The shouting, screaming, and sound of rushing flames slowly faded away, replaced by an endless ringing.
Already short of breath, she would have gasped if she could when the hungry blaze consumed the very air she attempted to breathe to fuel its fury. Several terrifying seconds passed where she couldn't take in a single breath - all that she got for her trouble was a rush of scalding heat.
Eventually, the stream stopped, and a short time after that the air lost its superheated quality, allowing her to greedily suck down oxygen as though she had just been drowning.
Glancing over, Delilah didn't seem to be doing much better. Her makeup was ruined much like Sherrels from the intense heat, and her face was flushed from the sudden and brief lack of air.
They both stood slowly, glancing towards what once was the Merchants and her tank. What she saw left Sherrel gasping yet again.
She frequently welded parts of her vehicles, and she knew off hand the temperatures those tools wielded was in the range of 10,000 to 15,000 degrees Fahrenheit. When in use, extreme caution was obviously used, since she valued the use of all of her fingers and eyesight.
It was useful for quick patchwork and certain other specific jobs that needed to be done, as the melting point of steel was roughly around 2500 degrees. Welders made quick work of the metal they were directed at, let alone things like asphalt or wood.
What was left of her tank and the surrounding area may as well have been scorched by the world's largest welding torch, though if she was a betting woman, the temperature was actually hotter than that.
There was no sign of any bodies remaining. Whoever was in the blast area was simply gone.
Disintegrated. Obliterated. Melted. However, one wanted to describe it.
The tank fared no better. The entirety of it was melted into a strange looking puddle, as it managed to cool itself just enough to regain solidity halfway through the process of being completely liquified.
The asphalt was actively bubbling, and likely would for several more minutes.
As she took in the scene before her, Sherrel couldn't stop a whistle from coming out at the level of destruction wreaked, and the complete and utter destruction of the Merchants.
"FO!"
This time, when the massive and grating voice shouted, a wall of chilling air, obviously much colder in the actual cone formed from the shout based on the ice crystals forming in the air itself. Immediately all the molten red edges and bubbling asphalt ceased, cooling and cracking as it returned to a more normal temperature.
A massive gust of air nearly bowled her over, prompting her to actually look at the monster that had unleashed the attack.
Blacking out the sky above her and Delilah hovered the single largest living thing Sherrel had ever seen in her life. The body alone would be enough to cover the entire street - the wings stretched well outside her range of view with the buildings blocking her way on either side.
The entire creature was black as pitch, with four spiraling horns emerging from atop its head. It's scales were segmented and overlapping, allowing for freedom of movement while providing near complete protection.
They gleamed in the light, its entire body looking like it was crafted from an obsidian flow - sharp and jagged, yet for all its edges and points it appeared strangely streamlined. Though it was nowhere near as shiny as actual obsidian, rather seemingly drinking in the light, rather than reflecting it.
Its tail was adorned with several large spikes, looking quite intimidating with the size difference between it and the average human.
Its head tilted to point its baleful gaze towards her, and she was graced by the sight of one burning crimson eye, locking onto her. It seemingly scanned her for a moment, assessing, before coming to some unknowable conclusion before moving on to Delilah.
Completing whatever its task was, it reoriented itself and began to drop towards the street, sharp scales and talons getting closer than Sherrel was comfortable with.
With some degree of shock, Sherrel witnessed the massive creature slowly begin to… shrink.
The massive wings tucked in, decreasing in size to a certain extent, at which point they condensed and changed shape into human-like arms. The legs popped as their extra joint was lost to accommodate its new human shape.
With surprising swiftness, the massive dragon disappeared, and was replaced by a man covered in scaled armor that looked extremely similar to the scales the dragon itself wore.
A large sword, all blacks, greys, and hints of red, was gripped in one hand. The massive blade was held with seeming ease, at odds with the sheer size of the weapon. The primary blade on the front was slightly serrated and ended in a vicious looking point, while the smaller blade on its back was similarly shaped.
The dragon-man strung his sword onto his back before reaching up and grasping his helmet, slowly tugging it off. Delilah had already begun approaching him, so Sherrel was forced to reconcile the fact that this was indeed Asteroth. His title as The Dragon was apparently quite literal.
She made to follow suit, and as he finished removing his headpiece Sherrel was treated to the sight of his furious frown, still-glowing crimson eyes glinting with a hint of danger as he glanced behind them, to the currently smoldering pile of ashes once known as the Merchants.
Then they alighted upon his bondmate and future bondmate, and the glow dissipated somewhat, replaced by a slightly warmer shine that Sherrel was more familiar with. "You're safe."
It was clear he was addressing both of them, but Sherrel let Delilah take the lead. "We are. Though the situation was mostly under control right as you arrived, it was quite convenient for them to gather up their forces for an extermination."
Sherrel couldn't help but agree. Although they would have likely easily gotten away after Delilah dropped the barrage of spears, that didn't mean they were immediately safe. Also, the Merchants would have still been around, or at least the leadership would have, and that would have been a shame.
Aster approached them, reaching out to cup Delilah's face with great care. He turned her left, then right, examining her just to be absolutely certain nothing had happened. "I'm fine, darling. You know I can protect myself, and I wouldn't have let a single hair on Sherrel's head come to harm."
Sherrel's heart warmed at Delilah's words. Asteroth simply ignored them and continued his examination before finding everything satisfactory. He pressed a loving kiss to his bondmates lips, which she eagerly returned, before separating again and approaching her.
The same process she'd just witnessed was performed on her, his gentle grip allowing her to resist if she so chose. She didn't.
"And are you ok, Dii Ahkrin? I understand this was quite a scary situation, and I'm not exactly a comforting sight for first time viewers." She nodded her head.
Quite scary was certainly one way to put it. The prospect of Delilah getting hurt because of her past was perhaps the worst part - it was one thing for Sherrel to be dragged down for her mistakes, it was entirely another to picture the blonde, bubbly woman who'd become a sister-like figure being affected.
Her thoughts travelled a bit further down the self-sacrificial train of thought she'd had before she realized Delilah was slightly less defenseless than she thought, and even though the threat was gone she couldn't help but imagine what would have happened.
The drugs, the rape, the torture, the utter helplessnes being trapped like a dog wrought - it was all too much. The memories flooded back, barraging her overtaxed mind with an endless stream
of images and sensations.
Hot tears pooled in her eyes as Asteroth remained cupping her cheeks as the entire situation washed over her, finally catching up to the shocked woman. "Hey now, there's no need for tears. Nobody is ever going to threaten you ever again, this I vow."
He reached up, gently wiping away the first couple tears that swept down her face, as she valiantly held back a sob. Delilah joined them, turning the gentle cradling of her face into a warm embrace. With her arms circling both Asteroth and Sherrel, Delilah forced the young tinker's cupped face into Asteroth's chest. "There there, sweety, we've got you. You've nothing to fear while you're with us, we're right by your side."
Sherrel remained shuddering for a few moments, though she managed to hold back the racking sobs that had threatened to emerge. Somebody's hand traced soothing circles across her back, while another became tangled in her hair, gently caressing her neck and head.
They stood like that for a few moments, simply allowing her to bask in the love and affection the pair was giving her. It took time, but she found her voice.
"C-can we go home? I'm better now but…" They briefly pulled apart so Sherrel could see the understanding look on both of their faces.
"Of course, my dear. Let us gather up the results of your shopping trip as best we can, then I'll send us on through."
Although one or two bags may have gone missing, Sherrel couldn't find it in herself to care. Once they were gathered together again, Asteroth pulled them together, wrapping an arm around both Delilah and herself.
"This might feel a little funny, but we'll get home in a snap. Just hold on to me, alright?" Sherrel was all too happy to oblige; even with a bag in each hand, she was able to clutch the sides of his armor without cutting herself and gripped tight.
Delilah stood on the other side, giving her a kind smile. She felt Asteroth's hand move in some kind of strange motion, and suddenly dark purple and black energies swirled around them, consuming her sight until nothing remained.
It only lasted for an instant before dropping away, giving her vision back, only to find herself in the main entryway to their home. "Wow."
Asteroth chuckled. "Indeed. Let's get these set down somewhere, then I need to send a couple messages, but after that I'll join you two in the bedroom?"
He left the question hanging in the air, but Sherrel just numbly nodded. The more contact she had with her new family was better. Delilah grasped her hand and began guiding her towards the master bedroom. "What happened to me, Delilah?"
It was a fair question. Sherrel had dealt with a lot of shit in her lifetime, and to be so suddenly mentally crippled by her fear was not something she expected. Her fellow blonde simply looked back at her and gave her yet another soft smile.
"It's likely a form of delayed shock. During the intense moments your brain goes into fight or flight, adrenaline starts pumping, and your brain goes into overdrive. Most of its functionality is geared towards figuring out a solution to the situation you're in. The moment the fight ended, and the risk to your life was over, your brain was allowed to redirect to other things. Because the… situation ended so abruptly, your brain was still working overtime but was allowed to focus on whatever it wanted."
They reached the bedroom door, allowing Delilah to nudge it open and guide her to the bed, sitting her down. "Which likely led to it going down paths best left unseen. Seeing that man again certainly didn't help. I hope you can at least rest easier now, knowing that he can never bother you again."
The older blonde tugged on her shirt, resulting in a blank, slightly confused look from Sherrel. "You're covered in soot and smoke, my dear."
Ah, that would do it. Her shirt was deftly removed, followed by searching fingers unbuttoning her jeans. Another look was shared. "I have no doubt we are all going to pass out in a giant, adorable cuddly puddle, and these jeans, while excellent for showing off your rather curvaceous behind, are not so good for relaxing in."
That… also made sense. With a little bit of help, wiggling and hopping in place, Sherrel's pants were also divested. "Now, let's get under these covers and get you warmed up."
Warmed up? But she wasn't even -
A shiver wracked her body, unexpectedly cutting off her train of thought.
Maybe the covers weren't such a bad idea. Pulling back the silken sheets, she crawled in, allowing the sinfully comfortable bedding to caress her skin. Delilah shucked off her similarly dirty clothing, remaining in her underwear much like Sherrel was, before lifting up an edge and climbing in herself.
Delilah scooted over until Sherrel felt the woman's flesh press up against her back, as well as her cloth-covered breasts. A pleasant warmth enveloped her, though her front, regardless of the temperature under the covers, felt cold and exposed.
Before she could contemplate the lack of something she couldn't quite define, the door burst open, allowing Asteroth entry. Sherrel glanced over the lip of the sheets to see the soft smile on his face upon him witnessing the cuddling blonds. His armor had already been removed, leaving him in more relaxed clothing, clearing ruffled from being worn under the gear previously.
There was no lust, no desire, no ulterior motivation in that smile - just happiness at seeing two people he considered precious, and his. Perhaps it was folly, perhaps it should have been inconceivable, perhaps Sherrel should have railed at the thought of being somebody else's.
But she felt none of those things - this wasn't like that. Sherrel would know.
Instead, all she could picture was the many, many times Asteroth had insisted she knew that she could do, say, or ask about anything she wanted. That if she wanted to, she could leave with their support, and he would be happy for her.
All she could picture, instead of seeing a man who owned her, was the man who was simultaneously telling her to do as she pleased and meant it, and the man, nay, the dragon who showed up to protect what he considered his.
Being Asteroth's woman held a far different meaning than the standard definition would entail - she'd been Skidmark's woman, she would fucking know the difference.
What had he said? His women would be unique - they'd be strong, and define history with their own power. That was not what somebody would say about their woman if they shackled them, and refused to let them fly high.
Granted, by Sherrel's guess, nobody could ever surpass him regardless, so he didn't have anything to fear in regards to being surpassed, but she couldn't help but feel even if that was the case he would simply grin and praise them for their might.
Ordinarily that might seem odd, but presumably with the bond it would be pretty fucking clear his mate wouldn't betray him. Add another powerhouse like Asteroth to the lineup and nobody could ever threaten their little family.
'All the better to protect us with' would be his mentality.
At least, that's what Sherrel thought.
Perhaps she was just a foolish, naive girl who hadn't learned from her last mistake. She couldn't help but feel, though, if she didn't take this chance, here and now, and push past her fears, she might never get the chance to be part of something so warm and loving as this little family had so far proven to be.
So Sherrel would dive right in - fuck the consequences. Her rash decision making had freed her from her once 'home', then delivered her to hell's arms. Following that pattern, something good should happen next, right?
Either way, it was a risk worth taking.
So she would simply have to have faith. If not in herself, then in the pair that had taken her in, and showed her that family could be more than just a word.
The sound of Aster shucking off his shirt startled her out of her bout of contemplation. Sherrel feared briefly that he would strip further, and technically he did, but was quick to throw on some pajama pants.
He smiled down at her as he approached the bed from her front, Delilah's arms encircling her from the back.
Another shiver briefly wracked her body against her wishes.
Aster pulled the covers aside, slipping in and crossing the distance until he lay beside her, but not touching her. His eyes met hers, asking a simple question.
Perhaps, if he'd not been exactly the person he had been, things would have been different. But he was who he was, and Sherrel needed warmth and support right now, so she simply extended an arm out in invitation.
With a positively blinding grin, he closed the remaining distance, pressing into her front and allowing her head to nestle into his upper chest and the crook of his neck. Asteroth placed a gentle kiss on top of her head where he could reach, before stretching out his arms and encompassing both herself and Delilah, pulling them in even closer.
It should have been stifling, hot bodies pressing in from both sides, but instead all Sherrel could feel was a pleasant sensation of being accepted and loved, steadily warming the parts of her no physical heat could ever reach.
Trapped within their Sherrel sandwich, a few tears slipped out, but for once they were tears of not sadness, pain, or regret, but something else. Something happier.
Perhaps, in time, she would understand exactly how she felt, and might even be able to put it into words that could be understood. But for now, she simply revelled in the outpouring of support.
The panic she'd felt, the sudden return of all her worst fears, the pain of bringing her personal hell within visible distance of Delilah, and the rather fiery vengeance Asteroth had wreaked upon the Merchants left her utterly drained.
Within no time at all, her eyelids grew heavy, her breathing slowed to a steadier rate, and the soothing motions of her little family's arms and hands wrapping around her sent her into a blissful rest.