Chapter 3: Answers

Chapter 3 Answers

It took several weeks before Master Aaron allowed Aeris to leave her room unsupervised. Even better, it meant no more daily lessons from Charles. The man had been relentless all but beating the lessons into her brain. Maggie had stepped in a few times to spare her, but she couldn’t always be there.

But now it was over, she could enjoy her favorite pastime.

Out of all the things she enjoyed, flying was her favorite. The air blowing over her scales, the fantastic views from above, and the unrestricted speed all left an indescribable feeling of pleasure.

She beat her wings, soaring higher and higher into the air. Just as she reached the clouds, she folded her limbs, enjoying the brief weightlessness just before plummeting towards the ground. She twisted and turned in the air, all the while never looking away from the earth rushing to meet her. She opened her wings and pulled out of the steep dive at the last moment, relishing in the feel of the grass brushing against her claws. She then beat her wings and gained altitude once more, flying one final lap around the estate before gently landing in the yard.

Aeris looked up at the sky, breathing heavily, the adrenaline still pumping through her veins. Flying was truly the best way to relieve stress and forget her troubles. Ever since her outburst, Maggie had kept true to her promise to help Aeris find some answers about her origins. At least once a week she brought in books from the library in the city, and once her lessons were done, the two spent the rest of the day reading through them for information about dragons.

The books contained surprisingly little information. According to Maggie, all the books were based on theories or biased assumptions. It would seem that dragons didn’t like sharing their histories with humans or humans were too afraid of dragons to ask. Maggie said it was a little bit of both.

The search wasn’t a complete loss, however. She learned a great deal about how many different dragon species existed as well as some of their physical characteristics. She felt confident enough to be able to identify most species on sight despite having such limited contact with her kind. Sadly, none of the species she read about matched her description.

None of the other species possessed her unique celeste-colored scales, and there was no mention of her ice breath. Most dragons breathed fire, but she expelled a substance that froze things on contact. If she focused, it could be condensed into a single blast of ice.

It came as quite a shock when it was first discovered, and no one had been able to determine the cause. In the end, it was concluded to be a simple mutation caused at birth.

While she enjoyed that uniqueness, it was also depressing at times. She was sworn to secrecy regarding her ice abilities, so she was forced to politely decline when asked to put on a show. The response was always met with strange looks.

Despite the fruitless search, Maggie refused to give up. Every day she reminded Aeris why it was necessary to never lose hope, but it always seemed Maggie was trying more to convince herself. She didn’t want to give up, especially for Master Aaron’s sake, but the constant dead ends were getting to her.

With the adrenaline wearing off, Aeris felt a wave of melancholy wash over her. She silently scolded herself for ruining the end of such a great flying session with such depressing thoughts. She bent her legs and spread her wings, preparing to take off into the skies again.

Maggie suddenly called out to her, “Aeris, wait.”

She sighed and turned around. Sure enough, the woman was running towards her another book cradled in her arms.

The woman stopped in front of her, breasts heaving with exhaustion or excitement, but Aeris supposed both.

“I think I found something that could help us,” Maggie said excitedly as she opened the book and rapidly flipped through its pages. “Do you remember when we looked at the green crested genials and silver horntails?”

Aeris nodded slowly. Those were the dragon species with which she shared a few characteristics, but not enough to say she was one of them.

“All of these dragons share certain features and they all have one thing in common: they all can be found in the north,” said Maggie happily. When Aeris didn’t respond, she continued, “You see, Aeris? If you share these features with them, then you must be from the north as well. I know it isn’t what you wanted, but we have an idea of where to look. Now we can just focus on species that originated in the northern regions.” Her smile widened. “We could possibly be one step closer to finding out who you really are. Isn’t that great?”

“It is good news, but, Maggie, I’ve been thinking, wouldn’t it be easier to ask a dragon what I am?”

Maggie shut the book with a loud snap. “Aeris, that’s not a good idea.”

“Why not? The dragons have to know something. I’m sure there are some in the city who can—”

“Absolutely not!”

Aeris flinched at the sudden outburst. It wasn’t like Maggie to suddenly raise her voice like that.

“Is everything all right here?” Master Aaron asked.

Aeris spun around while trying to hide her shock and fear. She hadn’t even heard her master approaching. Maggie warned her he wouldn’t like it if he found out about their research although she refused to say why. Though Aeris agreed to keep it a secret, she didn’t like lying to her master; it always made her feel dirty.

“I was just reading Aeris a story, sir,” Maggie said, a large smile across her face. She quickly hid the book behind her back. “We were arguing because Aeris thought it would be fun to try flying blindfolded like they do in the story.”

Master Aaron laughed and then patted the top of Aeris’ head. “You know I would actually pay to see that. It sounds like a neat trick.”

“Lord Strauss, please do not give her ideas,” Maggie pleaded. “I just convinced her it would be a bad idea.”

Aeris was too surprised by how natural Maggie sounded lying to comment.

“Don’t worry I won’t. Now please go help Lydia in the kitchens. I would like a word with Aeris alone.”

Aeris’ stomach knotted. Maggie gave her an apologetic look then turned for the kitchens.

Aeris followed closely behind Master Aaron as he walked towards her room. Her mind raced with thoughts on what to do if he asked her about what she had been doing with Maggie.

Once inside, she found the courage to speak up. “What did you want to talk about, Master?”

“I’m not really in a talking mood.” Master Aaron replied, gently placing a hand on Aeris’ back.

She let a relieved breath. “Oh, then I’m not—” She froze mid-sentence as his hand slid down her back, pausing at the base of her tail. Her heartbeat increased. “Master?”

“You know, I missed you today,” said Master Aaron sweetly as he stroked her tail.

Aeris slowly pulled away from him. Her heart began beating faster as she realized the real reason for bringing her here—alone. “I-I’m flattered you were thinking of me, but I need to ask you something.”

He followed her, calmly stroking the side of her neck. “Do you now? Well, whatever you wish to ask, it can wait.” He kneeled and began caressing Aeris’ face with one hand while unbuttoning his shirt with the other.

Aeris swallowed thickly and flattened her tail against her rear. She didn’t have a question but it made little difference as her gambit failed. “But…But…”

“Is something wrong?”

“Master, I-I--”

He gently took her face in his hands and forced her gaze upward. “I love you.”

“I know, master.”

“Do you love me?”

Aeris took several deep breaths, but her heart showed no signs of slowing down. She closed her eyes tightly and turned around, lifting her tail into the air and bracing for what was to come. “Of course, Master.”

She just had to be strong. Once it was all over, she would be able to sneak out while no one was looking. Her master would cancel any lessons for today; he always did.

She just had to hold out until the opportunity came.

****

Aeris could barely contain her feelings as she took in the sights. She had visited on several occasions but only in Master Aaron’s company. Even still, they always went straight to their destination then back home with little time to take in the sights.

Now she had the time and not only that, she was here alone. Never had she defied her master like this. It was exhilarating and frightening.

Part of her wanted to go back. She shouldn’t be here unsupervised. Master Aaron and Maggie would be very upset if they found out. But she needed to find a dragon. She needed to learn her species so her master could stop making excuses for her.

There were so many buildings, stores, and stalls, each shop selling something different; Food, clothes, furniture, trinkets. So many things she couldn’t identify. Although she wasn’t allowed inside the stores, there were plenty of fascinating things visible through the display windows.

The smells were something else. There were so many different smells all mingling together, Aeris had a hard time discerning one scent from another.

She had read about places like this in stories. Areas filled with stores where many people came to shop. These were always the places where the hero found all kinds of new people to meet.

As much as she wanted to take in the sights, she had to find a dragon and get home before someone noticed her disappearance. People stared as she passed but she was too excited to care.

“Hey be careful with those you damn lizard!”

Aeris looked back across the street and saw a large green dragon standing next to a human. Both of them were arguing in front of a broken crate on the ground. Aeris recognized the species immediately; it was a Green Crested Genial, a dragon named for its friendly disposition.

Finally another dragon! she thought as she hurried across the street. Her mind was already swimming with questions. As she got closer she could make out more of what the human and dragon were saying to each other.

“I told you to be careful,” the human said. “Do you have any idea how much this stuff costs?”

The dragon huffed. “I was careful. You bumped into me.”

“I didn’t bump into you. Besides even if I did, look how big you are. There is no way I knocked you off balance.”

“I don’t want to hear it. Just go and get something to clean this up. I’m not having the owner dock my pay again because you’re clumsy.”

The human mumbled something under his breath before entering a nearby building.

Aeris hesitated. Perhaps it was a bad time. The dragon appeared irritated after the conversation with the human. He may not want to be bothered.

But she had no idea how much time had passed and whether or not she would get another opportunity like this.

She mustered up her courage and quickly approached the dragon, “Um, excuse me?”

The dragon looked around confused before finally noticing Aeris. She noticed one of the dragon’s horns was broken and he had a deep scar over his left eye. Looking into his yellow eyes, she felt fear. This dragon wasn’t looking at her as if she were a fellow dragon; his gaze carried the threat loud and clear that bad things were going to happen. The Genial stood up to his full height, easily towering over her.

“What?” the dragon spat.

Aeris did her best to ignore the dragon’s rudeness, “Hello. I’m sorry to bother you. My name is Aeris, and I wanted—” She stopped mid-sentence as it occurred to her that she had no idea how to phrase the question nor the best means of approaching the subject. It would be rude to ask outright, or he might even think her insane.

The dragon flicked his tongue and frowned. Before she could ask what he was doing, the Genial suddenly began sniffing her. She quickly took a step back.

“What are you—” Her words were cut short when the look on the dragon’s face had changed from annoyance to outright disgust.

“Go away, pet,” the dragon said the final word with so much venom, Aeris flinched.

“A-Actually, my name is—”

“I don’t fuckin’ care,” the dragon said. “I don’t like pets. Now I’m too busy to deal with you. Go back to your human master.” The dragon turned went back to the pile of goods on the ground.

“Well, that’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about—"

The dragon turned around slowly, teeming with rage. “I’m not saying it again, pet. Fuck off before I forget to be nice.”

Her tail wrapped around her legs, threatening to trip her as she backed away. This conversation was going downhill but she couldn’t give up. Her master was counting on her.

“I’m sorry if I offended you,” she said quickly, “But could you tell who your master—”

At the words “your master”, the Genial’s eyes showed a fury Aeris had never seen before. The dragon rushed forward and clamped his jaws around her throat. Fear seized her, paralyzing her as pain laced through her neck.

Suddenly she felt weightless. The whole world seemed to spin before her, making it impossible to tell which way was up, down, or in-between. She felt a sharp pain on one half of her body, knocking the air out of her as the spinning stopped. It was only then she realized she had been thrown into a wall.

The Green Crested Genial stood over her, his yellow eyes burning with intense hatred, “You dare treat me like I’m one of you?! You pets need to learn your place!”

Aeris lay on the ground, paralyzed with fear, wetness spreading around her hind legs. Of all the books she read, not one told her how to deal with an angry dragon. All she could do was cower as the reality of the situation sank in.

This dragon was going to kill her and there was nothing she could do to stop him.

A crowd had gathered across the street. She silently pleaded with them, anyone to step in and intervene. They all stared wide-eyed and whispering to each other.

“That’s quite enough,” said another voice Aeris didn’t recognize.

Aeris lifted her head in the direction of the voice. It came from another dragon she recognized as a Highwind Ravager; large, desert-dwelling dragons known for their red scales and violent tempers. This one had a more feminine voice but still carried a deep growl. She was far larger than Aeris, standing as large as the Genial. Aeris wasn’t sure if it was her elation at being saved, but she felt enthralled by the Ravager’s blood-red scales glittering in the sun.

The Genial turned to face the interloper, “You takin’ pity on this pet?”

The Ravager’s eyes flashed dangerously, “Are you questioning me?”

The Genial flinched as if she had slapped him. He submissively bowed before the female. “My apologies. Please excuse me, Matriarch. I wasn’t questioning you, I just…it’s nothing.”

“Well then, if you’re done embarrassing your kind, I suggest you go about your business before you do something else stupid, and I have to kill you in front of all these people.”

The Genial kept his eyes glued to the ground and said nothing, but he did throw one final nasty glare in Aeris’s direction before going inside the nearby store.

Aeris tilted her head in confusion. She was certain the Genial was ready to kill her, yet he stopped simply because this other dragon appeared. It appeared that nothing could quell the dragon’s rage, but he wouldn’t even so much as raise his voice at the Ravager.

The Ravager walked over to Aeris. “Are you all right?”

“I think so,” Aeris croaked as she struggled to stand. Her throat was sore from the earlier attack.

“You should really be more careful, my dear. Most clan-borns don’t even like to look at domesticates let alone talk to one.”

Aeris tilted her head, “Domesticate? What is that?”

The Ravager frowned. “It’s the name we have for dragons raised by humans. I’m surprised you didn’t know that.”

“But how do you know I was raised by humans?”

“Well for starters, you smell like one, which is probably what set him off.” the Ravager leaned closer and lowered her voice to a whisper, “I don’t mean to be blunt, but if you’re going to have sex with your caretaker, you should at least wash the smell off before going around other dragons. Some of us are more open than others, but being a domesticate you’re more than likely to send them into a rage if they learn you copulate with humans.”

“I--Thank you,” Aeris said, too ashamed and surprised to say anything else.

“You don’t need to thank me,” the Ravager said. “I simply don’t like dragons who act like mindless brutes. Domesticate or not, he had no right to react the way he did. It is our duty to teach domesticates the ways of our kind, not tear them open in the streets. Which reminds me, what compelled you to approach him and risk your life in such a manner?”

Aeris looked at the crowd. Their whispers of what they had witnessed rang out like cries of outrage. She wanted to find the deepest, darkest hole, curl up in it, and never come out again. For the first time in her life, she hated her unique appearance. She wanted to look like any other dragon, so she could disappear into the crowd and be forgotten.

The Ravager looked back at the onlookers as well. “Hmm. This is neither the time nor the place for this conversation. Come with me.”

Aeris stood and bowed low. “Thank you for the invitation but I really have to get home.” She wanted to take to ask the dragon, but more than anything, she wanted to go home.

“Very well. However, I ask that you look up the Patel family and come visit one day, preferably before you approach any more clan-borns.”

Aeris nodded and quickly ran off in the direction of home as if that dragon was chasing her. She didn’t stop until she was back in the safety of her room and even then, she curled into the corner.

The events wouldn’t stop playing in her mind and her body wouldn’t stop shaking even though she wasn’t cold.

The door opened suddenly. She jumped up, fearing the dragon had followed her. It came as a relief when Maggie entered.

“Aeris, what’s wrong? I saw you tearing across the yard like—Dear heavens, you’re bleeding!” She hurried across the room and touched Aeris’ neck.

Seeing the blood on the woman’s fingers made her lightheaded.

“Aeris, what--?”

Aeris buried her face in the woman’s chest. “Maggie, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean for it to happen! I just wanted to know!”

Maggie cradled her head and gently stroked the back of her neck. “It’s all right. I don’t know what happened but everything’s going to be all right.”