AC: Hello everyone. I hope you all enjoyed the story so far. It doesn't have a lot of action yet because Jackknife is discreet and dodged battle.

Also, the first OC of this story appears in this chapter. Now here's on the story.

"Will you stop it!" Drum said running in the kitchen.

"Come on Drum-kins! I know you want it," Axia, in his mini-dragon form replied after him with a big smile.

"It's been two days! We don't need you anymore! Why are you still here?!" Drum ordered to answer.

"You are after a dangerous criminal Drum-kins. You need my help against Findar the 100th. I also don't want to wait far away and wondering if you are alive or dead my Drum-kins," Axia replied.

"'My' now!" Drum climbed the stairs of the house, "Leave me alone! I don't want a hug!"

"You won't escape me forever," Axia replied.

Drum ran in Gao chamber and the boy was talking on his cellphone.

Gao turned around and saw Drum closing the door and searching for something, "I'll call you later Baku," and then hang up.

"Quick! Find something to barricade the door! Axia's after me!" Drum said looking around for something to block the door.

"It's only been a day and you are already getting paranoid?" Gao asked, thinking Drum was overdramatising.

"Drum-kins! I'm coming for you," Axia replied at the other side of the door before giggling.

Drum jumped as his hair hissed in fear.

Gao sighted and stood up. He walked near the door and blocked it with one shelf.

Drum sight, relief he was saved for now and looked at Gao's chamber. He never had been in there before. It was a blue chamber containing a blue bed, a desk. He looked on the desk and saw the picture of a boy on it with a younger Gao, a little baby and the parents of the boy. He noticed that there was a boy looking similarly to Gao with the air cut and saw it was something familiar.

"Gao, who it that?" Drum asked, pointing to the picture on the desk.

Gao looked at it and replied slowly, "This is my...brother, Yota Mikado."

"Why isn't he living in your house?" Gao asked, remembering that there wasn't another smell of the Mikado's family and also wasn't there at the dining table when they ate.

Gao looked at the picture and melancholically said, "That's because...He's not with us anymore,"

Drum didn't reply, he simply lowered his head and sighted, "You are not the only one who lost someone important. I lost my mother you know."

"Do you miss her?" Gao asked.

Drum nodded positively, no words were needed to express it. He walked closer to the bed and climbed on it, "It's soft," Drum commented before letting resting on it with a small smile, casting the bad memories from his mind before they appeared.

"They are made that way and-"

The door knocked and interrupted Gao, "Drum. The Punisher asked your presence in the dojo," Takashi said before saying.

"Him!" Drum shouted surprised, "Wait. Is Axia with you?"

"No. He was also called," Takashi replied.

Drum jumped down the best and lightly smiled, "Looks like our leader is here."

"What does he look like?" Gao asked interested.

"Come with me. You'll be impressed. He's a very powerful dragon, close to my father," Drum replied as he pushed the shelf away.

Gao followed Drum to the dojo.

Chapter 10: Drum's Partner

Gao watched The Punisher and was really surprised, just like the rest of his family.

The three other dragons, in their chibi form, were standing on their feet and were raising their chest, although, Axia did it with a smile compare to the serious face of the other's.

The Punisher was a bulky dragon with his large chest, big muscles on his arms and legs covered by his crimson scales. He had silver eyes looking at Drum with a small smile. He had a long tail ending with three silver spikes. He had one horn on his snout and two others on his forehead which pierced his dark blue hair. He wore only a loincloth that covered little things. His muscles were his natural armor. He was a little taller than Takashi.

"Hello Drum," The Punisher said.

"Hello captain. I see you are in your smaller form," Drum noticed.

"This is his small form?!" Gao shouted surprised.

"Yes. He is really tall compare to all of us Gao and one of the most powerful dragon of my world," Drum replied.

"I heard he had many females after him because he is beautiful and that he could only give strong child," Axia said whispered at Gao's hear, before moving closer to Drum, who tried to maintain a distance from Axia, "But you are better Drum-kins."

The Punisher grunted and gained the attentions of the dragons.

"We are all here The Punisher," Halberd said.

"Good. I left the two other dragons at the other locations so we have a longer range of research. Anyway, I see you are acclimating well here," The Punisher said.

"Yes," the three dragons replied.

"Me too," Axia said.

The Punisher looked at the Mikado family and said, "I hope they didn't give you any trouble."

"Not really," Takashi replied.

"If there is any problem with them, just tell me and I'll discipline them. I don't think I need it since Halberd is with you," The Punisher said. He walked closer to Suzumi and grabbed her hand, "Hello matriarch of the Mikado clan," he said before lightly licking her hand.

Suzumi slipped her hand away, a little disgust by it.

"Are you refusing my mark of respect?" The Punisher asked, slightly insulted.

"She isn't," Drum intervened. "Humans usually don't like being...licked."

"Oh. My apology then."

"It's alright. As for the four dragons, they aren't causing too much trouble," Suzumi replied.

"Good," The Punisher said.

"My captain. Why are you here? Did you have an important announcement?" Ironchain said respectfully, acting differently than usual.

"I have something important to say based on Axia research and the results. I also needed to meet those who hosted you and I must thank you for your patience and especially you Gao Mikado," The Punisher said before looking at the boy.

"Me? Why?" Gao asked.

"You saved Drum's life when you didn't know a thing about him. There isn't a lot of living being who would help someone else without any reasons and taking the risk to do it for a stranger," The Punisher explained.

"This is nothing. Helping someone is the right thing to do. Mom always said that," Gao replied.

"Not necessary that way, but it is the right thing," Suzumi agreed.

"I'm glad he saved you Drum-kins," Axia said.

"Enough Axia. Now is not the time for that," The Punisher ordered.

Axia sadly whined before sitting a little away from Drum.

"What are your orders?" Halberd asked.

"I took time to think of the best course of action against Findar the 100th. We cannot take the risk to fight him without our spell cards, not even me. We take a large risk and I don't want anyone under my command to die," The Punisher said.

Halberd eyes widened surprised and said scandalized, "You can't possibly mean-"

"Yes Halberd. I mean it. For the safety of the troop and this world, we need the help of the inhabitants of this world to arrest this traitor. One creature of this world will be the partner with one dragon," The Punisher replied.

"You cannot do this!" Halberd yelled furiously as he turned to his real form and walked closer to his captain. Ironchain and Drum did the same and grabbed Halberd away from their superior.

The Punisher grunted as his eyes lighten up with red flame and with a calm, but cold voice, "I do not tolerate insubordinations Thunder Knight Halberd Dragon."

Halberd shivered when he heard the cold voice and lowered his head. Even so, he said with courage, "We cannot put them in danger. They cannot fight him and if they used spell cards, they will be targeted."

The Punisher eyes returned to their silver color as he said, "I understand your concern. It is admirable of you, but if Findar decided to kill humans with the human he manipulated while knowing we cannot stop him, things could turn catastrophic for this world."

"But-Ouch!"

Ironchain pulled the nostril of Halberd and said, "Stop it! He's right you know."

"B-Ouch! S'op it!" Halberd ordered.

Ironchain and Drum released Halberd who returned to his mini form. The two other dragons did the same.

"I do not like this either Halberd," The Punisher moved closer to Halberd who bit his lips, "But the situation is calling for this."

"F-fine," Halberd said defeated.

"Good. All of you know that the creatures of this world we'll get involved in this must be protected at any cost. In other words, their safety is more important that capturing Findar the 100th," The Punisher said.

"This is...acceptable," Findar replied.

"Those who know about us should be asked if they want to participate, we cannot force them, understood," The Punisher said as he crossed his muscular arms.

"Yes," the four dragons said.

"As for Axia, he will help us in the hunt. His expertise will be helpful and I'll let him under your care. He also wants to study this world for the Magic Laboratory of the Magic world. He knows also more about the spell cards and could explain them better to those who help us."

"Yes!" the dragons replied.

Drum wasn't happy about Axia being here, but he couldn't protest to his captain, especially after coming in the human world without authorisation.

"That is all," The Punisher said.

The dragons nodded.

"He sure knows how to command his troops," Takashi said with a small smile.

"Right, but I shall never let another dragon lick my hand again. I wanted to punch him, but I'm sure it will be like hitting a wall," Suzumi replied.

Hanako looked at The Punisher and said, "I wonder how big he really is?"

"I don't want to see it," Takashi replied.

Gao looked at Drum who spoke with the other dragons about the information they received. He already knew, since the moment The Punisher said he'll request humans aid what he wanted to do. He knew his family won't be happy about it, but he had to do it.

Drum felt someone looking at him and turned his head around. He saw Gao gaze on him. They silently watched each other's. Silence spoke between them and Drum nodded with a small smile.

Gao saw it and turned toward The Punisher and walked near him.

"What is it Gao?" The Punisher asked.

"I have something important to ask you," Gao said.

"You can ask it," The Punisher replied.

Suzumi knew what he was about to do. She took a step forward, but stopped when Gao gave a small glance with a reassuring smile. She stopped there and lightly smiled when she realised he made up his mind. I think I would have done the same at his age. She thought. She was afraid for him, but at the same time proud. His decision, even not said, meant that he would turn out good when he reached adulthood. She nodded, giving her support.

Takashi knew it was coming. He knew his son a lot and wasn't surprise by his decision. You are growing up a little too fast thought. He thought.

Hanako was the only one unsure about it and waited for Gao to reply.

"I want to help you stopping Findar from endangering the Earth," Gao said looking in the eyes of The Punisher.

"What?!" Halberd shouted. He looked at his captain, hoping for an answer, which never came.

The Punisher looked in the eyes of the boy and saw the eyes burning just like his soul. The fire of the dragons, "Gao. I have no problem for you to join us."

Gao smiled and replied, "Thank you!"

"He's still a kid!" Halberd shouted.

"A kid with the will strong like a dragon," The Punisher replied.

"Congratulation Gao," Hanako shouted with a smile.

"Suzumi. Takashi. Hanae. Say something! You cannot let him take such a risk!" Halberd yelled as he walked near them.

"He made his decision Halberd. I would have done the same thing at his age," Suzumi replied, "But there is one condition Gao," she said, leaving Halberd on his knees and looking at the ground, while Hanako patted the back of the dragon.

"What is it mom?" Gao asked.

"You have to go to school and have good results. If you are starting to fail class, you will have to stop this," Suzumi replied.

"I agree with her Gao. You must also tell us when you are leaving and never try to hide if you are sick, injured or have poor grades. We don't want lies so we don't worry for you," Takashi ordered.

"I won't. I promise!" Gao said. He adjusted his jacket and said, "And the mighty Sun Fighter never breaks a promise."

"Gao Mikado, son of the matriarch Suzumi Mikako and her mate Takashi Mikado, have you an idea with who you want to partner with?" The Punisher asked, knowing the answer already.

"Yes," Gao said looking at Drum.

Drum walked closer and replied, "I'll accept your help Gao."

Halberd wanted to protest as they put a child in danger, but it was useless and sighted, "Just don't bring Hanako in this. She's way too young."

"Right," Ironchain replied seriously, "I guess we have two more candidates too Halberd."

"You mean Baku and Kuguru? We don't know them yet and I won't accept to enter into all of this," Halberd replied. He crossed his arms and said, "I won't put a child in danger for my sake."

"I just saw them as smaller adult," Ironchain replied.

"You are not really an adult yet sometimes," Drum replied.

Ironchain gasped and grumbled quietly.

"I am also your partner Drum," a voice said behind the dragon.

Drum knew it was Axia when he hugged him from behind. "Ah! Let go of me!" Drum yelled before running left and right.

"Gao," The Punisher said.

"What is it?" Gao asked.

"Axia will explain and train you so you can use the spell cards fast and efficiently. Your reaction time might determine Drum's fate. You now hold his life in your hands," The Punisher said as he put the card container with the cards in the hands of Gao.

"That's why I chose him," Gao said as he put it on his belt. The card contained attached to his belt, "And also because he's my friend."

The Punisher smiled when he heard that, "Once you are truly ready, you will accompany Drum. For now, we should all rest. Maybe Jackknife will drop his vigilance if we remain inactive for a while."

AC: This is the end of chapter 10. The next chapter will be two weeks later. I'll jump the training so I won't bore you with it. Next chapter is an action one and a Tasuku chapter.

Tasuku and Gao will now share a more balance chapter now that most of the character are introduced. Tasuku will gain more importance now that the pieces of the chess I put are in place, in a way.

As for Drum's mother, it could become a subplot if you are interested. I already had an idea, but it depends if you want me to develop it.

Chapter 11: Ninja vs Dragon.

I think you guess who the Ninja is, if you watched the series.

Also, Axia will be present in the story compare to the Anime. I love Axia dub voice. It gives him a strong personality and also his attitude and replies were lovable for a character like him. I hope he's back in season 2 with his buddy.

Also yes, Axia will eventually have his buddy in the story. I haven't decided yet, but knowing his personality, a male character will have a good chemistry compare to a female.