. You wear the armor directly on your skin. You'll see why when you put it on."
I shrug and completely strip. We're in a grove of dead trees, but there is little chance anyone will see me. I struggle to get into the garment, since it's so skin-tight. But its elasticity and flexibility let me get it on without too much trouble. I put on the included gloves and look at Race. "Now what? Do I put my regular clothes on …?" WTF?
I was going to ask if I just wore the garment under my regular clothes, but suddenly it starts constricting on my body. Its elasticity had molded it pretty tightly to my body to begin with, but now it is … shrinking around me … and getting …hot!
Race! Help! Get me out of this thing!
Relax, mate! It's doing what it's supposed to. Just let it finish.
Resolving to kill him if I make it out of this thing alive, I try and relax as he suggests. As soon as I stop fighting it, it tightens itself into literally a second skin on me … somehow letting my hair through the hood and tightening on my scalp and face. Then it attaches itself! I can't explain it any other way. It bonds itself to my skin … becoming a part of it … of me. And then it turns invisible.
It looks very sexy on you, mate. I can't wait until you have scales of your own!
"Wait! You can still see it?" I run my hands over my skin and can feel it … but I can't see it.
"Yes, my mate. But I have the enhanced vision of a dragon." He smiles. "Technically, you're clothed, but you may want to put on something more 'visible' to humans, for when we meet up with our contact."
I shake my head and grumble under my breath. "Talk about the Emperor's new clothes …!"
I'm glad you're finally taking your new role seriously, Princess. But that would be Empress! There is nothing remotely "Emperor-ish" about you, anymore!
I just give him a scathing look as I pull my clothes back on. "Let's go, 'Your Highness!'"
We meet up with Greg Zimmermann a short time later.
He's head of the group of Feds that has been monitoring a particular group of anarchists for several weeks now. They're suspected of a number of highly illegal activities. But colluding with the Chinese is a new treasonous one. Assuming that is what they're doing, that is. Of course, that's what we're here to find out.
"You must be Greg." Race shakes his hand. "I'm Race and this is my m… ummm … fiancée, Alexa."
I give Race a shocked look before I relax my face and turn to smile brightly at Greg. I limply shake his hand. "Call me Lexi. Not to cut the niceties short … but what can you tell us about this dinosaur sighting?"
"Nice to meet both of you. I wish it were under better circumstances." He smiles. "Congratulations on the engagement! I wasn't aware that you were engaged, Sir." He shrugs. "Anyway, we've been monitoring the group, as you know. We've been sticking to a particular schedule, since we suspected they were on to us, and we wanted them to let their guard down. So, when we did a surprise check … outside of the 'schedule' … we were the ones surprised when there were two unknown Chinese individuals and a … a … a … Tyrannosaurus Rex there with them. Or at least that's what it looked like to us."
I nod. "Do you have any pictures, by chance?"
"Yeah. Hang on." He pulls out a small tablet and hands it to me after unlocking it and navigating to a folder with pictures.
I take the tablet and stand next to Race as I scroll through the pictures. They clearly show two Chinese males and one T. Rex. It's hungrily eying the collective group of anarchists, who are nervously staring back at the dinosaur.
"Did anything unusual happen that you observed?" Race is intently looking at the pictures. This is the first time we got anything close to high-resolution pictures of one of the dinosaurs.
Greg grins lopsidedly. "You mean other than a dinosaur showing up?" He shrugs. "They talked for a while, then the T. Rex shifted into a human as a … a … a portal … or something … opened up. They all three stepped into it and disappeared … along with the portal thingy. It all happened so quickly that we couldn't get any pictures of that."
Race growls. "You're sure that the portal just appeared and they all three just stepped in? Were they holding hands … or otherwise in physical contact with one another?"
Greg shrinks back at Race's feral growl and pales. But he quickly recovers and shakes his head. "No. They all three just stepped in. I didn't notice that they were touching each other in any way."
I look at Race in surprise.
He's scowling and black smoke is escaping his nose.
"So … that opens up a whole new can of wormholes! Now, we need to figure out how many they can transport at once … and how far." I shudder at the thought of them being able to transport their army undetected into the country.
Race is glowering at the tablet and scrolling back and forth through the pictures again. "None of these are Grae'Bar or his known lieutenants. That means that either these individuals had a Goddess Crystal to transport them … or Grae'Bar is much more powerful than we feared and can generate portals from afar for others to use."
I sigh and point out the obvious. "And we still have no real idea what they were doing here." I look at Greg. "I don't suppose you were able to listen in on any of the conversation?"
"No." He shakes his head ruefully. "We haven't been able to get any bugs placed in their compound. We typically use laser or parabolic mics, but for some reason they wouldn't work. I mean they were functioning correctly, but it was like there was some sort of … shielding that wouldn't let the sound through. Of course, we weren't expecting that, so we didn't have anyone that could read lips, either." He looks slightly embarrassed.
I put my hand on his arm and shake my head. "There's no way you could have known."
"Lexi's right." Race nods. "But moving forward, we're going to embed a mage into all of the taskforces like this one and we need to read in all the leads on the situation. It would be great if we could get some undercover operatives into some of these groups. But that would be even more dangerous than normal, given that they could be transformed against their will."
"Or eaten." I shudder. "Could we maybe get a shifter in? Wouldn't they be protected from further … transformation?"
Race shakes his head and sighs. "Yeah … but they would be able to sense another shifter's magic. It would be a dead giveaway."
Greg pales. "You mean literally, don't you?"
Race grimly nods his head.
I'm standing naked in front of the floor-length mirror in my room. Well, naked except for the armor still somehow attached to my skin. I run my hand over my body and feel the slight unevenness of the scales, even if my skin is otherwise smooth to the touch … and the armor is still invisible to the … human … eye, including mine. I look at Race over my shoulder in the mirror.
He's standing behind me and giving me a smoldering look.
We got back from our trip to Idaho a few minutes ago and I'm ready for a shower. "How do I get this thing off? It's still skin-tight and … stuck to me!"
He chuckles. "Yes, you do need to remove it. I have plans for you that don't include any 'obstacles!'" He laughs at my indignant look. "Just will it to come off and it should release itself enough for you to disrobe it."
I roll my eyes. "Just will it off, huh? And how do I …?" I jokingly command it to come off in my mind at the same time I'm giving him shit … and it suddenly loosens on me and turns fully visible, again.
He laughs. "See! No problem. Do you need any help taking it off? I'm here to help my mate in any way I can!" He waggles his eyebrows.
I can plainly smell his arousal, even with my "normal" human senses. Of course, I'm soaking wet down below, too. And I have no idea how to wash magical dragon armor. Ewww! I have to figure out something as I strip it off and my wetness runs down the inside of the legs.
I hold it out in front of me with two fingers and groan. "Is this thing washer and dryer safe?" I almost chortle at the confused look on his face. "I'm not putting it back on until it's … freshened up … and I hate handwashing things!" I throw it in a pile on the floor and go over to him. I reach up and wrap my arms around his neck, pulling myself up and over the large bulge in his pants and wrapping my legs around his waist in one smooth motion. I whisper gruffly in his ear, "But that can wait until we take care of some more urgent matters." I rub my sopping wet womanhood on his shirt and nibble on his ear before I stick my tongue down in it. I know that drives him crazy!
He groans and I feel his bulge get even bigger under my bottom. He reaches down and undoes his pants, letting them drop to the floor. He moves his head to extract my tongue from his ear and turns to otherwise engage it with his in a deep kiss. He pulls his underwear down and I feel the tip of his slickened and now freed member snap up and slap itself in between my butt cheeks.
I can't help but giggle at the thought that it's laying there like a hotdog between my buns.
He growls ferally. Red smoke escapes his nose and is forced down my throat with our kiss.
I choke and can't help but grimace as it sears its way down.
Sorry, Love. I'll be more careful … I just lost control. You do that to me! He growls again, this time without the smoke and walks us toward the bed. He deposits me on it and pulls off his shirt when I let go of him.
I turn and get on my hands and knees, stretching my bottom up towards him and spreading my legs to bare my sopping wet slit. I wiggle my hips and look back at him provocatively.
He growls again and more smoke escapes his nose and lips. He slowly climbs on top of me and cups my breasts from behind. He tweaks my nipples and I almost orgasm on the spot.
I've not been a woman for long, and I always heard when I was a guy that girls need a lot of foreplay to get "prepared," but that doesn't seem to be me. Maybe it's a bonding thing … or maybe it's a dragon thing. Either way, I'm moaning uncontrollably, and I need him. I need you in me, now!
He growls in my ear, and I feel his tip brush my slit, then slowly start pressing its way into me.
When I say now, I mean now! I push my hips back and force him into me with one hard backward rocking motion and a moan of contentment.
We quickly get into a rhythm, and I adjust my angle slightly before squeezing harder and rocking faster. We both come at the same time and his mighty roar is only slightly louder than my screams of ecstasy.
I regretfully push him out of the shower. "I need to get ready. You need to get ready. We need to be in the War Room in an hour … and it takes me longer than you … now!" I'm surprisingly awake for only having had a couple of hours sleep. The rest of last night after our initial urgent release was spent satiating the needs of our bond … well, trying to. Those needs seem to be completely insatiable … as the last hour in the shower has plainly evidenced with no relief in sight!
Ten minutes later, freshly shaved and oiled, I step out of the shower and pat myself dry before putting my hair up in a turban and donning my little pink silk robe to sit down at my vanity and do my makeup. I go through the motions, without much conscious thought or effort, and towel-dry my hair when I'm done. I comb my hair and leave it to air-dry and allow the slight wave from my perm to "do its thing." I take one last look in the mirror and still can't believe that I'm the twenty-something year-old young woman looking back at me … but the fact that I'm still wet below and wanting to go find Race is a clear indication that it's no hallucination.
I feel my dragon stir on my back to remind me to focus and sigh. I quickly move to my closet to get dressed, putting on a comfortable sweater and loose, warm wool pants to give me plenty of room to move if Master Yoshi decides to pull a test on me today. But they still meet the dress code for "the office." Barely ….
I slip on some five-inch heels. They're surprisingly comfortable, once Sis wore me down and got me used to them, and the stiletto heels make a pretty wicked weapon in and of themselves. It doesn't hurt that they give me a little extra height … but they still leave me woefully shorter than Race. I shake my head as thoughts of kissing him start morphing into more … steamy ones, and I feel my "dampness" below start to edge toward "wetness."
I feel the low growl rumbling the walls more than I hear it. I can smell your arousal from all the way out here, Princess! They can't start the meeting without us, so if we're a little late ….
I groan as I feel his raw emotions flood me with his message. I force myself to get up and go down to the kitchen where I'm hit with the tantalizing smell of coffee, bacon and eggs. "No! I want you so badly, right now! But we have work to do, the planet to save, and dragons/dinosaurs to slay!" I shudder with pent up desire, but resolutely click my way over the hardwood floor to the cabinets and pull out a bowl for my hot oatmeal after I pour a cup of heaven from the coffee pot. The eggs and bacon smell so good, but my lifelong conditioning of a "heart-smart" breakfast wins the battle.
Race growls again at my response, but he doesn't argue. He simply eats me with his eyes as he finishes consuming his dozen eggs and pound of bacon.
I guess I'll need to stock up on supplies, if he's going to be here … more often. We haven't even discussed the actual … logistics … of being bonded, yet. Things have just happened too fast … and furious!
I finish making my oatmeal and quickly eat it as he puts his plates in the dishwasher. I drain my coffee with a contented sigh and put my own bowl in the dishwasher.
He pours us two large travel mugs of the ultra-strong coffee and grimaces. "I told you that it would be … difficult … once we finalized the bonding. But you're right … we have to … focus!"
I go over to him and push up on his chin before pulling myself up on him and giving him a deep kiss. And that means focus on work and not my vagina or breasts! Eyes up, "Your Highness!" I giggle into the kiss before I break it with a smack and let myself fall to the floor. "We need to go, Hotness! You may be okay being late, but I have a reputation to protect!" I giggle again at the indignant look he gives me.
He shakes his head, and his eyes lose focus on me, like he's concentrating on something. Suddenly, a red vortex opens, and he gestures for me step in. "Ladies first!"
I gape at the vortex and give him a dark look. "You can portal us to work? Why didn't you lead with that?"
He wryly shakes his head. "It takes effort to maintain this, Princess! Please go through … but I did tell you we had time …."
I groan as he takes my hand and we step into the vortex and out in his office with only a slight nauseous feeling. Suddenly, I'm glad I went with the oatmeal!
I clammer on to him, not wanting him to get up. I'm still glowing in post-orgasmic bliss from the last thirty minutes on the couch in his office. We made it to lunchtime before we couldn't take it, anymore … barely!
He frees himself and gets up to pull his clothes back on after using some sanitizing wipes to clean up. He hands me the bottle of wipes. "I suppose we should get something better … but these will have to do, for now. And we really need to eat something …."
I grimace as I use the cold wipes to clean myself and I certainly won’t be recommending using alcohol around your vagina, should anyone ask! But the coldness does serve a purpose. Race gets really hot when he makes love to me. No, I mean he literally turns into this … furnace! And I'm still on fire from that. The cold wipes make me shiver, but I finish getting cleaned up and pull my clothes on, hopping around a little at the stinging from the alcohol.
Race hangs up his phone and smiles at me. "Food will be here in ten minutes. I should've thought of that before … ten more minutes …."
I groan and fight the urge to tear his clothes off … again. I decide to satisfy my curiosity to distract my other thoughts. "So … portalling …. Why did I ride your back to Idaho if we could have just stepped through? And … why did you fly to the house the other night … or to rescue me in the woods?"
He finishes buttoning his shirt and tucks it into his pants with a shrug. "It takes a lot more effort to create the portal in human form. For me to have created a portal from here to Idaho in my human form and take you with me, would have pretty much burned me out … magically … for several hours. I don't have that constraint in dragon form … at least not while traveling anywhere locally. As in on the planet. Yes, I could have portalled to your house in human form the other night, but I started out from home, so it wasn't a big deal to fly. It's always more awkward from here … so I usually come and go from here in human form."
My eyes are bugging out. "Locally is 'on the planet?' What is … not 'local,' then?"
He shrugs again. "Well … another planet, of course. Or even further. Like where you went to train. That taxes me even in dragon form. Only the empress or a god or goddess can traverse those distances without significant cost …."
I'm about to say something profound, I'm sure … I just don't know what it was going to be, because I get interrupted by a blinding red light.
"Hello, children. I'm so glad to see that you're getting along, now! It warms my heart!" Otohime appears in her sudden dazzling brilliance.
Race bows his head and focuses on her. "Mother Otohime. Welcome!"
I sigh and fear whatever it is that she's about to do, now. "Why is it that I always dread seeing you, Otohime?"
She actually smiles, although it is a little dangerously. "Careful, Little One. I am your goddess … like it or not!" She bathes the couch that Race and I had just "christened" with red light and then settles onto it, after swiping her hand over it and frowning in careful consideration. "Now, I want to amend Race's answer to you a bit, Princess. Since you already mostly know this, I'm not breaking any cosmic laws …. The empress, a god, or of course us goddesses can all transport between worlds and realms without concern … but so now can Grae'Bar. He's gained significant Dark power that simply cannot be under-estimated." She pauses.
Race's hands ball into tight fists and it looks like he's about to smash them through his desk.
I gently take one of his arms in mine and embrace it … willing him to calm down. Don't let her stoke you, Love. She excels at that!
She smiles. "I'm not stoking, Little One. I'm telling it like it is." She shakes her head. "I am a Goddess of Light and will do all in my power to fight the dominance of the Darkness. Unfortunately, there must be a balance between the two. It would be just as bad if the Light were to completely snuff out the Darkness. But Grae'Bar is using the slow decay and ebbing of the Light on many worlds, including this one, to his advantage. The empress' hands are tied as to what she can do … for now. So, it is up to you to ensure that Grae'Bar doesn't win on this world."
I look at her, totally confused. I don't even know where to begin asking questions.
Race takes a deep breath and lets it out in a slow growl. "We are doing our best, Mother Otohime."
"I know you are." She nods. "And while completing your bond was of utmost importance, you were correct Race that it would ultimately be a source of distraction for the both of you. At least in the short term. What we need is to get you two settled in …." Before either of us can respond, she snaps her fingers and we're sucked into a new vortex, only to be spit out back on the "training" planet that I had been on for months with Master Yoshi.
I fight the nausea and hang onto Race's arm to steady myself.
He at least looks a little green, too.
"Why did she bring us back here? Where is she?" I look around, ready to bite her head off!
He shakes his head but doesn't get a chance to respond.
Another vortex appears and spits out the pack. They're all clearly the worst off of us all—completely disoriented. Of course, it's their first portal experience.
Ginger is dry-heaving.
Mamma J is holding her up … barely.
Sis looks over at me, confused. What the fuck, Sis? What just happened?
Again, before I can respond, there's a huge bright red flash and Otohime and what can only be a beautiful Black god are standing on the planet with us.
Race sucks in his breath and bows deeply. "Father Nyami Nyami. To what do we owe the pleasure?"
Race? What's going on? Who is Nyami Nyami? As usual, I'm not bowing.
He is my ancestral god, the Zambezi River God, or Snake Spirit. He honored me with my dragon, since it complements my water magic. My main dragon is actually that of a water dragon. He slowly raises his eyes to meet those of the Black god.
Otohime claps her hands. "Welcome to our little family gathering. Nyami Nyami and I are here to formally wed Race and Lexi, who will spend the next month, local time, here on this planet for their honeymoon. Since that is only about a day back on Earth, they will have time to settle into their bond and adjust to being mates and husband and wife. We thought that you would like your family here for the ceremony. Unfortunately, I could not bring your parents, Race, without creating an … incident."
"I am proud to see your bond so strong, my son!" Nyami Nyami's voice is like a deep sonic boom.
What the fuck, Sis? You're getting married? You couldn't warn us? Sis looks pissed.
Back off, Sis! This is all news to me! I look at Otohime. "I don't understand. Race and I are bonded … and fully mated. What does getting married have to do with anything?"
We are plied with a mixture of sonic booms and tubular bells as both gods laugh at my innocent, but sincere question.
"You can be so funny, Little One!" Her laughing subsides. "This is not about some human piece of paper declaring you 'wed.' This is about receiving a blessing of unity from your respective ancestral god and goddess. Being fated mates is not usually something that we gods interfere with … it just happens as it should. In your case, there was some … tweaking to ensure that it happened as it should. But this blessing is about the two of you coming together under us and prospering."
Nyami Nyami is nodding. "It's not about your bond or status as mates, at all. It's about laying a foundation for the two of you to spend millennia together. Assuming you survive the coming war, that is. We really have no control over your ultimate fate. Anyway, after the Princess accepts her Dragon Spirit, you will have thousands of years together … and provide much-needed offspring to continue the royal lines. That certainly is worthy of our blessing!" His booming voice is starting to give me a headache.
Sis beats me to a response. "Bullshit! Millennia? You're joking, right?"
Race shakes his head. "As dragons, we will live long lives. As Empress, Lexi will live longer than most. The current Empress is well over ten thousand of our Earth years old."
Otohime frowns. "And she is rapidly fading."
Dragon's Fang ~ Chapter 3
Author:
Caution:
Audience Rating:
Publication:
Genre:
Permission:
All Rights Reserved.
(Cover typography by Joyce Melton.)
(Cover Image Source: Photo 6936442 / Girl © Marek Paju | Dreamstime.com)
I stand in front of the altar in a traditional Japanese wedding kimono and can barely move. Otohime just snapped her fingers and there I was in the pale pink silk dress with red hibiscus flowers adorning it. It may be pretty, but it's definitely not made for easily moving in … or for generally breathing in, for that matter.
Race is beside me in the beautiful sapphire blue tux that Nyami Nyami "provided" for him. Similar to me, he just appeared next to me at the altar in the silk tux. The surprised look on his face must have mirrored mine, I'm sure.
The pack stands behind us in resplendent white silk dresses and they're holding bouquets of flowers that I'm not sure where they came from on this desolate desert planet. They look more tropical. Of course, I'm sure that gods don't have to worry about those small details.
Otohime and Nyami Nyami are standing in front of us, and both are smiling brightly.
"There is no need to prolong this ceremony." Otohime takes my left hand and places it in Race's right. She then takes our clasped hands into hers, one hand under ours and one over … like a hand sandwich.
Nyami Nyami nods and mirrors Otohime's enveloping of our hands, after placing Race’s right hand into my left and creating an unbroken circle between the two of us. "Receive our blessings and know that you will have healthy and bountiful lives."
I feel a tingling sensation and Race and I are both enveloped in a brilliant red light.
"This, however, does not make you immortal … only very hard to kill" Otohime looks at us seriously. "You can, however, still die in battle."
"Now, Race. For your gift." Nyami Nyami looks into Race's beautiful blue eyes. "Your connection with your Dragon Spirit is strong and you do him great justice." He looks at me and I know his next words are more for my benefit than Race's. "As you know, when you bond with your Dragon Spirit, it is a symbiotic relationship and you become a vessel for the spirit. Your dragon died in valor eons ago and was rewarded existence as a spirit to bond with worthy partners. There comes a time, however, when the spirits find extra-special partners, or other circumstances warrant extreme measures." He pauses and looks back at Race. "Kneel, Race Cannon."
Race looks confused but doesn't hesitate to comply with the command.
Nyami Nyami removes his hands from around ours and places them on Race's shoulders. They start glowing and Race is once again encompassed in a brilliant red aura. "In this case, both conditions are met. Aq'Qour, your Dragon Spirit agrees that you are that extra-special partner. And circumstances warrant your full merging."
I hear the pack gasp behind me as Nyami Nyami steps back and Race morphs into his dragon form. Only it's … not. He looks different. He's … sleeker, somehow. And more powerful looking than ever. I feel the surge of power through our bond … and his brief confusion. Race, Love? Are you alright?
He doesn't get a chance to respond.
"Rise, Aq'Race!" Nyami Nyami looks fierce. "You are now a full-blooded dragon with all rights and privileges thereof!"
Race? Hon?
He rises and looks every bit as fierce as Nyami Nyami. I'm fine, my mate. I don't think they're done, though ….
Otohime proves him right before I can reply. She tightens her hands around mine. "And now for your gift, Alexa Hirohito."
I suddenly feel sick. I'm not sure I'm ready for … or want … her gift. Not given her track record.
She releases her hands from around mine and there is a wedding band and a huge diamond engagement ring on my left ring finger. It must be several karats! Immense relief washes over me. If this is her gift ….
"You too have shown exceptional qualities, Lexi." Otohime looks deep into my eyes. "You have studied with Master Yoshi and the others and have made great progress. As you know, using your magic in human form comes at a price. There is a finite amount that you can pull from without having to recharge. You can lean on your sister's bond to extend that. But that comes at a price to her … and has a limited range. This ring will store immense levels of energy for you to use in emergencies."
I look at the ring in awe and can feel it pulling in energy from around me. It feels warm and tingly on my finger.
"It cannot be removed from your finger and is as much a part of you now as your katana." She reaches out and takes my hands in hers again.
"Th … thank you, Otohime. It is a wonderful gift …." I even bow my head.
She cuts me off. "That is just a little engagement gift. Now … for your wedding gift!" She once again envelopes my hands and tightens her hold on them.
I suddenly feel sick again.
"As Nyami Nyami explained, a normal host-Dragon Spirit bond is a temporary thing. It can only last as long as the host is alive. When the host dies, the Dragon Spirit is released back into the ether and can bond with a new host. The bonded pair is mutually beneficial to each other but the host does not have full dragon rights … like having dragon hatchlings. Only full dragons can have full dragon children. The offspring of bonded and mated pairs will, however, have red magic and be readily available as hosts for spirits." She pulls on my hands.
I feel a tingling start to build up in them.
"Race is now a full dragon in his own right and can bear full dragon children." She smiles at my mate, then looks back at me. "You are not ready to be a full dragon, Little One, but you are ready to make the initial connection to your Dragon Spirit."
I try and pull my hands back. "No! I …." I'm suddenly surrounded by a brilliant red light and feel a little faint. My dragon on my back stirs and gets hot.
Hello, Child. Don't be afraid.
I feel sick … and confused. Hello? Just what I need! Another voice in my head …!
I feel a push of amusement across some new bond. Just wait until you are empress and have a connection to all dragons … living and past, bonded, or not! Not to mention being queen of all light magical beings on your home planet.
I feel more than a little faint at that. I'm sorry? Who am I … "talking" to?
Another push of amusement. I'm sorry, Child. I am Var'Leth, current empress. Our spirits are now connected, and our bonding will begin as you progress on your path as Empress-To-Be.
So, I'm not going to turn into a dragon? I'm so confused.
More amusement. Oh, you will turn into a dragon … a full one. Just like your betrothed. As empress, you must be a full-blooded dragon. But that will yet be a while. In the meantime, we will get to know each other better through our bond, which is much more than a simple communications channel. As you progress, our bond will strengthen … until you are ready. Now, you should focus on the others. I will be in touch. And the connection goes silent.
I look at Otohime in frustration. "What the fuck, Otohime?"
I stare at Race. He's back in human form … sort of. He looks like Race … sort of. He exudes this newfound … power. He almost glows. And he's hot! I mean he was always hot-looking. But now he is literally hot! He feels like he has a life-threatening fever … but he looks totally fine. Cool as a cucumber.
Sis breaks into my thoughts. Are you okay, Sis? You look really pale. Do I need to scan you? I'm getting better at doing it without contact, but I can still do it better with my hands on.
I mentally shake my head. No. I don't think there's anything that you can do … physically. I may need to talk to Momma later … I'm so effing confused!
Tubular bells sound in my head as Otohime laughs. It will be alright, Little One … at least this will. It's not like the fate of the universe lies in your hands, or anything as mundane as that.
I hate it when she just breaks in like that but don't get a chance to complain before she moves on.
"Okay. Now that the ceremony is over and the gifts have been received, it is time for the pack to go back home and Nyami Nyami and I tend to other business." Otohime looks at Sis. "Sarah, you will tend to the 'social aspects' of announcing Race and Lexi's marriage on Earth. You will find everything is all legal and in order. You will also make it clear that they are on a three-day honeymoon and will be unreachable. You should work with Race and his father's communications specialists … I think she is called a ‘press secretary?’"
Sarah nods, confused. But she doesn't question the command. "Yes, Mother Otohime."
Otohime snaps her fingers, and a red vortex appears. She indicates for the pack to step into it. Once they have been swallowed up by the swirling portal and it has disappeared along with them, she looks back at Race and me. "You will spend three Earth days here on the planet to … adjust. You both need to get your newly completed bond under control. Race will also need time to adjust to being a full-blooded dragon. And Lexi, you need to learn to trust your new bond with Var'Leth."
She waves her hand and the planet … flickers. Our surroundings sort of go out of focus and when everything is clear again, the planet is no longer a desert, but a lush paradise. She smiles. "Your first Earth day will be undisturbed. You can spend time getting your bonding under control. Of course, your urges and needs will never lessen … but you will learn to better control them. As you know a day on Earth is weeks here, so …." She waggles her eyebrows.
If I weren't still really pissed at her, it would be funny.
"The second and third day will have increasingly vexing tests sent your way, so that you can learn to hone that focus and control." She looks at Nyami Nyami. "I think that's our cue."
And they're simply gone.
I look at Race and feel the heat rise in me.
He's already unbuttoning his shirt ….
"So, you were in a time warp on that planet for three days … which was … what(?) … months in your reality? I know it's certainly weird!" Momma … Josie shakes her head. "We were only there for a couple of hours, but it was literally less than a blink of an eye here. No one even knew we were gone!"
I huff and stop thinking about how weird it is to think of her as "Josie," but she insists. Finally, I nod. "Yeah. The first … several weeks, I guess, were magical. We didn't do anything but satisfy our carnal needs. Let me tell you … I thought Race was a hunk before. He's so much more now that he's a full-blooded dragon! But that's what scares the shit out of me, Mom … ummm, Josie."
She smiles wanly at me. "I know you don't like calling me by my name, Hon. But we really are more like sisters now, than me being your mother figure. And it would be even more confusing if you started calling me 'Sis,' too! Don't you think?" She winks. "But that's an option, I suppose."
I expel my air in frustration, puffing out my cheeks, and shrug. "I guess."
"You know I'm right, Hon!" She grins. "So … a month of non-stop sex? Tell me more!" She giggles.
I blush as red as my magic and feel my mind explode. She really is treating me like a sister! I finally giggle back. "Nothing to tell. Not even my sister! You just explained it as well as I could … or would, anyway!" Then the memories of the following weeks flood my mind. "After that, it was less about non-stop 'fun' and more about finding a balance between that 'fun' and 'reality.' Otohime set up some random 'tests' that made us learn to focus on keeping ourselves grounded … even when letting loose. I don't really want to talk about the details. Suffice it to say that not paying attention was … painful and humiliating." I sigh. "But the 'fun' was … epic!" I giggle.
She grins and nods. "What about Race? I still need to talk to him, too. It's a shame his parents couldn't be there for the ceremony, but I guess even Otohime didn't want to risk it being noticed. We will have to have a 'normal' Earth ceremony to make up for it!" She smiles at the thought. "And how do you think he is taking his transformation? I know it came as a surprise to him. Not that I fully understand it, either. As a wolf, we're fully merged with our animal spirits from the beginning. So, it's hard to comprehend not being."
"Like a fish to water." I shrug. "And I mean that literally. It turns out that his core magic is elemental based … and focused on water magic. His Dragon Spirit … the one he is now fully merged with … was a water dragon. While he can fully function on land and in the air, he is most comfortable in the water. You should see his water form. It's sleek and beautiful. That's why Nyami Nyami is his God father. Both because of his African heritage and because of his aquatic connection. I had no idea, but Nyami Nyami is an African river god … and his true form is that of a water serpent."
Mom … Josie nods. "I looked him up when we got back. It all makes much more sense now, though."
I sigh. "He tried to explain the difference between being bonded with his Dragon Spirit and being merged with it, but I just have no point of reference."
She nods and then gives me a searching look. "And you, Hon? How are you doing?"
I huff. This is why I came to talk, but it still is … hard. I take a deep breath and slowly let it out. "I'm … better." I shake my head. "Talk about not understanding! I don't get any of this bonding with spirits stuff! But I had some chances to connect with Var'Leth and we're starting to get to know each other better. I'm getting more accustomed to having another voice in my head, but this is different than my connection to Sis. It's more like my connection with Race, but even more intimate … at least in some ways. It’s not orgasmic intimate, but BFF intimate, if that makes any sense. Anyway, she makes a valid point. Like it or not, I guess I'm going to be the next Dragon Empress … and queen of all magical beings on Earth. When that happens, I'll have an open channel to all those under me. At least I will be in control of that … I think!" I pale. "Oh, Goddess! What if I'm not? What if they just pray to me and I hear it all, or something? What if I can't shut it off?" I start hyperventilating.
M … Josie takes my hands and squeezes them. "Lexi! Listen to me! You will deal with whatever comes!" She squeezes again. Harder this time … and although I'm sure she's not using even a fraction of her wolf strength, it hurts. It hurts like Hell!
The pain burns through my fog and makes me wince as I focus on her.
She lets up on the pressure before my bones crack and smiles. "That's better. Plus, you're not a goddess-in-the-making, right? Just your run-of-the-mill empress and queen. People don't pray to them … well, maybe they did in Egypt, but you know what I mean!"
I smile wanly and nod. "I'm not sure if you're trying to make me feel better, or not!" I finally laugh.
She laughs with me. "You and Race need to swing by the compound tonight. A lot has changed since the last time you were there." She blushes. "And I have some news of my own …." She pauses.
After a few moments of frustrating silence, I push out some "war" energy and violently vibrate the chair under her. "Spill! Don't make me get mad! You can't just drop a nuclear bomb and run!" I giggle.
She pales and then giggles back as she raises her hands in surrender. "Well … you know Vick was out on assignment and we haven't seen him in a while? Not since the first days of your assessments."
I shrug. "Yeah. So?"
She smiles and her eyes brighten. "I hadn't seen him since I was blessed with my wolf. I also had no idea that he is a wolf until he came back. It's a shifter thing not to broadcast who is what except to other shifters, who just know …." She squeals. "Anyway! We're bonded. We're fated mates! As soon as he came in the room, we … fully clicked. I had been strongly pulled to him even on the first day we met him, and now I understand why. And I now know how you felt when you bonded with Race. It was as confusing as it was beautiful. But at least I knew what was happening after his intense allure started making sense! I'm so in love!"
I pull her into a tight hug. "Congratulations, … Sis!" I push back and look in her eyes … those eyes that can now no longer stay still for even a moment … and have that wild, always searching look. "So, does that mean …?"
"We completed the bond that night … while you were off on your little planet having your orgy!" She nods. "We're now officially the beta-couple of Sarah's pack … well, of all wolf packs, since Sarah is queen of all wolves. That makes me a princess of sorts!" She blushes as she giggles.
I hold onto Race's arm as we step out of the portal. Even after months with him on "our" planet, I'm still getting used to the heat he puts off and have to consciously remind myself that he's not sick. I smile up at him. My five-inch heels don't even get me close to his height. I think he gained an inch or two with his transformation! I shake my head at the thought and straighten out my dress, then look at our destination … Sarah's main pack house. It's been weeks since we were last here … and that's Earth time. It's been close to a year, if you consider the time warp. The last time was right after she and Ginger purchased the property. Life has just happened in the meantime, and I haven't had a chance, or an urgent reason.
"Good evening, Your Highness! Princess!" A man that I don't know approaches us and interrupts my thoughts. "Congratulations on the wedding … and, of course, more importantly, the bonding!"
Race nods. "Thank you, Godrick."
The man nods and moves on without another word.
I look at Race. "You know him?"
He shakes his head. "Not, as such. As king of all shifters, I have … access to information. You'll understand better when you get there."
I want to huff, but the front door of the main pack house opens, and Sis and Ginger rush out, closely followed by Josie and Vick.
"Welcome, you two!" Sis smiles. "It's about time you came for a visit!"
Ginger grins. "I suppose I should do the formalities. Welcome, Your Highness. Welcome, Princess." She bows to us with a flourish.
I blush and wave her off.
Josie and Vick come over and both give me a hug. Josie hugs Race and Vick shakes his hand. Then Sis and Ginger come over and give us both a hug.
"Come on in!" Sis waves toward the house. "Leslie, our compound cook, is getting everything ready!"
I look around and can't believe the "compound." The last time I was here, it was just the main house and only Sis and Ginger. There are now at least two dozen houses and several people milling around.
"How many people are here now, Sis?" I start to climb the steps up to the porch.
She smiles proudly. "There are now twelve couples in the pack, some with pups. There are another ten unmated wolves. Our little pack is growing. We even had to buy more land. We now own the hundred acres surrounding us. Plenty of room for a full pack. Word is getting around and people are coming from right and left to join the pack."
A full pack? What would that be? I mentally connect with Race.
Somewhere around a hundred couples is what we're shooting for to consider as a healthy pack. We're still working through some of that … as you know, this all new to us, too. We're going by history, as much as we can.
I feel my stomach growl as I smell the tantalizing aroma wafting out the open windows. "And you have a cook? Fancy!" I laugh.
She grabs onto my arm and pulls me inside. "So, Josie tells me that you and His Highness had a good time 'doing the time warp, again?'" She winks and giggles.
I swat her arm and deflect. "Not as much as 'Sis #3' here, it seems!" I point at Josie and Vick. "Congratulations, you two!"
"Thank you, Princess!" Vick smiles brightly. "We couldn't be happier! Well, until we have pups, that is!"
Josie blushes. "About that." She grabs Vick's hand. "I was in heat when we completed our bond." Her face breaks into the brightest of smiles. "Ginger confirmed that I'm pregnant. I can conceive, now! The magic did it! We're going to have pups, Vick!"
I squeal! I now know … after Kamorkis enlightened me … that she couldn't have children before she accepted her wolf, and that's why she adopted Sis and me, in the first place. I was hesitant to embrace what Kamorkis did, but her happiness is palpable. "Congrats, Josie! I'm so happy for you! You too, Vick!"
Race nods and smiles. It seems he knows something he's not letting on to.
Spill. What's that shit-eating grin for?
He shakes his head. Not my news to tell.
I want to bite him!
Sis interrupts our mental tug-of-war and has us all sit before she introduces us to Leslie, who starts bringing out a feast fit for a king. When we're all served and everyone but her have our mouths full, she drops the bomb. "Speaking of pups. You may not know it, but everyone's heat is synchronized to the alpha female. Since I'm primary alpha of the pack, that means that all females of the pack are synchronized to me. So … Ginge and I were in heat at the same time Josie was. Or … better said, Ginge and Josie were in heat at the same time I was. Anyway, while you were off planet-hopping and having your sex orgy …."
I choke on my food. "Hey! That's not what …!"
She laughs. "Cut me some slack, Sis. You deserved it! Besides you both are all the social news, here in 'real time,' right now!" She waves me off. "Anyway, Kamorkis visited Ginge and I. There's another pack out west that has a same-sex alpha pair … two males. She transported Ginge and me to their compound and we ummm … all did what was necessary for the good of our packs." She smiles a little wickedly. "Don't worry, we all enjoyed it immensely." She winks. "Kamorkis even set up a special little portal, so that we can visit each other more often. That will be important when our pups get old enough that we will have to split them between the compounds. But Josie … your pups will have plenty of playmates, I'm sure … between Ginger's and mine. We should birth them all about the same time."
I choke on my food again. "You're pregnant, too? Both of you?"
Sis grins. "All three of us!" She grins again wickedly. "For Ginge and I … well, for the good of the gene pool, we'll change partners next heat … to mix up it up a little better! Just because we're totally mated, bonded, fated, and signed, sealed and delivered, doesn't mean that we can't branch out for the good of the order! Troy and Zach completely agree!"
Race guffaws. "Good thing, Your Highness! You have a duty to your wolves … and to my shifters!" He grins and takes a drink of his wine, but his good mood suddenly disappears, and he goes stiff.
Race? What's wrong?
He looks at us and frowns deeply as he pushes his chair back from the table with both hands so tightly gripping its edge that I'm afraid he's going to break it. "There's been a dinosaur attack in California. We need to go … now!"
Dragon's Fang ~ Chapter 4
Author:
Caution:
Audience Rating:
Publication:
Genre:
Character Age:
Permission:
All Rights Reserved.
(Cover typography by Joyce Melton.)
(Cover Image Source: Photo 6936442 / Girl © Marek Paju | Dreamstime.com)
Riding Race through his portal this time is very different than when we transported to Idaho. First, he's so much more powerful in his full-blooded form than he was back then, and that means we're through the portal in the blink of an eye versus the seeming minutes of the last trip. Second … this time, he's carrying the pack with him, including Vick. And it's as if he's only added a pound of feathers to his back … he barely seems to notice them.
Compared to mine, the experience for the pack is an entirely different matter, however. I smile to myself. They may be terrified, but this is becoming old hat to me.
We're over California and not far from our destination. Race is circling in a slow descent. It's about to get real.
I take a calming breath and sit back to take inventory of my faculties. I run my left hand over my right arm and feel the invisible, smooth scales covering it, and revel in the knowledge that I'm protected by my invisible armor. I mentally reach out to my ring and sense that it's fully charged and brimming with energy ready for me to tap into. My dragon on my back is very restless … but ready. My connection to Sis is wide open and her white magic is flowing into me … at the same rate as my red magic is flowing into her … blending somewhere in the middle and creating a powerful pink mixture. I can feel Race's anger at the situation through our bond. And … I feel a sense of … calm being pushed into me from Var'Leth.
I suppress a groan. I'm as ready as I can be for this … whatever "this" is. I let out a sigh and shake my head. But I feel like such a patchwork of things that I'm afraid pulling one thread will unravel the whole quilt of my being.
I don't have much time to dwell on my thoughts as Race folds up his wings after he silently glides to a landing in a large dirt field. It looks like it's maybe an old vineyard … from back in the days before the searing hot and bone-dry climate burned most of the plant life around. Now there are only the vine supports left, surrounded by crack-riddled arid and dusty soil … well, what the scorching winds have not eroded away.
The pack climbs down from Race's back – all four of them looking a little green from the portalling.
I smirk but hold my tongue. Not long ago, I would have looked just like them. I nimbly hop down and stretch.
Race changes back into his human form. "I didn't want to fly directly to the site and create even more havoc." He frowns in concentration and another portal opens up. " It will be best if everyone holds hands and steps in with me. I can't guarantee that you will come out in the correct spot, if you don't!"
Sis shakes her head and still looks like she's going to throw up. "You mean we have to do that again? Really? Can't we just get an Uber, or something?"
Race frowns deeper. "If you don't mind, this takes a fair amount of effort to maintain. We still have about a hundred miles to portal."
I grab Sis' hand with my right hand and then Josie's with my other.
Sis shakes her head again and grabs Ginger's hand.
Josie grabs Vick's.
Then Vick and Ginger complete the circle with Race, and we all step into the vortex. We exit outside a mall a heartbeat later. There are scores of police cars with their lights flashing, surrounding the mall and setting up a perimeter. Total chaos is reigning with people frantically running around everywhere, screaming at the tops of their lungs. The police don't have a snowball's chance in Hell of getting this under control.
My training with Master Yoshi kicks in and I just take control. I look at Race. "We need to get inside and see what's going on." I turn my focus on the pack. "Sis, you and the pack need to do reconnaissance and set up our own perimeter, since you can all communicate with each other. Race can portal you in, if we need you. Just let me know through our link if you need us."
No one argues, which kind of surprises me. What surprises me even more is that I took control, in the first place!
The pack runs off in their human forms to see what they can discern about the situation from the outside.
Race silently creates a portal. OK, Princess. Brace yourself and let's see what the damage is.
I take his hand and we step into the portal … and out to absolute carnage.
Malls have made a comeback from the days when they were almost wiped out by the shipping giants, which was honestly before my time. But people finally figured out that they wanted to actually experience things before they bought them – especially after the shipping giants cracked down on free returns and started charging restocking fees because of backlash on so much merchandise being senselessly thrown away after it was returned. Now, malls stock just enough merchandise to let people handle and test the merchandise before ordering it for home delivery, which is still usually same-day. They are basically just elaborate showrooms with no actual stock and take up less real estate than in the old days, but they are usually packed. And this one is no exception ….
The layout of this mall is a central court and about a hundred small shops spread out over five stories radiating out from the court. We are on the ground floor and there must be several hundred people inside the mall on this floor alone – a large number of whom are pressed up against the exit doors that inexplicably won't open. There are dozens of bloody bodies strewn around on the floor and the smell of fear is pungent even to my nose. And then I see them … about a dozen Velociraptors. Half are observing the group of people trying to escape and the other half is looking up at the other floors.
I reach out and sense a weak shield holding the doors closed. It's just strong enough to keep the people from escaping. My dragon stirs on my back and, without thinking, I pull on my magic and place a red shield over the people at the exit. Then I send a tremor at the group of raptors to disorient them. Finally, I send another tremor at the doors, and the whole wall explodes outward, letting the people storm out. I seal the opening with another shield. The people are going to escape. The dinos are not. My shield is substantially stronger than what was there keeping the people in before.
We need to shield those dinos, Princess! I don't want …
Race's thoughts are interrupted as a vortex appears and the dinos quickly run into it before I can get a shield over them.
… them to be able to portal out. He shakes his head ruefully. Too late. We need to confirm that there aren't any more in the mall.
I maintain the shield on the exit. Both to keep anyone … or anything … from getting out. But also, to keep anyone from getting in. The last thing we need right now is for well-meaning first responders to come in with the potential for dinos to still be on the premises. And more could portal in at any moment.
Race reaches out with his senses and finally relaxes. "There are no more dinosaurs or other dragons in a hundred-mile radius. I think this may be over for the time being. You can drop the shield on the entrance, Princess … and let the pack know that they should come in. I don't know how much a healer will be able to do, but …." He lets the sentence drop … along with his shoulders and his head. It's clear that a healer won't be able to do anything for dozens of people on the first floor alone.
Sis? I need you and the pack to get in here, pronto. We need healers. I also need Vick to help me set up a shield to prevent these bastards from portalling back in. I don't need a secondary attack to target first responders! I'm shaking violently with anger.
I feel Race's hand grasp my upper arm. "Princess, get yourself under control! You're about to go nuclear! I don't want to have to portal us out of here! We're needed here!"
I feel his calming presence flow into me through our bond … and Var'Leth's, as well. You did well, Child. Now you need to calm down! It would be just like Grae'Bar to count on you causing a larger level event by not controlling your anger. Don't let him goad you!
Yes, Empress! Thank you, Love. I respond to both at once and tap into my yoga and martial arts training to calm my presence. I feel the anger slowly temper itself … it doesn't go away, but I'm able to forge it into a weapon that I can better control instead of a rage that I can't. I'm okay, now. I take another cleansing breath and am thankful that Race and Var'leth were able to help me get myself under control before I caused more damage than was already done.
At that moment, the pack runs in, and they all come to a sliding stop on the polished marble floor. It's like a scene out of an old Scooby Doo episode and I would laugh if the situation wasn't so gruesome.
I tap into my ring and place another shield over the entire mall, then look at Vick. "Can you help me maintain this? I don't want anyone to portal in while Sis and Ginger are checking on the wounded …."
He simply nods and I feel his white war magic connect with my red to reinforce the shield. We don't know what Grae'Bar is ultimately capable of, but he would have to expend considerable energy to burn through the shield … and I have the feeling that he won't. This was just the beginning … of a psychological warfare campaign. Right out of the "Terrorist's Handbook."
When all was said and done, I wanted to just roll up into a little ball and disappear. I know that an all-out war is coming and the thirty-four people … that we could count, not knowing if some were eaten … that died in the mall will be but a drop in the bucket. But those thirty-four people were senseless deaths. They weren't soldiers that were in the war, voluntarily or not. They had no idea they were even in a war … and they were mercilessly attacked and terrorized by the enemy.
Some would say they are the lucky ones. With the news of what happened flooding the mainstream media channels, there's no softening the blow. We were caught with our pants down … and they're still down. We have no idea how to prevent something like this from occurring again … on any scale.
The president is preparing to address the nation. I still can't get over the fact that he is my father-in-law! But that is totally beside the point!
I stoically stand next to my mate, husband, and sole reason for being. We're standing in the Rose Garden, behind the President of the United States of America, who is about to address the nation on live television. I have no role in this … other than to stand proud with my mate … husband … as a member of the "first family," in support of the president. My stomach still roils in acidic torture.
Relax, Princess! This is on father … not you. You did what was needed and he knows it. Next time, we will do better. No one blames us that they got away. We saved hundreds of lives!
I sigh in resignation. We saved hundreds … but scores still died. And the bastards got away. I could have stopped them! Sure, I saved lives with my actions, but I could have been more … efficient!
Child! STOP! You did well! You were untested in these waters. You will swim them much better next time. Unfortunately, there will be a next time … and a next … and a next.
I shudder as I listen to my mate and my empress. I look at my father-in-law and past him at my mother-in-law, then back at the president and shudder again. He has been as much a rock in Race's and my relationship as Race has been … and all of that without a stitch of magic of his own …. Race's magic comes from his mother's side, although she doesn't exhibit much of her own.
Race squeezes my hand and I think about our "democratically" elected president. Yeah, yeah, yeah … I know we're not a "democracy." I know were a "republic." The point is that he, for better or worse, is a representation of the populace and not some result of birthright … or lineage. Race and I are magical "royals." Even Sis is a "royal" in that sense. She's "queen." That's … not elected. Is it right? I don't know. It doesn't matter … it simply is. I can only pray I do better than mad King Ludwig!
I shake my head and remember my first encounter with my now father-in-law. It was everything that I was not expecting!
I was still in my wheelchair. I was still very much questioning my magic. I was very much enamored by Race … not understanding at that point that we were fated mates … and meant to be. It was in that strange purgatory of knowing what was meant to be and what was going to happen, no matter what I thought. Race and I were still very much at odds with one another, but the fates were still aligned to correct our idiocy. We were in Race's office arguing, when the door opened, and he entered unannounced. He didn't knock, and he didn't apologize when he broke into our argument.
"Race, …." He looked a little annoyed. "Oh … I didn't know you had a meeting. No matter, we need to talk … in private."
Race's visage reflected his annoyance at his father's interruption. "Hi, Father. This is Alex. He's completely cleared and holds my utmost confidence, so there's no need for a 'private' meeting. Unless it actually is … 'private,' … which is … unlikely." He looked at me and blushed a little. "Alex. Meet my father, the President of the United States of America. Father, meet Alex, potential savior of all things magic … and the universe, at large. At any rate, you can speak freely in front of … him …."
It was my turn to blush at the unexpected compliment, as untruthful as it was. I bowed my head at the president and didn't even register the paradox. I had been in the presence of goddesses and refused to acknowledge their status with a bow. This was the president of our nation … not a position that demanded a bow, but one that I was amenable to providing. He didn't expect a bow … likely would be embarrassed by one. That is precisely why I honored him with one.
As expected, he was embarrassed by it. "Ummm … Hello, Alex. I think you know that it's not customary to bow to me, so please … don't. I'm an elected official, not royalty." He gave me a thoughtful look and shrugged. "I have a feeling that you're like Race … and that explains the bow. I suppose I should be bowing to you, but know that I have no magic, nor … despite Ronni's … Veronica, my wife … and Race's best efforts … any understanding of it." He looked at Race. "Am I close? No matter, if you vouch for Alex's clearance, then I need to tell you of a missive from China …."
He went on to explain a "threat" from China that was disturbing but lacked any specificity in terms of what was going on with the dinosaurs … or the dragons, for that matter. He had no real clue … not that that was his fault. This was all based on "other" intelligence gatherings and while he was up-to-speed on the dragons and the dinosaurs, he was clearly letting Race and his team handle that aspect. But, in a way, this was just as scary. China, as a country, was preparing for war—not just the "reptilian" faction of it. Even "conventional" intelligence was backing that up.
We crossed each other's paths more and more from that day forward and I got to know him and Veronica, Race's mother, fairly well … in spite of Race's and my issues back then. Unfortunately, other than a quick hug and congratulations, we have not had the time or opportunity to celebrate either Race's and my bonding … or our marriage. At least Otohime was sage enough not to kidnap the president or first lady for our wedding – even if it would have only been the blink of an eye, Earth time. It would have been completely counter to what she was trying to achieve with the marriage, in the first place.
And now this admirable and honorable man is preparing to address the nation on a topic that he has no direct knowledge of … other than that war is coming. Many will not understand magic's role in all of this, but they will understand the overall threat coming from the most populous nation on the planet. They won't grasp the severity of the role that the dinosaurs and the dragons will play … but they will understand the sheer magnitude of the numbers. And they will understand the concept of terrorism.
I stand at attention and squeeze Race's hand as the president starts his delivery.
"My fellow Americans, it is with great sorrow that I address you today …."
I'm totally surprised when Race and I are invited to the Oval Office directly after the speech. I mean Race is frequently there as his father's advisor on all things "magic," but this is my first time to be invited to an official meeting. The Secretary of Defense, Roberta Braun, the Chief of Staff, Craig Underwood, and the Press Secretary, Lola Scribner, are there, in addition to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
"Okay. I think that went as well as can be expected." George … President Cannon … looks at me and smiles. "I think you all know Lexi Cannon, my daughter-in-law … or at least you know of her."
I jerk a little in surprise when he introduces me as Lexi Cannon. I mean I knew marrying Race made the name change official, but this is the first time that I've actually been confronted with that reality. I haven't even opened the package of "official documents," including my new IDs, that Sis gave me when we got back from "the planet." I smile goofily to myself as it sinks in.
George goes around the room and introduces everyone. "Lexi will be regularly joining us in our daily briefings and strategy sessions, as will Race. Magic is now officially a standing agenda item." He looks at me … this time more seriously. "So, what are your thoughts on the attack, Lexi? You're both an expert on magic and dinosaurs."
I swallow as all eyes converge on me. I shake my head and blush. "I'm hardly an expert on magic. Yes, I possess it and I've had some extensive training, but I'm still very new to it. As for being an expert on dinos …. Yes, that's true." I take a deep breath to calm my nerves. "And as for my thoughts. Well, for what they're worth …. I'm very concerned that this attack and the ones that will certainly follow will cause a polarization between those with magic and those without. I'm afraid that those without are going to increasingly distrust those of us with it … unless we can somehow get ahead of that and give them a reason to trust us." I swallow again. I know I'm rambling and try and focus. "And … as bad as those raptors were … there are others in the wings that are far worse … depending on how they're deployed. Think of a few T. Rexes let loose in a large concert … or even here in the White House."
Lola gives me a frightened look. "But wouldn't they primarily attack each other?"
I shrug. "Normally, yes. But these aren't 'normal' dinos. They work together. Maybe not happily, but they don't attack each other. They attack people." I leave out the "and eat them" part, but the implication is clear.
Lola shudders and turns her very green head at the thought.
Race nods. "Lexi is right. I don't know if Grae'Bar planned it this way … or if he even cares. But this will certainly start to drive a wedge between the magical and non-magical communities. The polarization and resulting stress are not something that will serve us well … now that we're at war."
"That may be getting ahead of ourselves a bit … calling it 'war.'" Roberta shakes her head.
George puffs out his cheeks and forcefully blows out his air. "No, Roberta. Race and Lexi are both correct. We are at war. This was as much an opening salvo as Pearl Harbor or 9/11 was. People just don't realize it yet. It doesn't matter that thousands weren't killed this go-round."
The Joint Chiefs are all grimly nodding.
"The question is … how do we defend against it?" George looks at Race and me. "I know your taskforce has been struggling with that question … but I think you've been focusing on preventing a large-scale invasion. How do we defend against … this?"
Race and I both ruefully shake our heads.
Black smoke escapes Race's nose. "We have no idea, Father. Not yet. But we're going to have to rally the magical troops and figure out how to effectively integrate them into the conventional armed services … or at least figure out how to compliment those efforts. But that goes back to Lexi's original point!"
"Race, as I understand it … you're the king of all shifters, right?" George is looking at Race. He shifts his focus to me when Race nods. "And you, Lexi, are the queen of all magical beings on Earth, including the shifters?"
I shake my head. "Princess. I won't be queen until … well … later."
"But you are in effect the leader of all magical beings, right?" He continues to press me.
I shrug and reluctantly nod … unsure where he's going with this.
"Good! Then that means that you and Race are in charge of all magical operations. Effective immediately, you are now both standing members of the Joint Chiefs." There is murmuring among the other Joint Chiefs that he ignores. "Lola. Hold an immediate press conference and make it known. It will be a shock that both have magical powers … but it will either help our cause … or well …." He shakes his head. "It will just have to help! It's on you to convince people that it's a good thing that we have magic on our side, too. Use your special brand of magic to get that message across!"
I didn't know that Lola had magic!
She doesn't, Love. Well, not that we're aware of. But she does have some sort of special powers of persuasion. So … maybe it is some type of magic that we don't know about yet … or maybe she's just good at her job! I feel his mental shrug.
I nod and we both take our leave to go to the War Room and strategize with the team.
Var'Leth, my empress, I need your consult, please!
What is it, my child?
Is it possible to set up a permanent shield? Or do I have to be there to maintain it, and have it drain me?
I hear her comforting chuckle in my mind. All is possible, Child. But you are not strong enough for such, yet. We would at the very least have to be more fully bonded. As empress, you will easily be able to do it.
I grimace. Do you have any ideas, then? I need to protect the White House and Congress. If dinosaurs suddenly portalled in and started devouring congressmen …. I mean, I'm not sure we wouldn't be better off without some of those blowhards, but I still can't let that happen! And the president and first lady need to be protected at all costs. I'm surprised that Grae'Bar didn't start there! I shudder at the thought.
Well, there are enough magical beings in and around your "White House" that it would be difficult to portal in unnoticed. But your point is taken.
Who besides me can generate shields? Are there others that could maintain more permanent ones … even if only for certain rooms. Even parts of a room would be better than nothing. I know I'm grasping at straws. I feel her push a relaxing stream of health into me. I only recently learned that she is a strong healer, as are all dragon empresses.
Anyone with war magic can produce a strong protective shield, child. Any dragon can, as well. Although, full dragons can produce stronger ones than simply bonded ones. Full dragons with war magic can produce the strongest … except for the empress. Hers would trump any other … with the exception of a god or goddess.
So, Vick could with his war magic? How do we find others? We are so rare … war or red …. I feel a push in my mind and suddenly clearly know how to identify red magic in others.
Now, child. Reach out with your mind. Let it expand … and sense the others. There aren't many, but they are there.
I struggle to follow her instructions. After a bit, I'm able to relax my mind enough that it "expands." Not far, but far enough that I suddenly sense five more individuals with red magic in a several-hundred-mile radius. What's more, I somehow know how to find them. I just need someone to portal me to them.
Thank you, Mother Empress!
You are welcome, my child. With practice, you will be able to expand your mind more … and identify other types of magic, as well. Your dragon mark will help. Also, beware that this has strengthened our bond a certain amount. You may notice other changes, as a result as well.
With that, there is radio silence. I groan. What am I supposed to do with that? I sigh in frustration. I don't have time to ponder on it, right now.
Race? I need your transportation services. It's urgent!
I'm not a taxi, Princess! I hear him chuckle in my mind, and then he turns serious. What do you have in mind?
After we convince George to let Vick remain close enough to shield him and Veronica while we're gone, Race opens a portal to the location of the first red magic "signature" that I can sense. We exit the portal in the middle of Alexandria, Virginia – on the roof of an apartment complex.
I sense the individual is inside, three floors below us. I let Race know and nod to him that I'm ready. He portals us down to that floor and I quickly locate the door to the apartment that clearly houses the person we're looking for. I take a deep breath and knock on the door.
A middle-aged woman opens the door and gives us a suspicious look. "I don't know how you got in here, but I'm not interested in …." She suddenly does a double-take. "Wait! You're Race Cannon … and Lexi. Right?"
I have to admit, I'm taken by surprise. I'm not used to "celebrity" status. I nod. "Yes, Ma'am. We're sorry to bother you, but I sense that there's someone here that possesses magic … a special sort of magic." I can tell it's not her. "May we come in? We urgently need to talk to that person."
She looks surprised. "The only other person here, besides me, is my daughter. She's not feeling well, today … and had to stay home from school. Neither of us have magic, though. You must be mistaken."
"Do you mind if we talk with your daughter, Ms. …?" Race doesn't let up.
"Myers. Jennifer Myers." She steps back and motions us in. "You may certainly speak to Val … Valerie, but like I said … it's a waste of time."
We step into the small apartment. It reminds me a lot of the one that I lived in several years ago … the one where "the event" happened that caused me to wind up in a wheelchair. I shudder at the memories it invokes. Thankfully, she doesn't notice and leads us into the living room, where a small child is lounging on the couch. She looks to be twelve or thirteen.
I don't think her magic has emerged yet, Lexi. You've identified her beforehand! That's an important new skill!
Assuming I'm right and not completely off my rocker! I force a smile. "Hello! Valerie, right? Or do you prefer 'Val?' I'm Lexi and this is Race."
The girl quickly sits up. "Yes, I'm Val. You're the president's son and his wife! I saw you on TV!"
I nod and keep the smile plastered on my face. "Val, have you noticed anything strange happening to you lately? Any strange dreams. Anything odd?"
She shakes her head. "No. I don't think so. Why?"
I place a hand on her shoulder. I'm not a healer, but all mages have some healing abilities … and as future empress, I guess mine will strengthen significantly. In the meantime, Sis and Ginger have been working to help me hone what little I currently have. And somehow, my usually meager abilities seem slightly stronger today, which perplexes me. To make it even more consternating, my dragon mark helps me tap into some unknown "divining" ability, on top of my seemingly augmented healing ability. With those forces working together, I can sense that she does have magic and it's fairly strong—or it will be when it fully emerges. And it is clearly red. I squeeze her shoulder. "Val, I don't know how to tell you this, so I'll just put it out there. You have magic … a very special kind of magic. It has not emerged yet, but am I right that it's been close to a year since you first started puberty?"
She looks confused.
Her mother speaks up. "Yes, that's about right. What does all of this mean?" She looks as confused and scared as her daughter.
Race looks at me and then focuses on the girl. "It means that your daughter will start emitting magic at any moment. It's hard to say when. Normally, we don't know that someone has magic before it emerges and there's no way to warn that person of the impending changes. Lexi seems to have found a new power within her that lets her identify the magic at an earlier stage, so your daughter won't be caught completely off-guard." He looks at the mother. "It's probably not a whole lot of advanced warning, but every bit counts when it comes to emerging magic. I will have one of my personal aides stop by and explain more. Her name is Pinkie. She will be here shortly." He quickly glances over at me before sighing and looking back at the two. "I don't want to just drop this on you and disappear, but unfortunately, Lexi and I need to go. We have other urgent … visits to make today."
I hate to just leave her confused like this, but at least she does have some advanced warning. I mentally sigh.
Pinkie will take care of her. I can only hope that the others on your "list" are further along in their development. He smiles warmly at me.
We quickly say our goodbyes and go back to the roof to portal to the next signature on my "radar." Luckily, she and the next two, both young men, are fully emerged. None of them are registered, though, since they are all very recently emerged. And all three have red magic, which is great news and makes me feel better about the accuracy of my "radar." Race communicates back to the team each time we confirm a person, in order to have someone come and bring them back to DC for indoctrination.
Each location we've portalled to has taken us further and further from DC and we're currently in Nashville, TN. After our final "jump," we emerge deep in what can only be the backwoods of the Appalachian Mountains … somewhere in eastern Tennessee.
My Dragon Sense warns me immediately as I step out of the vortex, and I instinctively drop to a fighting crouch and draw my katana without a thought.
Race growls and starts to transform into his dragon form.
A T. Rex is running after a young woman and is about catch up to her. They are much too close to one another, and far too far away from me to be able to precisely throw a shield only around the girl. So, I throw my katana at the dinosaur and give it a strong push with a wave of war magic. The sword flies through the air and stabs the dino firmly in its neck, burying itself to the handle. The Rex screams in pain, as I focus on the sword and send a wave of red energy-infused war magic into it. The metal katana acts as a conductor, and I force the minerals in the dino's body to start vibrating at a high frequency. After just a minor push of magic, the dinosaur explodes in a bloody mess … covering the poor girl in gooey gore as she falls face-first to the ground from the explosion. My sword returns to my hand, as clean as a whistle and I remain in my crouch, scanning for more dinosaurs. But I'm not getting any more warnings from my dragon mark or my Dragon Sense.
It all happened so quickly that Race hasn't even finished transforming yet, all ending in less than five seconds.
Okay, Princess. That was seriously bad-ass! Nice work! But I didn't even get a chance to engage. Next time leave some for me, and don't show off as much! He pauses. I don't sense any more dinosaurs or dragons in the vicinity. He grins ferally … and his eyes are full of lust. Bad-ass!
I shake my head and hurry to the girl. "Are you alright? I'm sorry about the explosion and the mess, but I didn't have time for anything else!"
She's obviously in shock and I can't blame her. She's covered in dinosaur blood and bits of … well … dinosaur. It doesn't smell too spiffy, either. Her clothes are tattered, torn, and completely threadbare … and that's not a result of the attack. They were in miserable shape even before being doused in dinosaur … goo.
Race, I could really use Mom … Josie's help, right now. Sis or Ginger would work in a pinch.
It will be quicker if I go get her and bring her here, rather than trying to take the girl with us. I'll be right back. But put up a shield around you. Just in case!
He transforms back to his human guise while I put up a shield, then he creates a vortex and disappears along with it after stepping in.
I focus back on the girl and steel myself to touch her. I so don't like the aspect of it!
She's still in shock and doesn't respond to me, at all. She has a hollow look in her eyes and she's shaking uncontrollably.
"It's okay. I'm just going to push a little healing magic into you until a much better healer can get here to look after you." I touch her arm and grimace at the nastiness that I know is a million times worse for her. I push a little healing magic into her and do some light exploration.
Her shaking subsides slightly as she somewhat responds to my magic. She obviously has very strong red magic, based on my "readings" of her, but like the others it's still very nascent in her. She looks to be about seventeen, or so … so she probably just recently went through her first age spurt.
A portal opens up and Josie steps out, followed by Vick, and finally Race – all holding hands in a human chain.
Vick quickly surveys the area and nods. "I've got the shield, Princess. You can let go of that."
Josie hurries to me and only slightly shrinks back at the sight … and smell … of the girl. She growls lowly as her canines and claws extend, and then she gets herself under control before fully closing the distance and kneeling down beside us. She places her hands on the girl's forehead and grimaces at the mess covering it. She shakes her head and starts concentrating.
After a couple of minutes, the girl's eyes become clearer and she gasps, then starts trembling again as she lets out a wild scream!
Josie moves her hands down and squeezes her arms and takes on a soothing tone. "It's OKAY, Hon. You're safe now. Can you tell us your name?"
The girl looks at us and is understandably frightened out of her wits. "Gw…Gw…Gwen. What was that … that … that thing?"
"A Tyrannosaurus Rex … a dinosaur." I take a deep breath. "I'll explain more later. Do you live around here, Gwen? Can we take you home?"
She turns pale and shakes her head. "S…s…something happened to me. I … I … got older all of a sudden after I had really strange dreams. My mother called me a witch and threw me out. They would kill me if I went back! I can't …!" She breaks down in sobs and streams of tears.
Josie pulls her into a hug. "It's okay, Gwen. We won't make you go back. When was this? How long have you been out here on your own?"
She shakes her head. "I'm n…n…not sure. A couple of weeks, I guess? I was trying to find some food when that … thing … showed up and tried to eat me!"
It's obvious that she's from one of the clans of Appalachian people … some call them "hillbillies" … that don't take kindly to outsiders. We could certainly take them on, but I don't know that it would change anything. We should probably just take her back with us and get her cleaned up and settled in … somewhere. Race is clearly agitated. I want to then come back and do some reconnaissance. What was that dino doing here?
I sigh. I'm pretty sure it was after Gwen. It's just an intuition, but I think it was targeting her while she was still vulnerable. If I'm right, we need to identify the rest of those with red magic as quickly as we can. How many are registered … besides us? I know you said we are rare ….
His mental growl vibrates my brain. Counting us and the five you found today, there are seven known red mages, Princess. We are it, so far ….
Dragon's Fang ~ Chapter 5
Author:
Caution:
Audience Rating:
Publication:
Genre:
Character Age:
Permission:
All Rights Reserved.
(Cover typography by Joyce Melton.)
(Cover Image Source: Photo 6936442 / Girl © Marek Paju | Dreamstime.com)
I moan in pure ecstasy and feel my mate … and now husband … pulsing and twitching inside of me. I enjoy the immense feeling of joy as he empties into me … again. It's the third time since we got home from our "hunting" trip. We first made sure that Gwen was alright and got settled in at a spare house on the compound, along with the other identified red mages. Then we came home in desperate need of release. Our first one was a madly furious release … feral and animalistic. Our second was not really much less ferocious but starting to be slightly more sensuous. Our third one was a little more deliberate and much more enjoyable. We are just now beginning to start paying attention to the finer details and not just satisfying a carnal need.
I smile at my mate in anticipation of the slower lovemaking now to come. I brace my hands on his pecs as I push my upper body up, still straddling him. I squeeze my pelvic muscles and start rocking and gyrating a little. But with my immediate carnal needs satisfied, I'm no longer in any hurry. And my mind wanders to something that I really need some clarification on … something that's been bothering me ever since we found Gwen and the others. I smile contentedly and sit up completely, straddling him with my bent knees and him still rock-hard inside of me.
He reaches up and caresses my breasts before cupping them and smiles into my eyes.
I take in his smoky aroma with a deep breath and place my hands over his. "I need to know something, Hon." I continue rocking my hips. "As I understand it, someone is born with red magic if one of their parents was bonded with a Dragon Spirit. Right?"
He sits up and wraps his arms around me, pulling me into a tight hug. He starts nuzzling my neck. We're in the middle of having mind-blowing sex and you're worried about the origins of red magic? Am I that unremarkable?
I can sense his amusement through the link and know he's kidding. Oh. You're pretty remarkable … and rare. So …?
He laughs in my neck. He leans back and braces his arms on the bed behind him so that he can look in my eyes. "You're partially correct. It doesn't have to be a parent. It could be someone in the person's lineage that had a Dragon Spirit … a grandparent, or even further back. Not every child in the lineage will have magic, though. Let alone red magic. And there's not even a requirement that a dragon has to be involved. Spontaneous red magic can also occur. Why do you ask?"
I reflexively grind on him as I think. "I'm trying to figure out where my red magic came from. So, it didn't have to be one of my parents?"
Oh, that one's easy, Child! It was your father that had a bonded Dragon Spirit. He was a very honorable dragon that died much too soon … at Grae'Bar's bidding.
Var'Leth? My face turns as red as my magic. You're eavesdropping on our … ummm "mating" time? I cease my sexual ministrations in utter embarrassment.
"The empress is pretty much always in tune with you, my mate! You are bonding with her, after all … you will soon be one. It's nothing to be ashamed of. And she's correct. From what I know from my merged dragon's memories, your father was a great dragon. We were not aware that Grae'Bar had a hand in his early demise, however." He growls ferociously as dark smoke escapes his nose and lips.
I groan. Not only did I broadcast my question to both, but obviously Race can hear her, as well. I try not to dwell on it, however. How did Grae'Bar kill my father? And my mother? Was he involved in her death, too? In fact, this is the first that I have proof that either actually died. They were both just declared legally dead after they disappeared without a trace that day and the legal waiting period was over.
I won't get into details, Child. But your mother was lured into a trap by Grae'Bar's minions, and your father then fell into the trap within the trap when he valiantly went to rescue her. Both were sucked into an intentional portal to nowhere.
Race roars loud enough to literally shake the roof. "That's worse than death! That coward!"
"A 'portal to nowhere?'" I shake my head. "What does that even mean?"
"Exactly what it sounds like! If someone goes through such a portal they are transported to the void. No one has ever returned from such an occurrence. It's normally a tragic accident. For someone to intentionally send anyone through such a portal is unthinkable." He growls and the bed rumbles. "Well, with a few exceptions … I can now easily envision sending Grae'Bar through one!"
I shiver at the thought of being sent to … nothingness. "But wait! How do you know what this 'void' is? You said no one has ever returned …."
Some very powerful beings can link with individuals in the void, Child. Assuming, it has not been too long. Individuals in the void tend to go mad with time.
"So, my parents could still be alive in there? Who do we know that can link with people in the void? I have to know!" I feel tears stream down my face as I fight the sobs that want to follow.
"To do what, Love? Even if they are in there, 'alive' is a very generous word. And there's no way to bring them out. And it's been years … if they are there, they most certainly would have fallen prey to the madness!" Race pulls me into a tight hug.
I have linked with them in the past, Child. It was soon after I realized what had happened. They are there … "alive." If that is what you want to call it. I have not spoken with them in several of your Earth years, however. Your mate is correct. It is best to not think about what you have no control over and focus on what you do.
I shake violently and pound my fists on Race's chest. "I will find a way to bring them back! I vow that I will. What good is it being this all-powerful 'empress,' if you can't bring them back?" I know I'm not being fair, or rational. But I feel like I just lost my parents all over again. I also know I'm close to going nuclear, and I'm having a hard time controlling my anger.
I am sorry, Child. I will attempt to link with them again and let them know that you are doing well. If they are still sane, that knowledge may buy them some time. But I honestly am not sure that is doing them any kindness. She breaks her link.
I fall deeper into Race's embrace as I try and calm my energy levels and stop a nuclear event. All thoughts of continuing our lovemaking are completely gone. I feel like I've been transported to an emotional void of my own ….
I wake up and feel my swollen eyes. I am cried out, for now, and I still feel drained. But I'm not sure what woke me.
Race has me in a tight hug and I feel like I'm in an oven from the heat he's putting off. He's also snoring quietly in my ear. But none of that is what woke me up.
Something is niggling at my brain. Then it hits me ….
"Are you okay, Love? Is something wrong?" Race gently tightens the embrace he has me in.
I clasp his hands in mine and shake my head. "Something woke me up. Something you said, earlier. You said something about accessing the memories of your merged dragon …. You have his memories?"
He loosens his hold on me and raises up on one elbow before responding. "It's a little more complicated than that. When we merged, I sort of … absorbed Aq'Qour to become Aq'Race. We became a unified being, but it's not like we were just 'mashed up,' or anything. I can access all of Aq'Quor's memories, yes … and he is a part of me, yes. But it's more like he is a support system for me, now. It's hard to explain. You will understand better when you merge with Var'Leth."
"Assuming I do." I sigh. "That's a different discussion. What I'm trying to figure out is how my father could be a dragon and I not know it. Did my mother know?"
Race … I can't bring myself to call him Aq'Race … leans down and kisses my ear. He pulls me back into an embrace as he settles back down in the bed. "It's not uncommon for children of dragons to not know a parent is one until they have magic of their own. That is especially true here on Earth where magic has receded. Your father paid a great price to maintain the bond with his Dragon Spirit here on Earth during those very magicless times. The Dragon Spirit that he was bonded with stayed with your family through the generations to ensure that your family lineage maintained its red magic … so that you could take over as Empress. And yes, your mother knew."
I take in a trembling breath. " That is wrong in so many ways! It's like you're saying I was ordained to become empress! And what happened to the Dragon Spirit my father was bonded with when …." I let the question drop and fight new tears.
"It is your destiny, my Mate!" He shakes his head. "He was trapped with your father when they were transported to the void." He squeezes me.
With that I can't stop the tears … or sobs … anymore.
I shake my head and push Race out of the shower. Our morning shower "ritual" has left me feeling a little better, but I still have to get ready … and even the ritual isn't pulling me completely out of my funk. I still feel as drained as the shower … with all the water going down its well-maintained drain. But it's going to be a busy day with our red magic newbies, and my hope is that it will help take my mind off of my parents.
I dry off and contemplate putting on my armor … just so I don't have to carry it with me. The problem is that I have to take it off to use the bathroom … and it's in the way when Race and I "take breaks" to relieve our "pressures." For something designed by the gods, it certainly has a severe flaw. Of course, I guess gods don't have to worry about mundane things, like relieving themselves. I mean, do gods have to pee? I don't think so! Anyway, maybe I need to talk to Otohime about this … maybe request a godly alteration? Who are the gods' tailors, anyway? It makes me almost long for my dragon, at this point, since I shouldn't need the armor then. Although even that wouldn't actually solve my problem. From what I understand from Race is that it took him merging with his dragon to maintain that level of protection in his human form … and I'm not ready to fully bond with Var'Leth, let alone merge with her!
I sigh and shake my head at my own rambling musings. I'll just put the armor in my backpack and hope I have time to put it on in an emergency. I quickly put on my makeup and get dressed. Knowing we're going to the compound, I debate on whether to wear my now signature five-inch stilettos, or something more suitable for the wilderness environment … and settle on my stilettos for the height advantage and adding my hikers to my backpack. I may still need to talk to Sis about having a "royal suite" for Race and me … so that I can keep a stash of "essential" stuff there, since it seems we may be spending a lot more time onsite.
Just for the Hell of it, as I'm strapping on my heels, I send out a message to the ether. Mother Otohime, just a thought … would it be possible to alter my armor to allow for my earthly … needs?
Tubular bells explode in my head. Oh, Little One! You are so funny! Yes, that is certainly a design flaw in the armor … I will have to talk to my "tailor." For your edification, no … gods don't have to pee. But we do have other "needs," so your request is certainly completely understandable—even for us. Give me a bit … it should be remedied by the time you get to your sister's "compound."
I blush at the fact that she even responded. I blush deeper at her response. Thank you, Mother.
I don't get a response, which makes me paranoid. I don't like having to rely on her … I always pay some unexpected price when she does things "for" me. But, in this case, I hope the price will be worth it … whatever that price may be. I shake my head and check myself in the mirror, one last time, before grabbing my backpack and going down to finish packing things for the trip.
An hour later, we're at the compound and sitting down for breakfast in the main house before meeting up with the newbies.
Hello, Little One. Your armor has been substantially upgraded and is ready for you to put on.
Wow! That was quick! Thanks. I'll try it out as soon as I get some breakfast. I'm starved!
Tubular bells ring in my head. Taking care of some "needs" so thoroughly just creates new ones! And you and Race were certainly busy taking care of those initial ones earlier this morning. Let me know how the design works out …. And she goes silent.
I quickly eat more than I should and excuse myself. "I'll be down in a minute. I need to test something … Sis, can I use a spare bedroom for a minute?" I grab my backpack.
"Sure." She gives me a funny look. "I'll show you where to go." She gets up and leads me up the stairs to a very nice guest room. "What's up, Sis? Is everything okay?"
I nod as I open my backpack. "Otohime made some adjustments to my armor … to allow for certain … needs."
Sis giggles.
I blush. "You know … like peeing!" I break out in a fit of giggles at her look. "Anyway, she said it's ready for a test run."
Sis bursts out laughing. "So, that's why you need a bedroom? I suppose you'll need Race to help test it out?"
I blush deeper red and shake my head. "No! And you know it! Stop teasing … or I'll make you leave and not see my cool new threads … err … scales!" I pull the garment out and examine it. "Huh. It looks the same to me …." I shrug and undress, not even considering that I'm getting naked in front of my sister. I quickly don the pearlescent-white garment and wait for the familiar constriction and bonding to happen … only it doesn't. Not in the familiar fashion, anyway. I gasp as the usual uncomfortable constriction turns into an excruciating constriction. Before, it was more like a really tight rubber suit on my body. Now, it feels like I'm covered in shrink-wrap, and someone is heating it up to make it fully conform to my body … and shrink it with it. I want to scream, but I can't breathe! Then it feels like little worms drilling into my body … everywhere! Willing it to release doesn't help!
OTOHIME! WTF? Help! I … can't … breathe!
Suddenly, the pressure lessens, and I can breathe. But the suit is still more than skintight. It's like it's burrowed into my skin! I once again try and will it to release … to no avail. I start to hyperventilate and shake uncontrollably. I know I'm going nuclear … but I can't calm myself down!
Race crashes through the closed door at the same time as a bright red flash appears.
Child! You have to get ahold of yourself! Var'Leth is a soothing but firm presence in my head.
Race grabs me from behind and squeezes me, which only augments the sensation of the garment's constriction. He means well by trying to comfort me, but it's doing the opposite.
Otohime places her hand on my head, and I suddenly feel lightheaded … like I'm tranquilized. "Little One! What is this about? You were very close to making a very large hole in the ground and killing everyone for many of your Earth miles around!"
I sway a little at the lightheadedness, but Race supports me. I finally get my breathing under control and feel the energy buildup in me subside. I shake my head. "What did you do to this armor? I thought you were just going to put a couple of … access holes in it. It … it … it feels like it's a part of me, now. And I can't get it off!"
Otohime looks surprised, then thoughtful. After moment, she even looks a little contrite … if a goddess can even look contrite. "I'm sorry, Little One. I just communicated with my 'tailor,' as you call her, and she informed that she did a full upgrade to the armor. It actually is a part of you, now. It's permanently bonded and will always be there to protect you in your human form. Once you are able to transform into a dragon form, it will contract into a special magical 'container' in your Dragon Mark … and then expand when you transform back. It will all be automatic and seamless. You do have 'access' to everything you need, now. As for taking it off … it won't come off until you fully merge with Var'Leth and become a full Dragon. It's now as much a part of you as your katana … or your ring. It is how it should have been from the beginning, but you should have had some warning before you put it on. My 'tailor' and I have … talked about that. It won't happen again."
I take a shaky breath and nod. "Okay, but I want to go on record that this is very disconcerting!" Then it hits me that the armor is invisible. To all standing here, I am butt naked. Not that it matters to those that are here, I guess.
"The bigger problem, Little One, is that you are having trouble controlling your magic." Otohime shakes her head. "I think we may need to speed up your bonding a little, so that Var'Leth can be more of a calming influence on you."
I start to protest, but I suddenly feel warm.
It will be alright, Child. Trust in me … and our bond. This won't complete it, but it will substantially strengthen it.
Then I feel hot … and suddenly exhale white smoke out my nose and mouth that quickly turns black when I notice it. And the world goes as black as that smoke … as I faint.
I come to in a fever as the memories of what happened rush into my befuddled mind. I don't open my eyes as I lay there … obviously in the guestroom's bed … and start to mentally reach out to Race when I feel a … presence … in my mind.
Don't be afraid, Child. Normally, this would have gone much slower … been a lot more deliberate … to give you time to adjust. Our bond is different than a normal Dragon Spirit–host bond. I'm obviously still alive and not a spirit.
I feel her amusement … as my amusement. It freaks me out, but I'm totally calm … like she has a clamp on my emotions. Her presence is different than my channel to Sis, or my connection to Race. It's like she's a part of me.
Yes, Child. In a way, I am a part of you, now. That part will continue to grow until we merge, and my bodily existence ceases. That will be when you become a full dragon and the new empress.
I feel so hot! I'm burning up! I want to freak out, but I literally can't. It's like I'm on magical Prozac, or something!
In order for me to gain enough foothold in your … soon to be our … mind to control your emotions, I had to move the bond along far enough that it is starting to cause you to exhibit initial dragon traits. In this case, your body temperature has adjusted to that of a dragon. And you likely also noticed that you can breathe smoke, although not fire … yet.
I'm not intentionally trying to fight this … calm, but it's so foreign to me. I want to start hyperventilating again … tremble … something! But I'm as cool as a cucumber … well mentally. I'm surprised I'm not catching the bed on fire with my body heat. Wait! Race heated up more after he merged! Are you telling me I'll get even hotter than this?
I once again feel that foreign amusement that is somehow mine, too. No, Child! You aren't bonding with a spirit, like he was … you are going straight to full dragon. It is hard to understand, I know … but your path is different than the other dragons'. Now, you should attend to your … our mate. I'm sure he is distressed.
I mentally sigh and reach out to Race. I am here, Love. I am … we are okay. Var'Leth is more bonded with me now. I am under control with her help. I feel him take my hand as I open my eyes to his worried smile.
While he was really hot to me before, his hand is now actually cool to my touch. I feel his comforting connection in my mind. You had me worried, Princess! Then I feel … something else through our connection.
"Race? Why do I sense … something, no someone else through our connection?" I swallow … once again, wanting to freak out without a way to do it.
He squeezes my hand. "With your enhanced dragon bond, you can now fully sense my dragon side. You are connecting to my merged Dragon Spirit."
I take a deep breath and want to scream but remain damnably calm … and just nod. But I'm not sure not being able to vent this frustration is good for me.
"Don't worry, Little One! We're going to give you an outlet. There are others with red magic waiting to be trained!" Otohime smiles at me. "Welcome back! Meet us outside and we will get started.
Race squeezes my hand and smiles in a much more relaxed manner than when I first opened my eyes. Not that the worry is completely gone. "I'll let you get dressed and meet you at the training grounds. Mother Otohime has set up a special area for practice … without having to go off-planet. At least for now …."
He portals out, leaving me alone with Sis.
"You certainly know how to keep things lively, Sis." She gives me a cheeky grin. "Now, like your hubby said … get dressed! You can't lay around in bed all day!"
I sigh and give her a dirty look, but get up out of the bed. I pick up my clothes and start putting them on. "How long was I out?"
Sis shrugs. "About ten or fifteen minutes. Long enough for Otohime to craft this magical training ground for us. She obviously wasn't worried about you, anymore … after … whatever happened. I've scanned you and you seem eerily calm, way too hot, and … your dragon bond is clearly more advanced. But you're completely healthy."
As I finish putting on my clothes, I can't help but notice that my skin feels kind of like that of a snake, now. The embedded scales from the armor are, once again, invisible. They're not as prominently palpable as before, since they are embedded in my skin … but that's what makes it feel … so textured … yet smooth. "Where are these training grounds?"
Sis sighs. "On the far side of the property. It will be quite the trek. I hope you're up for it. Of course … as a wolf, I could get there a lot faster. Too bad you can't shift!"
You don't need to shift like her. She can't portal like you, Child. Let's show her what traveling in style is really like!
What do you mean, Var'Leth? I can't portal!
Of course you can, Child! You may have to put up with me in your head more, now. But one of the benefits of bonding to this extent is that you now have the dragon ability to portal … with the power of the empress behind it. Just picture where you want to go.
But I don't know where to go!
Expand your mind, Child. We can see much more than you are used to, now.
I let her guide my mind and can suddenly see the training grounds … and sense Race and the others there. She gives my thoughts a slight nudge and a portal opens up. I grin at Sis' shocked look. "Last one there is a rotten egg!" I laugh and disappear into it in front of her eyes.
I step out in the clearing a split-second later and startle Race. He suddenly grins and pulls me into a huge hug. "Well, well, well! Our little princess is growing up! Portalling now, are we? It's about time! I was getting tired of being your taxi." He growls in my ear. I can't wait to get you back into our bed!
I grin back. "That was wild! And yes … tonight will be special." I look around the clearing and sense that a powerful shield is set up over it.
The other red mages are here and milling around. After about five minutes, Sis finally shows up in all of her neon-pink giant wolf glory.
"It's about time you got here, Sis!" I wink at her. "What took you so long?" I giggle at the sour look on her face when she shifts back to her human form.
"No fair portalling! You cheated!" She laughs and gives me a hug. "That's an awesome power! I'm so jealous." She looks around and shrugs. "But now what? How do we train these ante-dragons?"
Otohime steps out of the woods and gestures nonchalantly with a hand. A huge boulder … almost a small mountain … appears in the center of the clearing. It must weigh several hundred or thousand tons. She looks straight at me. "First, Little One, you are going to obliterate that stone. I want you to hit it so hard that it atomizes. I don't want to see as much as one mote of dust from it fall to the ground. I will have the others over here under a separate safety shield … just in case. Don't worry … nothing you do will escape the larger dome. I need you to release that pent-up emotion that Var'Leth is keeping bottled up in that pretty little head of yours!" She simply snaps her finger and everyone but me is under a shimmering energy dome … several hundred yards away.
Have fun, Child. Just focus … and let loose!
I smile at Var'Leth's encouragement and feel her loosen her clamp on my emotions. All of the raw emotions that have threatened to literally explode from me come rushing back and I start shaking violently again. I draw on Var'Leth's emotional support and stability, Sis' healing magic, and Race's undying love. I focus on the calming lessons that Master Yoshi taught me, as well as my yoga. I close my eyes and concentrate on the small mountain with my expanded mind … and send the equivalent of a small nuclear bomb at it. My red war magic pours from me in a large, unfettered stream and straight into the stone. The metallic trace elements in the rock start violently vibrating and the mountain simply disappears in a blinding light. There's no explosion … but the release of energy is very frightening. Everything not protected by a shield under the dome is simply … gone. And the air under the dome is now highly charged with a palpable energy. Not to mention the huge gaping hole where the stone used to be.
Nice work, Child!
Otohime waves her hand, and the energy dissipates … as does the shield over the others. The dome disappears and she is suddenly standing next to me again. "Nice job, Princess! How do you feel now?"
I take in a deep cleansing breath and let it out slowly. How do I feel? I smile. "Freakin' awesome! That was so cathartic! But what would have happened if I hadn't been under your protective dome? I mean … there's nothing left under where it was!" I look at the barren ground. Not one blade of grass or anything else organic is to be seen.
She shakes her head. "You would have obliterated everything within a radius of tens of your miles." She waves her hand again. Everything goes back to the way it was before my release. It's like it never happened. "You needed both the release … but also to see the impact of that release. We could have gone to the training planet, but it was also important for the others to see this. Especially since that was just a small taste of what you are actually capable of."
I pale.
It was why I was always worried when we were first probing your connection to your sister. Race seems calm in spite of his dire words. I'm glad you have it under control now!
"So. Let's get to training the others, now that you are all mellowed out!" Otohime smiles. "Carry on, Princess!" And she disappears as the others start plying me with questions.
Dragon's Fang ~ Chapter 6
Author:
Caution:
Audience Rating:
Publication:
Genre:
Character Age:
Permission:
All Rights Reserved.
(Cover typography by Joyce Melton.)
(Cover Image Source: Photo 6936442 / Girl © Marek Paju | Dreamstime.com)
Overall, the training session with the red newbies is fairly unremarkable. Val can only watch, since her magic has not yet emerged. Gwen is still shell-shocked from her encounter with the T. Rex – and she still smells slightly of dino-goo. Linda, Steve, and Bill, the rest of the merry "red gang" all do well for a first training session. Of course, I'm still getting used to being the trainer and not the trainee. At least I didn't get anyone hurt! Well, nothing beyond what a simple healing could remedy, anyway.
"Okay, everyone!" I look at the group of tired mages and smile. "Well done! Does anyone have any questions before we head back for dinner at the compound?"
No one speaks up.
I give the silence a couple more minutes and then look at Val. "How are you doing, Val? You will be fully participating soon enough, but you surely must have some questions …?"
She shrugs. "I … I … I don't really know what to ask. I mean I don't really understand any of what you all did today! And that … huge rock that you just vaporized …!" She shudders. "That was frightening! Will I be able to do that? How do I control it if I will?"
I smile wanly. "We will have to determine what your core magic is once it emerges. Up until now, it has been basically impossible for any of us … mortals …" I give Otohime a pointed look. "… to identify anyone with magic prior to it emerging, let alone the type. I'm the first human that we know of. I'm not aware of anyone … mortal … that can also identify the core magic prior to emergence. Mother Otohime? Care to chime in?"
Tubular bells chime in the air surrounding us. "Oh, Little One! Always a source of amusement!" She looks at Val. "The Princess has already identified that you have untapped red magic. Your core is fire magic. Normally, I would not tell you this, but it can be … frightening to unprepared individuals when such magic emerges, and they suddenly start uncontrolled fires. I'm carefully monitoring your progress and will make sure that you don't hurt anyone … or destroy anything important."
Val turns deathly pale. "You mean I'm going to be like 'Carrie' in that vintage horror movie?"
Otohime shrugs. "I don't really keep up with Earth 'entertainment,' but I do know that one … and you won't be restricted like her. You'll be much more powerful!"
I sigh. This is so not helping! Goddess help me! Oh wait … she is my goddess! "Don't worry, Val! That is why we're training. You just keep paying attention. You may not be able to participate yet, but you can certainly still learn! We'll all be there for you when the time arises."
I can't believe how hungry I am! I don't even flinch when Leslie hands me a plate filled to the brim with seconds of everything.
Don't worry, Child. It comes with our bond. As your Dragon side strengthens, so will your appetite … and your need for the extra nourishment.
I blush at the thought of eating like Race … or even the pack. They can certainly "pack" it in, themselves. I guess it's just a shifter thing. "Thank you, Leslie. This is delicious!" I look at Sis. "I really hate leaving the newbies to themselves. Are you sure they're okay … that you're okay with them staying here?"
"It's fine, Sis. They're fine. Relax and enjoy your dinner. I see your appetite is picking up. It's about time!" Sis grins knowingly. "Of course, it will pick up even more when you're with dragonling! Or is it dragonet?" She giggles.
Race almost spits out his food. "Both are correct … but we are a long way off from that! Just because you wolfies couldn't wait …!" He shrugs … but can't keep the teasing smile off of his face.
"Oh you! You just wait 'Uncle Race!'" Ginger giggles. "I can't wait to see you babysitting the little whelps!"
I enjoy the banter and the food. I'm afraid to relax too much, though. I can't shake the feeling that something is about to happen. My Dragon Sense is just not settling down and it's niggling the back of my neck.
I quickly finish my second helping and dig into the dessert that Leslie sets down in front of me. I moan in pleasure as I take a bite of the melt-in-your mouth delectation.
We should probably be taking our leave soon, Princess. I have this really bad feeling that something is going to happen. I don't know where it's coming from ….
I mentally sigh. It's probably coming from me … bleeding through our link. I've had the feeling all evening. I get these feelings all the time, but with my ramped-up dragon status it may be broadcasting more to you, now.
Do these feelings usually have merit?
I look him straight in the eye. They've never steered me wrong ….
I step out of my portal at the same time that Race exits his. We're back at the house … in our bedroom to be exact … and both in need of some desperate release. But we're also both on edge from my foreboding feelings.
I try and shake them off, knowing it is futile. But I don't let Race know that as I wrap my arms around the back of his neck and pull myself up on him. I wrap my legs around his waist and kick my heels off before hooking my feet together behind him. I lean in and give him a deep, desperate kiss. I think it's time to test out whether the upgrades to my … now permanent … armor hold up to Mother Otohime's promise!
Race's chest vibrates with his amused reaction to my declaration. But his return kiss is anything but amused … it's as desperate as mine. Now you're talking, Princess!
I'm about to loosen my hold on his neck to reach down and start unbuttoning his shirt when disaster strikes.
If anyone can hear me, we need help! Now! The White House is under attack!
Vick? Is that you? I release my hold on Race and drop to the ground. "Race, did you hear that? We have to go! Now!"
"Hear what? What's going on, Lexi?" His pulse is palpably racing.
"I don't know how, but I picked up on a mental SOS from Vick. The White House is under attack. I don't know more!" I'm already focusing on the Oval Office and opening a portal. I don't wait on Race to open his own. I simply grab my shoes and his hand and pull him into the portal that I've already opened ….
We step out a split-second later … to the ultimate in chaos. If I thought the pandemonium at the mall was bad, this is a million times worse!
"Princess! Your Highness!" Vick is sweating profusely and doing his best to maintain a shield around the room. "Thank the Goddess you're here! I don't know how much longer we can hold on!"
I take the room in at a glance. The First Family is barricaded in the office with Vick and two other mages that I'm not too familiar with. The mages are frantically struggling to shield the room. There is a loud, continuous pounding on the door. Clearly a large dino is trying to break through, since I can smell it. I take a deep breath and center myself in my magic and push it into the mage's existing mix. The shield becomes completely impenetrable, and the pounding is dampened to an imperceptible level. Imperceptible for humans – I can still hear it with my now enhanced hearing. I slowly increase my levels and nod to Vick that he and the others can relax. "I've got it. What are we up against? I smell a dino of some sort." I don't comment that this new "ability" alone would normally be enough to freak me out.
Vick shakes his head. "A T. Rex and a bunch of Velociraptors. I didn't have a chance to reconnoiter too much before I scrambled in here and put up the shield." He is pale from the exertion and the other mages are collapsed on the floor.
I nod and expand my mind to try and pick up on anything outside the room – trying not to freak out that I can do that, too!
Race is ahead of me on the probe, however. "It seems the attack was intended to be an ambush. Since they didn't get Mother and Father during the surprise, they appear to be giving up. I sense them leaving now. But … they don't have the typical Chinese signature. These were Russian operatives. Don't ask me how I know, just trust that I can sense the difference."
I nod. I almost missed them before they disappeared but was able to at least catch a fleeting glimpse of their signature. I mentally catalog it for future reference and won't forget it anytime soon. "So, the question is … was this something that Grae'Bar planned or were the Russians striking on their own? Grae'Bar would have ultimate control over the dark dinos, right? But does that mean he is completely controlling them and their every move?"
"Good question, Princess." Race is shaking his head. "Yes, he has ultimate dominion over them. But I doubt he is monitoring their every action … or controlling them to that level. In the end, it doesn't really matter in terms of our situation. Our warning system was enough to protect Mother and Father, but they got in the White House … unimpeded. We have to come up with a much better protection solution against these guerilla-type attacks!"
I sigh and concentrate on my shield. I gather some more energy and expand it to envelope the entire building and grounds. At this point, no one is coming in or going out. I know that will create havoc of its own, but we'll deal with that in due time. Var'Leth. How do I put this on auto-maintenance? I know you said you could ….
You are correct, Child. I can, but not from here – not even through our current link. And you can't on your own… not without us bonding a bit more. Are you sure you want to do that? It will mean becoming a bit more of a dragon, as well.
I close my eyes and tremble as I bite my lower lip. Yes. Just do whatever we have to. I need to safeguard this building and the institution for which it stands.
I feel hot. Really hot as I feel us merge more … we become perceptibly more unified, and I feel my power increase. Suddenly, I know that I can simply let go … and the shield will maintain itself.
It is done, Child. But we are now more than halfway through being fully merged. We are decades of your Earth years ahead of schedule and I'm afraid that you will have to "grow up" a little faster than planned to catch up with your rapid puberty.
I have a really bad feeling about what that means but push the ominous vibes aside. I have to concentrate on the here and now. Thank you, my empress. "The building and grounds are fully secured. For the moment, no one comes in … or goes out. It is a self-sustaining shield and only I can modify it, so let's find out what the damage is and figure out what we need to do. We are safe … for now."
When Race and I step out of our portal in our bedroom many hours later, I'm dead tired. But I'm also in desperate need of the type of emotional and carnal release that only my mate can provide. I know I will dream of the carnage of those we found outside the Oval Office for a long time. Pointless deaths in a pointless war that they certainly didn't sign up for. Not that any of us did.
"Come to bed, mate." I don't even bother with any pretense of foreplay. "I need you, now! Whatever this increased merging with Var'Leth has triggered in me, I feel like I'm going to explode if I don't get some relief. It's never been this bad before!"
Race picks me up and places me gently on the bed. "You're in your first heat, Princess. You must be far enough along in your merging that it has triggered it in you. It could literally drive you insane if we don't take care of your need." He grins tiredly. "Luckily, you have me to scratch that little itch. Of course, it will only be a temporary fix … until your next heat!"
I wearily push Race out of the shower. I got very little sleep last night. Between taking care of the first night of my first "heat," which took quite some time, and having vivid nightmares about the carnage in the White House – and worrying about my shield holding – I just couldn't settle into a good sleep.
I finish my shower and the pictures of the blood and what little other remains there were of the victims flood my mind, once again. At last count, we lost at least thirty good people in the attack. I feel a fire stoking in my stomach as my ire over the senseless loss rises and startle myself as a thick black cloud of smoke escapes my nose and surrounds me in the shower.
It is okay, Child. It is a normal dragon thing, and you will find yourself doing it more as our merging commences and you progress to the point that you will actually be able to breathe fire. The color of the smoke reflects your mood. The darker the smoke, the darker your mood. You have likely already noticed that with Aq'Race, though. And, like him, you will gain better control over it, with time.
I nod more to myself than anything but wonder if Var'Leth actually senses it. Yeah. I have noticed Race doing it a lot … and that the shade seemed to be reflective of his mood. It still is terrifying to see it coming out of me, though! What else can I look forward to … after our hastened "progress," yesterday? This "heat" thing was another horrifying experience. Does this mean I'm going to start laying eggs now, or something? Race wouldn't really talk about it.
Tubular bells explode in my head. Oh, Little One. You are such an amusement in these trying times!
Who invited you to my head, Otohime? I mentally grumble at the intrusion but know it's a useless expenditure of energy to complain about the invasion of my privacy. And just why is it so funny, anyway?
As empress, you will not have any privacy to speak of. Your head will be filled with all sorts of "invasions" and "intrusions." You will just have to get used to it, I am afraid. As to what is so funny, the vision of you laying eggs! The tubular bells explode again.
Child, I know you are struggling with understanding the changes happening to you. It is why this would normally have been done much more slowly – to give you time to adjust to smaller, more incremental changes in your puberty. As for laying eggs, that is not in your human nature, so … no, that will not happen. Even after we merge and you become a full dragon, you will retain your human form … and reproduction organs … as your primary shape. Just the same as Aq'Race has.
You're right, I really am struggling. If I retain my human female reproductive organs … which I'm still getting used to, as well, by the way … then what is this going into "heat" business? Human females don't go into heat … at least not anything like I experienced last night! I may not have been born a female but even I know that!
Tubular bells explode in my head.
Yes, Child. Human females do have a heat, of sorts. They also have eggs. They just don't lay them. Our merging will make you a hybrid human-dragon … with your primary form being human. Some aspects of your humanness will be slanted more toward your dragon side, however. That includes the actual "need" to procreate … not just the desire. It is difficult to explain until you have fully morphed.
I sigh and pitch-black smoke puffs out my nose. I throw up my hands in resignation and shut off the water. Okay. Whatever! I need to finish getting ready for another "wonderful day in the neighborhood."
Race and I step out of my portal and into the Oval Office. Currently, I am still the only one that can portal in or out of the domed shield over the White House, since I didn't have enough time to work out a solution last night. I now need to work with Var'Leth and figure out what I have to do to create security "gates" in and out that don't require my presence.
"Good morning, Father. How are things this morning? Is there an update on the … casualty count?" Race engages his father while I try and gather my wits for whatever I need to do today.
"Good morning, Race and Lexi." He shakes his head and frowns. "I wish I could say things were good. Being trapped in here has people on edge. They understand why but are still disconcerted by it. As for the count …." He fights his emotions as his voice breaks. "The final count is thirty-four completely senseless deaths. It will take another few days to … gather whatever remains we can and attempt to identify them. In some cases, there isn't anything left … where they were … eaten … whole." He turns a little green and swallows hard, fighting losing his breakfast. "In other cases, there's just a little blood or small bits of … of …."
"It's okay, Father. I understand." Coal-black smoke is pouring from Race's nose like some chimney in London during the industrial revolution. "I will go and help with the clean-up. Lexi is going to work on a safe way to enter and exit the compound. Unfortunately, this is new to all of us … how it works, I mean." He starts to say something else but shakes his head and quickly leaves the room.
"Thank you for helping with this, Lexi." My father-in-law gives me a tired but kind look. "How are you holding up in all of this?"
My return look is just as tired, I'm sure. I try to make it no less kind. "All things considered I'm doing okay. Much better than yesterday. Although, I'm still overwhelmed by what is happening – both to me and to the world. How is Ronni holding up?" I haven't seen my mother-in-law since the initial attack yesterday and it worries me.
George shakes his head ruefully. "She's a trooper. Just like you. She's out there helping them clean up. There was no stopping her!"
I nod with a sigh. "Okay. We should probably get the team together to decide what we absolutely need, what we would like, and what would just be nice to have, in terms of entrance and egress from the compound. I never expected to see the day that the White House would become an actual fortress beyond a simple fence! Anyway, I can then work with Var'Leth to see what we can do with the items on that list."
Two hours later, we have completed our list and I've worked with the empress on solutions. It is much simpler than I imagined. But it is very mage-intensive, which makes it a long-term problem. It also makes it much more difficult to replicate in other places. The basics of the solution are that I "punch" two holes into the shield on both sides of the compound. These holes are patched with "private" shields from other mages, who can then individually control entry and exit into the compound. But each entry/exit point requires two mages, since we are using an "airlock" type system. This will mean letting groups of individuals in and out at one time, while still maintaining at least one protective shield at all times. If anything did make it past one of the shields while it was open, it would still be prevented entrance by the other shield making up the "lock."
We also plan to set up a comparable system for cargo and supplies, using existing tunnels and larger "holes" with similar two-shield locks. These will only be open at random times during the week to prevent establishing a pattern that could be exploited for an attack. While this requires fewer mage resources, it requires a lot more logistical coordination to have things ready at the proper time.
After setting up one lock and running several attack simulations to test the integrity of the solution, I'm confident that it will work. I then set up the remaining locks and work with the team to implement a rotating schedule of mages to staff the portals. I finally portal home with Race around nine p.m., barely able to stay on my feet.
"I'm dead tired, Race … but …." I smile and pull myself up onto him to give him a deep kiss. I could really use some of your special brand of attention, right now! I don’t think my heat is over, yet.
I don't even notice the pinkish-white, wispy smoke curling out of both our noses.
I look around the Oval Office and sigh at Roberta's inevitable question. Race and I are with George in another "full" meeting with Roberta Braun, Craig Underwood, Lola Scribner, and the other Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Roberta looks incredulous at our silence and blurts out. "So, you're telling me that you can create a shield powerful enough to keep the enemy out, you can portal anywhere, you can obliterate small mountains, but you can't portal yourself behind enemy lines, shield yourself, and obliterate that army of dinos?"
Race unconsciously lets out a cloud of frustrated black smoke.
I shake my head and put my hand on his knee to calm him down. I look at Roberta and frown. "Look. I get you don't understand the limitations of my magic. Hell! I don't understand half of my magic, at this point. What I do know, however, is that there is still a balance … precarious as it may be. For the same reason that Grae'Bar can't just portal in here and blow everything up, I can't do the opposite. There is sufficient light magic amassed here to protect us from an all-out dark assault and there is sufficient dark magic there to protect them from a light magic one. That means, for now, both sides are dependent on changing the balance – or defending it." I take a sip of water and focus hard on not letting any smoke of my own escape.
Race has calmed down enough that he takes over. "If Grae'Bar were to get enough of his dino army here, he could start to shift the balance. The same if he were to take out enough light mages or shifters." He shakes his head. "Think of it like a nuclear arms race … as long as both sides have similar defensive capabilities and destructive power, there is a balance. It doesn't quite translate to the magical balance, since that example relies more on deterrence than actual inability to attack. But it's as close as I can come to a comparison at the moment."
"I guess I get it … sort of." She shakes her head. "So, what do we do, then?"
George takes a deep breath and lets it out with a sigh. "We have to fortify our defenses. And it's time to engage our allies."
Dragon's Fang ~ Chapter 7
Author:
Caution:
Audience Rating:
Publication:
Genre:
Character Age:
Permission:
All Rights Reserved.
(Cover typography by Joyce Melton.)
(Cover Image Source: Photo 6936442 / Girl © Marek Paju | Dreamstime.com)
The next week goes by in a flurry. Race and I are busy portalling across the country while I set up more self-maintaining shields at strategic sites. It is a delicate balance between the need to protect various high-profile sites and the available mage staffing required to maintain the security locks. While we are "traveling" the country, I am able to identify several more mages to add to our ranks, both ante- and post-emergence of their magic. Unfortunately, I don't find any additional red mages.
"I'm tired, Race." We're taking a much-needed break in a small micro-brewery pub outside of San Francisco. "I think we've done about as much as we can, for now. But I'm surprised that we haven't had any more attacks, to be honest."
Race nods as he takes a deep draft of his craft beer and licks the foam from his top lip. "Remember … it's all about balance. I think Grae'Bar is assessing our actions. Nothing is showing up on the satellite feeds, either … except a further build-up of his dino army."
"Have we heard anything from our allies?" I take a small sip of my beer and shudder a little at its bitterness. There's no doubt that while I will occasionally drink a beer, I'm much more of a wine girl … or bourbon or Scotch on a good day. "If the Russians really are engaging more, it could mean they are ramping up for a European attack … although, that still doesn't explain why they attacked us first."
"Well, they are still very sore about what the U.S. did back in the twenties after they invaded Ukraine." He drains his glass and signals the waitress for another. "The fact that things have been relatively quiet since the attack, indicates to me that they probably did it on their own … without Grae'Bar's orders or blessing. Like Father said, we do however need to start coordinating better with our allies now. In the end, we're all in this together. Grae'Bar for sure won't be satisfied with just taking over the U.S. He wants the planet … and beyond. With magic back in its infancy here, it's just a good place for him to practice his strategy for more advanced planets."
Aq'Race and your father-in-law are correct. It is time for you to start flexing your diplomatic muscle on your home planet and bring your planet-wide magical forces together. It is the only way to shift the balance enough to defeat Grae'Bar and his dark plans for the planet – your planet.
I grimace and take another, much larger sip of my beer. Easier said than done, Empress! I'm not a diplomat! Nor do I know any of the international players.
Nor was I diplomat when I first became empress some odd ten thousand of your years ago. You will not learn any younger, Child!
I drain my still full glass in one large gulp and shiver as I slam it down on the table with a loud crack, startling a gray puff of smoke out of Race.
"What was that, Princess?" He's giving me a look that is somewhere between bemused shock and bewildered amusement.
I grumble a request for another beer, accompanied by a double Scotch, to the waitress who happens to pass by and blow a dark cloud of my own smoke at Race. "The empress wants me to 'flex my diplomatic muscle' with our allies. I'm not a diplomat, Race. The fate of the planet … or the universe … or whatever … shouldn't lay on my shoulders! It's not fair … to me … or those who seem to be counting on me!"
He silently nods and waits for the waitress to return with my order. After she leaves, he takes my hands across the table. "Lexi, you are much stronger than you give yourself credit. And you don't have to do any of this alone. I will be there, right by your side – as will our entire diplomatic core. I assume the empress reminded you that she once had to once learn diplomacy, as well?"
"Yeah." I down half the Scotch with a shudder, then sit back and rub my finger along the rim of my newly refilled frosty glass of beer a little petulantly. "She might have mentioned that … and that she started over ten thousand years ago! That's so not bolstering my confidence or making me feel any better!"
Oh! Stop being such a drama queen, Child! You are still just a princess, after all … You yet have a long way to go to get to "queen" status!
I sigh as I check my dress and makeup in the full-length mirror in our room. Well … this is as good as it gets, I guess. Who would have ever thought I would be gussying up in a dress to meet with international dignitaries to save the universe when I was a little boy?
You look very nice, Child. Well … for a human that is!
I can sense the humor in her comment and know not to take it seriously. It doesn't alleviate my jitters in the least, however. Thanks … I think. "Mother."
You are welcome, dear Child! Now … stop procrastinating and go! Her amusement is palpable.
I shake my head and grab my chosen stilettos from the closet before padding down the stairs in my silk-clad feet. When I get to the bottom, I stop and slip into my signature five-inch heels prior to clicking my way into the kitchen to find Race. "Ready, Your Highness? Not that I am …."
"Yes, I'm ready, Princess. But don't you want to eat some breakfast, first?" Race gives me a sidelong glance. "You look lovely, by the way!"
"I'm not really sure what happens if you throw up your breakfast in a portal, but I think I'll skip finding out." I shrug. "Even if I made it through the portal … I would probably throw up on some dignitary's spiffy clothing. Not a good first impression, I would think. I mean I'm not a diplomat, but that seems like the wrong message to send. Just saying …."
Race chuckles. "Falling over from hypoglycemia is also not a great first impression, Princess! Remember, your metabolism has significantly increased with your advanced dragon merging. You need to eat something! We have plenty of time."
My stomach growls and betrays me on several fronts. "Fine! I'll make some oatmeal … even if I am craving something totally protein-related and very raw …. Stupid dragon impulses!" I try and suppress the black smoke that escapes my mouth as I talk but am unsuccessful and huff out another large cloud in exasperation. I shake my head in complete frustration and loudly bang things around in the kitchen as I fix my oatmeal.
Twenty minutes later, my stomach is no longer growling, but I'm still totally craving raw meat … and I still utterly feel like I'm going to throw up. I pull myself together and push the feelings aside, as best I can, to focus on the task at hand. "Okay, Your Highness. Can we move this along now? Are you happy? I ate something … but if I puke it up all over you, don't blame me!"
Race just shakes his head in mock horror and opens a portal. "After you, Princess!"
I sigh and step into the portal. I step out about a second later, relative time … but six hours actual Earth time, later. We're in front of NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, where it's just past noon.
The "official" NATO meetings goes much better than I could have ever expected. At least I don't throw up on anyone … or myself! I call it the "official" meeting, because it's not restricted to magical beings. Europe and other parts of the "old world" have their own past with magic … and their own demons to slay that go along with that history. But, in general, there's a better acceptance of its existence than there was in the U.S. when it first started to reappear … or even now. So, there was less denial. That doesn't mean its use was … or is … approved by all.
For whatever reason, Grae'Bar has been focusing his efforts on the U.S., so there haven't been any known attacks outside of our boundaries … yet. But we shared what we know with the other members, and at least they acknowledge the danger of what is to come. With that, they have pledged their support to defending the planet.
I finish up the last of my briefing and take a deep breath as my stomach growls with genuine bone-gnawing hunger. I think I need to seriously find something to eat now! Something like a whole cow … or a horse would do!
I told you to eat more before we left. We still have to meet with the local magical community before we can go home. But I'll see if we can find you something to stave off most of the pangs. You're becoming a dragon, now. You need to eat!
I silently groan as I nod and close my laptop after it shuts down. I look up and flinch at the onrush of people coming up to engage us in conversation. But Lily, my new diplomatic attaché, expertly deflects them and steers me into a side room with Race.
"Okay, Princess. We're going to portal to an offsite meeting with the local mages and shifters. I've been told there will be serious refreshments available." Race smiles encouragingly, opens a portal, and then gestures me in.
I smile at Race as he hands me a plate piled full of the refreshments … which consists of long, thin strips of marinated raw meats. Given there is a large contingent of shifters at the meeting, there is a full spread and a corresponding long line of hungry individuals. Even so, I try not to wolf (or is that "dragon") down my food. I can't believe how much more I eat since I've merged more heavily with Var'Leth, but I'm not gaining any undue weight, so it must be going somewhere … appropriate.
The meeting with the local mages and shifters has turned out to be more of a meet and greet than anything formal, which is actually a relief after the formality of the NATO meeting. The food is excellent and just what I needed after the hours in those briefings. I look around the room as Race stands back in line to refill his own plate and wonder at how full the room, actually a large ballroom, is of individuals connected to magic. And this is just what is local to Brussels. Well, within a few hundred miles radius … but still ….
"How is the food, Princess? I hope it is to your liking?" A grizzly older man gives me a toothy smile and reaches out his hand to shake mine. "Forgive me, I'm Marlin, the local bear alpha."
I quickly swallow my bite of raw beef and smile back as I shake his hand. "It's nice to meet you, Marlin. And the food is absolutely wonderful! Just what I needed after those meetings. I was coming close to collapsing from hunger!"
"I am glad it … hits the spot. Is that the saying?” He gives me another toothy smile. “We don't get too many visitors in this community from your side of the pond … at least not from the U.S." He shrugs. "But let me introduce you around. I'm what you might call the host of this get-together. We'll just wait for His Highness to refill his plate. No one will mind. But where are my manners? You surely would like something to drink? Wine maybe?"
"I would love a glass of wine! Something red and earthy? I adore French wines …." I'm not desperate for anything alcoholic, but it seems like the proper response in this case.
Marlin's grin broadens and he takes my arm and steers me towards the bar. "Gerome, please pour the princess a glass of our special red reserve. I think it will be very pleasing to her discerning palette!"
The bartender nods and pours me a large glass of a deep, burgundy-colored wine and delicately places the glass in front of me on the bar. He smiles as he gently pushes it toward me. "What would His Highness like? I can get that while he's in line." He speaks with a heavy French accent and has the tell-tale yellow color in his pupils that mark him as a wolf. My Dragon Sense confirms it.
"Thank you, Gerome, is it?" I shrug. "Race typically likes beer … the bitterer, the better. But he will drink wine, too. Or hard stuff on a bad day." I smile and shrug.
Gerome nods. "We have some excellent beers. I would think an IPA or a good Pilsner?"
At that moment, Race comes up behind us. "If you have a good local Pilsner, it would be perfect!"
Several minutes later, after introducing Race to Marlin, we're making the rounds and a lot of small talk with the locals. In the end, several hours later and deep into the night, it's clear that we have many allies in our fight – especially, since they are all below us in the hierarchy of all things magical and will follow our orders without question, in any case. This is going to take some getting used to. And I thought simply getting used to being a girl was weird ….
I step out of the portal right behind Race and into our bedroom. I don't waste any time kicking off my heels as I pull myself onto him and give him a deeply probing kiss. Once again, I'm dead tired. I'm pleasantly full and feeling the added effects of several glasses of heavy French red wine. All of it together is lulling me into a state of relaxed exhaustion. But I need Race more than I need sleep, in this moment.
It seems that he is on the same page, since he quickly starts unzipping my dress as he returns my kiss. He gently puts me down on the bed and rapidly shirks his tuxedo.
I slink out of my dress and lay there in my bra, silk stockings, and soaking wet panties. I beckon him to join me … desperate for him to be inside me. I don't even notice the reddish smoke I'm exhaling.
He jumps onto the bed and then climbs on top of me in nothing but his socks, briefs, and shirt and I feel his own rock-hard need pressing into my sopping wet panties through his briefs.
I reach down and slide my panties down my legs, not worrying with my stockings still hooked to my garter belt. I'm too much in need to care. I desperately pull his briefs down, letting him spring free like a catapult. I hook my stockinged foot into his briefs and pull them down to his feet and then buck my hips up toward him. I don't need … or want any foreplay. I make that very clear. It seems my heat is still not completely over, and my desperation is still very real.
He gets my urgent message and enters my very slick opening in one strong thrust.
I desperately raise my hips to meet him as more red smoke escapes my moaning lips. I know there won't be much sleep to be had again tonight ….
I smile wanly as Sis infuses me with a magical "elixir" of energy … on top of what I “automatically” pull through our pipeline. I have also been draining my ring of its stores this morning … and chugging strong, black coffee to simply maintain any semblance of consciousness. "Thanks, Sis. I've lost count, but I think I've had a sum-total of six hours of not very fitful sleep over the past week. Var'Leth promises me that my stamina will increase along with our progressing bond, but I'm still mostly human at this point … and I'm beat. Do you happen to have any magical espresso that you can hook me up to intravenously?"
Sis giggles, then turns serious. "You're going to have to take better care of yourself, Sis. This war is just starting, and you can't keep burning the candle at both ends! I know that's easier said than done, but my magical 'energy drinks' will only carry you so far. Eventually, you will simply collapse."
I can tell I am putting a strain on her, too … draining her stores to replenish mine. I sigh, puffing out a meager grayish cloud of smoke. I shake my head, I'm even too tired to puff out a good cloud of "frustration smoke." A small trickle of black smoke escapes my nose as my mood darkens. "Acknowledged, Sis. I will keep that in mind. Just keep that 'energy drink' flowing, in the meantime. Okay?"
"Sure, sure, sure …." Sis giggles. "Your smoke signals are really useful to a healer! Just don't start playing poker! Anyway, let's get inside. I'm sure they're chomping at the bit to get started with the meeting!"
This time a large cloud of black smoke escapes my lips as I talk. "You just wait until I can actually breathe fire … then you won't make fun of me!" I sigh … sans smoke. I really do need to learn how to better control this new … habit. "Okay. Let's get this over with."
Sis opens the door to the large conference room and motions for me to enter.
I step into the room. The majority of the magical White House day shift staff is in attendance with only those needed for staffing the War Room or portals not present. It's a routine staff meeting and it's my turn to lead it today, since Race is dealing with an issue in the War Room. "Good morning, everyone! Let's get started …."
I'm resting my head on my arms in Race's and my office. I moved into the office with him when we both became a part of the Joint Chiefs. It just made sense for us to have an office together. It's lunchtime and I'm about to drift off to sleep … just for a quick ten-minute nap, I promise myself.
Princess? Can you come to the War Room. I need your assistance!
I jump as Race blasts my brain with his unwelcome message. Sure, Your Highness … I live to please!
I groggily pull myself together and sleepwalk to the War Room. I would portal, but not only is that a waste of magical energy, the fact is that I don't have the energy to spare even if it weren't also bad form. I stumble into the room and give my mate a bleary-eyed look … that turns to wide-eyed, instant attention when I take in what’s on the monitor that he's intently watching with black smoke seemingly pouring out of every pore in is body. It's showing the satellite feed of the main Chinese dino camp that we've been monitoring. Portals are opening up everywhere and small mixed groups of ten dinos, each, are entering them and disappearing to points unknown.
"I think things are about to get more interesting." Race turns to look at me. "We need to let Father and our allies know. I believe an attack is imminent. I just have no idea where it will be …."
And the secure connections to our NATO allies start going crazy ….
Dragon's Fang ~ Chapter 8 (FINAL)
Author:
Caution:
Audience Rating:
Publication:
Genre:
Permission:
All Rights Reserved.
(Cover typography by Joyce Melton.)
(Cover Image Source: Photo 6936442 / Girl © Marek Paju | Dreamstime.com)
“It’s crazy out there!” Vick has a haunted look in his eyes as he attempts to monitor the events unfolding across the globe, but primarily in Europe. “Our NATO allies are getting hit hard by small groups of dinos popping in, creating havoc, and popping back out … only to pop in, again somewhere else. If it’s not random where they show up, the pattern is not readily apparent to me!”
Race hangs up the secure phone he is talking on and puffs out a large cloud of coal-black smoke. “Princess, Russia’s grudge-enemies, Ukraine, Sweden, and Finland, are getting hammered most. South Korea is close behind – obviously with North Korea behind those attacks. Taiwan is also being overrun.” He nods toward the phone he had just hung up. “That was our magical counterpart in Stockholm. They aren’t going to be able to hold out against these random guerrilla attacks much longer, since it’s spreading them so thin. I know you’re dead-tired, but we need to shore up their defenses at their main headquarters and government seats, like we did here. Do you have enough energy to get permanent shields set up?”
“I don’t know, Race.” I shake my head as the blood drains from it. “My batteries are drained … there’s barely a flicker of magical energy left stored in my ring. I’ve been setting up our shields non-stop for too long without being able to recuperate.”
Sis growls. “Your Majesty! She’s on her last reserves, as it is! I’m barely able to keep her on her feet by infusing her with inappropriate amounts of healing energy. Our mutual energy tunnel can’t keep up with the drain and she’s sucking me dry! There’s no way she can keep going at this pace! And neither can I, to be honest.”
My head splits wide open with a migraine and I groan. Mother Otohime? Any thoughts on how I do this? It seems it’s on me … unless we can give others in the Old Country the ability to set up self-maintaining shields. I’m actually surprised to not hear tubular bells.
I am sorry, Little One, but there is not enough light magic yet on the planet for another person to garner that amount of power, let alone multiple. It took all there was, pooled together, to get you to that point. There is a brilliant red flash and Otohime appears. “That being said, there is an option. But I am afraid that you won’t like it!”
Everyone jumps at her sudden appearance and Race looks … pissed. “Hello, Otohime. Option for what? And why wouldn’t she like it? What are we talking about?” It’s clear that he is pissed, since he doesn’t bow or respect her with her “Mother” title.
I have to defuse this, before Otohime gets angry, too. Like it or not, I need her. “I asked her if there was something we could do about my energy levels.” I sigh. “What is this option, Mother? I fear I may not have a choice.”
Otohime shakes her head. “I would tend to agree that there is not much choice. When you increased your merging with Var’Leth, you substantially increased your power … by absorbing large levels of available light magic. Earth has been on a long and ever-increasing path toward dark magic … and much of what was originally left of the benevolent energy was used to spark the light again … by, for lack of a better word, creating you. That reserve was further depleted by your increased merging with Var’Leth.” She pauses to let that sink in. “Like I said, there isn’t enough Light magic here to increase anyone else’s power … let alone increase yours.”
I am getting a really bad feeling about this as what she is saying slowly sinks to the pit of my stomach and churns up huge pools of acid in its wake. I haven’t had such an ominous feeling about anything since I learned that I was on a head on collision with turning into a girl. I shake my head — I must be overthinking this. “So … what you’re saying is that we need to go off-world for me to tank up? That’s not really anything new ….”
Again, the lack of tubular bells worries me as Otohime shakes her head. “No, Little One. Well … yes and no. That is not exactly the whole of it. Yes, we need to go off-world where there is more Light for you to ‘tank up,’ as you say. But you need to be able to store much more energy than you currently can, or we would just have to keep going off-world at an ever-increasing frequency.”
“You’re saying that I need to further merge with Var’Leth, aren’t you?” Black smoke pours from me as I try and process this. “I haven’t even learned to deal with the ramifications of the last increase … this … ‘heat’ thing … and this annoying ‘habit’ of colored smoke subconsciously coming out of me …. I don’t even know if there’s more ‘fun’ stuff I haven’t yet discovered!” I liberally use air-quotes and wild arm gestures to emphasize my frustration.
Tubular bells explode all around. Somehow it doesn’t make me feel better that Otohime’s humor has returned. “Oh, Little One! You never cease to amuse me! Of course there is more to discover!” She then turns serious again. “All of that aside, this is the only option that I can think of … and it would significantly impact the timeline of your development. Var’Leth would have to, of course, also consent, since it would impact her most.”
“I don’t understand ….” My smoke is turning even blacker. I didn’t know that was possible.
It means that we would have to fully merge, Child. Not just bond, but merge. We would fully become one and I would cease to exist as an individual. I would only continue to spiritually exist as a merged and bonded part of you. I don’t know if you can handle that level of connection yet. You are still mostly a fragile human and should be given decades more of your time … centuries even … to let your body slowly adjust and adapt to the magical energy levels that you will consume and yield as empress. Not to mention adapting to hosting a merged spirit.
I almost fall over I suddenly feel so faint.
“She is correct, Little One. On all accounts.” Otohime has a dead serious look on her face.
“Who is correct?” Now Race has coal black smoke pouring from him in his frustration. “On what accounts? What’s going on, Otohime? This is my mate we are talking about!”
“And the future empress of the dragons! Your empress! Don’t forget that ‘Your Highness!’” Otohime snaps at him and now has a very agitated look on her face. “You need to let us girls handle this! We will let you know what we decide after we have decided it … and when are good and ready!” Var’Leth, are you prepared to fully merge with Lexi?
Yes, Mother Otohime. It is seemingly the only solution we currently have, as imperfect as it may be.
Wait! Don’t I get a say in this? I’m not ready! Var’Leth even said so, too!
Otohime just shakes her head and looks at Race. “We have decided. We shall return shortly!” She snaps her fingers and the world disintegrates in front of me.
Just as my normal world disappeared in front of my eyes with the snap of her fingers, a strange and very bizarre one suddenly appears as we pop into whatever this place is she has transported us to. I look around in amazement and focus on the sky. What to my way of thinking should be blue is hot pink. A swivel of my head reveals things that should be green are bright purple, things that should be brown are royal blue, and a plethora of other erratic color shifts assault my senses and threaten to make me dizzy and nauseous. This must be something like what people would have experienced on Earth when they used psychedelic drugs about a century ago when they were so popular. It reminds me of that old Peter Max “art” we studied in art appreciation. I don’t see the appeal.
“Are you OK, Child?”
I quickly swivel and come face-to-face with a huge red dragon that is at least five times the size of Race when he is in his dragon form, but as beautiful as she is fierce-looking. While the dragon herself is not familiar, the voice is. “Var’Leth? Is that really you?”
“Yes, Child. Welcome to my home world. I am sure it must be very different from what you are used to. I remember my one visit to Earth a long, long time ago. It was very different from here, but I am much more used to visiting different worlds and taking in their uniqueness.” She puffs out some pinkish smoke. “But there really never is any place like home!”
I suddenly start giggling as that ancient movie, The Wizard of … Oz, pops into my head and the main character … Dorothea, or something like that, is clicking her heels and saying, “There is no place like home!” Another line from that movie pops into my head. Something about Tonto and not being Kansas, anymore … or was Tonto a Native American in another show? No matter. This is certainly not “home!”
Var’Leth and Otohime are giving me concerned looks as I try not to break down into hysterics. I finally get myself under control and take a deep breath. “Yes, it is quite different here. Sorry, this is all getting to be a bit too much for my fragile brain. First, I’m turned into a girl. Then, I’m slowly being turned into a dragon … to be the empress of dragons … and to save the universe, no less. But being brought here is making it all seem like some LSD-induced pipe-dream! Sorry, Var’Leth. No offense to your home world. It is quite lovely, in its own way. But I’m ready to wake up to reality, now. Even if that is to being back in my wheelchair!”
Otohime shakes her head. “This is no dream, Little One. And it is not too much for you. You were specifically chosen because it is ordained that you are not some featherweight or sniveling weakling. This is, however, moving much faster than planned … or for what could remotely be considered healthy for you.” She actually sighs. “But, no matter. It is what it is and we must move forward with what the universe is handing us. Some things are even beyond us goddesses!”
My mind starts spinning out of control again and I grasp at the first thought that pops into it … just to try and slow the spinning. “Otohime, how is it you can take sides? Are there gods or goddesses that are on the side of the dark magic? Where is the balance that everyone keeps saying has to be around?”
She shakes her head as tubular bells explode. “I have told you before … I am a Goddess of the Light, Little One! But like you said, balance must be maintained. So yes, there are other gods and goddesses that are on the side of the Darkness. As Empress of the Dragons, who have for eons sided with the Light, you will be responsible for nourishing your subjects who are embracing the light. Just as Var’Leth currently is. You will however also have to maintain the balance … meaning that at times, you will have to make the tough choice and let the darkness run its course.” She gives me a sidelong glance. “But you know this and are just procrastinating! Var’Leth, are you ready? Have you said your goodbyes?”
“Yes, Mother Otohime. I am prepared to take on my spirit form. It is sooner than expected, but I have lived a long and fulfilling life. I am tired and ready for my hard-earned spiritual peace.” Grayish-black smoke escapes her nose and mouth. “I am still concerned, however. While I am confident that we will be able to complete the merge, I am less confident that we will be able to immediately fully bond in Lexi’s current state. That could still take decades to complete.”
Otohime nods. “I know, my Child. I have the same concern.” She looks at me. “Lexi, what Var’Leth is saying is that while she will likely be able to merge with you and fully become a part of you, you are most probably not advanced enough in your preparations to fully accept her. She will be there, but you will not be able to access her spirit until your brain is able to accept that she is part of you. That means you will not have many of the benefits of being fully merged with a dragon spirit … including the ability to transform into your dragon form. You will however, still reap some of the benefits … including the ability to amass vast amounts of magical energy and wield it. I will have to personally watch over you and train you, until you learn to accept Var’Leth’s spirit and guidance, since you will have absolutely no idea how to control that level of magic as you do.”
I pale considerably as she snaps her fingers and the world, strange as it is, once again dissolves in front of my eyes.
The training planet that I have come to know so well, along with Otohime and Var’Leth, appears in front of me as reality once again sets in … and I know that my life will once again forever be changed by the time they are done with me.
“We are here, Little One, because this planet has some very unique properties.” Otohime is busy erecting a bubble shield over us. “It is a Light magic magnet and slowly pulls in large quantities over time. It stores the magic in its core, much like your ring. As a matter of fact, just like your ring, since it is fashioned from a gem that comes from this planet’s core. I am constructing an impenetrable shield over us. Just in case I have trouble reigning you in after you merge, since you will literally become a lightning rod for Light magic as empress.”
I nervously look around at the planet. It is different than the other two times I was here, neither the stark desert planet when I was training, nor the paradise it was when I was on my honeymoon. It is more a blank slate … and very white. I can sense the Light energy pulsing beneath my feet. Something I couldn’t the last time and I can’t help but wonder if that has anything to do with my more advanced merging with Var’Leth.
“Princess? Are you ready?” Var’Leth is giving me searching look?
“Not really.” Black smoke is pouring out of me. I admit it. I’m scared shitless!
Otohime takes my hands. “It is none-the-less time, Little One.” She bows her head to Var’Leth and lets go of my hands before stepping back.
Var’Leth bows her head back and then encircles me with her tail, which then coils around me and slowly tightens into a living corset. It squeezes harder and harder and just when I’m ready to pass out, it’s gone … and so is Var’Leth. At least physically. I can sort of sense her inside me but like through a very thick fog. I instinctively want to connect to her, but I can’t.
Then the magic hits me as a lightning storm erupts encompasses the planet. Bolt after bolt of lighting hits me … infusing me with vast amounts of Light magic. I literally feel like I’m going to explode as it drives me to my knees.
After what seems like an eternity, the onslaught of energy finally slows, and the planet has once again changed. I can see the energy around me, and I am as drawn to it as it is to me.
My head is pounding with a level ten migraine and I’m trying to clear my head … find Var’Leth or anything to grasp onto to ground myself in reality.
“Rise, Var’Lexa, Empress of Dragons and Queen of all Light Magical Beings.” Otohime’s voice cuts through the fog in my brain.
I focus on her beacon and the pounding in my head lessens to a level nine.
“It is time for your reign to begin, Your Majesty. Stand and accept your crown!”
Grae’Bar grimaces as the huge pulse in Light magic hits him. It is clear to him that Var’Leth is no longer empress, and that this Earthling upstart has taken her place.
He grins. She cannot be ready for such power or responsibility. She will be very vulnerable for at least a century of her time and it should be easy to turn her and entice her to the side of Darkness. Her hastened bond with Var’Leth must still be weak and that will work in his favor.
He shrugs. If he can’t turn her, she will be easy to defeat. At any point, he tires of this planet. It is time to end its meager attempt to return the Light to the planet. It will be the first of the conquered planets in his new Dark empire. His reign as emperor is about to begin … as is the fall of the reign of the insidious Light empresses.
To be continued in Dragon’s Birth ….