It was great to be able to fly again.

Deep orange brightened the sky with a tint of red as the giant orb dropped closer to the ocean depths, its magical warmth enough to satisfy the girl on my neck.

"How far did you say it was before we cross into the mortal plane?" she spoke into my sensitive ear a hint too loud.

"We just left, the journey will only take an hour," I spoke into her mind.

She seemed content with the answer and held tighter to my horns. Chihiro couldn't see the orange dot closing on us quickly. Since when did "Lord" Fire become faster than me?

My original plan had been to out fly the larger dragon through sheer speed. I had been much faster than my eternal stalker, because I was a female, and I had more magical power. The brute was a lesser spirit of the sun and was very intent on gaining the affections of a certain moon spirit. Then again, Fire hadn't bothered me in several weeks. Perhaps his missions had granted him further power. I really didn't want to know.

I did have to admit, he was quite handsome. He had scales of flashy orange/yellow mix and an almost red mane. The problem was his attitude. He wanted to literally own me and have access to my powers. Sick.

Normally, I could handle the bully. However, I had Chihiro to worry about and the sun was still up, adding to his strength.

"Kira, is that another dragon?" broke my thoughts.

I gave a growl; he would overtake us before the border.

"Stay quiet. No matter what this dragon says to you, never look him in the eyes."

I could feel the shifting of her head in a silent acknowledgement. If she looked him in the eyes, he could blind her, if he wished. Ah, the perks of being a Sun Lord.

"Kira, Pet, what a surprise to see you out here….and with a guest!" came the honey-coated words.

Another growl came from my vocals, much louder than before.

"Oh, come now Pet! You insult me! You're guest is free to look upon me, even though she might be rubbish. There must be some reason as to why she is allowed to ride the back of a Moon Goddess such as you. Are you using her to practice being with me?"

"Shove it Fire." I spat, slowly losing my temper.

Before I even saw him move, he went from trailing behind me to crossing directly in front of my path. I barely had to time snap my head up and miss the arrogant brute.

"I'm not taking no for an answer today, Pet."

"And I'm afraid I have no time to reject you, yet again, today, Dusty!"

Maybe if Chihiro hadn't been on my back, I could have moved. Unfortunately, I did not. There was a painful pinch as flesh was bit into on my shoulder, just behind Chihiro. My orbs began to glow an eerie black as I let out a pained roar.

Oh moon!

There was screaming as I plummeted towards the ocean for a few seconds.

"Kira!" Chihiro called.

I halted our descent, climbing back up the ladder of air currents. But, Fire was behind me, delicately scraping my scales near my rear legs.

"Jump off Chihiro!" I screamed in her mind.

She leapt almost instantaneously. Once she cleared, I whipped around towards Fire and made a snap at his throat. His orbs widened and he managed to dodge and scratch my muzzle deeply.

"Enough Pet. I own you!"

Rather than make a grab at me, he dropped straight down, straight for Chihiro.

"No!" I bellowed.

He caught the girl easily between his claws.