Here's the next chapter! Hope you guys like!

Chapter 11

Being There

NO POV

The very next day, Finn got dressed and headed for the clinic ready for his usual job. Everything was the same as usual. The clinic was bustling and every one of the nurses and doctors was working hard tending to the patients. When he walked in, he was greeted by a nurse.

"Good morning Doctor Finn. Bright and early as usual."

"Good morning nurse," replied Finn. "What's on the docket for today?"

"Well..." said the nurse thoughtfully. "You have a couple check-ups with some patients, including Mr. Wickles and Mrs. Barneby."

"I see, " said Finn. "By the way, how's Willy getting along? He doing okay?"

"Oh. You must mean that boy that Johnny found in his barn," said the nurse. "Yes, he's doing just fine. After eating some food and water, he felt much better than he did before. Although..."

"Although..?" asked Finn venturing for an answer.

"Well... I did what you told me and I searched for the boy's parents, but I couldn't find anything. Then I came across this." She pulled out a newspaper with big headlines that said 'Southern Village Slaughtered!' When Finn saw the paper, he was surprised and puzzled seeing this.

"What does this have to do with Willy?" he asked.

"Just read it and you'll see," replied the nurse.

Finn was silent for a brief pause, then he read the paper. It was about how an entire village had been completely destroyed the adults all killed and the children completely. But the one thing that caught Finn's eye was a part that read about a potential survivor. When Finn finished reading, he was at a loss for words.

"I take it you understand now?" said the nurse quietly. "I'm starting to think that... the reason why..."

Finn looked back at the paper deep in thought. He started to understand as to why I wouldn't talk much about my parents or about where I was from. He knew that I told him that my parents were gone, but he never could have imagined this.

"Are you sure about this nurse?" he asked.

"I'm not sure," she replied. "But it does make some kind of sense. It's the only logical explanation. The only way we can find out for sure is that if WIlly tells us himself."

Finn was silent, then he made a decision.

"All right then. I'll see if I can try to get Willy to talk to me during his checkup."

"Sounds good to me. I'll leave you to it," said the nurse. "Anyway, I'll see you later Doctor."

"Take care."

And with that, the nurse and Finn separated Finn going one way towards my room and the nurse going another.

WILLY'S POV

I had just woken up in my bed after getting a full day of rest. It was cool that I was able to find a place to stay, but to be honest, I missed being outside. At least I was able to swim a little during my little adventure in the forest. I wanted to get out of bed and start swimming again. Just not being near water made feel depressed. Just then there was a knock on my door. I looked towards the door drawing my attention before the door opened and Finn came in.

"Good morning Willy. How are you this morning?"

"Oh. Hello Mr. Finn. I'm fine. Thanks for asking." I replied slightly bowing.

"You feeling any better today?" asked Finn.

"Yes. Much better thank you. I feel like my old self again. All I needed was some food, water, and a good rest." I said.

"Glad to hear it. At the rate you're going, you'll be out of this hospital feeling better in no time."

"I guess..." I replied. "But to be honest, I wanna leave right now. I'm getting a little tired of staying in bed like this."

"I see," chuckled Finn. "I understand. You wanna get up and moving again, but you have to take it easy."

"I know," I said. "So how much longer do I have to stay in here?"

"Well... considering the fact that you're feeling better right now, I'd say about another day or so," said Finn.

I know that to some people, another day in the hospital doesn't seem like a big deal, but to me, it seemed like an eternity. However, I didn't want to make a fuss, so I said nothing. Finn then got out his stethoscope and started examining me once again. He did the basic stuff; checking my mouth, my reflexes, and my heartbeat. Then he went on to check on my bruised arm which was looking better. Soon he finished the examination.

"All right then," Finn said straightening up. "That should do it. Another day of rest and you'll be out of this hospital in no time."

Then as Finn went towards the trash can to throw away the popsicle stick used for my tongue, he set down the newspaper that he was holding. I happened to take a look at it and boy did I wish I didn't. When I saw the headlines, my body froze and the memories of back then resurfaced in my mind. I started to tremble and my heart felt like it stopped.

"Willy? Willy?! Willy snap out of it! Willy!"

I then felt Finn who shaking me lightly by my shoulders and I finally snapped out of my daze.

"Willy?! What's wrong? Are you OK?"

"I'm... I'm sorry. It was nothing. I'm fine," I said hastily shaking my head before looking away. "I thought that I saw... a rat. Yeah... thought I saw a rat. I guess it was nothing."

Finn had a skeptical look on his face. He had never had rats in his clinic and he certainly didn't see one.

"Willy? Is there something wrong?" he asked.

"Oh no, it's nothing," I said trying not to sound sad.

"Are you sure?" asked Finn. "Because it looks to me that you look like you saw something..."

"I'm fine," I interrupted looking away from him desperately trying to hold in my emotions.

Finn had no idea why I was acting this way. Then he saw the newspaper that he had set aside and then looked back at me.

"So that's it," he thought. "It looks like the nurse's theory was true."

Then he walked over to the side of my bed, pulled out a chair and sat down.

"Willy? Would you mind listening to a story?"

I didn't answer, but Finn didn't stop.

"A few years ago, there was a little boy. He had a loving and caring family. His mom was a kind and gentle woman and his father was a strong and nice man. They all lived together in another part of the continent in a peaceful town by the forest. They all lived happily together without a care in the world."

I squeezed my hands on the sheets still not looking at Finn. I didn't want to hear any of what Finn was saying.

"But then all of that changed," continued Finn. "You see... a dark guild attacked the village."

My eyes opened upon hearing this and I finally turned to him as Finn continued his story.

"The attack hit us before they had a chance to react. Everything was completely destroyed from the people to the homes they lived in. Fires burned, buildings crumbled and people were killed. When the magic council arrived, everything was gone. Everything except for the little boy. The little boy was close to the brink of death, but he was still barely alive. When he woke up in the hospital, the boy was horrified to find that his entire home was gone and the people he loved there killed. He was left all alone in the world without anyone to turn to. Then one day when he was resting in his bed, an old woman came to see him. The old woman had heard about the boy's issue and then he came asked the boy what was wrong. The boy didn't want to talk at first and wanted to be left alone, but then the old woman told him something. Do you know what he said?"

I shook my head in response. Finn continued.

"He told me, "Young man, I know you're going through some tough times and want to be alone, however... we all need to someone to be there for us in our times of need. Not only just to fix anything in particular like our problems, but simply so that we can feel that we're supported, cared for, and loved for during the hard times. And it's plain to see that you need all the support you can get." Feeling moved by the man's words, the boy opened up to him and told him what happened regarding his village and his parents. The old woman listened quietly and took in every word. Then after the boy finished his story, the woman took pity on the boy and then made a decision. Do you know what he did?"

Once again I shook my head.

"The old woman adopted the little boy and raised him like he was her own son. The boy lived with the old woman until he grew up to be a fine and happy young man."

At this point, I was completely absorbed into Finn's story. I couldn't help but be curious.

"How do you know that Mr. Finn?" I asked. "And why... are you telling me this?"

Finn then placed a hand on my shoulder. "Because I can tell that you're carrying a burden and you're keeping it all in. A child your age shouldn't be carrying such a thing inside." He paused impressively. "I'm telling you this because I want you to trust me. If there's anything, anything I can do to help you or if you need to talk, I'll do what I can to help and I'll listen. So please, tell me what's wrong."

I looked at Finn and saw his kind face staring straight at me. Then my eyes started to fill up with tears and I couldn't keep it in anymore. I buried my face in Finn's chest and started to cry. Finn then embraced me in a hug and gently rubbed my head taking in all of my sadness. After that, I told Finn everything that had happened. Finn sat there and listened quietly taking in everything that I told him.

"I see," said Finn. "So that's why you froze when you saw the paper."

"Yes," I replied. "That was my village. Everything in it was the destroyed and the people I cared about were killed including my Mama and Papa. I've been alone ever since."

"I see," said Finn. "And that was when you were adopted by your second Mama correct?"

"Yes. I lived with her for a couple of years and then just yesterday... she disappeared. She... she just left me..."

I felt my eyes getting wet again on the brink of crying again.

"It's OK. It's OK," said Finn gently giving me a comforting squeeze on my shoulder. "Then what happened?"

"Then I walked around on my own searching for her," I said wiping my eyes. "I walked until I met that gorian I told you about. I was able to fend it off, but since I was feeling dehydrated and hungry, I lost a lot of energy and magic and I fainted. After that, I continued walking until I met that bird creature.

"A bird-like creature?" asked Finn a little surprised.

"Yes. I met it once before when I was walking in the forest. I helped it get some berries from the other birds. I met it again the other night and then it led me all the way to here. If it wasn't for that bird, I don't know what would've happened to me."

"No doubt about it," thought Finn as a certain someone came into his head upon hearing how I got here. "It was Jade that led him here. I'm sure of it."

"Um... Mr. Finn? Is something wrong?" I asked noticing him staring off into space.

"No. Don't worry. I'm fine," said Finn. "I was just thinking."

Then his eyes happened to fall on my necklace around my neck.

"That's a beautiful necklace you have," he said. "Did you get it from someone?"

"Yes. My second Mama made it," I said. "She made this out of her own magic power."

"It's certainly is unique," said Finn. "It looks just like a dragon's eye."

"Yeah. It's the only thing I have left to remember my second Mama," I said. "She made this out of her own magic power."

"I see," said Finn. "Your mother must have been quite the individual."

"Yes. I owe a lot to her. If it wasn't for her, I would still be on my own maybe even dead which is why I'm looking for her. I don't understand why she left me alone. Did she...not want me anymore?"

"I don't think so," said Finn. "She must have had a reason. Besides, judging from the way you were talking about her, she's a kind and caring person. Am I right?"

"Yeah. She is."

"Then I wouldn't think like that. Don't worry. I'm sure you both will reunite soon," said Finn. "Until then, I'll do what I can to help you. I can even let you stay with me while we look for some information about your mom if you like."

I looked up at Finn with surprise and a small amount of joy on my face.

"Really?! You'd do that for me?"

"Of course," said Finn smiling. "Just tell me what she looks like and I'll see if I can find anyone who fits your description."

"Sure! Let's see... she's really big and scaly, she's blue, she also has big gold eyes, a pair of wings and..." I began describing what Aquadia looked like, but Finn quickly cut in.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Blue? A pair of gold eyes? Willy pardon me for saying so, but... does your mom look like a dragon or something?" asked Finn.

"Oh no. My Mama doesn't look like a dragon. She actually is a dragon."

Finn looked up and stared at me.

"What... what did you say?" he asked.

"I said my Mama's a dragon," I repeated. "My Mama's a water dragon named Aquadia."

Finn stared at Willy. Then he let out a startled scream.

"Wha?!"

For those of you that are not aware or have no idea why Finn is so shocked and as well as someone of you are aware, although I may have seen and have been raised by a dragon at this point in time and age, dragons are rarely seen by humans and are considered to be a myth.

"Um... Willy? Are you playing a joke on me? Or did you hit your head or something?" asked Finn feeling my head.

"I'm fine!" I said pouting a little. "I'm serious! My Mama is a dragon!"

Just then, there was a knock on the door. The door opened and the nurse came in.

"Excuse me Doctor Finn, but your appointments..."

"Oh crap," said Finn giving himself a facepalm. "I completely forgot. I gotta go, Willy. I have to get back to work. Make sure you get plenty of rest. "

"Oh... OK." I said.

And with that, Finn left the room with the nurse closing the door behind leaving me alone. I felt confused and annoyed. I mean why didn't Finn believe me about Aquadia being a dragon? Was it that unbelievable? Well, I can probably understand considering that I found it hard to believe myself. but still...

"I wish he would've believed me..."

NO POV

Later that day, Finn went about his day handling all of his duties as a doctor. He was now taking a break and was now eating his lunch, but Finn wasn't eating his lunch. All he could think about was what Willy told him.

My Mama's a water dragon named Aquadia.

"I can't stop thinking about it," Finn thought. "I guess I'm still having a hard time believing it though. I don't even know if it's true. For one thing, dragons were nothing more, but a myth. It's crazy."

Then Finn had a flashback. It was back when he was talking to his master about his premonition.

"An individual with the spirit of a dragon will become my student and master my techniques obtaining a great power...

"Wait a minute... Could it be...?" said Finn thoughtfully. "Now that I think about it, didn't the master say the something about someone having something about a dragon? What was it...? Hmmm."

Finn hummed to himself trying to remember what his master told them, but then, a nurse came in.

"Doctor Finn. There's someone who wants to see you."

"OK. I'll be right there," said Finn as he got up and went towards the entrance.

"I wonder who would want to see me?" Finn thought to himself.

His answer came sooner than he expected. Standing in front of the doorway was Finn's master with Jade on top of his shoulder.

"Hello, Finn. How are you?"

"Master? What are you doing here?" asked Finn.

"Just here for a visit," said the old woman. "How are things here in your clinic?"

"Fine more or less."

"I see," said the old woman. "So how's the boy doing? Is he recovering well?"

"You'll have to be more specific master," said Finn. "There's a lot of boys here in my clinic."

"You know who I'm talking about Finn. That boy that was found in the barn. Willy, I believe his name was."

"Wait...how'd you know about Willy master? Don't tell me Jade told you."

The old woman chuckled. "Of course not. It's been the talk of the town lately. A lot of people have been talking about him."

"I see," said Finn. "Well, that's no surprise. It was bound to spread sooner or later."

"Hahaha. Just goes to show how interesting the boy is," chuckled the old woman. "By the way Finn, you seem troubled about something."

"Huh? What makes you so sure master?"

"I can tell from the look on your face. After all, you've been my student for a couple of years now. Besides, it's my duty as a master to watch over my student. Through the good and the bad."

Finn stared at her. Then he chuckled.

"Nothing gets past you does it master? Actually, there has been something on my mind for a while now and if you don't mind me asking, would you care to listen? I have some time before my lunch ends."

"It would be my pleasure."

Finn and his master went outside by themselves so they can alone. Then Finn explained to him what Willy had said and what he found out about him.

"I see," said the old woman. "What a pity. A single boy, the sole survivor of a village that has been completely destroyed."

"I know," said Finn. "And to add to that, he also doesn't have anyone to take him in. So I decided to let him stay with me until then."

"Good. He needs to have someone to care for him in his time of need."

"But Master, there's something that I wanted to ask you. Do you believe what Willy told me before? About his second mom being a dragon I mean."

"Let me put it this way, dragons have long been gone from history for many years, but that alone doesn't mean that they are not real Finn," said the master. "It's possible that Dragons do exist."

"So... does that mean you believe what Willy said?" asked Finn.

"Hmmm... I don't know." replied the old woman shrugging her shoulders.

Finn sighed with exasperation while pinching his nose. "I really hate it when you answer me like that Master."

"Hahaha. My apologies Finn," said the old woman. "But I honestly have no idea about how Willy was raised, but that's what makes him more interesting. Don't you think?"

"I... guess so," said Finn doubtfully.

"In any case make sure you take good care of the lad. Until then, I better let you get back to work. Your lunch is just about over by now."

Finn looked at the time. "Oh my. You're right. I better go. I'll see you later Master."

And with that, Finn dashed back to the clinic. The old woman watched him leave and chuckled to herself and then petted Jade's head.

"Isn't it interesting Jade? The young boy in his clinic was raised by a dragon. That clearly makes him special don't you think?"

Jade answered with a squawk and the old woman chuckled.

"Hahaha. I know. I think so too. It makes me want to meet him even more than ever."

Then Jade began to squawk as if she was flustered about what the old woman said.

"Don't worry. It's not time to see him yet. We have to wait a little longer for that. Until then, please continue to watch over the boy would you?"

Jade nodded and gave a squawk for yes.

"Good," said the old woman. "Now go on."

The old woman took Jade on her arm and held her up high. Jade then spread her wings and took off flying into the sky. The old woman watched Jade fly away until she was out of sight. Then she turned and walked away.

Nothing much for this chapter, but it's gonna get interesting!

Dragoman out!