~?~

When I open my eyes, I'm in a thick forest, next to a shack and temple area. I get up and brush myself off, calling out into the woods, "My kimono please, Ryu."

Out of the air, a blue slender dragon appears. He transforms into a human boy, about 16 years old with dragon horns and tail.

I smile as he bows lowly to me, holding out a folded kimono, "Glad for you to return, Yuki."

I pat his head and take the kimono, starting to shed my awful school clothes.

Ryu watches me protectively, "Your appearance is more pleasing to look at here than in the other realm."

I slide off my school top, and let my long white hair hang down. My wolf ears perk up at the sound of his voice and my tail swishes happily.

I smile at him, my fangs more visible than before, "No looking while I change."

Ryu turns around and I take off my tight tank top, the wind tickling my bare skin. My chest is the same as before, which I am fine with. I take off my pants but leave the leggings on. I sigh and slowly put on my red and white kimono.

After I fix the last thing on my new outfit, I turn to Ryu, "Ok, I'm descent. Where is it we need to go? Ethan said I am needed."

Ryu looks at me innocently and blushes, "Um…there is no emergency…..I just wanted to see you…."

I sigh happily and walk up to him, "Can't get enough of me can you?"

Ryu's face flushes bright red and he stutters, "Um….uh….would you….like…to fly with…me?"

I kiss him on the cheek and grin, "What happened to my confident and strong dragon? You got us alone and you have gone all soft."

He begins to tear up like a little kid.

I giggle and kiss him on the cheek again, "Silly, of course I will fly with you."

Ryu lets out a sigh of relief and his tail sways from side to side.

I lay my hand on his chest and murmur to myself, "Thank you, let me borrow your soul."

Ryu flinches for a moment as my hand glows. My original wolf ears and tail are replaced by the dragon characteristics, like Ryu's.

I run and change into the dragon form in mid air, circling back around to Ryu, who changed also. His pearly blue scales shine against my pure white ones as we circle each other playfully.

We take off into the sky, flying above the clouds.

Ryu nuzzles me softly and says, "Yuki, miss healer who we respect. You have many forms you are able to take on…" He pauses a second before resuming, "But I wish that I can see you in the dragon form always."

I tackle him and we shoot down to the ground. We both turn human as we hit the earth, me on top pinning down Ryu. He looks at me shocked and a little embarrassed.

I nuzzle his neck and ask, "Are you telling me that you love me, Ryu?"

He grins and flips me over, making him the one on top. He leans closer and kisses my neck, slowly moving to my cheek.

Ryu licks my cheek affectionately and murmurs in my ear, "And what if I am….?"

His tone of voice and warm breath on my skin makes me tremble. His powerful aura feels overwhelming and I try to sound confident as I say, "Aren't I a little too mature for you, hmm Ryu…?"

I feel his fangs nip at my skin, "I am a year older than you….We've been friends for years and yes, you are more mature than me….."

He stops and I gaze into his serious eyes as he resumes, "I've always liked you, but ever since you have been staying with your mortal brother more, and more, and more…..I have been wanting, no, more like needing to be by your side."

I kiss him softly on his lips before whispering, "I love you too, Ryu…"

We embrace each other in a hug and rub our noses against one another's. He helps me up on my feet and says, "Miss Healer, your assistance is needed." I

nod, knowing Ryu can sense the need of others in the forest. We both turn into full dragons and fly to our destination.