The Legend of Ianto Jones – Chapter Seven

Outside The Circus of the Damned

Agent Kendal was still on the phone directing the assault when a sound made him look up. The phone dropped from one hand as the other pulled up a gun and started firing. All to no effect as the monster swooped down and with one swipe from a razor sharp ankle claw took Kendal's head clean off. Ianto got some more height and surveyed the scene. There were lycanthropes spread across the entire area and this being the Circus of the Damned he could not be sure who was hostile and who was with Jean-Claude. Easy enough to work out – whoever attacked him got to die.

Using claw and teeth and incredibly powerful wings Ianto battled individuals and groups as he flew and leapt around what was now a battlefield. At first he felt invulnerable as lycanthrope claws skimmed harmlessly off his scaled armour but a lucky shot from a now dead marksman reminded him that Dragons were not immune from modern weaponry. He was healing quickly but several more bullet wounds were taxing his strength and the enemy seemed to just keep coming.

He ducked as a sword swung over his head. The assailant had no time to recover as Ianto punched through the man's chest with a wingtip, crushing his heart – not even lycanthropes could heal that type of damage. As a dozen more approached Ianto took the battle to them and running he suddenly crouched into a ball. Bringing his wings around he became like a boulder and rammed into the group. Two were crushed and as the others tried to recover Ianto lashed out with blades that had grown out from his forearms. Severed limbs were another effective way to stop lycanthropes, and even vampires.

Just like Jason had noted Dragons could not sense vampires but luckily for Ianto Dragon night sight was superior to any preternatural creature and if he could see it – he killed it. He used the air as an advantage but several vampires could also fly and were more experienced than he. They inflicted serious wounds and after finishing them off Ianto needed a moment to recoup. He found a bridge and hid underneath to catch breath and heal, all he needed was a few minutes but as footsteps approached he realised this fight may be more than he could handle. A familiar touch brushed his senses and ignoring the oncoming danger Ianto stepped out and unfurled his wings. Rest was not a luxury tonight.

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Asher released him and Jason grabbed the head of a gnarled gargoyle head to steady himself. The vampire had flown him up through the damaged roof then continued on to a point where they could survey the area. Jason could vaguely sense Ianto but not pinpoint his direction. He had tried to clear the doorway but knew it would take too long and it had not taken too much convincing to get Asher to fly him up.

"I will be back with the others shortly Jason," said Asher. "Do not be too rash or Jean-Claude may not forgive me." In a blink he was gone.

"Thanks," said Jason to empty air. "Now where are you my Dragon?" His eyes were working extra well and he found he could focus and zoom in on objects far away. Clusters of lycanthropes, usually led by a vampire, were spreading out and sweeping the area. Obviously they had not cornered Ianto yet and for all Jason knew they would be unable to. That didn't mean he would just sit this out. If he could see where they all were then a counter-strike could be made when Jean-Claude emerged with his reinforcements.

"Jason Schuyler," a voice purred and Jason spun around. Before him was a female vampire, dressed completely in black with midnight black hair and eyes that glowed blue. He could no longer sense vampires but years in their presence told him she was very powerful. "You will make my mistress very happy – come willingly and this needs only be a little painful."

"Haven't you heard?" responded Jason. "My days as a vampire servant are over." He lashed out and punched her square in the face. His newfound speed must have caught her by surprise as she fell back. Stepping forward Jason went into an attack stance and felt more confident when he flexed his hands and nails extended into obsidian talons. His transformation was finally becoming physical.

The vampire wiped blood from her mouth and smiled. "Excellent – so powerful. Your blood will make us gods."

She lunged as he did and a volley of blows were exchanged. Jason slashed her several times but she healed almost instantly which meant she had to be over a thousand years old at least. "We only need you alive Jason – half dead will be fine," she rasped as rock hard fists slammed into Jason's face. He felt bones break and pain lance through his jaw. His vision flared and taking a step back he realized his mistake too late as his foot caught the edge of the building. Teetering on the edge for a moment he flailed uselessly before falling. He was ten stories up and although would probably survive he did not look forward to having every bone broken.

A flurry of black wings and a sudden change in direction told Jason he had been caught and was no longer falling. Strong arms enfolded him and a voiced murmured in his ear, "Gotcha – thought I told you to stay put?"

"Never was good at orders from lovers," he responded through what had to be a fractured jaw. They seemed to be descending rapidly and Ianto was breathing heavily. Jason went from relieved to very worried. "What's wrong?"

"Never carried anyone before and still haven't perfected the landing – hold tight."

The arms around Jason became rock solid and moments before they hit the ground wings enfolded him. It was like being in a car wreck but in complete blackness – and Ianto was the airbag. Jason felt the collision and the world spun and shuddered and the only thing he could hear apart from the sound of impact was Ianto screaming in pain. The movement stopped and the arms and wings retracted. Jason instantly rolled off Ianto and wanted to puke as his body tried to work out up from down. Valuable seconds went by as he shook his head and took deep breaths before checking on Ianto.

The features of Ianto's body had partly reverted to human. His abdomen and legs were still dragon but his torso and arms were human. Head and shoulders remained scaled but his eyes and mouth had returned to human. It was his eyes that let Jason know that Ianto was conscious, but in extreme pain and unable to move. Cuts and bloodied wounds covered his body and by the look of some limbs there were broken bones.

"Go," Ianto gurgled through a mouthful of blood.

Jason ignored him and spun around to face the oncoming intruders. He still had his claws and he felt more than ever the protective instinct for Ianto. It was the same instinct that had made Ianto react badly to Jean-Claude. There was a dim memory in the back of Jason's head that reminded him that in legend dragons coveted their possessions to the point of insanity.

Letting his sense spread out Jason knew he was facing bad odds. Not to mention how many vampires were there that he just could not sense. Two were-wolves approached and attacked. He fended them off by grabbing one by the throat while disembowelling the other. Tearing out the throat he threw the body away as three more arrived. His talons dripping in gore Jason grimaced and growled menacingly. The dragon sound rolled across the trio and made them pause, but only for a moment as a voice screamed at them to advance. It was the female vampire from the rooftop, he could not see her but who else could it be?

A tickling of his senses made Jason aware of something new – an affinity with an energy source close by. Risking a glance in the direction it was coming from he saw a smoking drum by the far wall.

Smoke!

Fire!

The elements are mine to control – Ianto's words echoed in his head.

He brought his hands close together, almost touching but not quite. He concentrated and the sulphurous odour once again permeated the air. This time though it increased and suddenly his hands sparked in flame. The flame did not remain stationary however and shot out at the three on-comers. It was like napalm and engulfed them one by one, burning so intensely that Jason had to shield his eyes. The men barely had time to scream before they disintegrated in the intense heat.

The light had also revealed that there were about a dozen others plus the female vampire. They all paused and looked to her as their comrades burned.

She only hesitated for a moment. "Kill him – we'll take the other one."

Almost a dozen muzzles trained in on Jason. This is it he thought and braced for the pain.

Just as the gunshots rang out a white blur hit Jason, dragging him off to the side. At the same moment several dozen black shapes darted in and started attacking the gunmen.

Dazed and just a little out of breath Jason looked up into Jean-Claude's eyes. He had no air left for talking so instead lifted his head and put his lips to the other man's. Jean-Claude hesitated but returned the kiss, deepening it before pulling away abruptly. "Any more Mon Pomme and we will make a very public display unbecoming for a Master of the City."

Jean-Claude stood and helped Jason up. "I have been a fool Jason – I never thought they would come at us with such a brazen attack. I almost lost you because of my arrogance." He caressed Jason's cheek and his touch seemed to instantly ease the pain of the injury. "Can you forgive me Jason?"

"I like it better when you call me your Pomme," replied Jason and the light in Jean-Claude's eyes told him the message was well received. Jason suddenly gasped, "Ianto!"

"He's fine," called Jack. Walking closer Jason saw that Ianto did indeed seem okay. He had reverted to full human form and Jack had given him his coat. Apart from a few smears of blood and seriously messed hair the Dragon was no longer injured.

"I think I heal quicker than you Jack," said Ianto jokingly. Jason did not even want to guess what he meant by that. As soon as Jason was close enough Ianto draped an arm around him and Jason leaned into the other man. Even in human form Ianto was still taller and Jason felt protected by that. Jack had Ianto by the other arm and Jean-Claude joined them by placing a hand on the small of Jason's back.

"So," said Jason and looked around at their little group. "Where do we go from here?"

"I recognise her," said Jean-Claude, indicating the female vampire. "She is one of Bella Morte's – that means others will come."

A look of pain and anguish came over Ianto's face. "I can't go back to Cardiff can I – she has too much power over there."

"Stay here," suggested Jason and realized he meant it. "After this she will think twice before attacking again – Jean-Claude?"

"Oui," agreed the Master of the City. "Here you will be protected as much as is probably possible. I think your best defence will be each other, you seem stronger when together and soon Jason will be as much dragon as Ianto."

Jack did not look happy but nodded. "I guess it is the best option. But know that I will check in regularly."

"I count on it," said Ianto warmly. He turned to Jason. "Can you handle someone who loves making coffee and cleaning up after others."

Jason laughed and reached up to grab his head with both hands. He pulled him in close and kissed him passionately. After coming up for air and ignoring a wolf whistle from a nearby were-wolf he chuckled again. "How can I resist a legend?"

End.

Author's note. Thank you to all those who have stuck it out. I have enjoyed writing this one and the thought of Ianto as a dragon was just something I had to exorcise - he is Welsh after all. - Ashtakra.