Chapter Seventeen: The Dragon gets the Kitty.

Phoenix:

Shaking in my spot, she was gone. Letting out a furious roar, Bloodvanya was going to pay for taking her away. Rising to my feet, flames devoured my body. A dark snarl twitched on my lips, my eyes falling on Tiger and my son. Whistling sharply, White Lightning bounded up to me. Snapping my head in Tiger's direction, fright rounded his eyes.  Little did he know the wrath coming her way or if he got in my way. 

"Go to bring my son to my mother. We are going to get your sister. Do get my father for me!" I ordered venomously, my flames flaring with my temper. "Now!" Running off with my son, White Lightning's eyes were filled with as much rage as mine. Coming back in ten minutes with my father and himself in matching golden armor, my mother waved from the cliff with my son. Luckily, my wife had managed to squeeze in pumping out a couple weeks of worth of milk every spare moment she had. Climbing onto White Lightning, we took off towards the castle. Holding onto my waist, Tiger struggled to hold on as we raced through the clouds. That bitch wasn't going to keep my wife, the long hours passing too slowly. Landing outside of the capital, I told White Lightning to hide while we got his master. Nodding once, he understood my order. It had been a while since the world had seen dragons. Stealing a dragon mask from a nearby cart, the other two pulled down their helmets. Running through the streets, more scales shimmered to life with every step towards the castle. Hiding in the alleys to avoid being caught, we all caught our breath. Unable to calm down, that witch was going to see who she was messing with. Don't mess with the dragon if you don't want to get burned. 

"I can get us in through the kitchen." Tiger offered with a nervous grin, my eyes rolling. "Trust me. We don't stand a chance if you simply charge in." Knowing that he was right, my lips pressed into a thin line. Pulling our blades out, it took everything for me to trust him. Guiding us through the alleyways, we were at the kitchen door of the black marble castle twisting into the sky. Knocking three times, an elderly woman let us in. Whispering something into his ear, he turned back towards us. Tapping his armor and my father's, a deep scarlet overtook the gold. Taking off my rough mask, he placed a scarlet dragon mask over my face. The half mask exposed my lips, his thumbs sticking up. Guiding me through like the lord I was, this woman was responsible for the fall in grace for the dragon people. Walking through the portrait lined walls, the great hall doors opened. My heart sank at Ellie scrubbing at the floor with Bloodvanya's feet on her back. Snapping her fingers, she stood up to the attention position. Seeing her this way broke me, my rage simmering underneath my million dollar smile. 

"Dance for me." Bloodvanya commanded with a sly grin, tracing her fingers along her breasts. "You are a naughty girl for letting them leak onto the floor." Shaking like a leaf, the band next to her began to play a ballet style musical number. Stepping back, her graceful movements would have stolen away my heart any other time. Weakened by the lack of food, she didn't land her jump. Seconds from hitting her, the evil witch's eyes fell on me. Stepping over her sobbing body, the bruise on her ankle told me that it was severely twisted. Struggling to her feet, she began again with the music. Smiling through the pain, the silky robes on that witch brushed against my cheeks the moment her hands cupped my face. Fighting the urge to throw up, her breath smelled as bad as her personality. 

"A new dragon lord. What is your name?" She queried with a wink, running her palm along with my chest. "I am going to play with her later if you want to join." Seconds from smashing her across the room, a throat clearing from Tiger shut it all down. Swallowing my pride, she fell again. Lifting her chin with my finger, Ellie could only watch with a pained expression. Kissing me roughly, guilt ate at me.  Quiet sobs wracked her body, her claws digging into the floor.  Letting me go, I did my best to make it look like I enjoyed it. 

"Sure, if you really wish to play." I returned with a sly grin, her arm yanking me close to her. "Where can I sit?" Pointing to the empty throne next to her, it took everything not to steal my wife away. Watching her dance to the point of exhaustion, Bloodvanya rang a bell. Limping out of the room, she came back with a tray with two plates. Tiger poured a vial of clear liquid into her glass of blood when she was flirting with me shamelessly. Fighting the urge to throw up again, returning the same energy was growing ever harder. Downing her glass of blood, the meal passed without any incident. Slumping forward, her head hit the table. Leaping over the table, an exhausted Ellie swayed. Catching her in my arms, a fresh cut on her wrist told me where the blood came from. Tossing her over my shoulder, my old man and her father sprinted through the castle. Whistling sharply, White Lightning caught us as we leapt out the window. Alarms blared, Bloodvanya spinning her balls in her palm. Watching them float into the air, Tiger shook his head. This couldn't be great, my heart sinking at the balls swelling in size. Ellie stirred awake, her mouth moving a mile a minute. Straining herself with every word, a circle of rubber blocked the lightning from striking us. Silver smoke curled out of White Lightning's snout, a ball of lightning building up. Releasing his ball, it clashed violently with her second attack of black lightning. The rubber glitched out, Ellie passing out on my shoulders. Tiger released a series of water and wind as my father froze each attack. Smashing against the castle, its walls began to crumble. Warning them that I was going to begin to fly, I slid Ellie into my left arm. Steering with my right arm, my family fought off the demons zooming towards us. Ice and water rained down on me, the respect for my father and her brother growing by the second. Fighting back tears, it was my fault she was stolen from me. White Lightning picked up speed, his wings fluttering until we were out of danger. Landing roughly, he needed rest. Walking into a large cave, Tiger rolled a large enough rock to block the entry into place. Disguising our presence, they took off their helmets as one of my fireballs lit up the space. White Lightning slumbered away next to us, Ellie not doing much better. Fresh bruises and cuts lined her skin, her pulse seeming to be barely there. Ripping off the hem of my shirt, one quick wrap had the bleeding slowing down. Focusing on her ankle, the twisted ankle was incorrect. Fractures covered her ankle, the shackles clattering to the cold rock floor. The salt diamond dragon glowed to life, a ribbon of light circling her body. The wounds sealed shut, my old man letting out a sigh of relief.

"I told her that I had the best dragonsmiths make that for me. I realized that she was a bit reckless. They infused that gem with the last of Eiron's tears. You know the healing dragon I always told you about. She was my dragon and that witch back there murdered my dragon. Her last gift was her tears. I decided that she needed them more." He explained through a wall of tears, the loss of one's dragon broke many a dragon person's heart. "I miss her but I have a family again. Thank you for letting me in and marrying her. As long as she lives that necklace will heal her. I hope you aren't m-" Tears of joy streamed down my cheeks, my love for my father softening my hatred for him. This was a big sacrifice for him. Perhaps, he really did want to fix things. Ellie curled into a ball on my lap, her peaceful slumber was a welcome relief from earlier. Tiger rested on White Lightning, his snores soon filling the air. Always down for a nap, his role was quite big in her escape. 

"I love you." I choked out through a wall of tears, the corner of his lips twitching into a sad smile. "I can't thank you enough for caring for her enough to give up what was most important to you." Sitting next to me, he draped his arm over my shoulder like he used to when he was happy with me.

"How could I let my daughter-in-law get hurt?" He joked lightly, tears still tainting his voice. "People like her don't come along too often. She fed me when she could have kicked me back into the ocean. She gave me a chance when no one would. I owe it to her to protect her as much as I can. Besides, don't you want us all to be one big family? We are immortal as you and I can't spend an eternity without you guys in my life. What is up with this Vessel guy?" Both of us burst into welcome laughter, his million dollar smile meeting mine. God, it felt nice to laugh with him by my side.

"He is Mom's new boyfriend or toy at least." I answered as I pretended to gag, another hearty laugh bounced off the wall. "Maybe you can find someone soon." Shrugging his shoulders, this was what I missed all these years. Purring in her sleep, her dream was pleasant, the scent of Flickers was in the air. She must be in her dreams, both of us laughing at her tail tickling my nose. Armored boots pounded past the cave, a small bit of dread bubbled in my stomach. We were going to get her home in one way or another. A solid couple of hours passed of him telling me about his time with that tribe, Ellie stirring awake. Yanking me into a desperate embrace, her lips kissed mine feverishly.

"I thought I was never going to see you again." She blubbered happily, burying her head into my shoulder. "I was swept away. I am so sorry." Sliding my hands down to her small waist, her broken expression met my loving gaze. Pressing her forehead against mine, each breath was shared between us. Time stopped the moment her real smile illuminated her features, her heartbeat was all I could hear. Biting my neck, my cock grew stiff. Now's not the time, her tail wrapping around my waist. This wasn't fair, my father clearing his throat. Letting me go, she popped to her feet, Spinning around, her hand hovered in my face.

"Let's dance." She suggested blissfully, my heart melting at her relaxed expression. "I find that dancing helps relax any fraying nerves one has. I was dancing for you earlier. Each fall hurt but I was so happy to see you. I knew you had a plan to take me home. I pushed through no matter how much it hurt. You couldn't keep your eyes off of me. Join me in a dance, Fireboy?" Taking her hand, her laughter twinkled in the air the moment I pulled her close to me. Sliding my hand to the small of her waist, our other hands rested on our shoulders. Spinning around with her, her smile never left her face. It was these tender moments where she let the stress melt away completely that made her ever more gorgeous. Pausing underneath the only ray of sunshine, my heart couldn't stop beating out of my chest. The early morning rays bathed her dainty features, her eyes falling on my father.

"Thank you for the necklace. I don't know what I would have done without it. You can spend all the time you want with Argon without supervision. Maybe you can take him for some grandparent time if we ever want to go on a date?" She stammered nervously, his face lighting up. "I take that big ass smile as a yes. I am a firm believer that people can be redeemed. I hope to honor your gift with all the respect of a reaper." Rising to his feet, he pressed her palms together. Smiling happily to myself, this was something he did to calm me down in the rare good moments.

"You have nothing to worry about. I am simply overjoyed that you are okay. I see the salt diamond healed you right up. She was a wonderful dragon that wouldn't have wished otherwise." He assured her with his million dollar smile, White Lightning stirring awake. "We should probably head back. "Will you be flying him?" Shaking her head, she motioned for him to fly.

"You haven't flown in a while so why don't you take us home?" She offered sincerely, a loud yes bursting from his lips. Kicking Tiger's boot, he snapped awake. Cursing under his breath, his face softened at the sight of Ellie waving at him. Popping to his feet, Tiger smothered her in a bear hug. Holding her by her shoulders, he began to chastise her with a half grin. Rolling her eyes, the relationship was something for them to treasure. Moving the rock blocking our way out, my father hopped on in the front. Checking to see if we had everything, the rest of us climbed on. Taking off into the sky, a light orange painted the clouds. Holding Ellie by waist, her real smile was plastered on her face. Tiger laid on his stomach, his arms refusing to let go. Flying for a couple of hours, we landed on the beach. Tiger hopped off, rubbing the back of his neck as he ran off. Sliding off White Lightning's back, Ellie rushed over to his snout. Kissing it gently, his scales brushed against her palms. Fishing around her apron, a piece of cooked goat rested in her palm.

"I stole this for you when no one was looking. I made it myself." She grinned blithely, White Lightning dropping it into his mouth. "Good boy. Get some more rest. You did a great job today." Taking off into the sky, lightning in the shape of a heart lit up the blue sky. Skipping ahead, she spun around. Concerned by her bright smile, an immense amount of emotional agony lay beneath her eyes.

"Come with me. I made you something." She whispered tiredly, her voice cracking. "Please? I hope you like it. Come on!" Taking my hand, her excitement couldn't be contained. Dragging me back to the house, we skidded to a stop in front of the door. Covering my eyes, the butler let me in. Tugging me towards the garden, a long exhale poured from her lips. Lowering my hand, my jaw dropped at the perfect portrait painted of me. Standing next to it awkwardly, her eyes averted to the floor. Scratching the top of her hands, her lips parted to speak several times.

"I used to paint portraits for the royal families and I could do them by memory. When I would paint them, the bastards would leave me alone. Then I would get lost with the movement of the paintbrush. They complimented me for the first time when I finished my first one." She muttered under her breath, shame dimming her eyes. "Forgive me if it is horrible." What the hell was she talking about? Every detail was right, and she had to know that. The fiery hair and eyes spoke of ferocity, my fingers tracing the scales. Turning my attention back to her, the latest event had zapped her of any confidence away.

"Being in that situation again made me miss you." She continued through a wall of tears, her hands shaking. "I was stolen and I didn't know what to do. My scythe was gone along with my powers. I am so sorry that I wasn't strong enough. I have been strong enough to save the day and lately that isn't the case. It makes me feel small and useless. I despise this feeling." Seeing her like this shattered my heart, she collapsed into my arms. Her legs had given out, a migraine had dug its ugly claws into her head.

"I love it. You aren't weak. You will never be weak. Life is meant to change and you are the best you can be at the moment. I am scared. No, I am terrified of being a father." I admitted honestly, the symptoms of her curse receding. "You are the greatest thing in my life. You are my wife and the mother of my child. You seem to forget who jumps into the fire no matter what they are feeling. That would be your insane ass. Let people help you. We don't like to stand around and wait for your ship to sink. Let us be lifeboats in your crazy adventure." Carrying her to the study, the leather groaned as I sat her down. Vera bounced in with my mother in tow, Ellie reaching for Argon. Accepting him with her real smile, my heart fluttered at how amazing she looked at that moment. Catching my breath, one snap of my mother's finger had the fire roaring to life. Metallic writing glimmered in the orange flames, Ellie lifted Argon up in the air. A knock interrupted the moment, Salvy came in with a large box full of the gifts from the town. Her curls had been pulled back into a bun, her violet eyes falling on a worn Tiger wandering in. Scarlet colored their cheeks, neither one able to look at each other. Clearing her throat, the worn table wobbled as she set the box down.

"I closed up your cart and brought Midnight back. The poor thing is eating a bale of hay in the stables." She stammered nervously, Tiger and her inching closer. "I don't want anyone to pay me back. Well, maybe you could. I would take a date with you as a payment." Tiger laughed nervously, her hands cupping his. Struggling to answer, Ellie watched with a sly grin. Cocking her brow, she pulled her legs into the cross legged position.

"Take her out, big brother. A blind person can see that you like her." She commented with a playful chuckle, her arm rocking Argon back and forth. "Surely you can see that she likes you as well. If Vessel can land her, then you stand every chance of this working out." His eyes narrowed in her direction, a snarl twitching on his lips. Shrugging her shoulders, my mother shifted uncomfortably. Rolling his eyes, his face softened in Salvy's direction. Bowing in her direction, he offered him her hand.

"I would love to join you on a date." He replied with his crooked grin, her fingers curling around his hand. "Give me a minute to freshen up." Excusing himself, Salvy crashed down next to Ellie, her smile growing wider at Argon. Playing with him, Ellie and her chatted pleasantly. Smoothing out her teal silk gown, her eyes sparkled with excitement. Tiger stepped in with a half up half down hairdo and a scarlet deep v-neck blouse, his eyes falling on her. A hint of jealousy burned in my eyes at his large muscular chest, her arm hooking around his elbow. Walking her out, Ellie stared into the fire with forlorn eyes. Resting her head on her palm, a bit of hope leaving her eyes. Life was catching up to her, the angle of her cheeks were reflected in the light of the father.

"Do you love Vessel, mother?" She asked politely, my mother stepping forward in a silky casual ruby dress. "I want you to treat him right. We have been friends for as long as I can remember and I want him to be happy. Can you manage that?" Their eyes met, her hands crossing. The bell sleeves of my mother's dress grazed her bare knees.

"I do love him and want all that for him. I appreciate your concern for him." She returned in her motherly tone, her gentle smile relaxing Ellie slightly. "I am happy because you found me. You did free me after all. How are you doing?" Shock rounded Ellie's eyes, her lips curling into a bright smile.

"I am fine." She uttered simply, gazing longingly into the fire once more. "I am a little annoyed at my limitations right now but time will heal that. In a couple of weeks I can be just as fierce as I once was." Half of that was the truth, my mother not buying that. Sitting down next to her, her arms pulled her into a gentle embrace. Kissing the top of her head, Ellie rested her head on her chest. Letting her play with her hair, she began to talk about tales of her youth. Motioning for me to get some tea, my empty footfalls echoed into the kitchen. Getting her curse tea leaves out, a snap of my finger had the white kettle filling itself. Floating over to me, I lowered the tea ball into the water. Setting it on the wood stove, time was all I had for the moment. Our other reaper was off doing a job, my mind wondering what my disciple was doing on the way back. The kettle whistling snapped me out of my train of thought, my fingers playing with the towel. Pausing for a moment, several bad memories of my father flashed in my head. Zooming in on the symbol on his neck, it all made sense.

"Did you finish brewing the tea yet?" Rosy Jack inquired calmly, pouring the cup for me. "I am back master. Do you need anything?" Shaking my head, relief lit up his inky black eyes. Staring at him for a minute, there was nothing really scary about him. His assistant hissed in my direction, my hands curling around the cup. Brushing past him, a soft smile dawned on my face at Ellie sleeping in my mother's arms. Putting her finger up to her mouth, nothing never needed to be said. Rest, she needed rest. For a couple of days, she had been running around like she didn't just give birth in a traumatic manner. Setting the cup down next to her, Argon reached for me. Scooping him up, his squeals bounced off the wall. A dribble of milk dripped from the corner of his mouth, my finger wiping it away. Burping him on my shoulder, a loud burp made me smile. Vera tugged at my hand, my mother sending me away with a wave of her hand. Smiling serenely to myself, the joy in my mother's love was evident in the way her flames were protecting her in dreams. Dragging me down the hall, her tiny finger pointed to a decent picture of Ellie's serene face. Tracing the fiery orange and red coloring her hair, her mismatched eyes glistened with joy. Vera even captured her crooked grin, my eyes falling on my daughter.

"You did wonderfully. When did you manage to catch her this relaxed?" I asked with vigorous excitement, her palms pressing together. Spinning around, her tail wagged faster than I had ever seen it. Leaning forward, her tongue poked out of her mouth.

"She had that expression when she was painting. We couldn't snap her out of wherever she went. We watched instead. It was so magical watching the brush dance across the canvas." She chirped cheerfully, spinning around again. "I do catch her watching me with the same look all the time. She gave me a dream family and I couldn't be happier. I still remember how fierce she looked the moment she leapt in front of me. There was so much fire in her eyes. If I am being honest, I have never met anyone quite like her. Maybe she can take me on the job she does. I want to learn from the best." Gentle footfalls stole our attention, a weary Ellie leaned on the wall.

"Is that so? We need to go search for your assistant and scythe." She explained with the same serene expression in her painting. "We can head out as a family to a special place. Is that me? You did so wonderfully well." Sliding down the wall, a bit of blood glinted on her palm. Vera smashed into her, a coughing fit wracked her body. Struggling to hold it together, none of that mattered in the tender moment.

"Besides, I need to pick up a special plant to speed up the healing process." She continued simply, hugging Vera tighter. "I can't wait to begin your journey. Do you want to sleep with me tonight? I need your special aura to keep my worries at bay." Struggling to her feet, the girls skipped off. Following them into our bedroom, they were already asleep by the time I entered. Holding Vera in a protective manner, they both looked so peaceful. Flickers hopped onto the end of the bed, her eyes meeting mine.

"Don't worry. I am entering with her." She assured me with a loving purr, her tail flicking. "Good night, my lord." Letting sweet slumber steal me away, the thought of tomorrow made me hope that everything was going to go well.