A/N: Sorry for not updating lately. School's coming up in a few days and I need to prepare. Anyway let's continue with the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything I don't own.

"Speaking"

'Thoughts'

Ah, the fresh clean air in a good green forest. The birds are chirping, the creek is bubbling, and there is sirens going on in the background. Wait sirens!

Rick woke up with some sirens and radio chatter in the background. He was sitting legs out with all the animals he rescued still trying to sleep. He looks over and saw the hunters still tied up with Mathew looking over the stuff in the truck and from the hunter's pockets. The police and animal control were looking around everything in the area that can be used as evidence. The vets and paramedics were what looked like, for him to wake up.

Soon one of the vets and paramedics came over, although they stayed their distance. 'They must be afraid of these animals.' He mused. The vet talked first. "Sir, we need to look them over for any damage, but they won't allow us close enough, we need your help." Rick saw that every one of the animals was awake and they were ready to strike anyone who got close enough.

Rick wasn't surprised that they were standing guard. Besides, after everything they went though he would feel like everyone was after him. "You can calm down." They look at him strangely. "Come here." Everyone huddled close to him. "These people will help you and make you better, so don't hurt them okay? I'll be right here, okay?" They looked at each other and then looked back at him to nod. Looking back at the vet he said "They say okay, but I'm staying right by them." The vet only gave a nod.

While the vet and the paramedic looked them over he got a good look at the animals he saved. The wolf was a rare wolf that had a white undercoat and a black overcoat with blue eyes. The amount of bruises and scars show a large amount of abuse. The anaconda had a spotted skin that was different shades of brown and had, what could be mistaken, the body of a coat imprint on the skin that starts from the end of the head leads about a foot down that is a very black color. It had several cuts and scrapes that some skin look like it isn't growing back. The eagle had a brown covering with black spots, yet had a body of a bald eagle. The flight feathers were cut off and the talons were cut also, adding with the fact it was malnourished and also had scars. The hawk had red feathers with the same abuse as the eagle. At least that's what the vet told him for injuries.

All of them immediately ran, slithered, and gliding over to him once each of their checkups was down. Each one took their spots when they slept and tried to sleep again, keyword tried. The amount of noise didn't help. The vet was surprised to see that they trust this one teen that look like he couldn't even pick up a gun. But here were four animals that barely trust humans cuddling with a human boy who saved them. Of course, this is when the vet broke the touching moment by saying "Excuse me sir?" Rick and the animals look to the vet that had a serious face. "I got to get these animals back to where they belong, so they need to come with me." Immediately everyone started to make their own animal sound in protest. The wolf was growling and barking, the anaconda is hissing and looking ready to strike, the eagle and hawk cried out with wings spread out. All in hopes they won't go.

Rick was studying to be an engineer with psychology on the side. He also knew animal behavior in case the patients had animals. He knew what they protesting about. Even a person who didn't know behavior patterns knows why they are protesting. Rick decided to speak up "I don't think they want to go." Every one of the animals went back to him and get even closer to him, almost smothering him when they heard this. Not everyone knows this, but animals do understand our language depending on where they live. They just can't talk back, but they can learn. "They look like they want to stay." They snuggled in even closer.

The vet shook her head at this. "Sir, let them go or we will use force." This is a serious and commanding tone and Rick knew it.

The wolf started to whimper and the birds let out a sad cry, the anaconda looked down. "Understand that if you do they will die anyway. They will protest to everything, even if they are with their own kind." By this time everyone stopped to listen to this problem that maybe will go. "The anaconda isn't striking anyone and when wrapped around me it isn't squeezing me, the birds aren't flying away, and the wolf isn't chomping on anyone. So if they wanted to leave they would have left at first sight. Instead they stayed with me and look they are even protecting themselves and possibly me." Rick took a deep breath to calm down and stood up with the animals going behind him. "They won't feel comfortable if you take them away and to make things worst separate them. They are friends." All of the animals looked at each other than me because of the speech.

The vet shook her head more, looking more and angrier. That was the case until, what looked like; a park ranger put a hand on her shoulder. The vet looks at him with a glare. "I think it is best to let them live with him." He had a commanding voice. The vet looked at Rick a with an 'I will get you next time' look and walked away defeated. "Sorry about that. She is with the animal rights activist and thinks all animals should be in the forest or at least a real natural environment."

"Yeah, no kidding." He laughed with the animals that were snickering.

"Listen, I'll let you live with them if you can take care of them."

Rick considered this. But he would have to have a home first, not the dorm rooms. Not to mention the fact that a lot of people might freak out with the animals around. But they trust him and themselves. He spent a few moments on this and it was clear. "I'll take care of them, but" The animals and ranger look at him for this. "You guys will need to stay here for a few days so I get the money I need from the last day to buy the house and to renovate and move the furniture inside. Also to figure out how to make these guys feel at home."

The ranger pondered this for a moment, but the answerer was clear. "Okay." All the animals talked for a bit then they started to cheer in their own way. The ranger gave a chuckle as he walked away.

Mathew came over after that. "Hey, they're taking the hunters and the artifacts." That left one more question.

"Can I keep the swords?"

Mathew gave a pondered look at this. "Well, it was used by you and to break the locks so it's yours." He walked back to an officer to talk to him about something.

Rick looked back at the animals with a smile. "Well, we aren't being separated."

This is when the wolf jumped at him and started to lick him all over his face. "Okay, okay." It got off after that and sit down crossed legged. This also proposed another problem. "What can I call you?" The animals looked at each other than the wolf stepped forward with an eager face that the others had. "I'm guessing that you want me to name you?" They nodded.

He started to look at it for the first clue of names, whether it's a boy or girl. Rick stared at the wolf and went to its chest to see little nubs. 'A girl.' "How about Rigi for you?" He said to the wolf. The wolf now named Rigi gave a happy nod and the anaconda slithered forward. "I know this is weird but are you a boy or a girl?" The anaconda hissed. "Girl?" The anaconda nodded. Rick thought for a moment. "How about Lilly?" The anaconda named Lilly let out a hiss of happiness. The eagle came next. "Boy?" The process came clear now. The eagle shook no. "So a girl," He pondered for a moment. "How about Amy?" The eagle named Amy nodded. Now the hawk came next. "Are you a girl too?" The hawk nodded no. "This is a first; you're the only boy out of the group." He thought for a few seconds. "Does the name Matt work for you?" The hawk put a wing to its beak like it was thinking and then nodded for the name. "So we got our names, so let's get papered for the next few days, okay?" They all nodded.

Rick looked around for Mathew and headed over to him. "Hey man, where is the ranger?" Mathew looked for bit till he saw him and pointed. "Over there."

"Thanks man."

Rick went to ranger to discuss the arrangements. Apparently they are going to set up a tent for the investigation and sleeping quarters. They are allowed to stay there until the house is finished. Rick asked his new friends and they agreed to this. It wasn't until noon that Rick noticed the time change. He already finished the mail run, now all there is, is to get to cafe for the work.

"I need to get work so you think you can care for them."

The ranger looked at the animals and gave a nod.

Rick started to leave, but not before a word. "Now listen to him and I'll get us into a new home but I'll be visiting from time to time." He looked back at the ranger. "Make sure they're comfortable like a bed. I'll be checking them when I have time, okay?" The ranger nodded at him. He looked back at the animals again. "I'll be back." He ran off to get to his shift at the cafe. Today was the day he was going to get enough money for the house and now he needs it more than ever.

Meanwhile back at the site

(If the animals are talking with each other in a situation like this then I will put the words they say in English.)

"He looks cute and the way he saved us was amazing." Rigi said in a dreamy voice.

"He sure does." Lilly agreed. The others look at her in question.

"How come you aren't slurring your s?" Matt asked.

Lilly gave an impression of shrugging her shoulders and said "I practice to not to."

"Okay"

They look to where Rick ran off for a few more seconds till Amy spoke up. "So where are we sleeping?"

Rigi gave a large yawn at that. The ranger noticed this. "All right, the beds are all set so I'll lead you to them." They all felt relieved. They have wanted to take a nap after being rudely awaken.

The ranger led them to a white tent that had ten beds and an area for the animals near the door with their own beds that fits them perfectly. Rigi and Lilly had a large doggy bed while Amy and Matt were given a nest look-a-like. "This will be your beds until he gets the house ready. I try and sleep if I was you." And with that he left. All of them went to bed and snuggled in.

"I wonder what's happing to Rick now." Rigi said as she got comfortable, and then lay down.

"I'm sure he's fine." Lilly answered as she coiled up under the covers.

Back with Rick

"I'm here. I'm here." Rick is winded after the run to the cafe, but he found everyone looking at him. "What?"

"Uhhhh..." One of the students started. "The swords?"

Rick looked at himself and found out that he was still wearing the swords he found. "Oh, these, I've found them." He hoped that lie was enough.

Everyone went back to whatever they were doing and stop looking. 'Well at least my time here will get better.' He went to work after that funny thought.

Back with the animals

"Yeah, you're right. He can take care of himself." Amy agreed.

Matt still looked skeptical over how the girls were talking about Rick. 'Are they? No, they can't. They're different species. Then again love has no boundaries.' He still couldn't believe it. They sound like they're in love with him, but he needs more proof.

"Whatever's the case, let's get some sleep." Matt said to get his mind at ease. "Goodnight, everyone."

Everyone else said their goodnight and went to sleep soon after. They didn't realize the vet standing outside the door to the tent. 'I have to get them back, but not now.'

Ohhhh...what is she planning. Well that's for me to know and for you to find out.

Now school going to start soon and the amount of time I will have to write this is less. So expect long updates.

Wolfdragon out.