Prologue

Five strangers. Five destinies intertwined. Five crystals. Five elements. Five dragons in the 21st century.

I know it sounds pretty weird, right? Well actually it sounds downright crazy. C'mon you can't just ignore the word dragon especially when it's paired with 'the 21st century'. I was pretty freaked when I heard about it myself. But hey welcome to my life, my whacked out crazy life and join me on my 'adventure' as my dragon partner Ceros so laughingly calls it.

So here's my story, this 'adventure' the war that we got pulled into. Yes we, there's five of us, five completely opposite personalities from five opposite live. If we got as much of this crap figured out as much as we argued, you'd've thought that we'd have a solution by now. But then again maybe we will win and go home at some point knowing that five teenagers managed to save Earth. Not that anyone would guess that it was us, or that Earth was in danger. There's a whole secrecy side to this ah this thing, I guess we can call it. Pretty much it would be tabloids then straight to the asylum if we told anyone that we, five teenagers and their dragons partners saved Earth from utter destruction due to an invading alien nation. Kinda wild, soundin' isn't it? You running for the hill yet or you stilling following me? Come on join my world.

Chapter One

"Aza! Get your butt down here or we're leaving without you!" my mother's voice echoed up the stairs to my bedroom as I was finishing tying my shoes, bright red converse sneakers.

It was a balmy day, the first day of September and instead of going to school my parents were taking us kids, my two sisters, my super awesome older brother and me to the fair. My brother, Tony, he's great, he's not like other brothers, he's not obnoxious or bossy, he's just really mellow and if I need some help, whether it's relationship advice or monthlies he's there for me. And thank god he was there for me when I found the stone and Ceros.

I jumped up on the banister and slid down it just as Tony was walking around the corner, I crashed into his arms and we landed in a laughing heap on the floor. "Hey there big brother," I managed to gasp as he struggled to untangle himself.

"Let's go, Pix. Mom's getting cranky," he said as he helped me to my feet still chuckling.

I smiled and nodded, following him out of the house. Pix is the nickname he gave me because I was so tiny. I stood at about 5'0" and maybe 105 pounds soaking wet. I'm small, so what?

Tony opened the door of the family minivan for me and followed me into the back seat. The twins, our sisters, were four years old and chatterboxes. Their names were Lilly and Lucy.

"Aza, you don't wear makeup and you hardly ever do anything special to your hair, what the hell was taking you so long?" Mom asked as I buckled my seat belt.

"I'm not a morning person, you know that," I said. "And I was trying to get the twins ready." Somehow in some whacked out way, I was the twins' nanny. If one wet the bed or one had a nightmare they usually came to me. I dressed them and got them ready for bed and everything else and Mom fed them. I absolutely refused to do that.

"I'm sorry, honey but they listen to you so much better in the morning. You know how much I appreciate your help," Mom said.

Help? You call taking care of your kids help? Maybe if you quit shackin' it up with the guys at your office and come home on time, you wouldn't have to appreciate my help, I silently ranted in my head, my hands curling into fists on the tops of my legs. Dad has no clue.

I only knew because Tony and I had driven over to surprise her with dinner and when I went into her office, Tony had waited in the parking lot with the car, there she was laying on her desk, skirt hiked up, and some strange guy's hands all over her. She hadn't seen me but I left a note with the dinner dish outside her door. 'Hope you got all your work done. See you later. –Aza' Mom hasn't said anything about it but since that night she's not working late so much anymore.

Tony frowned and reached over, giving my hand closest to him a quick squeeze. I turned to him with a small smile and an eye roll.

"Yeah I know but Mom listen to what I'm about to say. I am not watching the twins at the fair. Tony and me are hitting the rides," I said, keeping my tone forceful but not so I sounded bossy.

"Yes Aza. I know you've told me before," Mom said in that you're-really-starting-annoy-me-with-this-repetitive-crap voice.

I sighed and rolled my eyes. I pulled my mp3 player out of my miniature messenger bag. And plugged into one of my favorite bands, Staind.

I stood in an open field. A light breeze stirred my hair; pulling auburn strands from the braid I had put it in. There was no grass, only crystal clear aqua blue water and I was standing on a rock in the middle of it. The water stretched as far as I could see, the sky and water becoming the same entity on the horizon.

The ocean? I thought, sniffing the wind for that familiar perfume of salt and brine that always clung to the ocean wind. Nope there was nothing. No ocean smell or sea birds flying in the sky.

I turned on my rock in the middle of this freshwater ocean, looking for some sign that I wasn't the only one there. Nothing. I looked down to see bright colored fish and other nameless creatures swimming about. I gasped, seeing the neon creatures' swim under the rock I was standing on. How odd. I knelt on the balls of my feet, my Converse on the edge of the stone thing. I reached down into the water as one of the creatures swam close to the surface.

The creature had the appearance of a fish but it was different, the longer you stared at it the harder it was to tell what kind of thing it actually was. At first it looked like a goldfish, then sea horse, then a baseball sized turtle and then a hermit crab and then something I couldn't even name. Each time I blinked the creature became something different, but could still fit in the palm of my hand.

My fingertips brushed its back and turned; it's body in the shape of a seal with the head of a lion. It looked at me considering me for what seemed like an eternity. It opened its mouth, tiny bubbles jumping from its open mouth and soaring to the surface. I laughed at the creature's bewildered expression and it did a couple back flips under the water.

I removed my hand from the water and shook it, hoping to dry my hand a bit before pushing the loose strands of hair back from my forehead but as I moved my hand toward my forehead I knew something was wrong. My hand felt weighted and wet and distorted, as if wasn't really attached to my body. I bit back a scream and directed my gaze to my hand.

It looked normal, except for the crystalline drops of water clinging to my skin. It was as if they were glued there, no matter how hard I shook my hand, they wouldn't move. I used my other hand to try and wipe the droplets off but they only transferred from one hand to the other. I frowned staring at my hands and then back at the water and the little creature thing that was still staring at me. This time the little creature had taken on the shape of well something I could only call a dragon. No not those giant fire breathing, teeth and claws, kill the knight type of dragons. One of those sleek elegant dragons you see in old Chinese paintings.

The dragon was the color of the ocean on a clear day. Its tail, well its entire body looked like tail, well except for its head it really looked like a water snake. The tip of its body, I guess if it had legs it would be called a tail, was decorated with a fin that looked like a rudder, a wide flat fin that looked much like a dolphin's tail fin, except miniscule. The dragon's head was fringed with these wavy fins, kind of like fur, like a lion's mane. Its eyes were the color of seaweed and they were looking straight into mine.

I gasped as it moved closer to the surface and me. It was growing in size and legs were forming on its sides. The legs looked much like a crocodiles except the claws looked much shorter and hardly sharp. Fin like growths developed out of the space between its shoulder, iridescent and angular, but wide like the wings of a huge butterfly. It was the length of a full-grown cobra and about as thick a as a basketball, and still growing when it looked at me and opened its mouth, sharp needle like teeth rimming the dragon's salmon pink gums. Its tongue, forked and thin, again much like snakes, slid over its teeth.

I screamed as words that were not my thoughts rang in my head; You have been chosen, Watertamer Aza. Find the stone and you will have me. One person, one creature. You cannot hide from me and I hope you won't. Destiny and fate are not to be avoided or changed. I will come, I will be yours and you will be mine.

I jumped awake just as the minivan bumped into the dusty parking lot of the fair, the dragon creature's words still ringing in my head. I took deep breaths trying to calm my pounding heart.

"Hey, you okay, Pix?" Tony asked as I removed my headphones and put away my mp3 player. "Looks like you had one hell of a dream."

I stiffened staring at my brother in shock, had I cried out? Did I talk in my sleep? Had Tony heard the dragon's words? I shivered, seeing the dragon's eyes in my mind.

"Pix? What is up? You look like you've just seen a ghost," Tony said, taking one of my trembling hands between his. "Christ you're clammy."

I shook my head. "Nuh-ah. I'm person," I quipped. I stuck my tongue out at Tony as we climbed out of the van. "I'm fine, bub. Don't worry."

Tony smiled at the use of my childhood nickname for him. "All right so which ride you want to hit up first, little sister?" he asked, taking the admission ticket Mom handed him.

"Anton. Azalee." Mom spoke in her stern mom voice; the one that makes you shut up and listen even when you're not in trouble. She pulled out a roll of cash from her wallet and handed some to Tony and some to me. We both gasped and looked up at her, with wide eyes. "I've been saving for this trip for quite awhile now and I know this is the first time in awhile that we've been able to go and you've been old enough to be responsible with your own money. So there's fifty dollars there for each of you. I really hope that you won't spend it all in one place or on one particular thing. You're sixteen and seventeen; I don't expect you to have much left when we meet up to go home but please be responsible with the money."

I smile wide and look at Tony. He winks and at the same time we move forward to wrap Mom in a giant hug. "Thank you," we say as Tony let go.

"For everything," I whisper in her ear. "You're the greatest." I step back and kiss her cheek, then meet her gaze and see tears swimming in her hazel eyes. Mom kisses my forehead and points after Tony; he's already headed for the Ferris wheel. I give her hand a squeeze and ran to catch up with my brother.

"The rides don't open until ten so that gives about an hour. I as thinking we could browse the tents before we buy our ride bracelets, yeah?" Tony said as I caught up with him.

"Sounds good. Can you believe it? We each have 50 bucks to spend. It's like birthday, Christmas and Thanksgiving all at once," I exclaimed in a rush.

"Yeah I know isn't it awesome?" Tony said, his face glowing. We walked together in silence for a few minutes. "So what are you gonna use your money for?"

"No clue. Probably buy something cool for Mom and Dad for Christmas and maybe you, then maybe something for myself. You?" I said, ducking into a little white tent full of wooden furniture and other items carved from wood.

"I don't know. I'm still in shock that Mom actually gave us cash to spend." Tony picked through a stack of hand carved signs, each with a different animal on it. He looked up momentarily to see the price on the wall.

I laughed and moved to a display of necklaces with charms made from willow branches. They were tiny and intricate, just the thing for Mom. I picked one up the shape of an eagle. I brought it to the counter and paid $5 for it, cheap price for a smile. I placed the boxed necklace in my bag and turned back to Tony only to find he had disappeared. I sighed and left the tent, standing on the edge of the boardwalk looking for Tony, my size pretty much cancelled that out.

"Are you lost, little girl?" one older woman asked, in that stupid voice you reserve for little kids and frightened animals.

"I'm 17 and looking for my brother, Grandma," I said, allowing a string of annoyance to wind its self around my words. "I'm fine so kindly leave me be."

The woman's lips tightened and she turned on heel, walking away with a loud huff, her nose lifted to the air.

I laughed and turned away, slamming right into someone's chest. I stumbled backwards and fell on my butt with a gasp. I looked up, a torrent of angry words building on my tongue, only to find a handsome tawny haired boy about my age staring at me in surprise. "Well are you gonna stand there catchin' flies or are you gonna help me up?" I asked, lifting a hand to him.

He grabbed my hand in a benumbed sort of way as if he really couldn't believe he was seeing me. My hand tingled as if I had just touched an electric fence; I gasped and jerked my hand away.

I wiped my jeans off and looked at him, feeling rather cross. I hate it when people judged me by my size, even old people, and this joker slamming into me did not help anything. "You should really watch where you're going. But thanks for helping me up anyway. So you got a name? I'm Aza." I held my hand out for him to shake.

He blinked several times and looked down at my hand, then grasped it with his own. "Name's Lance. You're the one who just stepped in my way."

I met his brown eyes with my own green ones; steeling myself from the tingling sensation his touch sent pulsing through my hand. "You are a damn liar! I turned around and you bowled right into me. Nice to meet you by the way, and now good bye, jackass." I dropped his hand and stepped around him, still searching the steady stream of people walking by for Tony.

A hand grabbed my upper arm in a firm grip. "You shouldn't call people names. Apologize and I'll let go," Lance hissed.

"I wasn't calling you a name I was calling you out on your behavior. Let me go!" I explained, my voice tight with restrained emotion. My arm was growing numb and his skin was searing hot, like it was on fire.

"No," Lance said simply.

I sighed and in a quick motion, jabbed him in the stomach with my elbow. He seemed to be expecting a hit because his abdomen was taut but he didn't expect a hit so strong from a pipsqueak like me. His grip loosened and he doubled over, I balanced back on my right foot and used my left to kick him in the side of the face. Lance collapsed and I walked away ignoring the shocked stares from the people around me.

My fists clenched and my back stiff I moved through the crowds with only half my attention on where I was going. I saw a spot in the shade under a maple tree and collapsed under it. I removed my Converse from my left foot and looked at it. I massaged it a little; there would be a bruise there in the morning. I sighed and replaced my shoe. It had been awhile since I had used my martial arts. I leaned my head against the tree's trunk and closed my eyes, emptying my mind and pushing the sounds of the fair away.

Aza. A voice whispered. I stiffened, listening intently. Aza. The voice whispered again.

What do you want? I asked in my mind, not even considering the fact that I may be hallucinating or going crazy.

Find me, Aza. You are a Tamer. Now accept your quest. Find me. The voice whispered pleadingly.

What are you talking about? I asked, my brow furrowing. Suddenly the image of the dragon from my dream filled my mind, its seaweed colored eyes piercing me, my jaw clenched as I struggled not to cry out.

You are a Watertamer, a spirit of water and a being of magick. I am your water dragon, your friend and trainer. Find me, the voice said. The dragon's image in my mind winked at me and disappeared, the sounds of the fair assaulting my ears with a deafening crescendo.

I groaned, my hands flying to my temples, tears pricking at the back of my eyes. I gritted my teeth and blinked them away, a headache developing behind my eyes.

"Aza!" I heard someone shout.

I jumped and mentally cursed myself. I turned to see Tony walking toward me, flanked by two of his friends from school, Kyle and Del. I sighed, Del was cool but Kyle was a skater wannabe who thought he could get any girl he wanted, including me.

I stood and brushed off the seat of my jeans. "Hi Tony. I was wondering where you went. Hi Del. Hi Kyle."

Tony smiled. "Sorry about that the guys decided it would be funny to kidnap me and drag me to this idiotic leather shop."

"Oh c'mon Tony, you saw the rack on that girl who was working the counter." Kyle exclaimed, gently punching Tony's shoulder. "How you doin', Aza?" he added in a drawl.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm fine, Kyle. Now leave me alone."

Kyle winced putting a hand over his heart. "Mm…that hurts, baby face."

I took a deep breath through my nose trying to calm down. After what happened with the old lady and that Lance kid and with the way my head felt I had barely any patience left to deal with this joker.

"Ah you ain't gonna ignore me now are ya, Pix?" Kyle asked with a laugh.

I leapt forward, my fist clenched and aimed for Kyle's stomach. "Don't call me that!" I yelled, my fist sinking into his stomach. He doubled over and I lifted my hand driving the side of my hand into the side of his neck where it connects to his shoulder. Kyle dropped like a weighted stone.

"Holy shit!" Del said, kneeling down to roll Kyle over on his back. Kyle's nose was bleeding and his lip was split. "Girl, you knocked his ass out!"

"He hit on me for the last time. And he pissed me off. No one but Tony calls me Pix, not even my parents," I said. "He'll wake up in a couple of minutes. Might want to get him to the medics building or something though."

"Aza come here." Tony said his voice quiet and restrained. He turned and walked a few feet away.

I followed him, my arms folded across my chest. "Yeah?'

"What is the matter with you? That's the first time I've seen you that mad in years," Tony said, grabbing my shoulders.

"I don't know I just lost it I guess." I met Tony's gaze. "Ever since I met him last year, Kyle has done nothing but annoy me, him calling me Pix was the straw that broke the camel's back."

"What are we going to do with you?" Tony asked, pulling me into a hug.

"Um you could ditch me and I could wander around on my own so you can hang out with your buddies or we could ditch them and wander around together. But you probably ought to go with them I don't feel like hitting the rides," I said with a shrug.

"No I'll help Del get Kyle down to the medics building then we can wander around together all right?" Kyle said.

I shook my head. "Go hang out with your friends. They're probably much more fun than you're little sister." I pulled out of his embrace and walked away, leaving him staring at my back in confusion.

I lengthened my stride as I turned the corner away from Tony and his friends, trying to ignore the growing pain in my left foot. I slowed once I felt a safe distance between us. Without realizing it I had walked to the medics building. I shrugged maybe the pain in my foot had led me here. Hopefully I wouldn't run into Tony, Del, and Kyle.

I stepped back as someone in a blue uniform came out of the small building, grinning and talking to a little girl and her father. He waved them on their way, pressing a lollipop into the little girl's hand. Her knees were bandaged and her face was streaked with dry tears but she laughed in delight and waved good-bye before reaching for her father's hand and walking away with him. The medic, a jolly-faced youth looking about eighteen, waved back before turning back toward the tent just as I started walking away, trying not to limp. I failed because next I heard footsteps hurrying toward me.

"Excuse me, miss! Are you all right? I noticed you were limping," the jolly-faced teen said, concern darkening his green eyes.

"I'm fine, my ankle is a little sore that's all." I smiled and moved to turn away but he grabbed my wrist.

"Please let me take a look. It'll only take a few minutes," he offered, watching me hopefully.

I opened my mouth to refuse but sighed instead. "All right, I suppose."

"It will only hurt worse if you don't wrap it," the medic said.

I nodded and allowed him to lead me into the building, only half listening to him chatter. He led me into a small room with one of those plastic-covered cots you find in doctor's offices. I walked toward it, wondering how I was going to get up there with my ankle throbbing the way it was.

The medic smiled and picked me up, placing his hands under my arms and swinging me around onto the cot with ease. He pulled a wheeled stool toward him and sat down, unlacing my left shoe and gently removing it. "So did you fall or something?" he asked as he turned my ankle from side to side. I hissed and he stopped. He placed his fingers flat against the ball of my foot, asking me to push on his hand until it hurt too much. I got about halfway and had to stop. "Definite sprain, if you hadn't come in it would have been a soft tissue injury." He grinned at me. "I'm studying to be a doctor so I'm volunteering here with the doctor I'm apprenticed to."

I nodded. "Um actually I kicked a guy in the head. I'm a self-taught karate kid and it's been awhile since I've used it. The kick I used is simple but I hold my foot right.

The medic gathered a few things to wrap my ankle. "You're serious?" he sat down again and rolled up my pant leg, he set to work gently wrapping my ankle.

"Yeah I am actually," I said defensively. "I had to knock them down to my level first but I still did it."

"What'd you do? Punch them in the stomach?" the medic asked.

I smiled sardonically. "Yeah I did as a matter of fact." I sighed, looking out the window at the laughing and smiling people passing by.

"I'm almost done. No worries," the medic said. "So what's your name?"

"Aza. You?" I asked

"Miguel. There we go. You are all set." Miguel put two short pieces of medical tape on the end on the wrap, holding it in place. "That should help keep your ankle straight and cut down on the pain when walking. Um take breaks often and sit down if you're gonna be walking a lot. Put it when you get home and ice it," he said, helping me down form the cot.

I nodded. "Okay. Thanks." I turned toward the door to leave and started walking away.

"Wait Aza. You look the type of person to enjoy this so please take it," Miguel said.

I turned back around to face him to see a beautiful crystal dangling on a leather necklace swinging from his fingers. I took it my hands, cradling it in my palms, staring at it in wonder. The stone was a crystal rod about an inch and a half long, it was clear except in the center of the stone was an aqua blue haze. There were hair fine black lines tracing the surface of the stone, beginning and ending now where. I stroked it with one finger, transfixed by it.

I know it sounds weird that I was captivated by a simple stone but I swear I could hear it whispering to me. Pleading with me to take it away from this man and free whatever was trapped inside.

"I was gonna see if I could sell it to a dealer but so far I haven't found anyone who wants it," Miguel said with a shrug. "You can have it if you like."

"I do," I breathed still studying the crystal. My eyes moved to the blue haze in its center and I could've sworn I saw a seaweed green eye looking back at me. A ghostly chuckle echoed in my ears as a breeze blew through the partly open window. I jumped and looked up at Miguel but he was gone and I was alone in the room.

I turned to the door, clipping the necklace around my neck. Wind burst through the window and swirled around me, I gasped, swallowing the scream of surprise that threatened to explode from my mouth. It was not wind that swirled around me. It was instead, an incredibly fine mist, warm and caressing like a mother hugging her child it flowed over my skin, as if to make sure I was really me.

I tried to move away from the mist and brush it off but it seemed to be stuck to me as it moved over my skin. The strangest thing was the fact that the mist wasn't even making my skin wet, it was just there. I gasped again as it crept up the back of my neck and flowed around caressing my chin, jaw line and finally moving to my face. The mist hesitated at the corner of my mouth; I let out a shivery breath and the mist flowed upward and in over my tongue with surprising speed. I coughed as it moved down my throat and dispersed itself into my body but the sound of my retching only seemed to make the mist move faster.

Warmth flowed through my limbs and they began to move on there own accord. I thought I was going to cry. With difficulty I clenched fists and pressed my teeth together, shouting no in my head.

Ah how good it feels to be free, said a voice echoing in my mind.

I jumped, looking around the room for the speaker, "Where are you? Who are you?"

You'll make people think you're crazy talking to yourself like that. We, as a matter of fact have already met, don't you remember? An image flashed in my mind. An elegant creature, dragon like in a serpentine way, like the dragons out of those old Chinese paintings.

I gasped my hands covering my mouth. A dragon creature is possessing me! Am I crazy? I wondered idly.

Don't you think you're being just a bit over reactive? The voice asked, this time, the words issuing from the dragon's image in my head.

I'm having a conversation with the voices in my head. In this world you get thrown in a rubber room with a hug me jacket for that! I spat.

I promise you, you are not going anywhere. Do you trust me? In my mind's eye the image changed, the scope widening to include how the dragon creature saw me. I still looked like me but I was dressed in tight fitting pants like jodhpurs, and horseback riding boots, ones that looked like they had come straight from, A Knight's Tale, and a loose fitting sleeveless cotton shirt the color of the ocean.

In my mind I watched as the dragon reached a paw out to me, his claws gleaming in the sun. I shrank back, staring at the creature. Are really asking me that? You invaded my body and you won't get out of my head and you're making me talk to myself.

The dragon winced and withdrew his paw, setting it back down on the ground. I suppose I deserved that. Can I make it up to you, please? The dragon bowed, lowering his head so his chin hovered a few inches above the ground. My name Ceros Penteium, I am a water dragon, heir to the waters of the world and chieftain of the seven seas. And you my dear human are my Tamer.

Tamer? I asked reaching forward in my mind to touch the dragon's scales. My hand in real life twitched but stayed at my side.

Ceros Penteium grinned, leaning into my touch and nodding his head. He seemed excited to see that I could move freely within my mind while he was there without my physical body reacting as well. Yes, Tamer. You are a spirit of water. You can control water with any movement your body makes and on any whim of your mind. You are my Water Tamer and I am your water dragon. I will be your trainer and friend and helper throughout the adventure we are about to embark on.

I have a gift? I stepped forward dragging my hand along Ceros' body as moved to his back. My body, still standing in the room where Miguel had left me stayed still, my eyes clamped shut.

Yes. Come with me and you will see. Ceros nudged my hip with his nose and I stopped at his shoulders, turning to look at him quizzically.

I can't. My brother, he'll probably be looking for me, and my family, I can't just leave. I exclaimed, images of my family flashing in my head, showing Ceros who they were.

Aza, you are water, free flowing and stopped by nothing. I know that the past half hour or so hasn't seemed that way but look back. What make you most happy?

I did as he said, images flashing swirling around us in my mind's eye, like a tornado. At first I wanted to say Tony but I as I searched through my memories, the most carefree ones were when I was swimming or somewhere near water. I lifted my hands and halted the images, I moved my hands together, so my palms were almost touching and then threw my arms wide and the memories disappeared, my real hands twitching but staying clenched to my sides.

I opened my eyes this time, and moved toward the door. I had to find Tony; I had to talk with him. He was the person I trusted most in the world.

Aza. Aza, where are we going? Ceros asked, as opened the door and left the medics building.

We have to find Tony. I said simply, my eyes closing briefly as I pulled up an image of him for Ceros to see.

Ceros pushed the image away. But why? Aza I have to explain our quest. What are you going to when you find him? Tell him there's a talking dragon in your head?

I sighed and rolled my eyes. Must you be so melodramatic? I moved through the crowds with a fluid motion, cutting through the throngs like I never had before. I was so much more aware of my movements now, more aware of everything, especially the locations of any water sources, and oddly enough the water levels in the air and in the people around me. If I didn't concentrate on walking or accidentally bumped into someone their silhouette would spring into my mind, and then it would rapidly fill up with water and stop at whatever percentage their water level happened to be at. It was intriguing and disconcerting at the same time.

You'll get used to it and soon you'll be so used to it that you can suppress the readings if you feel like it. Ceros paced restlessly in my mind's eye. I groaned, pressure building in my forehead.

Enough, Ceros or I will put you back in the crystal! I screamed silently. My fists clenched and as I slowed my pace, moving to the side of the path where it was less crowded, and pictured Ceros dissolving into mist collapsing into a ball and disappearing into the crystal at my neck.

Ceros growled and tried to resist. I stopped, what are you doing?!

I am getting you out of my head so I can try and wrap my mind around this whole idea without you interfering with my thoughts. I pictured the scene again, this time adding my force to my thoughts.

Ceros growled. Listen, Aza, please listen. There are still things I need to explain to you before you tell your brother about. You have to be careful. Your powers are closely linked to your emotions. If someone upsets you could very well freeze them in a pillar of ice for eternity. Ceros shivered internally.

Has that happened before? I asked, slowing reducing the pressure on Ceros.

Yes. Several centuries ago my cousin well his Tamer became angry with the air dragon and her Tamer and the air Tamer did not stop, she drove my cousin's Tamer to infuriation and the Tamer froze both the dragon and the Tamer into a pillar of ice. It was another four centuries before they could get out. The Tamer who had put them in the ice had died several years before they got out and as soon as the air Tamer and dragon set foot on the ground a wind blew up and they fell to dust, both of them. Being trapped in the ice had sapped their powers away into nonexistence. Ceros explained, grief making his voice husky.

What happened to your cousin? I asked, slowing my pace, and allowing the crowd to buffet me in the opposite direction, to a shady bench.

Well because Tamers aren't considered truly human they do not live as a normal human would. Tamers have the ability to live so very much longer. It was quite long time before anyone realized that the air dragon and his Tamer had gone missing, ten years if my memory serves correct, and another 421 years before anyone would catch my cousin and his Tamer. But when they were captured they were immediately put to death under crimes against Earth's guardians. Ceros said sadly. It was an awful thing to happen and that was the first to occur in nearly a millennia. It was lucky that it was a time of peace when those four died otherwise we would not be here talking of it now.

So do Tamers like have some secret society or meeting place we go to? I asked, still mulling over Ceros' story. I sat down on the bench and closed my eyes appearing once more in my mind's eye. I walked to Ceros and pressed my hand to his neck, I felt something wet on my other hand and looked briefly to see Ceros with tears trickling down his scaly cheeks. I wiped them away and hugged his neck, and willed my self into his mind.

Be careful. All dragons are born with the memories of their ancestors. Secret society? Well in a way. There is a place all Tamers and dragons can go to commune with past Tamers and their dragons. Each story and set of Tamers is different, each brought to being for a separate reason but without the previous none would exist at all. Ceros said, bringing up several memories. The first was of the air dragon and his Tamer in the pillar of ice, the second was of the water dragon and his Tamer's trial and the third was of a mountain peak shrouded in clouds. I watched as the mist cleared away for me to see a basin thousands of miles across and containing every Tamer and dragon that ever existed, even the four from Ceros' pillar of ice memories.

Wow. That is whacked. Can we go there? Will I meet the other Tamers and dragons of this century if we do go? I rattled off excitedly, carefully extricating my self from Ceros' memories.

Perhaps when the time comes. Ceros said. Now get up your Tony is approaching.

I opened my eyes and stood, climbing on the bench to see if I find Tony. I frowned; being short was a pain in the neck.

There, by that racecar game. Ceros said.

I jumped off the bench and ran for it, bouncing off people and not caring in the least. "Tony!" I yelled, the sound of my voice surprising me after talking in my head so much.

Tony spun around in surprise, his face breaking into a surprised smile as I jumped into his arms. "Whoa Pix easy there, kiddo. Are you all right?"

I nodded vigorously, wrapping my arms around his neck. "I'm fine but I need to talk to you. Something happened I have to tell you about."

"What is it, Aza?" Tony put my down and led me to the side of the walk, away from the people walking by.

"Not here. It's a huge secret and I have to explain it. It's gonna sound crazy but you have to believe me," I said in a rush.

Calm yourself, little one.

I took a deep breath and looked Tony square in the eye. "No matter what I'm about to say I'm still your sister but if you chose not to speak to me for awhile then I completely understand. Don't interrupt, I want to get it out all at once." I waited for him to nod, concern, curiosity and confusion swimming in his eyes. "Okay so um this is gonna sound crazy but here it goes. I am a Water Tamer, I can control water, make ice and make water do whatever I can think of, even hurt people. I am a spirit of water and a reincarnated Tamer several times over and this crystal around my neck houses my power and my teammate and trainer, a dragon named Ceros Penteium."

I took a breath before continuing. "Since before I was born or even thought of, it has been my fate to harness water's power and alongside my dragon friend defend and save Earth from impending doom." I closed my eyes, waiting for Tony to start laughing or walk away or shun me but he didn't do anything.

"You're serious aren't you?" Tony said caution and disbelief clear in his words.

I nodded and opened my eyes. "Yeah I am. There are five of us, well ten if you consider the dragons but I'm talking about humans."

"Aza you understand that you sound like a complete loony?" Tony said, frowning slightly.

I shrugged. "Yeah I considered that fact when Ceros started talking to me I answered back. It wasn't my choice, Tony, and it's overwhelming to know that I'm gonna turn into, along with four others, some kind of crack pot team of saviors." I bit my lip, listening for a moment. "Ceros says that since you don't believe me, I can prove it."

"What do you mean he says? I didn't hear anything," Tony said, looking around.

"Only I can hear Ceros unless he's formed. We're both water spirits so we can share a body and mind. Ceros speaks to me through his thoughts and I answer him with my own thoughts," I said quietly, knowing full well I sound stark raving mad. You're the human I trust most in this whole world and you're the only one that's gonna know my secret and you can't tell anyone else. Please Tony if you love me tell me you aren't going to tell anyone."

"Human? What happened to me being your brother?" Tony hugged me. "Of course I won't tell anyone and I would like you to prove it, I mean you do sound like a loony."

Can we do that? Can you show him you, Ceros? I asked, closing my eyes briefly. Our connection's clearer that way.

Yes we need to find someplace private, though.

Behind the racing shed, by the track, they haven't used that in years. I drudged up a picture of it from when I was a little little kid and showed it to Ceros.

Ceros considered the memory, he then closed his own eyes and the edges of his body blurred, a hum filling the air. He opened his eyes and the humming stopped, his body clear once more. It will do.

I smiled and opened my eyes. "Come on follow me." I grabbed Tony's hand and began pulling him through the crowds. We only had a few minutes walk but the crowds were making it difficult, especially for someone my size.

Ceros' presence shifted in my mind, moving to my eyes, I stumbled as images flashed through in front of my eyes. The pictures were of a different route, with no other being to be scene. The images flashed across my corneas appearing opaque like in my line of vision so I was looked through the pictures to the crowds in front of me.

I turned suddenly, following Ceros' instructions. I read the moistures in the wind and made a map of sorts, I also used some of your memories. Turn again once you get past the barns.

I nodded and did as I was told. Tony was still trailing behind me, his grip on my mind a constant reminder of what I was about to do. I shook my head and pushed aside my fears as Ceros' voice intruded my thoughts. Is this it?

We rounded a corner and there stood a fragile looking dilapidated old barn. It was incredibly old, one of those post and beam types that were put together with wood pegs. I released Tony's hand and walked forward, my eyes falling closed. I took a deep breath and put my hands together, palm-to-palm. Ceros closed his eyes also and a breeze tugged at my hair.

Suddenly I felt a chill creeping down my skin, trickling, and a rolling sensation almost like water but lighter and purer. I opened my eyes to see a mist rolling off my the skin of my arms. I shivered and the mist lifted, solidifying meticulously slow.

Tony came to stand by my side, gripping my shoulder in reassurance, I blocked out his water level as it jumped to my mind. Instead I watched in fascination as the mist continued to move in sluggish movements.

Going from the ground up, paw-by-paw and scale-by-scale, a dragon appeared in front of us. He was the color of ocean water, on a sunny day with a reptilian figure. His paws looked like that of a crocodile, his legs only holding the creature about a foot and a half off the ground, his body as thick as an ATV tire and about the length of a minivan, and a mane of blue fibrous hair decorated his head like a lions mane. Its eyes slanted down slightly and seaweed green like a cat's and watching me with a predatory focus.

The dragon dropped to one knee, his tongue flickering out to lick his scaly lips before speaking. "Good day, milady Tamer." He rose to consider my reaction.

I gasped, my hands flying to cover my mouth. I almost couldn't believe what I was seeing but then again I kinda had to; he was part of me after all. I forgot Tony was there and walked toward the dragon, my hands trembling. I dropped to my knees in front of his muzzle, and took it in my hands tears cascading down my cheeks. "I remember, Ceros, I remember why I'm here. I can feel a presence in my mind. The past is coming back to me."

Ceros hissed softly, trying to calm me. His tongue flicked out, across my cheek trying to stop my tears. "Please, my young one, do not despair. The past is just as it is named; allow it to stay there. We are now and must face it that way," he spoke softly, his reminding me of waves gliding across the sand, raspy in a way but calming in another.

I tried desperately to make sense of the images in my mind, unaware of my brother's presence or the quiet noises coming from Ceros' throat, musical and songlike. I only knew the sounds and broken bits of memories crashing through my mind, so many people and different lives. I couldn't make sense of it.

Slowly I pushed the broken memories aside, I couldn't make sense of them, it was like a fast forwarding videotape. I dried my face and turned to Ceros, he was still making the songlike noises. I half smiled and Ceros' tongue flicked out once again to dry my face.

Your brother seems perplexed. Ceros' voice echoed in my head.

I started and jumped to my feet. I turned to Tony and grabbed his hand, gently tugging him forward. "Tony this is my ah friend, Ceros Penteium. I just call him Ceros it's much less formal. Only in the Century Meets do you call dragons by their full names."

Ceros bowed again. "Good day to you, Tony. It's a pleasure to meet Aza's most trusted companion." He stood once more, watching Tony expectantly.

Tony gaped, blinking several times in rapid succession. "A talking dragon? I must be crazy."

Ceros frowned and I sighed, clapping my hand to my forehead at the same instant.

I pressed my hand to Tony's back, making him bend over so he bowed to Ceros. My strength had increased with the knowledge of lineage. "You always bow before a dragon, they are after all superior beings," I hissed in Tony's ear.

Ceros nodded.

"I am not bowing to a lizard!" Tony exclaimed standing upright.

"You already did and unless you want to anger him you will do so every time you meet Ceros. You can consider you sanity later," I said. "Now please mind your manners. Speak only when spoken to and do not question you sanity in front of Ceros. Do not make direct eye contact unless the dragon does so first. Disrespect is a grand offense to a dragon." Tony frowned and nodded, noting the seriousness of m expression.

"Do you believe Aza now, human?" Ceros asked keeping his tone light and playful.

Tony nodded. "This all very hard to swallow. I mean no disrespect but this completely crazy."

"It is understandable that you feel this way, human, but you must also understand that without your sister's help Earth may cease to exist," Ceros said, studying Tony carefully.

"Tony. My name's Tony." He bowed once more for good measure. "What is going to happen to Earth?"

"Nothing you need to worry about, Bub. Me and Ceros and the others will take care of it," I broke in before Ceros could speak.

That was rude. Ceros spoke in my mind rather than out loud.

Yes but I can get away with it seeing as we are one. We don't need to give away any unnecessary information and be overheard. I answered back.

Ceros shrugged and nudged me in the back. "We must leave, young one. Danzig and Ambrosa are nearby."

"No not yet." I glanced at Tony then back to Ceros to meet his eyes. "We can go save the world after I get my fill of semi normality."

"There are only three of us. We must first find the earth and weather dragons first and their Tamers. The dragons would be at the Dragon's Gorge. And I'm sure they are quite impatient," Ceros said.

"Ceros. I have to come up with some kind of story to get away from home for who knows how long," I said, my tone firm and icy.

Ceros' jaw muscles flexed and he nodded. "Fine," was all he said. He dissolved into a small cloud of mist and encircled me before joining me.

His presence settled into my mind like slipping on a favorite coat. I took a deep breath of relief as Ceros' mist form swept over my skin before settling into my pores and joining my mind. I hadn't realized how tense I had been when Intel was in form; I guess I was so worried about getting seen I had freaked myself out.

"Where'd he go?" Tony asked, looking around wildly.

"He joined me." I took Tony's hand and pressed it to my forehead. "Ceros and I are one being, he shares my mind, my heart and my body." I moved Tony's hand to my heart and then to my stomach.

Tony stared for a few seconds and then shook his head and smiled. "All right dragon girl, let's get something to eat. I'm thinking some ice cream from Mama Rosa's, my treat."

I grinned. "Chocolate with all the fixings?"

Tony squeezed my hand. "Chocolate with all the fixings." Still holding my hand he walked away from the old barn toward the path.

I took a deep breath, relaxing into the walk and finally taking in the fair scene. It took us about twice as long as it should have to reach Mama Rosa's. I kept stopping at every booth that had things that attracted my eye. I bought wooden flutes for the twins, one pink and one yellow and a CD of reed pipe playing for my dad, he was into funky music. I got a really awesome dagger carved from onyx for Tony. It took quite a bit of bartering and wheedling, luckily the guy was young and cute so I flirted the price down about half and by the time I actually handed cash over for it the price was three quarters what it originally was. The dagger came with it's own leather case too, it wasn't sharp though but it did come with a little stone and book on how to give it an edge, he loved medieval type things. And I bought a new beaded belt and shawl for me.

"Jeez this is why I hate taking you shopping. You stop everywhere," Tony complained.

"Don't be a weenie or you won't get your birthday present," I said, pausing to look over a tray of pewter rings with multicolored stones.

Tony frowned and pouted. "But I'm hungry, Pix," he whined

I laughed and tickled his sides. "Ah does baby Tony want his bottle, or maybe some cheese with that whine?"

Tony stuck his tongue out at me and pulled me toward Mama Rosa's. It was right up ahead, Italian opera coming from within the booth.

Someone grabbed my shoulder, yanking me too a stop. "You!" the voice spat.

I shook free from Tony's hand and turned around to see Lance, the kid that had ran into me earlier. His lip was split and swollen, giving his face a lopsided aspect. "Leave me alone!" I said, throwing his hand off my shoulder

Aza. Ceros spoke in my mind but I was too angry to notice.

"No I will not. You owe me an apology," Lance said.

"I don't owe you anything at all, now leave me alone," I spat.

"Aza, who is this kid? And why is he bothering?" Tony asked, putting a hand on my other shoulder.

Aza.

"You stay out of this. She owes me an apology for this," Lance said, first jabbing a finger at me then his lip.

"We wouldn't be discussing this if you watched where you were going and hadn't run into me and pushed me to the ground," I said.

Aza! Ceros' tone was getting irritated but I still ignored him.

"You're the one who just stepped in my way without looking we wouldn't be discussing this," Lance said back.

Aza!

"I did look, thank you. And if you hadn't have grabbed my arm then I wouldn't have kicked you," I retorted.

AZA! Ceros thundered.

I let out a squeak and my hands flew to my temples, pain crashing through my head like waves on an angry ocean. Christ, Ceros what do you want? I asked in my squeezed my shoulder again but I shook him off.

Look at Lance's eyes and allow him to meet yours. Ceros extended his reach to my eyes, changing their color and shape to match his.

I did as I was bidden and met Lance's gaze forcing him to meet my eyes with his own.

Lance gasped, "You!" he stared in wonder, probably trying to figure out how such a small human being could be a Tamer.

I blinked several times, feeling my eyes return to normal, and shook my head. "It's impolite to stare," I said, crossing my arms and raising my chin defiantly.

"Can I buy you an ice cream?" Lance blurted, then covered his mouth as if he couldn't believe that offer really came out of his mouth.

I laughed. " Nice of you to offer but my brother is treating me. I suppose you can join us if you like."

Lance opened his mouth and closed it a couple times, looking as if he wanted to refuse. Then he frowned and said, "Okay, thanks."

I grinned and chuckled. "You ready, Tony?"

"Yeah actually I'm really confused. A minute ago you two were about to start clawing each others eyes out and now we're going to get ice cream," Tony said, "What the hell is going on?"

"Hmph…that is rather odd but he's a Tamer and my ally I guess of sorts," I shrugged.

"You can't just go shouting that word around, what if someone hears you?" Lance said, his expression growing anxious.

"Oh jeez, Lance you aren't a worry wart type, are you?" I asked, exasperated. "No one is going too know what we're talking about and if they do then they may be one too. So far there are only three of us and the others need to be found so maybe if someone does overhear me it's one of the others."

Lance frowned, rubbing a hand over his face, his jaw muscles flexed and when he removed his hand he looked incredibly annoyed. "Fine. Can we just get the damn ice cream?"

I shook my head and linked arms with Tony. "Let's go."

Lance looked over at us strangely and then away quickly.

I glanced at him, my curiosity spiked. Lance's expression had turned solemn and sad; his hazel eyes were dark and partly hidden behind his thick shaggy tawny hair, full of an emotion I couldn't place. Regret? Distress? Anger? Perhaps all three. I shrugged and looked away but not before Lance met my gaze. He looked at me for one long second and then away. I knew what was bothering him.

I freed my arm from Tony's and stretched, then folded my arms on top of my head. "Sure is warm for September. Wouldn't believe it was autumn unless you looked at the trees," I said as we joined the ordering line at Mama Rosa's.

Lance stared at me hard for a second as if considering something and then slipped in front of me. I didn't object, I pretended to be absorbed by Tony's choice of ice cream.

"Ugh so many choices," Tony said. "I think I'll go with the moose track sundae. What about you, Pix, change your mind?"

I laughed. "No way, still chocolate with all the fixings."

"It'll give you pimples," Tony joked.

Even Lance laughed when I said, "If people don't like me because I have a pimple then they don't have to look at me cause they're pompous fools."

It was our turn to order and Lance stepped up to the window, throwing a flirtatious smile to the girl at the counter. I smothered a laugh. Lance glanced at me out of the corner of his eyes, and winked when the girl looked down to write out his order. "Oh and I'll also have a chocolate cone." He glanced at me again. "Large with all the fixings in a dish, please, and a moose tracks sundae." He withdrew the required amount from his pocket and handed it to the girl, joking and flirting while she got him his change. "Thank you. Have a nice day."

Tony dogged him as we moved to the pick up window and I followed close behind. "Why'd you do that?"

"I want to apologize for being rude earlier and-," He paused his lips pressed together firmly. He flinched and sighed. "And for running you over at our first meeting Aza." He passed me my ice cream, upside down in a dish.

I laughed. "Thank you and apology accepted, to both of you. You wouldn't have apologized for running into me on your own, I know your type, stubborn and proud, never wanting to admit your wrong." I took the bowl, licking my lips. "Mmm just the way I like it."

Lance's eyes flashed in anger but he nodded. "You're right." He passed Tony his sundae. "Shall we find a place to sit?"

You are wonderful. Ceros said.

I giggled. Thanks, I guess but I don't understand. I followed the boys to a table on the fringes of the tent and sat between them.

You just outwitted both the Fire Tamer and his dragon at the same time. Ambrose was not expecting you to address him and you managed to pin the personality of the boy at the same time. Oh, Ambrosa is surprised. This hasn't happened to her in years. Most past Fire Tamers have been quiet and mysterious, not hot tempered and rude like Lance. She is trying to in still manners in the boy. I think you will help in that process. He paused, and used my eyes to look at Lance.

I felt my eyes change shape and my head turned to Lance against my will. Lance glanced up and down again then his head snapped back up when he registered that my eyes had changed. He stared, his mouth hanging open slightly.

He seems intelligent.

I blinked my eyes back to normal, giggling slightly. He was surprised, that's all. I took a bite of my ice cream, my body my own once more. It was still unnerving to know that Ceros could take my body even if I didn't want him to. Hell it was unnerving to know I was sharing my body with a dragon. But it was strange because in a way I knew this was the way it had to be. I accepted I couldn't get rid of him. His death would be my demise and like wise for Intel. I wouldn't die but I would be greatly weakened and without my powers. For as long as it took for a new generation of Tamers to be born and grown to age I would live for Earth's protection. And after that I would retire to Dragon's Gorge.

I half smiled and looked to Tony and Lance, they were discussing something intently, though they glanced at me every few seconds. "You'll get whiplash you keep doing that."

"Were you discussing something funny?" Lance asked, his tone terse.

I shook my head. "Yes and no. In a way but it was different. You know what I mean?"

Lance grinned wryly. "Yeah. Isn't strange it's like a silent conversation of thoughts without being a conscious conversation."

"What are you two talking about?" Tony asked

"Tamer stuff," Lance and I said in unison. We looked at each other and then laughed. "This is so strange," I said.

"I feel really really left out," Tony said. "You two are sitting there talking about who knows what and Aza, you sat there for about three minutes, not moving in the least, with your eyes half closed. Why?"

"Tony I am not going to say that out loud. You are aware of why," I said a slight warning in my tone.

"Wait a second, he knows? Why did you tell him?" Lance asked in alarm. "Is he?"

"No he's not. One of us would have sensed it by now, especially with two of us here, his powers would have made themselves aware," I said through bites ice cream. "And I told him because I only became a Tamer today and I was freaking out and he is my brother and the human I trust most in this world."

"Really? You seem pretty in control?" Lance asked surprise lifting his eyebrows.

"Water is not as volatile as fire, hotshot, beside I haven't even tried to do anything yet," I said.

"Are you insinuating something?" Lance asked

"Yeah I am. Water is not as volatile as fire. That's what I'm insinuating now calm down before I shove this cherry up your nose," I snapped.

Ambrosa wishes to know if you are part fire. Ceros asked.

No I am not but when I get mad which doesn't happen often I go straight to furious.

Tony touched my arm. "I think you should calm down too."

"Yo Tony!"

I groaned. Not him again.

"Are you all right, Aza?" Lance asked, keeping his tone low and casual.

"I'm just ducky, Lance," I said sarcastically, digging into my ice cream with concentration.

Del swung a chair out from the table across from me and straddled it, glancing at Lance before settling his gaze on me. "Hey Aza. Long time no see."

I took a slow breath through my nose before speaking, "Hi Del."

Kyle pulled out a chair on Tony's other side, considering Lance all the while, trying to figure out if I was with him. "Hi Aza. You know you almost broke my nose?"

I looked up at him. Kyle had a developing bruise on his neck where I hit him. "I wasn't anywhere near your nose though it might be an improvement actually but probably not when you tell people you got your ass kicked by a shrimp and a chic no less."

"You did that?" Lance asked in amazement.

"Yeah I don't get mad that often but when I do I get furious. I was in karate when I was a kid so I use it sometimes especially on a-holes," I explained.

"Who's he?" Kyle asked, jerking his chin at Lance.

Lance reached across the table offering Kyle his hand to shake. "Lance Carlson. You are?"

"Kyle Andres." He ignored Lance's hand and instead looked at Aza. "Who's he to you?"

"A friend, now will you lay off before I break your jaw," I snapped.

"Ooh like you can hit me a second time, kid," Kyle taunted.

Tony's hand flew up before anyone could blink, his eyes had turned hard and his expression was grim. He swung his hand out like he was going to backhand Kyle but stopped millimeters from Kyle's cheek. "I have told you time and time again to lay off my sister. And I'm telling you for the last time to leave her be. Next I will be talking with my fist. And you know I can kick your scrawny ass."

Kyle gulped and nodded. "Ah me and Del are gonna hit some more rides so we'll talk to you later." He stood and motioned for Del to follow him. Del shrugged and tossed Tony an apologetic look and followed Kyle at a sluggish pace, like he didn't want to go anywhere.

"Thanks Tony and I'm sorry you had to talk to that, Lance," I said pointing at Kyle's receding back.

"You're welcome, Pix," Tony said, digging a chunk of chocolate out of his ice cream with a smile.

"Nah don't apologize you can't control what he says," Lance shrugged it off with a smile. He shook his head and chuckled.

Actually she can. Water Tamers can control the water in any creatures' body and control them. Ceros said quietly, memories flashing through his head.

"What you laughing at?" I asked, considering what Intel said. "Ceros says that I could control people.

Lance looked at her strangely. He shrugged at her first question and tapped his temple with a knowing grin. "Can you really control people?"

"Yeah but it can cause problems if that power isn't used sparingly," I said repeating Ceros's words as he spoke to me. It was strange, almost like he was thinking for me. I shivered.

I cannot control your mind, Aza, just your body. Do not fear. I wouldn't control you even if I had the chance. Ceros said, his tone worried.

I know that. It was just a passing thought. I replied.

I turned my gaze to the sky where the sun was sinking gently below the horizon casting a myriad fiery fingers of color into the azure sky. Reds, yellows, oranges, blues and purple of all shades blended together to form a flawless combination of pure nature. The few clouds in the sky turned into molten cotton haze, crimson ginger on was side and amethyst on the reverse. I sighed and crunched a piece of my ice cream cone down, basking in the peaceful radiance of the evening.

Lance looked up swiftly and down again then quickly back up once more. He stared at Aza, silently taking in the sunset. The sun and it's colors lit up her face turning it a peaceful mask of color and her hair into an array of incomparable shades. He tilted his to the side wondering momentarily why his breath caught in his throat when he took in Aza's face. He shrugged and went back to his ice cream; it was pretty much melted by now, and told Ambrosa to be quiet when she tried to point something out about Aza.

"When are we supposed to meet Mom and Dad by the entrance?" Tony asked breaking the silence.

"I don't know," I said glancing at my watch I kept clipped to my bag. "It's 6 o'clock so we probably should get headed that way. The twins are probably getting cranky and tired."

"Twins?" Lance asked, glancing at Aza's belly.

"Not mine, you fool," I growled. "My little sisters."

"I was kidding." Lance touched my arm. "Chill, okay?" His tone was gentle, odd for someone who seemed so hotheaded but his eyes were worried and caring.

I nodded, my bottom lip quivered slightly, much to my irritation.

"Aza, what's wrong?" Tony asked.

I shook my head and scrubbed a hand across my face. All of what happened today came crashing down on me like a tsunami, Kyle, Lance, finding Ceros, and my ankle. I pushed my bowl away from me. I folded my arms and rested my forehead on my arms. I heard Lance and Tony talking over me. I took a deep breaths.

"Just leave her be, she'll be fine. She just needs a minute," Lance said.

"She's my sister I want to talk to her," Tony retorted. "Don't act like you know her better than I do."

"I don't know her better than you do but I know what she's going through," Lance said.

"You don't know anything about her," Tony hissed.

"Oh yeah right like you know how it feels to share your mind and body with a dragon," Lance whispered angrily. "She is sharing everything with him. Her thoughts, feelings, and even her family. Her powers are just starting to awaken. It's a lot of stress on the body. I went through it too."

Tony opened his mouth and closed it several times before crossing his arms over his chest and leaning back in his chair, his mouth set in a angry line.

Lance got up and squatted down beside my chair. He put a hand on my knee and gave it a shake. I turned to peek at him with one eye. "I know it's rough. The first day is always the hardest. Especially with all the people around and the noise. It does get easier, honest," Lance said quietly, his voice oddly tender.

"Back off," I hissed back, my voice trembling.

"I'm just trying to help," Lance said.

"Whatever." I smiled shakily. "Thanks. Don't you dare mention this in front of anyone else. I have a rep to protect."

Lance laughed and nodded. "Okay I won't. Just as long as you don't tell anyone that I'm actually a nice guy."

My smile widened and I held out my hand. "Deal?"

Lance took my hand and gripped it firmly. "Deal."

With some convincing and some teasing I got Tony to calm down and chill out, returning to his normal self so we could join up with our parents. We walked slowly, three friends unsure of what to say or how to say goodbye. Such a funny thing, goodbyes, they seem so final and yet in a way they're only a new beginning.

We paused outside the entrance of the fair grounds, searching for the family. They stood just outside the entrance waiting for a shuttle to our van. The twins were sitting on the ground leaning against each other sleepily, their faces sticky with food and colored with paint. I smiled at the sight.

"So now what?" Lance asked, putting into words what was on both of our minds. His hands were in the pockets of his jeans and his shoulders were hunched awkwardly.

I shrugged. "Where do you go to school?" I asked, pulling a scrap of paper and a pen out of my bag.

"Bentley High. You?" Lance replied as I pushed the scrap of paper into his pocket, next to his hand.

"Same. That's my cell number. Call me if you want. Um let me know if you find anything, okay?" I said.

Lance nodded.

"See you around I guess." I turned away and linked arms with Tony and walked to our parents.

"Who was that boy you were talking to?" Mom asked.

I looked back at Lance. He was still standing there, where we had parted. I smiled, lifting my hand in a wave. "A new friend."