"Speaking"
Telepathy
Chapter 4
(1 month later)
Kyla sat silently in the tree, watching her sibling experiment with his magic in the yard of the dojo. Because of the pregnancy the woman had to watch him to make sure he didn't do anything too reckless. He was learning quickly, his flying skills were improving, though Kaoru hadn't allowed him to leave the ground since last month, and he had learned to form shapes with the molten gold. He had already created a makeshift sakabatou as a test. When he had first tried that the 'sword' had been razor sharp, and he had dropped the creation in fear. But he was learning.
Kyla grinned as she shot a small bolt of green flame at the redhead, just enough to ruffle his hair. He glared up at her and she stuck her tongue out at him. He giggled lightly, and then narrowed his eyes when a whinny sounded in the air.
Kyla was on the ground in an instant, looking intently at the gate. The wooden doors shook as thuds sounded, and then they flew open as Kyla flung out a hand.
A large black mare galloped into the yard, a powerful creature with intelligent cobalt eyes. Kyla ran for her, happily hugging the horse as she slid to a halt. "Aurora! I thought you would never find me!"
Kenshin moved closer, confusion written all over his features. He studied the great animal with curious violet eyes. "Onee-san?"
She looked up at him, and then grinned, holding out a hand. "Gomen Shinta. Come meet my good friend Aurora."
Kenshin came forward more, squeaking as the mare pushed her big muzzle into his chest, just above the growing bulge of the baby. Kenshin patted her black nose, smiling as she tickled his neck.
"She's beautiful Kyla. Such a big animal," he murmured. The black creature looked him straight in the eye and Kenshin could see the intelligence glittering there. "It's almost as if you could understand me…" Kenshin whispered, still stroking the mare's muzzle absentmindedly.
Oh, but I can little one. A voice full of power and peace, and friendship echoed in Kenshin's mind, and the redhead watched with wide eyes as the mare's body faded away.
In its place was a large, large enough to easily ride, creature, black in color. Instead of a muzzle Kenshin's hand rested on a wedge-shaped head atop a slender neck. "A dragon…" Kenshin said in awe. The reptilian animal was at least 60 feet in length, 20 feet of that tail and another 10 the head and neck. It was all glittering black scales, but the cobalt eyes remained.
You are a smart one, the dragon said, something akin to a smile stretching its mouth to show sharp teeth. And handsome. You look much like my deshi here.
Kenshin was confused. "Deshi?"
Kyla glared and smacked the dragon's hide. "Aurora!" The dragon chuckled as the woman looked at her brother. "Aurora taught me to control my magic. She's showed me all I know."
I simply followed the scent of her newly awakened magic. It was bright in also in my vision, and the flare guided me to her, the creature said indignantly. It was also the magic worked here quite a few suns ago that guided me here.
"Ah, so you sensed the power surge." Kyla said thoughtfully. "I was hoping you would. I have missed you dearly."
What magic was worked here Kyla? Aurora questioned. She lifted her head, sniffing the air. I can still smell it.
"You know my brother correct?" Aurora nodded. "His wife was pregnant and a freak accident transferred the child to him." Kyla explained.
There was a roar of laughter. A male? With egg! Oh, this will be an experience to remember!
At this time Kaoru came out, eyes growing wide as she spotted the great animal. "Oh Kami-sama! A dragon!"
Kenshin held out a hand to her, leading her closer. "Koishii, this is Kyla's teacher in magic, Aurora."
Kaoru reached up a hand to touch Aurora's nose as she lowered it. "My name is Kaoru. You're amazing Aurora…"
The dragon chuckled lightly. Thank you child. You are most kind. She let out a sound akin to a purr as Kaoru scratched beneath her chin. I will be staying to watch over you little one, she said to Kenshin, fixing him with one cobalt eye.
Kenshin smiled at her almost gratefully. "Arigatou Aurora."
The dragon raised her head suddenly, sneezing into the air. Smoke filtered into the air, the smell of brimstone and fire joining it. She lowered her head with a toothy smile. Gomen.
Every drop of color drained from Kenshin's face and he clapped a hand over his mouth. The redhead raced from the yard as Aurora watched with interest. I'd forgotten how sensitive humans with egg are to smells.
Kyla and Kaoru laughed with her as Kyla hugged Aurora's head affectionately. "I'm glad to see you again my friend."
Kenshin was washing the laundry, now about his only job. Kaoru, protective as she was, wouldn't let him do much else. Kenshin paused, blinking slightly as the great head of Aurora came into view. "Hello Aurora," he said softly, nodding to the black dragon. "How are you this morning?"
The dragon nodded back to him, settling her snake-like body around him in a comforting gesture. I am well little one. What about you? I feel turmoil in your heart.
Kenshin sighed, looking down again. "Something is wrong with me Aurora. My magic…" he raised a hand and gold flickered, and then died. "It's fading. I'm afraid…"
The dragon nuzzled his scarred cheek with the tip of her nose, purring. He hugged her muzzle; seeking comfort anyway he could as tears began to roll down his cheeks. It's alright little one, do not cry. Those with egg experience a loss in power. Your body is giving all it can to care for this child, and it will return when the babe is born.
He sniffled slightly, and then giggled as Aurora's tongue flicked away his tears. "Arigatou Aurora."
Kyla and Kaoru came into view, and Kaoru ran to him as she saw him wiping away tears. "Kenshin, what's wrong?"
He hugged her as she came close, smiling. "I'm all right koishii. Aurora explained it to me. My magic is fading, but it will come back when the baby is born."
She tucked a lock of crimson hair behind his ear, kissing his forehead. "Alright then. How are you feeling?"
Kenshin looked thoughtful for a moment. "Fat."
Kaoru raised an eyebrow as Kyla tried and failed to stifle a snort. "You think you're fat?"
He nodded, quite obviously serious. Kaoru came closer to him. "Anata, you're only halfway through your fifth month."
Kyla chuckled. "Yes, but to a swordsman of his caliber even this gain is a great difference."
Kaoru grinned, nodding. "Yes, I suppose so. Be grateful for now Kenshin. You're barely showing through your gi."
He frowned. "Only because it's so big on me." He set one hand on his steadily growing belly. "I still feel fat."
Kaoru chuckled. "You'll get bigger yet anata." She was cut off by a shout from the gate.
Aurora's horse body reappeared; the magical illusion the dragon had created providing her with cover. Kyla went to the gate and opened it to see Sano and Yahiko.
"Hey there Kyla." Sano said loudly, grinning. "How is everybody?"
Kenshin smiled, quickly dropping his hand to his side. "Hello Sano."
Yahiko was staring in wonder at Aurora, who stared curiously back. "What a big horse…" the boy murmured. He reached up to touch her nose and she snorted. Though she masked the smoke, the smell remained.
Kenshin's face paled and he wrapped one arm around his churning stomach. He covered his mouth, willing himself not to throw up. 'Not now!'
Sano glanced at his friend. "Are you alright Kenshin?"
The redhead couldn't take it. He ran from the yard as Kyla sighed. Yahiko was plugging his nose. "Eww! What's that smell!"
Kaoru glared at Aurora. The mare sighed, and then released her magical skin. Yahiko just about jumped out of his own skin. Sorry about that Kaoru. I'd forgotten.
Kyla smiled at the two boys, who were staring dumbstruck at the great black creature before them. Aurora smiled a dragon grin. Well this is going to take some explaining.
"No 'way.'"
Sano was dumbfounded. He'd heard some weird things in his time, but this was by far the weirdest. His best friend had magic, and was now 5 and a half months pregnant. And he was a man.
"No way!" Sano said stubbornly, crossing his arms.
Kenshin, who was back with them, sighed and touched Sano's hand. "It is true my friend. There is nothing more I can say to explain it."
Sano shook his head. "I won't believe it."
Kenshin gently took Sano's arm by the wrist and pressed his palm against the curve of his belly. Sano's eyes widened as he felt the gentle thrum of the baby kicking beneath his friend's skin.
Sano was silent for a moment, and then he smiled and hugged Kenshin. The redhead was surprised for a moment, violet eyes wide, and then he smiled and hugged the tall man in return. Yahiko was simply quiet, watching Kenshin with a pensive look. Aurora nudged him and he petted her scales. He was fond of the dragon already, and Aurora was watching over the boy happily.
"We shall stay with you Kenshin. To watch over you." Sano said firmly.
Kenshin smiled. "Arigatou Sano."