Everyone, I am so very sorry for the long long delay. I've been having a GOT burn out and rewatching scenes to create the fic was so painful to watch that I couldn't write. I've been watching other Tv Shows as well to recover, thus, the long delay and writer's block. Urgh... But I'm picking up my pace :D Yay!

I was also afraid that no one wanted to read this fic again as I didn't get much response on the fic, so I didn't really write. Until 11Thirthy1 & PAT2024 reached out to me, urging me to continue. I'm so grateful that someone still wanted to read the fic, so here I am, trying again.

Since this will be my long return after months of hiatus, I'd like to know your opinions if I've lost touch or anything you find amiss. I really need help to make this update to the end. And this will be shorter than the previous chapters I've written so that I can catch everyone up as well.

Oh, and yea. I've watched the trailer of House of the Dragons. Not sure how I feel about it after the sad ending. Let me know how you guys will watch House of the Dragons? I couldn't feel excited. In fact, I can't. I don't know how, I wanna be excited though. But how.

Thank you so much for all your understanding.

Ever since Dany's first transformation, her body felt so tired. Everything hurts and her senses seemed to sharpen. The small blowing of winds began to shock her, and little noises have spiked her anxiety, which made her sleeping hard.

"You'll get used to it," Jon assured her, as they were riding a carriage to see one of the warehouses of Illyrio.

"How do I stop this?" Dany wearily asked, her sharpened senses has disrupted her rest.

"I'm afraid you can't, love," he said as he pulled her to his arm and kissed the top of her head.

"A shifter must live with their senses even when they turn human," Ser Barristan said, making the couples turn around, "It is how we keep ourselves safe even when the beast inside us is asleep."

Dany pouted, "But this is really irritating me," she can't even rest properly or is not startled by every movement. In the past, this scared her to death as she tried to survive, running away from Robert's assassin was the goal, that's why every little movement scares her, "It's like I'm being watched."

"It'd be easier if you can shift as a child, but this is the new reality you must face," Ser Barristan said, "you cannot hide the dragon inside you any longer. Not when the Gods have broken its seal," the Old Knight then straightened his back, "You have a great purpose ahead of you, my child. So, stand tall for it."

The young Targaryen nodded, "I will."

A knock came through the window of driver's window, "Ser? Your Graces?" It's Varys, "I believe we have arrived."

"Ahh, we have arrived," Ser Barristan grunted and opened the door before looking back at them. He truly is behaving like a knight serving his King and Queen, "This is where Illyrio stored his spices to sell in the market."

Jon got out first before helping Dany get off the carriage and inspect the warehouse. The warehouse has an Essossi touch, an ordinary-looking building, but there are sophistications around it. The wood has certain curls and designs that made it more traditional. Winterfell had nothing like those, it was more dull and rigid. This one is very artistic, perhaps it's to counter the heat as well.

In the entrance of the warehouse stood the man himself, looking so very enthusiastic than before, "Ahh, you came!" The fat man exclaimed excitedly, "Welcome to my humble home where it's the flow to my coins and the famous house of the spices of Essos. I must say, I truly apologize that we didn't really have a good start in the beginning when we first met. Allow me to make it up to you by giving you a tour to one of my greatest pride," The Magister gestured them inside, welcoming them in. Illyrio was always welcoming, but everything he does, it's always for the money, and she can now see why.

Once inside the house, Dany felt the urge to sneeze and retch. For the place is filled with baskets full of powders, herbs, fruits, and many strange raw foods where the servants handle each and every one of them, grinding them, mixing them, and doing certain things to it. The scent was bitter, sour, and sweet all mixed together. Many looked like they could be better if not let dry out, but Illyrio did mention that he sells spices. But the smell…..oh they are annoying her.

Her new sense of scent helped her pick up even the slightest thing now, she wondered how Jon could even live with such conditions since wolves tend to have a sharp sense of smell and hearings.

"All your meals' raw materials that we prepared back at my house were from here," Illyrio exclaimed, "People love these things here, it's the closest thing to heaven on earth."

Jon scanned the powders and herbs as if the wolf inside of him is sniffing around for trouble, "It has its charms," he commented, "But it looks as if the stocks are a little low?"

Jon's right, when Dany looked around, most of the baskets had signs that they were once full. Some are even close to empty and from what she saw the servants are filling up, most of the raw materials they are handling are low.

"Ahh, yes," he said, "One of four of my lead runners was recently taken by the Dothrakis, I had to compensate for the loss of deal of Prince Viserys, so things are a little slow as of today. The horses were used for the market sells but when it comes to deliveries from the fields, that need the strength of more than a horse."

Viserys, again, Dany sighed. It seems that her brother had left a dent in her life even after his passing, Viserys has always been working without her knowing and it turns out it's for his own benefit. Not hers. He just wanted the throne.

"So, is it safe to say the Dothrakis won't ever come back again?" Jon asked, his tone firm.

"Yes, yes," Illyrio reassured, clasping his hands together, "The last time we saw them was after we got the news that Viserys is dead. And that was a year ago. We had never dealt with them ever since, just when they wanted to buy spices."

"Will they search for Dany if one day they saw her?"

"I'll be honest, my Prince. I'm not certain, but I can tell you that they did not demand her ever again," the fat man stated.

"I see," Jon hummed.

Although she admired Jon's safety around her, she doesn't want him to worry for her. Besides, she can shift already. If the Dothrakis does come for her, she can defend herself the way she did with the lions. Feeling that he needs to hear her, she pulled her to him, "Jon, it's fine. I can take care of myself."

"I know, I know," Jon scratched the back of his head, "I just can't help feeling like we will still have to deal with those savages."

"Be nice, Jon," Dany said. Yes, she's aware the Dothrakis wanted to take her, but it was her brother who initiated it, not her. They were somewhat clueless about this deal.

"Alright, alright," he chuckled, "But let's get back after this, I don't like it when they said the Dothrakis sometimes come here."

"Alright."

"Come along now," Ser Illyrio guided them again, "We have much to discover."

The Magister gave them a tour around the different rooms. It clearly meant business here, and Dany had never had the luxury to inspect how a business is run before. All this time, she thought she was going to be by Jon's side, running the side of politics alongside Robb. But this opened her mind to the world of business and why they really have high hopes about the taxes to Lord Alpha Stark back then.

"So business is slowing down because you lack runners?" Ser Barristan asked.

"Apparently, yes. A slave is not fit to be a runner since they are trained to follow orders but not lead. So, I need a fitting runner, but lately, most were taken to King's Landing."

"I see," Ser Barristan hummed, "The Lions must've wanted something."

"Who knows, but all we know now is that Essos doesn't have the best of runners."

This made Dany turn to Jon. There's this spark in his eyes when the word 'runner' is there, she wondered if he is still willing to pass that exam when they return. Back then, it was all he could think about. Now that they left the pack, she might even think that he is no longer into it.

But he did.

From what he had known, Lord Alpha Stark paid this man for their accommodation and safety. What if it runs out? He can't let his father pay them for eternity. And this man clearly, at least, wanted something. It'll make sense if he joins the military, but that will only arise suspicions to King's Landing. Being under the protection of a merchant makes more sense, and is a great way to lay low until they can go back.

"Jon?"

Ghost's mind snapped back, eyes remembering that he needed to follow the old lion in front of him.

Yes, Dany?

"You were thinking about volunteering yourself, weren't you?" Dany, always knowing what's on his mind.

Aye, he confessed, The least I can do is help. This man clearly wanted something in return, and in my overall experience handling merchants, they are usually short-tempered and cared about coins than politics. During his time with Lord Alpha Stark, he had to do something so that the merchants will continue trading in Winterfell and other parts of the North. It was a hassle, but he learns.

"I see," Dany hummed, "Have you told Ser Barristan?"

No, he admitted, I'm still unsure. Because my pelt is quite noticeable, I wonder if it's safe for me to even leave with this form.

"Hmmm, we should discuss things with Ser Barristan."

Right, after our training, Ghost said as he continued racing on the sand, catching up with the old lion. Ghost finds it fun to actually pad on the sand, but at the same time, it's harder to run as fast as he used to since the sand kept sinking under his paws. Not to mention, he had Dany on his back, not that he's complaining. But the good thing about this is that it's a good way to not lose his touch on running. He finds it easier to run on the area where the waves touched the sand, but that defeats the purpose of his training.

By the time they reached their training spot, the same as yesterday, Ser Baristan wasted no time to teach them both. Dany hopped down Ghost's back as he turned back, "Alright, listen up," he said, "Since the Magister said that those Dothrakis still lurks in the cities, it's best we keep our guards up if one day, they do try to attack us. So, Jon," the old man turned to the White Wolf, "Have you ever turned into your other form?"

Jon blinked, "My other form?"

"Aye," he said, "Since Daenerys here has the ability to turn into one, perhaps you might be able to? Since you are the blood of the Dragons, of course. There must be some seed inside you ready to sprout."

"I don't know," Jon had never had that feeling that he might be a dragon. Melisandre did tell him about his possible transformation, but she never told him how to do it. Now, it's his turn to be confused.

Ser Barristan nodded, "As I thought," then he turned to Dany, "My Lady, perhaps it's time for you to do the teaching now."

Dany blinked, "Oh, I'm not sure I can be a good teacher to Jon."

"There's always the first," he chuckled, "I'll guide. But I rather have you both work together, I want you both to learn problem-solving together. I'll watch as you both find a way, but for now, I'd like you both to use your heads."

Jon and Dany nodded, and they both turned to each other. Dany took a deep breath, "I suppose, I should try first again."

"Aye," Jon agreed.

Dany closed her eyes, focusing her thoughts. Jon doesn't know what she's thinking, but the next moment, her body became to grow and shift into the same beautiful white dragon.

"Good, Daenerys," Ser Baristan clapped, "Splendid."

The White Dragon ducked her head, "As you said, on my own will."

"Aye, and you did," their new mentor chuckled proudly before turning to Jon, "Now, lad. Let's see what you're made of."

Jon nodded, willing to give it a try. He had never thought that he could shift into another form, so this is entirely new for anyone. He's not even sure where to start.

"Perhaps you should try to find the dragon in you, Jon," Dany suggested as her purple eyes looked at him curiously.

"I don't know the trigger that could help me turn into one," Jon said.

"I think you do," Dany lowered her head to meet his eyes, "When you were always protecting me, you turned a little more different. More intimidating. Remember Castle black?"

Jon shook his head, "All I know is that I only wanted to protect you," and not to say that he is a poet, but that was all in his mind back then. He just didn't realize that he shifted into a different animal.

Dany hummed, clearly thinking. Jon tried to focus as much as he can, trying to reach out to the dragon inside him but all he was getting are blanks. Using the same technique that Ser Barristan used to Dany won't do it since she's basically a dragon, she can fend off from Ser Barristan easily.

"What if…" Dany stuttered.

The White Wolf looked up, "What if what?"

Before he could react, the White Dragon snapped its jaws at him. Jon was fast to react and backed away quickly, "Hey! What…."

But he couldn't finish his words when he saw its mouth glowing inside, small specks of flares slowly spewing out.

Suddenly, something inside Jon awakened. He felt it when his heart suddenly thumped loudly, it was the same feeling like the time when he saw the seer phyton and the two dragons in his dreams. But there was one feeling that surges through him that he had never felt before…...determination.

"What will you say then, wolf cub?"

He shifted. Like he used to do all the time. He didn't care if he was a wolf, he's determined to beat the dragon in front of him. The White Wolf leaped at the dragon, aiming right at its throat.

Ghost managed to take it down to the ground with one bite, pushing it down. His talons covering its face in an attempt to put it down. Wait….talons?

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" A familiar loud roar came from behind, making him snap out of whatever he was just trying to do at his attacker.

Jon's mind cleared, and suddenly he was more aware of what he had done. He perked his head up and saw his hands now talons. He has scales now…..and huge! He then felt another something attached to his arms, something leathery and easily caught in the wind. This isn't his wolf form! He's the creature in his dreams!

Something was struggling beneath him, trying to push him away, "Jon, get off me."

Dany! He immediately scurried off her back, thinking of many things on how to apologize to her, Are you alright?

"I'm fine," Dany got back on her legs, "I was just testing what could be done for you. You didn't hurt me, don't worry."

And you did, he huffed. Jon took a quick look at himself, looking down on his body. He has black bright scales, and his head towers over…..well….everything! He lifted his arms and found what it's attaching to their wings!

"Two forms in one body," the White Lion padded towards him, "Very peculiar, don't you think?"

I don't even know how is this possible, Jon said. He had never heard other shifters could turn into another form.

"It's rare, that's true. No one has ever pulled this before. Not even for hundreds of years," the Lion looked at them with content, Jon can see the looks of awe and pride, "My, what a remarkable sight to see. The time of the Dragons has come again."

The Black and White dragons looked at each other, inspecting their rare forms. Now that he is at the same level as Dany, and really seeing her without him having to strain his neck up, he is in awe of her form. Her dragon form is glowing brightly under the rays of the sun, and her curving back made her look even more elegant. She is still beautiful even as a dragon.

"All this time, you were the dragon in my dreams," Dany said to him, "Just as Melisandre had indicated to us."

Aye, and same goes to you, Jon replied in content, nuzzling her snout, earning a somewhat adorable click from her, I saw your form in my dreams the day we escaped. Their connection felt stronger than ever, like a door flinging wide open after being closed for a long time.

"Alright, alright, you two," the old Lion interrupted their moment together. Jon had forgotten that they were not alone, "You two are here to practice, not to relax. Now come, let's see what you both can do."

Jon curled his neck to face him, What would you have us do?

"Why don't you try getting used to your new forms?" Ser Barristan suggested, "Circle around for a while, and when you are ready, perhaps you can try lifting into the air."

Dany's head perked up, looking so excited, "Really?"

"Only gliding, my child," Their mentors warned, "I cannot let anyone notice your presence here."

The Black Dragon snorted, What a shame. He had been looking forward to trying flying as he had always dreamed of.

The White Lion gave him a glare as if its intensifying slit pupil isn't intimidating enough, "Don't push it, cub. You both may be the cubs of the dragons, but that doesn't mean that you can do whatever you please for now. You are yet to be leaders, so you will still be under my watch when doing these things."

"Yes, Ser," Both Dragon cubs growled softly obediently.

"Good," The Albino Lion huffed, "Now, let's try getting used to your forms as we did with Daenerys. Daenerys," he looked at her, "Will you do the honors to teach young Jon here."

The White Dragon nodded and turned to face her mate, "I suppose you want to try getting used to your new skin." And at that, she got on her hind legs and walked past him, indicating him to follow her.

The Black Dragon followed, trying to get used to his new pattern of mobility. He felt like a newborn fawn learning how to walk. There was a time he tumbled a little as he the position of his talons wrongly, and his long talons. By the Gods, they were long! He needs to get used to having his long talons out and not retracted just as he was when he was a wolf. It's like walking around without his sword in a scabbard. Now he understands why the old man wanted Dany to learn walking yesterday, this is actually challenging.

By the time they arrived at the edge of the cliff, Jon felt a little tired trying to get used to his new form without tumbling or tripping.

"Not as easy, eh boy?" The Lion growled with delight as he padded easily around him as if teasing him.

Oh, piss off, Jon growled, I'll be flying in no time.

"Alright," he hummed, "Now, next, I want you to try a small glide," He raced down the cliff, which irked Jon a bit because he worked hard to do his best walk as a dragon and now, he knew he's going to make him go all the way back. The Lion stopped at a further spot than them before roaring back, "Let's test those wings! Glide here, Daenerys!"

"Wait, now?" The White Dragon hooted.

"You had your first flight! Now let's do it again!"

Dany didn't look convinced, the human inside the Black Dragon can feel her hesitant. Jon nosed her neck, Go on, he urged, there's nothing to fear. You won't fall.

She looked at him for a while before nodding, then she turned back to the White Lion waiting patiently for her. The White Dragon began moving forward, little by little walking faster, and at that moment, she spreads her wings and flapped her wings several times….

The next thing Jon knew, she hung in the air, gliding gracefully towards their mentor. Jon looked at her with awe, it reminded him so much of the dream he had. To think that she's the dragon in his dreams seems so magical.

She arrived next to Ser Barristan not long later, landing gracefully just as she did when she glides. The Black Dragon was about to cheer for her as she suddenly returned back to her human form…

And collapsed.

Jon panicked at the sight, he was afraid that doing this was too much for her. This never happened before, did he hurt her when he pounced at her? Dany didn't just fall to the ground, but she was struggling to get up. Their Lion mentor is already by her side, changing back and knelt beside her.

Jon immediately charged in front and spreads his wings, determined to get to them faster. He didn't care if she was flying well, he just needs to get to her fast.

And flying seems to be fast as he got to their side in a jiffy. The Black Dragon immediately turned back and he knelt beside her, "Dany?" He placed both his hands on her shoulder, "Dany? Are you alright?"

She frantically nodded, "I'm fine, just…" but before she could even finish whatever she was trying to say, she vomited right there and then, retching whatever contents were in her stomach.

"Deep breath, Dany," Jon began rubbing her back and pulled her hair back so that she won't get dirty, "I think that's enough for the day."

"Wait," Dany chastised, "I can still do it."

"He's right, child," Ser Barristan stated, making her turn to him, "Let's not force yourself, let's wrap this up and go back."

His mate gave a face of disappointment and exhaustion, "I'm sorry."

"Nothing to worry about, my lady. Your health is our priority," The Old Knight reassured her, "Can you stand up?"

Dany looked so determined to prove him wrong, that she's healthy, Jon can see it in her eyes. But when she got back on her feet, perhaps it was too fast that she almost fell. Luckily, Jon's reflex was fast to catch her as he grabbed her arm and let her lean on his chest, "It looks like I'm going to have to carry you back."

"But…." She tried to protest, looking up at him.

"It's alright, love. I know you can walk on your own, but right now, you aren't feeling well. You might not feel it now, but what if later on? I don't want you to fall off my back or get hurt. Please?"

Dany still didn't look convinced, Jon was afraid that she's going to argue with him until their mentor came in, "Child, I don't want you to push yourself too hard. You have done fantastically on your training today. I don't want you to get too tired. Or Lord Stark will have my head if something were to happen to you."

Dany looked at them both before letting out a sigh, "I understand."

Ser Barristan smiled, "Alright," then he turned to Jon, "Son, we're going to have to walk from here. No running."

"Understood," he then shifted into Ghost.

By the time he shifted into the White Wolf, that's when that scent hit him. Aside from the bad odor of the vomit, somehow, he sensed something else in Dany. He didn't know how to describe it but it's like…something is definitely insider her. Is it the dragon inside her? But if that's the case, he could've sensed it back in Westeros. Unless if she's….no…that can't be. He had a little knowledge about those, but the symptoms aren't that…

"Jon? Ghost," Dany called him, snapping him out of his thoughts, "Are you alright?"

The White Wolf huffed, I'm fine. Sorry, was lost in my thoughts. He then lowered himself to the ground, letting her hop on.

As she got onto his back, touching him, the senses were a little clearer. He can't really piece it together yet, but he can only suspect.

"Let's go," the White Lion rumbled. And both felines padded down the mountain under the sunset.

On their way back, since they are now padding down the golden sand instead of running like they used to, Ghost had more time to ponder on what he just discovered as he followed Ser Barristan leading the way. In this kind of time, is it really the right time? He admits they haven't been too careful as of late. Well, how could they?

The thought of having another company scares him. They are on the run, how can they live like that? But on the other hand, somehow, it soothes him to know that the Targaryen and Stark line is not done at all.

"Your thoughts are so loud, love," Dany murmured at his back, he turned to find her leaning her whole body on his neck, face buried on his short white fur and her hands just stroking them.

Again, with the mind-reading, he panted.

He can feel her cheek rising up, "I feel like you are a little lost in your mind there."

I suppose.

"What's on your mind?" She lifted her head up.

Can he tell her? No, that'll only make her panic. He's unsure how she'll react to this news. A part of him is happy about this, but the other part of him is terrified. But one can't be so sure. He's not an expert in this field, someone needs to confirm to them both.

Ghost decided to pad a little slower, deliberately falling a little behind from Ser Barristan. Dany began to notice his subtle action as he can feel her straighten her posture at his back, "This must be serious," she said softly.

Dany, he began, will it be alright if a Maester checks on you?

"Why? I'm just fine," her tone rising as if getting worried for his concerns.

I know, I know, he huffed, you're one of the strongest people I've ever known, taking all the Lions at once.

"Don't joke about this, Jon."

I'm not, he said, Which is why it'll make me feel better if a Maester inspect you, he turned his head to look at her violet eyes, When you collapse just now, I was terrified. I know that you feel fine now, but….I just want a certain confirmation that was just the wind.

"I'm sure I know my own body."

But that doesn't explain why you just vomited, he countered, I ate the same thing as you today, and I didn't vomit the way you did.

"And what if you will later?" she retorted back, smart.

Fine, he huffed, how about we both see a master? This is our first time to shift into our other form, so it's best to see if we can continue further on that form. How does that sound?

Dany stayed silent for a moment, she was staring at his blood-red eyes while he stared at her vibrant violet eyes. He hopes that he meant this genuinely to her, sounding genuine to her. All this time knowing Dany, she had always wanted to be useful. That's why any kind of weakness really irked her, Jon had to find other ways to speak to her and carefully craft his words so that it'll connect for her.

After a moment, she sighed, "Alright."

Ghost panted, Good. I'll speak to Ser Barristan about this.

Now his mind at ease, he looked ahead. If he's not right, then they shouldn't worry about it.

But if he's right…..well. It won't be that bad having a few cubs around to keep them company, right?

Sorry if this is shorter than usual. I'm trying to catch up with where I left off.

I admit, I had a burnout on GOT for quite a while. The memories of Season 8 is still painful and after seeing House of the Dragons, I feel pumped and not pumped. I wish I can erase the memories of Season 8, so I can be more excited to watch hahaha

That said, I hope you enjoy it here! This is the introduction of their dragon forms together! I'm actually quite excited to write the next chapter though, but I need to craft them carefully.

So, please leave your thoughts on this! Would love to know what you think about this chapter. Am I losing my touch? Does it make sense? Is progress too slow? Let me know guys!

With that said, thanks for keeping your faith in me! Will continue again!

Claire