As I sank, my tears mixed with the fresh water. I held my breath as long as I could, even when my lungs began to burn, I held in my breath.

Is this is it? Should I let go?

Closing my eyes, I let my body, and my breath, all of it go.

I didn't really deserve it did I? I didn't deserve life. If I find it, my reason to live, I hope it will be warm

I blacked out, I'm not sure when, but my senses were awoken by warmth. I felt a warmth all around my body, and on my face. Then, the most delightful feeling overwhelmed me, it was the concentrated focused on my face. Opening my eyes, I saw Jane with her eyes closed and she was kissing me. She was breathing life into me, making it easier to breath. When her eyes flashed open, they pierced me like daggers, stealing away my breath once more. She backed away looking relieved.

I couldn't speak, but I felt relieved as well.

She saved me, but why? Does she care?

For a few moments, I just blinked at her. She was talking, but I couldn't understand what she was saying. I watched her lips move, and wished I could feel that pleasant feeling once more.

Does she really care? She must if she saved me. That would make sense, since she could have been rid of me. And she kissed me, she breathed life back into me. Don't I hate her? Aren't we supposed to despise each other? But those warm lips, they felt so nice on mine. Perhaps, I don't hate her as much as I thought I did.

Just as I was staring to think she was a great person, my face is soon was met with pain, taking away any sort of smile I might have had on my face. Touching my cheek, I yelled "Ouch! What do you think you're doing?"

"Are you an idiot? You could have died!"

Feeling angry, confused and scared, I year yearned to knew the truth "And why didn't you let me? You could have so easily been did of me?"

Holding on to my collar, she continued with her rant "We're comrades, we have to take care of one another. But I swear, if you think of doing something to bog weevilish again, then I'll let you die"

So she does care, but why?

"Jane?"

"WHAT? Can't you see I'm upset?"

With a soft voice, one I didn't think I had, I asked "Do you really care about me?"

"What is wrong with you? Don't you ever do that again, I thought you were going to die"

Maybe this is the reason to continue, a reason to live, to have an adventure

I couldn't help but smile, which made her even more upset "Wipe that smug look off your face" she yelled

What is it about her getting so upset that is so compelling?

Sitting up, I watched as she spouted off about something that had to do about me being dropped on my head as a baby. All of it, was so delightful.

Maybe, maybe there is something worth living for. Perhaps Jane is part of that something

"Gunther I have never met someone who..."

I interrupted her hateful speech when I cupped her face. Feeling my cheeks burning, I didn't care how stupid I looked "Jane, you talk to much"

Closing the distance between us, I returned the favor. I stole her air, her breath, in order to feel more alive. Something about her was sweet despite all her angry words, something about her was humorous, something I never tired of.

Jane you're really something special

Pushing me away, I'm met with a another painful slap "What the matter with you?" She yelled

"I don't know, but I feel wonderful"

Looking disgusted at me, she walked away saying "You're sick"

I didn't know what it was, but it was a rush of the most pleasant feelings like euphoria. I just couldn't stop laughing to myself. Even being in a wet cave, in the middle of nowhere was the most beautiful place on earth.

Not even the woman who claims to be my mother could ruin this

Bringing me a another blanket was Aurora, my so-called mother " Here's another blanket so you'll stay warm "

"Thank you...mother?"

Hey that wasn't so bad

Then I'm slapped again "Ouch! What was that for? Why do I keep getting slapped?"

With tears in her eyes, she scolded me "First you don't want to acknowledge me as mother then you do? What am I going to do with you?"

Feeling a bit skeptical, I tested her "You don't have to do anything. Besides how do I really know you're my mother?"

"If you don't believe me then I'll give you proof. On right side of your bum, you have a rabbit shaped birthmark"

As far as I was concerned, no one had seen my birthmark. Without thinking, I asked "Hey! Don't tell me you looked at my arse"

"How else could I wipe your bum clean when you went boom boom?"

Seeing as my clothes were still on, it seemed as though I did have some sort of connection with this person. Looking around, I wondered if Jane could hear.

"Hey! Fine, I believe you. Just don't say that out loud, she might hear you"

With a smirk on her face, mother started to poke fun "How cute, you're first love"

With crossed arms, I tried to look tough "Shh, I don't know anything okay?"

"Was your heart set a aflame when gave you the kiss of life or when she slapped the daylights out of you?"

Touching my cheek, I remembered how only minutes ago I was met with such a pleasant and painful feeling "Perhaps both"

This woman was too forward, too blunt, not caring if she hurt someone feelings, but she was really sincere. It was her sincerity, mixed with a joking personality that made me feel comfortable.

"You really are sick" She teased

I didn't feel offended by her words, instead we talked as though we were old friends.

"I thought mother's were supposed to support their children"

"Not when their stupid"

"Doesn't matter, you're not going to ruin my happy moment"

"Do you need my help?"

Help, I needed a lot of it. My experience with woman was close to nothing, as well as being honest. Feeling self-conscious, I asked "No... Yes... I don't know. What does it mean when I girl says she cares but then she insults you?"

"Sounds like she either really hates you with all her being of she loves you to death"

With all bouts of uncertainty, I go through the motions of denial "It sounds hopeless then. I'm not even sure if I like her"

"Do you enjoy weird things about her like the way she laughs or how she treats her friends and stuff?"

"Yes"

Sometimes I wonder why I can't be treated as well

"Do you think she's special, like there is no one else you'll ever meet in your life who will be this unique?"

"Yes"

No one in history, no man or woman will ever match such a fiery tempered girl

"Do you wonder if she care's about you? If she feels the same way you do about her?"

"Yes, all the time, like why does she hate me or why she says such things"

"Than you're head over heals in love"

"Pfft...What? I have no idea what you're talking about?"

"Dear, we can talk about your problems later. But I'd like to explain what happened, why I'm down here and why I had to leave you"

"Where's Jane?"

"She went back to the island. She'll be safe, since there's no one here but me and the small animal life"

I must have had thousands upon thousands of questions I used my whole life to think of, but I went with the first one that popped into my head "So can you explain the part, about.. BEING A DRAGON?"

Giving me a pinch, she scolded "You don't have to yell."

It felt somewhat pleasant to be scolded, so I did what was customary "I'm sorry"

"Well, I've always been a dragon."

"Then how did you and father... You know?"

"I'm the last of my kind. I'm a water dragon, the last of my tribe. I have lived for a millennia, which is ten centuries. One by one, my kind were slayed off by the clan known as Boarmaster"

Oh dear! I better not tell her about Sir Theodore

"What happened to that clan?"

"I did nothing, for I was afraid to suffer the same fate. A few centuries ago, a little over three centuries ago, I mated with a fire-breathing dragon. That relationship ended when he too was slayed by a Boarmaster. I was saddened, and with dragon in the womb. In that time, many were hateful of dragons, they always did. When the townsfolk were coming for me, my baby was still in its egg. I hid him away, in a cave. I wrote down all the instructions he'll ever need. Though now that I think about it, how is he supposed to read them if I never taught him about the runes."

Fire Dragon? That means Dragon is her son, which means he's my... My brother? Oh great! That means I have competition

Wondering of there was even more bad news, I asked "So where do I come along in this story?"

"I roamed the seas, looking for a place to call home. But one day, I became ill. I needed to find medicine, though it was only available in Kippernia, so I had to go in human form."

"Can all Dragons do that?"

"I think so"

That's even lessens my chances

"So where did you meet my father?"

"Over twenty years ago, while searching for that medicine, I met a wealthy merchant. He owned many of the essential herbs I needed. I tried to give him money, but that wasn't enough. He wanted more than I could give, which was my body. Instead, I promised him a Dragons tooth. He accepted my offer and I was soon back in perfect health. Your father wanted more, he still wanted me. So we married, which in turn is how you came to be. Why did I do it? I guess I was supremely grateful. My will to live was too great, so I made bad choices."

"So I was a bad choice?"

"No my dear, I loved you. As soon as I birthed you I knew you were mine. You were so beautiful, so fat and squishy. I could've held you in my arms forever. I thought about giving up my life as a dragon and live among the mortals. But when you were two years old, your father grew tired of me. He said I wasn't good for anything, and I got upset. In a series of events, my identity was made known to him. He planned to sell me off, for every part of my body. I knocked him unconscious, and I fled. I didn't want to leave you behind, but where I was going was not suitable for a child. And here you are, you've found your way back to me"

"You think the life I lived was any better? Do you know all I had to deal with? He was abusive, he would... He would beat me each time I tried to ask where you were. What good did you do for me? I dreamed about what kind of woman was my mother. And now I know, that you're a coward. I don't even know what to say?"

"Please forgive me! I beg that you do. I know that you've lived a messed up life, but know that mine hasn't been any better. They say misery loves company, so won't you be miserable with me?"

"I don't know, I need time to think about this."

"Why don't you stay on my island for a few days, explore, try the exotic fruit. You'll like it here."

"I'm going to find Jane, and just so you know. I'm not the only son you left behind. I know where to find your other son."

"You do?"

"Bit it will cost you?"

"What? I'll do anything"

"That you'll never leave me again"

Taking me into her arms she sobbed "My little boy, my grown son, I will never leave you again. For as long as I live, you'll be in my heart"

"I'll show you where to find him tomorrow, but tonight just rest. By the way, does this mean I'm part Dragon?"

"Part water dragon, though I can't guarantee anything. You look completely mortal to me"

"Bat bladders! If I'm part dragon, at least it could have been something Jane would be impressed by"

"Be honest, be yourself, and I promise that you'll find what you're looking for"

Going through the underwater tunnel, I used the short path back to the shore where Jane and Dragon were talking about me "He kissed me Dragon."

I hid the bushes, listening in to their conversation. Dragon asked Jane "Did you like it?"

"Are you kidding? It was dreadful"

Putting on my normal attitude, I strutted out "Come now Jane, don't lie about it. We all know you found me irresistible"

"Not in your life" she retorted

"Are you feeling any better Dragon?" I asked

"Much better, though I have this smell stuck in my nose"

"Jane"

"What!"

"Thank you, for saving me."

"Oh! Um...sure"

The air between us was awkward, making it hard to find things to talk about. I didn't want her to feel cornered like prey, I just wanted to clear all the confusion. I brought tried to make small talk "Me and mother have made up"

"That's good"

"And she wants us to stay a few days"

She looked uncomfortable, but she tried her best to be polite "I guess we can do that, what about you Dragon?"

"Once I get used to it, it's not so bad"

"Then, sure"

Taking a deep breath, I asked "Jane can we talk for a moment?"

"Why? What is there to talk about?"

"It's important, just please come with me"

"Stay here Dragon" she commanded

"Will do"

Walking along the seashore, the water is warm still as it splashes at our feet. Taking a deep breath, I felt myself being overly self-conscious "So... Um... Jane, what did you eat for dinner?"

"Your mother gave me some fish stew. It was the best fish stew I ever had"

"I'm sure she's had a long time to perfect it"

"Gunther?"

"What?"

"Is something wrong? You seem a bit odd. And earlier, you...So what is this important thing you wanted to discuss?"

"Don't get too excited alright?"

"You have my word"

"I know the secret to where Dragon came from. And I know the secret behind the Dragon runes"

"I'm so happy I could just kiss you"

Taking a step forward, she in turn took a cautious step back. "What's stopping you?" I asked

"Gunther, what is the matter with you? You're acting unlike yourself"

"Perhaps it's because I was dropped on my head, or that I'm a moron, or the biggest bog weevil that's ever been spawned, but I can't get you out of my head"

"We hate each other don't we?"

"I'm tired of hate Jane. All I want... All I want to do is love. I think your special Jane"

"Thank you...I think"

"I'm serious Jane, just look at me, please"

"I am looking at you"

Taking her hand, I placed it over my heart "I want you to see who I really am, who I can be. I want you to think of me, I want to care about you, no that's not correct. I do care about you, more than I want you to know. I want to take care of you, even though everyone knows how capable you are of taking care of yourself. And I think.."

"Think what?"

"I think I love you Jane"

"How would you know?"

"I don't know, but I know I like being with you. You're a very attractive woman, who can really kick my arse if I act like a beef brain. You make me happy, and I trust you with my life"

"I should go"

"If you think I'm lying, I understand. But I'm not going to give up anymore"

"Gunther, you only like the idea of us."

"Jane, it might sound stupid, but I think you like me too. You could have let me drown back there, but you didn't. You even breathed life back into me, that must mean something"

"What are you talking about? I can't stand you"

Feeling a newfound confidence, I teased "Which means you find me irresistible right?"

"I'm leaving"

"Can you at least tell me how much of I chance I have?"

Grabbing my collar, she glared at me with those piercing emerald eyes, she stole my breath in a single kiss. Perhaps I'll never forget such a kiss, such an expression of kindness only she could provide. In my ear, she whispered "I must warn you, the stakes are pretty high"

Taking it as a challenge, I replied "I'm willing to withstand the odds"

Letting go of my collar, she laughed "You really are too stubborn"

"Let's get back Jane, before I'm eaten by Dragon"

Intertwining our fingers, I took hold of her hand "Is this acceptable?" I asked

"I certainly hope so, though you're playing a risky game"

"As long as it's you, I'm sure I'll win every time"

We walked back slowly, swinging our arms and laughing at foolish jokes. Even when we got back to where Dragon was sleeping, we sat around a fire sharing stories. For a while, I felt happy, and that was enough for that evening.

The Next Morning

The sun had barely risen, but I was working on breakfast. I caught two large fish, found a couple of birds eggs, couple of wild cabbages to appease Dragon, and some round red fruit with a bunch of red seeds inside. The smell of the salty sea air combined with the am smell of cooked eggs reminded me a bit of traveling on the sea. I loved seeing new lands, tasting fresh flavors, and most of all, I loved the thrill of the adventure.

From the forest, came Jane and mother with baskets full of fruit. Looking at my lonely single fruit, I hid it.

It can't look like I'm trying too hard

Putting down the baskets, Jane looked at all the work I had done "This looks amazing"

"I know I am"

Looking a bit pale, mother said "Dear, why don't you two eat, I'm not really that hungry."

"Aurora, what is wrong?" asked Jane

"Gunny, can you... Can you tell her?"

"Don't be afraid mother, she won't hurt you. Take a seat, and calm down"

During our meal, mother took a prickly fruit and began to peel it. Holding it up to show us, she explained "This is a dragon fruit, though only a dragon in name"

Holding mother's hand, I mouthed the words It's alright

Giving my hand a squeeze, mother asked in a low voice "Do you know of any fire-breathing Dragons around here?"

When it came to Dragon. Jane was passionate, almost to the point that made me feel jealous. Finishing off her fish, she replied "Yes, my friend Dragon is a fire-breathing dragon. Why do you ask?"

"I thought I'd like to meet him"

"Really? That's fantastic. I know he'd love to meet you. Dragon! Dragon!"

Waking up from his nap, Dragon asked "What is it? I was flying through dream clouds"

Pointing toward mother, Jane introduced her "This is Gunther's mother"

"Hello there pretty short life"

"She's also a dragon"

"You're just pulling my tail right?"

Giving her some space, she closed her eyes and before our eyes transformed into the ebony water dragon. Dragon couldn't believe his eyes. He blinked several times, wiping at them to make sure nothing obstructed his vision. With a barely audible voice, he asked "Is there more I should know?"

"Dragon, this water dragon named Aurora is your mother as well" I confessed

Jane and Dragon stared at me with disbelief. Jane more so shocked "That means you two are brothers"

"Surprise?"

"Ha..haha...haha...HAHA!"

"Dragon, how do you feel?" Jane asked

"How would you feel Jane? If you were searching for proof that you weren't alone in this world, then one day 'Surprise! Here I am your long-lost whatever.' Just pops into your life again, do you think things are going to be alright?"

"Dragon, I felt the same but she had good reason. If you give her time, she'll explain it to you"

"And I'm supposed to listen to you? You might be my brother, but it doesn't mean anything"

Giving Dragon a hug, mother cooed at him "Cadmon, my first-born, I never ever stopped thinking of you. I know what I did was unforgivable, but if you give me some time, I'll tell you everything you want to know."

My name is Cadmon?" Asked Dragon

"Yes my lovable green newt"

"Your name and Gunther's name both mean warrior. I hoped that you two would meet and help one another. Who would have thought you two find your way back to me at the same time? I'm so proud of you two."

My eyes burned, giving way to tears. A little hole in my heart felt as though it was overfilled. I wanted to grab and hold on to something, I needed to know if it was real. I desperately clawed the air, taking hold of nothing. Then something warm took hold of me, something soft, something real.

Whispering softly, Jane cooed "You're not alone anymore, you have all of us"

"I... Ugh...I have what?"

"You have a family"

I sobbed like a child who lost its mother then found her. I held on to Jane as I sobbed, letting all my troubles, my fears go. In the background, mother was trying to calm Dragon as he cried a river of tears. It might have been a sloppy start, but it was the beginning to a new life.

Two Months Later

"Gunther! Where are those salmon's I asked for?"

Dropping a sack full of salmon on the table, they were so fresh they still wiggled "At least they're fresh" Laughed mother

"If that's all, then I'll be going"

"Oh no you don't! Jane's parents are visiting today, and everyone's pulling their weight around here but you."

"I'm nervous alright! What if she says no?"

"You two have courted for several months now, isn't it about time to tie the knot?"

"Mother, you just don't get it! She's never going to say yes, I mean look at me!"

Cupping me cheeks, she said "I am looking at you. You're the most handsome, stubborn, and foolish person I've ever met. But you've got a good heart, and your my son. Anything is possible, and if you'd just be yourself then you'll be fine"

Pushing open the door, Jane dropped a fried boar on table "One, I thought you already asked me to marry you and two, your mother is right"

"I never asked to marry you?"

"You don't anyone's permission but mine! Since I'm cool with it, let's just prepare a nice dinner for my parents."

"Jane that's not how things work"

"What's so complicated? I'm going to marry you soon and we're going to have a nice dinner. Oh, and I invited Dragon"

"There's not going to be enough here to feed him?"

"Me and Dragon collected wild cabbage, there's more than enough"

Hugging us both, Aurora laughed "It's always an interesting family dinner with you two around. Did you invite Sir Theodore? I have to apologize for calling him handsome"

"I think he got the message mother"

"He said he's happy to come. And, I think he likes you too"

"Good! Gunther we must prepare for a double wedding"

"Can that be done?" Asked Jane

"I'm going to get some air with no girl talk in it"

Giving me a peck on the lips, she whispered "Don't be gone for long"

"I won't"

Guarding a pile of cabbage was Dragon, who slept quietly. "Did you think this would ever happen?" I asked

Opening one eye, he chuckled "Had to happen eventually"

"Thank you Dragon"

"For what?"

"For keeping Jane safe"

"We're family after all, and soon Jane will be my sister. You better take care of her brother"

Using Dragons claw as a pillow, I admired the clear sapphire blue skies "That has a nice ring to it"


Thank you all for reading. And thanks to SkyeElf for the request.