Chapter 16



"Oh my God..."

Blood dripped down from the edge of the bed. Lucia backed into the flowing curtains. The window was open, letting the cool night wind blow gently against her sweat covered fur. Her teeth began to chatter. Her clawed hands shook. The sound of the blood hitting the floor was deafening. Whimpering softly, she raised her trembling hands to her flattened ears.

"Did it feel good?"

She looked up, tears burning the corners of her gray eyes. "I...didn't..."

The white haired man came forward. She backed further into the curtains. "You did. You're free now. Don't you see?" He sang tenderly.

Her eyes went to the King's lifeless face. He was staring upward with wide terrified eyes. Her breath caught in her throat. Did it really free her? This man had taken her in when no one else would. When Worent banished her, he welcomed her. So why...why would she... Her gaze went to the man who was now admiring the late King's body. It seemed so right when he told her to do it, but now... She choked. It was getting hard to breathe. She was panicking. The man looked up, orange eyes shining. He smiled. Lucia felt anger well up within her. "Why...did we have to kill him?" She asked softly.

"Because he was in the way. He wanted to use her to take over the world."

"How do you know this? Do you want her for the same reason?"

He laughed gently. "Oh, no. I've already attempted that."

"What...?"

Running a hand through his stark white hair, he followed her into the transparent sea of curtains. "You see, little kitten, there are things in this world you aren't meant to understand. Beings more powerful than anything you've ever imagined walk this earth right under your nose."

She shook her head. "I don't understand..."

"Of course you don't. You're only mortal."

"And what are you?"

"I am what I wish to be."

"That doesn't make any sense."

He smiled. "Either way, you've made the path easier for me. I shall remember your deeds."

Taking a deep breath, she followed him as he attempted to leave. "What do you mean, you'll remember my deeds?"

He turned and his long white robe billowed. "I see no one else here to take the throne."

"You want to be...King?"

He stared at her amusingly. "Only for a bit. It'll help when Tsunaia brings her back."

"I don't understand anything! What are you planning to do...?"

She stopped as a frail finger came to her lips. "You'll see. Everything will soon fall into place..." He glanced back at the former King and raised his hand. Blue light emanated from it and formed a light sparkling mist. It flew and then settled on the lifeless body. Lucia covered her eyes as it flashed and then...was gone.

She gasped eyes wide. "What the....What the hell did you just do?"

He lowered his hand. "Disposing of the body." A soft laugh came and he walked to the doorway. "The King was so distraught about his daughter's disappearance and the failure of his most trusted man, that he just had to leave. He had to find her himself. Maybe he's lost, maybe he's dead, but the throne must be filled. So he left a message for me to take over on this leave of absence."

Lucia felt her body shake violently. This wasn't right. It wasn't supposed to be like this. What had she done? What had he done? What...was he? She reached up clasped her hands below her chin. "I...who...are you...?"

He stopped walking and his shoulders shook. He was laughing. It started as something soft, but soon became ear piercingly loud. Lucia's ears again flattened. Then, as suddenly as it had started, the laughing stopped. "You...kitten...You ask the Princess when she gets here." He glanced back at her, eyes widening in the moonlight. "She knows me...rather well."

He disappeared from the doorway and Lucia dropped to her knees grasping at the rug with trembling fingers. "How...in God's name...did someone like him...appear here...?" She whispered. Tears flowed and she wept into the night.

* * *

Dawn came, and there seemed to be less tension between Red and Ryu, which came as a relief to Nina. They weren't speaking, but she figured it was at least a little better than fighting. After they packed up the camp and started back on the road, the sun peeked over the clouds and sent a much appreciated warming glow over the land. Nina chose to fly while the rest walked under her. Ryu, in particular, kept a watchful eye.

The rest of the week flew before the Windian Princess's eyes. Traveling became much easier for her and Ryu's training was fairing well. She could now slightly use a sword. He had even taught her some beginner's magic, which much to her surprise, she accomplished rather easily.

Red and Ryu still weren't talking, but Deja and Gabe filled the gap by talking about their clans and how they came to find the unruly Woren. Through much of his protesting they told the story of how they had found Red as a child, wandering aimlessly through the woods. Runny nosed and bushy-tailed, he was attempting to run away from home. He was attacked by a Curr and Deja and Gabe saved him during a walk they happened to be on. They took him back, and Juun, Red's father, offered them the job of his Guardians. Nina thought it was a great story, but Red complained they told it too much and that they made him look more pathetic every time they did. Nina just laughed.

She was starting to feel at home with these people, like they had always been a part of her life. It made her feel good to know that they cared. They protected her and always asked her opinion on everything and answered her questions truthfully and with great enthusiasm. Even Red, who sometimes worded them a little harshly, but still, he answered them. Like the time she stumbled upon Ryu and him shaving in the river.

"Yes, I shave too, stupid."

It never bothered her, though. She could tell he was trying his best. Ryu, also, managed to take time with her after every lesson to talk and reflect on the day's events. It was a simple life, but Nina loved it. It so happened that as they came upon Worent, shimmering in the horizon, she couldn't help but to feel a little sad. It meant their journey was nearing an end. Red couldn't stop talking about it, and it was rather odd that he acted so, seeing that a few days ago, he swore he wouldn't set foot in that place yet.

"You don't understand!" He cried when asked. "The food there is amazing! Even the dragon," He said pointing to Ryu, "will admit it's pretty damn good."

"Why would I not like it?"

"Oh, you know you dragon types; thinking everything in Drogen is so much better."

"Red!" Deja cried. "They don't think like that!"

He laughed loudly and ran far in front of the group, tail swishing and backpack bouncing high on his back. "Doesn't matter anymore, fox! I've lost interest!" He cried.

She shook her head, the many charms in her hair clinking loudly. "He doesn't make any sense sometimes..."

"So, when will we get to Worent?" Nina asked watching the Woren do a backwards flip into the air.

"Hmmm...Tonight maybe?" Gabe said.

Ryu laughed gently. "Well, if we all go by his pace, we'll probably make it in minutes!"

Deja giggled and then sighed, crossing her arms and smiling. "He's right, though. The food will be amazing. You guys are going to love it there."

"Everyone is usually pleasant and there is always something festive going on." Gabe added.

Nina glanced at him wide eyed. "Really Gabriel?"

He smiled broadly, revealing large white canines. "Of course! Would I lie to you?"

She giggled. "Okay, then! Let's try to get there as fast as we can!" She cried pushing off from the ground and flying to catch up with Red.

Ryu smiled warmly after her. Deja glanced over at him and raised a thin black eyebrow. "So, how are your secret meetings with her going?"

The dragon turned to her and blushed slightly. "What do you mean? I've just been training her." He scratched his head. "It's not really much of a secret..."

She shrugged. "Yeah, I know, but you're spending so much time with her. I just figured..."

His blush faded and he smiled again at Nina who dove and landed on Red's shoulders. "She keeps me at peace."

"Woman what the hell are you doing? Geez...damnit! Nina!"

"I think she keeps Red at peace as well." Deja said gently.

They watched as Red reached up and pulled the girl off. You wouldn't have thought it from the way he was shouting at her, but the Woren was smiling. She laughed and grabbed onto his arms, and they stumbled backwards into a fit of wrestling. Deja glanced at Ryu and saw that he was laughing too. The dragon glanced back at her, shrugged, and then ran and pounced on them both. Deja burst into laughter at Red's cursing and Nina's high pitched giggling.

"They need to enjoy this while they can." Gabe whispered.

Deja's laughing faded and she glanced up at him. "You...feel it too?"

He nodded, the gray hairs of his muzzle waving gently in the breeze. "I'm not sure, but I think the dragon does as well. I think that's why he needs the girl." Deja stared at him. "I told you before, that dragons smell like sadness. They do so because they feel everything. If something's wrong in the world, they're the first to feel it..."

Deja brought her violet gaze to Ryu. He was laughing and running with Nina in his arms away from Red who was cursing at the top of his lungs. "You think he really feels...the world?" She asked gently. "I find that hard to believe since he's..."

"He's young. Twenty I'd say?"

"Yeah, I guess. How do dragons age, though?"

Gabe shook his head. "I'm not sure, but I know enough to realize that boy might possibly have more wisdom than the both of us put together."

Deja pulled her small black cloak tighter against her body. "He's a boy, that's all there is to it. If Ladon chose him in the first place..."

"Now, it's too soon to think about that."

She shrugged. "I don't know...Should we even be talking about it? I don't want to scare them... There's something going on, and I have a feeling every single one of us is going to be pulled in it." She glanced up and narrowed her almond shaped eyes. "Can we really afford to be here, waiting like this?"

Gabe lifted his head into the wind and pulled the band from the back of his head, releasing his ears into the afternoon air. "It's all we can do..."

* * *

All heads turned, as the door to the bar opened, allowing sunlight to pour into the dark musty establishment. Old drunkards lifted their heads to the newcomer and squinted red rimmed tired eyes. Shyong pulled the hood of his cloak down over the scarred side of his face and stepped in, the large wooden door creaking closed behind him. He sneered at the stares and walked to the bar, taking a seat gingerly on one of the swiveling bar stools.

"Oh, I haven't seen you here before, honey!" The barmaid said sweetly, leaning over the bar and smiling through heavy ruby red lipstick.

Shyong turned and snorted. "I would prefer not to be called such an informal name."

She blinked twice with thick black eyelashes, and then smiled. "Aww, there's no need to be like that. Here, we're all friends. Right boys?" She cried standing on her toes and stretching out her arms. A few men mumbled in return and tipped their mugs. Most, just gave her a look.

She shrugged and leaned back down to Shyong. "Well, you get the picture, sweetie." He snorted again. "So, what can I get for you?"

She eyed his covered up eye, but didn't acknowledge it to Shyong's relief. He tried to smile and leaned closer. "I need...information."

She nodded. "Well, ask away, but you ain't going to find much in this ol' dump. Ever since the Woren stopped comin' around, no one comes in here anymore..."

"Woren?"

She smiled. "Yeah! Good ol' Red Warin. Used to come bustin' up in here every night lookin' for a fight. People came from all around just to see who he would beat up next." She sighed. "But one night, he found his match."

"What happened?"

"A blue haired fellow." Shyong's eye twitched. "Handsome fellow by the name of...Ryu I think? Started a fight with him. Damn well near tore up my bar in the process, but...the thing is..." She leaned closer. "I think the fight was a diversion."

"What do you mean?"

Her eyes darted back and forth and her voice became almost a whisper. "There was a girl here with that Ryu character. Cute little girl, cute couple by the way, but see she had...wings...Well I think she killed someone."

Shyong nodded. "Mikhal Bevelle."

The barmaid gasped and then smiled. "Oh, you know about that? Well, we're not sure if it was that little girl, but her and the blue haired boy sure left in quite a hurry afterwards."

"Do you know were they went?"

She stroked her chin for a second in thought and then shook her head slowly. "Well, honey, I really don't remember hearing them say where they would be off to..."

"But we do."

Shyong turned slowly to see three men sitting at the table near them; dirty, scruffy men surrounded by at least twenty empty mugs. The one in the middle smiled and stared at him through light greenish hair that was pulled back into a long low ponytail. The large, hairy man to his right was using a huge jagged knife to pick at his teeth. He turned and flashed a black toothed grin. The last man was a thin heavily scarred man who's dark beady eyes glared at Shyong.

The barmaid placed her hands on her hips. "Now, Mustadio, you don't put this poor man on no wild goose chase, alright? Remember, you got one more complaint until you're out of here."

The green haired Mustadio smiled sweetly. "Aww, deary you know I ain't like that."

"Well see to it, you ain't." She said reaching down and filling up a mug with beer. Foam poured over the side and onto the bar as she handed it to Shyong. He picked it up gingerly and took a sip, eyeing her as she walked to the other side of the bar to help the men there.

"You feel like joinin' us over here, stranger? If you gots money, we gots information."

Shyong wiped his mouth and walked to them, reaching in his pocket and pulling out a handful of glittering zenny. The hairy man stopped picking his teeth and stared at the money with wide red rimmed eyes.

Mustadio laughed and crossed his arms. "Okay, boy, you've got yourself a deal. Even old Rastolf is impressed." Rastolf grunted and moved to let Shyong sit.

He placed the money on the table and leaned over, clasping his hands under his cloaked chin. "First, how do I know your information is accurate?" That damn thin man was still staring at him.

Mustadio reached over and took a piece of zenny. He rubbed it between his fingers and lifted it to his nose. "Believe me, we'll do anything if it gets that Woren boy in a fix."

"They went with the Woren?"

He nodded. "I saw them leave. I was gonna fight the bastard that day, but the other boy beat me to it." He tossed the piece to the thin man who caught it in a quick swipe.

"What do you have against him?"

Mustadio grinned. "He's a bastard, think's he's the boss. Comin' up here like that an beatin' anyone who looked at him funny..."

"That be our job." Rastolf mumbled. The thin man nodded.

Shyong sent a wary eye his way. "What's wrong with him? Something got his tongue?"

Mustadio nodded. "Old Gene here got his throat slit few years back." Gene lifted his head into the light, letting Shyong see a thin scar running from ear to ear. He winced inwardly. "Almost died, too, but he got out of it. He can't talk no more, but he's still the best man I got."

"What, exactly...do you do?"

Rastolf grabbed a piece of zenny and held it to his mouth. "We help people in need."

Shyong raised an eyebrow. "In need?"

Mustadio grinned again. "In need of anything! Murder, rape, theft, whatever people are in need of, right boys?" He mused.

"How about the need to rescue a Princess from a monster?"

All three men looked up. Mustadio pushed his long bangs back behind a slightly bent ear. "What?"

Shyong reached up and pulled the hood from his face. Gene's eyes widened and he made a soft rasping nose. Rastolf leaned closer. "Holy shit..." Mustadio breathed, eyes tracing the heavy scars flowing over a colorless eye. "What the hell happened to you...?"

Shyong's lips curled into a smile. "I'm looking for the girl that killed Bevelle. She's the Princess of Windia."

Mustadio raised a bushy green eyebrow. "What motive would a Princess have to kill someone?"

"I don't think she meant to, but either way, I need her."

"Still..." Mustadio pointed to the horrendous marks. "What happened to you?"

Shyong closed his eyes and pulled the hood back over. "Dragon."

"Holy...hey hold on a sec, boy." The green haired mercenary said swiping the zenny from Rastolf and tossing it back into the pile. "We don't do dragons. Those be creatures from hell I tell you. Last time anyone saw one of them..."

"Yes, I know, that was my village."

Gene pulled Mustadio over and rasped something in his ear. He nodded and moved his hands to either side of the mountain of zenny. "Gene says we'll help if the Woren is involved."

Shyong's eye went to Gene. It was odd, Mustadio was obviously the leader, but he guessed, that maybe before Gene lost his voice, he was probably a much respected man. He looked back at Mustadio and nodded. "Well, I mean, the dragon kidnaped the Princess and the Woren is obviously aiding him. I'm sure that counts for something."

Mustadio's face broke into a broad smile. "Yeah, that's right, bro! You take on the dragon and we'll help take care of the Woren."

"Do you really hate the tiger boy that much, Mustadio?"

Rastolf pounded his fist onto the table, causing the mountain to tremble. "That overgrown kitten made boss look bad! First night he came here, boss wanted to fight him, but Woren told him to piss off! You don't humiliate boss! Mustadio is king of fighters! He not be beat!"

Mustadio laughed loudly and clapped Rastolf on the shoulder. "Old Rastolf...he's a prize ain't he?"

"So you know where to find them?"

"Oh they be easy to find. They follow river." Rastolf said slowly. "River runs straight to Worent. That be where they going."

"You sure they're going to Worent?"

Mustadio nodded. "Yeah. That's where the little fuck is from. He'll take them there, hide them for awhile, then send them on their way. If that blue haired boy's a dragon, he'll be takin' her to Drogen and that's not too far away from Worent." He grasped a mug near him and lifted it up, chugging the whole thing. Burping loudly, he wiped his mouth with his sleeve. "We can make it there in a few days. We might even beat them."

"Why do you say that?"

"They gots that girl with them. Girls walk slow." Rastolf said.

Mustadio glared at him. "No, that is not why. She's got wings Rastolf. Don't be stupid."

The big man lowered his gaze. "Sorry boss, I don't mean to say stupid things. I don't think sometimes."

"No, you don't, but it's alright."

Shyong couldn't believe his ears. Here was this huge troll of a man looking like he was about to cry in front of this, not small, but also not large man. There really was something about Mustadio. The man was a born leader. Shaking his head slowly, he stood. "Alright, so, shall we be off?"

Mustadio chugged another beer and smiled, slamming it back onto the table. "Yeah, okay, bro. Let us go into town and grab some stuff and we'll be ready."

"I'll follow you. I'll pay for some of the provisions, but I won't pay your total fee until you prove useful." Shyong said pushing his chair in.

"Good deal, fair deal." Mustadio said nodding slowly. "We can do that." He stood and motioned for Rastolf and Gene to do the same. "Come on guys, this soldier boy is payin' so you pick out some good stuff. Find useful shit, don't let his money go to waste, you hear me?"

"Okay boss." Rastolf said nodding. Gene shrugged and started to walk to the bar entrance.

Shyong started to follow, but a hand on his shoulder caused him to stop and look back. Mustadio grinned behind him. "I promise you, bro, you're gonna get your money's worth. Just as long as I can skin the cat bastard, every thing'll be fine."

Shyong nodded. "Do what you want, but the Princess is mine."

Mustadio bowed slightly and followed his companions out into the sun scorched air.

* * *

"Alright! Just over the hill! We're almost there!" Red cried pointing a clawed finger into the distance.

Nina jumped into the air and caught herself with her wings. Lifting up above her companion's heads, she peered out into the foggy distance. Sure enough, a city could be seen residing in the deep valley. A great stone wall jutted out from the misty depths, rising to an unimaginable height. Nina's blue eyes widened. "Wow..." She breathed.

"You see it, birdy? It's great, ain't it! Damn I wish I could see it... Hey Nina! Come down here! Let's go!" Red called up to her, arms waving in the air.

She nodded and descended slowly to the ground. "Yes...it's very nice...I..."

Red turned and flashed a bright toothy smile. "Of course it is! It's Worent! The greatest city in this world! I just can't believe you aren't speechless!"

He stopped as Gabe's hairy gray paw grasped the top of his head. "Okay, Red, that's enough. Why don't you let them see it for themselves?"

Red pursed his lips. "Alright, Gabe, I was just sayin'..."

Deja hiked her backpack higher on her back and started to make her way cautiously down the hill of wet grass. "Be carful you guys, it's slippery..."

"Aw no one needs your motherin' fox! We can do this on our own.....!" Red's voice became a shrill cry as his sandals slid on the mud and threw his feet high into the air. The group watched as he tumbled down the hill, mud and grass flying, his curses echoing throughout the humid air.

* * *

"Ah...Master Red! It's...nice to...er...see you..."

"Cut the crap Gaul, and let us in."

The heavyset Woren posted at the front of the large city gate chuckled to himself as Red pulled a chunk of earth from his wet matted fur. "As you wish, Master." He mused. After laughing again at Red's expression, he lifted his head into the air and opened his large fanged mouth. "HIYO TUNG!" He cried in a harsh booming voice and waved his arms three times slowly.

The clicking and whirrs of machinery brought the Princess' quizzical gaze upward. Above the gate a few Worens yelled back and ran to a large rusting wheel. Together they turned it and the chains connected to it clanked loudly, and began to pull the gate open.

Red's crimson eyes widened as the city came into view. Pulling the last bit of grass from his ears, his lips curled into a smile. "Home sweet home."

All at once, from every which direction, Worens ran to the front gate, yelling and waving their arms. Red laughed and glanced back at a wide eyed Nina. "You ever seen this many Worens?" He asked. She shook her head. He took a deep breath and banged a fist on his chest. "Ah...it's a beautiful sight ain't it?"

She watched as his raised his arms into the air and began to walk into the sea cats. Ryu leaned down and placed a hand on her head, tousling her stringy blonde hair. "He's right, it is amazing, isn't it?"

She nodded slowly and started to follow Deja and Gabe. Nina glanced around, blue eyes remaining wide at the massive amounts of people nearing them. It was amazing. Never had she seen this big of a crowd. Red was loving it though, they were parting for him, reaching out and clapping their hands on his back, congratulating him... Suddenly, she reached back and grasped Ryu's shirt. He leaned down. "What is it, Nina?"

She glanced again at the rejoicing Worens and then brought her mouth close to his ear. "Are they...Do they think he's back from Angel Tower?"

Ryu straightened and shrugged. "Who knows? But it sure is one hell of a welcome, is it not?"

She nodded. "I've never seen this many people before...I just..." She gasped as she felt a hand grasp one of her wings.

"Tio mung. Gyui faluk!"

She brought her gaze down to a small Woren child. He was staring at her with wide green eyes, clawed hand outstretched and clutching the end feathers of one of her wings. "Um...excuse me?"

The child was joined by a few more, each staring at her and reaching out to touch her. "Hyi operi. Burgih jit! Gyui faluk!"

She glanced up at Ryu who shrugged. "I'm not sure but..."

"Rokan mor! Vio Fuol!"

Nina looked back to see Red standing with his hands on his hips, crimson eyes narrowed at the young Worens. They all gasped as let go of her wing, eyes gazing frightfully up at him. He reached out and smoothed her feathers. "Tyo Gyui faluk, vert yowl."

"Um...Red...what...?" She blushed as he continued to stroke the feathers.

"Sorry about that, birdy. They think you're an angel." He straightened. "No harm done, yeah?"

The Worens looked at one another and then back at Red. Nina pulled her wings close to her body. "It's alright, it's just..."

"They don't speak your language yet." Red said automatically. "Worens don't learn humanoid languages 'till the age of six. These kids only know a few words probably."

"I...didn't know, I'm sorry..."

Red smiled. "Nah, it's alright. They said you were beautiful."

Blood pulsed in her cheeks. "Well, I...tell them thank you..." She stammered softly.

Red reached out and rubbed the first Woren boy's head. "Uo forlad."

Instantly, the boy's eyes brightened and a large smile came to his face. He gibbered something incoherent and then ran back into the pack of gathering Worens, the other kids following close behind him.

Ryu scratched his head. "I guess that brightened his day, huh Nina?"

"I don't understand... He's that happy...with a 'thank you'?" She asked softly.

Red laughed. "Ha! You wouldn't believe how scarce those two words are in this town. You just made him a very happy boy. You'll probably be the talk of the town this evening. He'll be even prouder when he finds out you're the Windian Princess!" She blushed again.

"Red! Hey, Red!"

Nina, Ryu, and Red turned to see a girl squeeze through the crowds of chattering Worens. She stumbled out and bent down, grasping her knees and gasping for breath. He crossed his arms and flicked his tail. "What do you want, Kisa?"

Kisa took a deep breath and stood up straight. She was about Nina's height and had long tawny hair that cascaded down her shoulders in large fat ringlets. Jutting out from the blonde mass were two black tipped ears, heavily pierced with rings. She wore a dress that seemed to be merely a few forest green cloths tied together and wrapped tightly around her small body. Ten or so bracelets clinked on both arms as she too crossed them. Her tail flicked as well and Nina noticed she even had jewelry on it. She snorted and lifted her nose to the air. "Jesus, Red, I just wanted to tell you Uncle Juun's waiting to see you. I thought you'd be happy to see me." Her voice was higher than Nina had thought it would be.

Red shook his head. "No way. Happy to see you? You gotta be jokin'"

Kisa growled and reached out, smacking Red hard on the side of the head. He yelped and grasped a stinging ear. "What...What the hell was that for, Kisa?!"

"You know, if it wasn't for me, Uncle would be out here kicking your ass right now for not getting to Angel Tower! I told him to be easy on you since you were still too young." She cried, tawny cheeks flushing and golden eyes wide.

Red clenched his teeth. "Too young?! What the hell?! You mind your own business, girl!"

Growling again, Kisa whirled around, tail swinging dangerously behind her. "Fine, Red, be a bastard. I'm going to tell him you're on your way and you better hurry up. You know he doesn't like to wait." she snapped.

"Okay whatever, Kisa." Red snarled back as she disappeared into the crowd.

"Who...was that, Red?" Nina asked watching Red's fists clench and tremble.

He spat angrily on the ground and closed his eyes. "My damn cousin."

"She was very pretty."

"She's also a major bitch."

"Are you talking bad about your cousin, Red?" Deja asked walking up behind him.

Red whirled. "What do you care? I mean, besides the fact that she beats you out of the psycho bitch category."

"Red, that's not very nice. She's a very pleasant girl and you know..."

"Anyways, enough of this." He reached back and grasped Nina's arm. "We need to go meet my father now. As much as I hate listening to that girl, she is right. Father will have my ass if we're late."

"But Red, I..." Nina cried stumbling.

Red looked back. "You too, dragon. Father'll want to know if there's one of your kind in the city."

Ryu shrugged and followed after them.

"You think Juun will be okay with them being here?" Gabe asked, coming up behind Deja and watching them disappear into the distance. The fox woman nodded. "He has to be. If Red tolerates them, anyone can."

"Nina will be alright, she's royalty. I'm just worried about the dragonboy."

Deja laughed. "I think he can handle it. If he gives Old Juun a run for his money, that is."

Gabe nodded and smiled a large toothy smile. "You want to go look? Have a bit of fun?"

Deja smiled and reached back, running her fingers through her long jet black hair. "Do you even have to ask?"