(Dragon Language) This will be how they will be speaking for a short while until Inuyasha learns to speak their language. From now on Inuyasha will be known as Kumo.
Chapter 7
The little half breed awakened to warmth. He snuggled deeper into the warm whatever until he heard a rumbling noise. He slowly opened his eyes. Letting them focus, he was in a cave near the water. He could smell the saltiness of the sea. Someone had made a fire and there were several fishes being cooked over it. He looked down at himself to see that he was covered in a black blanket. His stomach growled hungrily and he looked at the cooking fish biting his lowering lip. He was debating on whether or not to eat the fish when he felt something shift behind him. He turned his head slightly and stared into a large black eye.
The hanyou leaped to his feet backing up into the corner. His golden eyes widen in horror as a dragon with scales as black as midnight raised its huge head from the ground. The child made a strangled noise and bolted for the entrance of the cave. Unfortunately he was not fast enough. The dragon reached its long neck out and grabbed him by his long silver hair. It placed the demon child back where he was beside it. Realizing that he was wearing nothing. The half breed tried to hide his private parts with his small hands. The dragon gently stroked his hair to let him know it meant no harm. Then it reached out a claw hand and gathered the fish placing it beside the terrified child.
He looked over at the fish and then at the dragon then back at the fish. He reached a tentative hand out and took one of the fish. The child looked up at the dragon again and it nodded its massive head. Forgetting for the moment that he was buck naked and sitting in a cave with a dragon. The hanyou tore into the fish eating all of them. Once he was full he released a mighty yawn and leaned back against the black dragon. The dragon tossed its silky black mane over the sleeping child and laid its head down. Closing its dark eyes, the dragon fell asleep also.
The child awakened sometime later hungry again. He sniffed the air and the scent of meat tickled his nose. He opened his eyes to see something that looked strangely like a large animal roasting over the fire. He looked around but the dragon was gone. Had it left? Or was it still lurking around watching him? At that moment his stomach growled. Turning his attention away from the beast, he crept closer to the roast sniffing it. He reached a tentative finger out poking the meat. Juice dripped from the meat falling into the fire. The flames rose up burning his hand. Yelping in pain, he yanked his hand away from the fire cradling it against his chest. He scooted away from the dancing flames. He didn't go far since he was hungry and the meat smelt delicious. He sighed and knew that if he wanted something to eat. He would have to wait for the dragon to return. So he sat there before the fire waiting. Just then the dragon appeared in the entrance of the cave. The half breed skittered away into a corner where he huddled trembling in fear.
The dragon walked in and collapsed in front of the fire. It said something but the strange language was nothing but garbled noise to him. Something was wrong. He could smell blood. Swallowing his fear he crept out of his corner and crawled around to face the dragon. The dragon's breathing was very labored as it lay on the ground not moving. He gasped in horror at the gash in its neck. He didn't know what to do. So he let instinct take over. He crept over to the injured beast and placed his small hands on either side of the wound. The white haired child leaned forward and began to lap at the wound. There was too much blood. So he spat it out and continued his ministrations. Slowly, the dragon's injury began to heal. Once he reached the last inch of the wound, he stepped back to see. The gash had healed. He was amazed. He swallowed as he could still taste the dragon's blood in his mouth. The taste wasn't too bad. In fact, it tasted rather nice. He then turned his attention back to the dragon. It had not yet opened its eyes. So, he sat there waiting.
When his stomach released a loud angry growl. The dragon opened its eyes to stare at the little white hair half demon. It could see fear in the child's eyes as well as blood around his mouth. Realizing what the child had done. The dragon leaned down and licked the smeared blood from the corners of the child's mouth. The hanyou tried to speak but all that came out of his mouth were grunts. Poor thing, he probably thought the dragon would die and he would be alone. The dragon raised its massive claw and gently stroke the child's silver hair. Then it pointed to the meat. Nodding his head, the child ran to the meat. Forgetting his fear of the fire, he grabbed the whole spit and dragged it over to the beast. The dragon raised its clawed hand and slashed the meat giving a piece of it to the startled child. The child frowned in puzzlement and held the meat out to it. The dragon raised its head a few feet off the ground and shook its massive head. The dragon pointed to the meat and then at him.
The child shook his head and held the meat out to the dragon. It stared at the small child in wonder. Sighing, it nodded its head and took the offering. Then the dragon slashed another piece off the roast and gave it to the child. The little half-breed smiled and ate the meat ravenously. The dragon laid its head down and watched the small naked child eats his meal. Soon, the dragon had fallen into a deep slumber.
Once his meal was finished he slowly crawled over to the sleeping dragon and snuggled up to it. He clutched a handful of the black mane and covered his nakedness.
xxxxx
The next day the hanyou awakened to find the dragon still there. He stroked the silky black mane and smiled. The child didn't know why but at first, the huge dragon had terrified him. But now, he was no longer afraid of it. He could sensed that the dragon meant him no harm. Honestly, if it wanted to hurt him. It could have done so many times. I mean, to the dragon the child was nothing but a tiny morsel that could be easily swallowed. But all the dragon has done is feed him. So, the least he could do was not be afraid of it.
His gentle stroking woke the beast and it stared at him. (I can tell that you are no longer afraid of me.) She said.
"..." He stared at the dragon puzzled.
(What is your name?)
"..." The child opened his mouth and only grunted.
The dragon seemed to sigh as it raised its head. (So, you can't remember your name and you don't understand anything I'm saying.) The dragon sighed again. (Guess it's up tome to teach you my language.)She smiled at the curious look on his small face. (Well, I can't go around calling you 'hey you' or dog child.')The dragon thought for a moment. (I think I'll call you Kumo. How does that sound?)
The half breed tilted his head to the side looking like a curious little puppy.
(Say it. Say K-um-o.)Say it. Say K-um-o.
(K-K-um-o . . . Ku-mo . . .KumoHe stared up at the dragon and smiled. (Kumo.)
Then the dragon pointed to herself. (My name is Nefra. Say it little one. Ne-f-ra.)
(Ne . . . Ne-f-f-ra. Ne-f-ra . . . Nefra.) His smile became wider. (Nefra. Kumo.)
(Very good Kumo. Now, all I have to do is teach you to speak my language.) She stared down at the small child dancing around saying his new name and sighed. (Which might be harder than it seems.)
Much to her surprise and delight little Kumo picked up on the language very quickly. As days turned to weeks and Kumo became older, Nefra noticed that the child was becoming self-conscious about his nakedness in front of her. The child had been living with her for three months. She returned one day with some clothes for the child to wear. Kumo slipped on the dark blue salwar kakmeez and the matching pants. He smoothes out the fabric and stared down at his body. He didn't know why the clothes seemed familiar to him. He shrugged his shoulders and would have put it out of his mind. But Nefra noticed the puzzled look on his face.
"Is something wrong," Nefra asked.
"I don't know. These clothes seem familiar," said Kumo.
"They should because these clothes are a copy of the clothes you were wearing. Well, when I found you the kakmeez was all you were wearing." She turned to face him. "Is your memory coming back?"
"No, it was more of a feeling than a memory." Then Kumo looked up into the dragon's dark eyes. "You think my memory will ever come back to me?"
"In time, maybe, but until then, you will be safe with me. Now, let's continue with your lessons." He sat down and she continued his lessons.
Nefra smiled at the little dog demon as he read his lesson to her. The child could now speak and understand just about all that she was saying. Although, he still needed more lessons. That would not come from her. Soon, by the grace and will of the Great Golden Dragon Kumo would be accepted into their clan and taught by the Dragon Father.
Throughout their time together, the two of them were visited by other dragons from Nefra's clan. The black dragons of Ethiopia were a huge clan that lived only in their land of Ethiopia. The only time they leave is for mating purposes. They would scatter to the four corners of the Earth where they would mate and then return a year later with their younglings riding the females back. It was how Nefra met Kumo. She was returning from a disappointing mating season. Not finding a mate, she and several others were returning home when she saw the small child floating on a piece of wood unconscious. The dragon didn't have the heart to leave him. The others tried to get her to him but she refused. Lifting the child in her arms she carried him back to her cave where she took care of him.
Nefra was brought out of her thoughts by Kumo's reading. She smiled and continued to listen to him. Nefra taught Kumo all he needed to know to be accepted into the dragon's clan. She taught him their lineage and their laws and everything.
"Nefra, why must I learn all this about your family history?" asked Kumo.
The huge black dragon stared at him. "Because it is the only way you will be accepted into our clan. Once you know my family's history you will be allowed to stay in the Dragon Father's court where your training will be completed. Once there you will be taught by the female dragons that can no longer bear young. They will teach you all about dragon's society, history, literature, laws and dragon magic. A young dragon is usually taken to the court when they are four years old but since you have passed the age of four. You would not have been accepted into the court. If you were a dragon, that is."
"But," the child said becoming afraid, "will he let me stay. I am not an Ethiopian dragon. Heck, I'm not even a dragon, period."
"I have already spoken with the Dragon Father and he has agreed to take you in along with some of the other young dragons that will be coming to court." Nefra stretched her large body and sat up.
"Will you be able to visit me?"
"Of course, but you mustn't be afraid." She smiled down at him. "Remember your two new friends will be with you."
The child looked down at his ink and parchment. "I understand. Can I ask you something?"
"Of course Kumo."
"I was wondering if I could . . . maybe . . . Can I call you . . . mother?" he asked nervously. He glanced at her. The dragon's eyes became soft and very expressive.
"I would be honored if you called me mother." She leaned her huge head down to let the little dog demon hug her. Her tongue flicked out of her mouth and licked the little demon.
"Hey Kumo!" they heard someone yell. Two young dragons walked into the cave. "Good day to you, Lady Nefra."
"Hello boys," said Nefra.
"Can Kumo come out to play?" asked the other dragon child.
"Please mother," begged the little half breed.
"Of course you can but you can't stay out too late. You still have a lot of studying to do. And I'm sure you boys have a lot to study also."
"Yes maam, we won't be long," said Tago. "We just felt like stretching our wings for a while."
"All right, be off you three."
"Yeah!" the three youngsters cheered. Kumo jumped on Tago's back and the three children flew away.
It was late in the evening and Nefra was getting worried because Kumo hadn't returned. Finally, she decided to go in search of her little one. When she came upon the children they were standing near a cliff. Kumo was at the edge and he jumped off.
xxxxx
Kumo and his friends stood on a cliff. Below them were sharp jagged rocks. "Go on Kumo, if Sano could dive into the ocean without hitting the rocks. You can also. There is nothing to it," said Tago walking to the edge. "Watch me." The young dragon dived off the cliff and landed in the water below.
"See how easy that was," said Sano looking at his dog friend.
Tago landed beside them and shook his mighty head splattering the two with water.
"Hey, watch it," said Kumo.
"Go on Kumo. You'll like it."
The little dog demon walked over to the edge and looked down. He felt his stomach drop to the bottom of his feet. The wave crashed violently against the sharp jagged rocks below.
Kumo shuddered as his heart thumped against his chest. Well, if Sano and Tago can do it. I suppose it can't hurt if I tried also.
"Are you going to do it Kumo," said Tago. "Or are you a big fat scaredy cat."
"I am not a scaredy cat," Kumo said angrily. The child turned his attention back to the cliff. He swallowed the lump in his throat,
took a deep breath and dived off.
Just before he hit the rocks below Nefra swooped down and caught Kumo on her back. She flew high and then landed on the cliff beside the young dragons.
"Tago and Sano, you boys should be ashamed of yourselves," she said scolding the two young dragons. "You know Kumo would not have survived that fall."
"We're sorrow Lady Nefra," said Sano lowering his head.
"Yeah, we would never hurt our friend," said Tago sadly. "Sorry Kumo."
"Well." Nefra placed a clawed hand on each of the boys' heads. "It's okay boys. As long as no one was hurt. Now, I want you three to promise me that you will never come here again. Just because you're dragons doesn't mean that you would survive if you made a mistake and hit the rocks."
"Yes, maam." The two dragon youths said in unison.
"Now, it's late. You boys should be getting home before night."
"Okay. See ya, Kumo," said Sano.
"Bye Kumo," said Tago taking flight along with the other youth.
"As for you little one," she said to her adoptive son.
"I'm sorry mother. It won't happen again," said Kumo.
Nefra sighed and spread her wings. Jumping off the cliff she took to the sky with Kumo clutching her black mane. "It's okay. I don't mind you being with your friends but you have to remember you are not a dragon and you cannot do some of the things that they can. Understand."
"Yes mother and I am sorry."
xxxxx
The next few months Nefra continued her teachings to Kumo. The child was like a sponge soaking up every little bit of information given to him.
It was now a year and Kumo had turned seven. Also, it was the day Kumo and the other young dragons were to go before the Dragon Father.
Nefra lead the little demon into a huge underground cavern. The elder female dragons all sat in a semi circle, and seated in the center upon a small plateau was the Dragon Father. The dragon that ruled the Ethiopian Dragon Clan. Like his mother, the Dragon Father's scales were black as midnight. His long silky black mane flowed down his long sinewy neck. Long black spikes protruded from its neck. The dragon's dark eyes fell upon the little dog demon and then his gaze went to Nefra.
"My daughter," spoke the male dragon in a deep voice that echoed throughout the cavern.
"Yes Father." Nefra lowered her head in respect.
"I remember you telling me that you had a young demon. But you did not tell me he was a canine. How is it you have a dog demon?"
"On my way back with the others from our yearly migratory mating journey, we had to stray off our usual path to avoid a severe, massive storm. We came upon him floating in the ocean on a piece of drift wood." She stared down at the half breed with loving eyes and then turned back to the Dragon Father. "He was only a child. I just didn't have the heart to leave him there to die."
"I see. Have you taught him your family lineage?"
"Yes Father," said Nefra.
The Dragon Father nodded his head in acceptance. "Well, what is his name?"
"His name is Kumo, Father."
"Very well Kumo, step forward," said the Dragon Father. The small white haired demon stepped into the center of the gathering. "Kumo, I'm sure your mother has told you about our ceremony."
"Yes, Father," said Kumo bowing to the dragon.
"Let the ceremony began."
Nefra stood beside her adoptive son and the little half breed began to first, recited the history of the dragons starting with the father of all dragons, the great golden dragon of heaven. Then he recited the lineage of his adoptive mother to the Dragon Father.
It was a very wonderful day for Nefra as Kumo was accepted into the dragon clan as one of their own. And she was especially proud of how Kumo spoke when addressing the Dragon Father.
After the ceremony, the Dragon Father decided to let the young dragons return home to spend one last night with their family before they would return to his cave where they would begin their training.
Kumo and his friends flew out over the ocean where they met up with more of their friends. The three dragon clan boys settled on some rocks when they were met by their other friends. Merboys from the kingdom of Atlantis that was no older than Kumo. The six boys played for hours until it was time to go home.
When Kumo walked into the cave his mother was waiting. Cooking over the fire was a large oxen. She raised her head from the floor to greet her son.
"Welcome home son." She smiled. "I was so proud of you today." Kumo wrapped his arms around her massive head. "Now, I want you to behave when at the court. You must listen carefully to everything the elder mothers has to teach you."
"I will mother. I promise." He rested his cheek against her head. "You think they will let me come visit?"
"I don't know. Usually once you have entered the Dragon Father's cave you cannot leave until he deems it is time for you to leave," said Nefra. "But don't worry. As I said before I will come to see you." Her tongue flicked out of her mouth to lick his small face.
"Mother, stop," he said but not putting any real negative emotions into wanting her to stop.
"Come on, dinner is ready. Let's eat."
The next day Kumo and his friends arrived at the cave of the Dragon Father.
Once the last of the young dragons arrived the younglings were separated into groups of twenty and each group was assigned an elder female dragon in which to teach them about dragon society. It was rough for the first few days for all the younglings but as time went by it became easier. Kumo thought his life could not get any better. He believed his happiness would never end. He had a wonderful mother, great friends and the other dragons accepted him. He thought nothing could ruin his wonderful life. Was he ever mistaken.
xxxxx
It has been a year since Kumo was accepted into the dragon clan and he had just turned eight. His life was like a dream but like all good dreams, you are awakened from them.
Nefra was flying high over the lands of west Africa. She was taking Kumo to see an old friend of the dragon clan. The little dog demon clung to Nefra's silky black mane on her neck. She zig zagged through the cerulean sky filled with love and joy for her beautiful son. But all too soon, their happiness came to an end.
A huge fireball appeared out of nowhere nearly hitting Nefra. She quickly maneuvered out of the ball's path. Then another streaked towards her and then another and another. She looked down to see a number of dark skinned humans launching the fireballs at her.
"Those bastards dare endanger my baby's life," Nefra roared in anger. She dived toward the humans. Opening her mouth, flames hotter than the sun spewed from her mouth setting the catapults on fire.
"Mother, please, let's leave. I don't like this," said Kumo trying to get the enraged dragon mother to see reason. But her anger at being attack when she had her child on her back, blinded her from seeing one catapult had a huge tree size spear on it.
The humans released the trigger and the spear went hurdling toward the soft under belly of the dragon. The spear pierced her in the chest.
Everything moved in slow motion for the horrified Kumo. His mother reared back and then fell spiraling to the ground. With the last of her strength she managed to pull up from her death spiral and skidded on her left side across the ground saving her son.
Kumo fell from her back and stared in horror at the spear embedded in her chest. "Mother."
"Run ...Kumo. Run."
"No mother, I will not leave you," the boy said clinging to her slender neck.
"No. . .you m-must run," she said breathing heavily. "If . . .the humans ca-tches you. . . they will . ..they . . .will make . . .
you . . .a slave."
"I don't care. I will not leave you in this condition." He grabbed onto the spear and tried to remove it. But it was in too deep and too big for his small form to remove. "I won't leave you." Tears ran down his small cheeks as he continued to try and remove the spear. "I love you mother. I won't let you die."
"I love . . . you also . . . my son." Nefra wheezed out. "Please Kumo . . . run." Her gasping became thick and heavy.
It was too late for him to run as the humans circled him.
"Mother, please don't leave me. I don't want to be alone." He clutched a handful of her long black mane.
"My . . . ba-by. I . . . will love you . . . for all . . . eternity." Nefra huge black lids closed and her breathing stopped.
"NO!" Kumo howled in pain and despair. Turning his chilling gaze upon the murders, Kumo eyes bled red as his demon side took control once again. The humans gasped as jagged lavender strips appeared on the child's cheeks and a mincing growl rumbled in the half-breed's throat. He would make them pay for killing his mother. He stood protectively beside his fallen mother daring any to come closer. He raised sharp claws and gnashed sharp teeth at the murdering humans.
Just then the humans opened a path for their leader. He was a tall creature with almond shaped gray colored eyes, long ocean blue hair that hung down to the center of his back and pointed ears. The creature smirked at the little half breed and crossed his arms across his chest. "Well, what have we here," he said in a silky voice. The half breed growled louder. "By your smell, you are a canine demon although there are no canines around these parts that look quite so beautiful." The stranger took another whiff. "And you are also a half demon. This must be my lucky day." He glanced at his men. "I want him alive."
The humans nodded their heads and they began to close their ranks on the little demon. Kumo growled fiercely but the humans would not back down. With speed borne from anger, the pup seemed to disappear and reappeared near one of the men slashing him across the throat. The human made a gurgling noise and fell to the ground dead. Another human screamed before falling to the ground with deep gashes across his stomach.
Kumo was nothing more than a white blur to the human eye. While the strange being watched the slaughter with amusement. Deciding that the little demon had killed enough of his servants, the demon-like creature moved forward and slash Kumo on the arm with a curved blade dagger. Kumo turned his death glare on the stranger that didn't smell like a demon or dragon. Then he launched himself at the smirking creature. Suddenly Kumo began to feel weak. His legs became heavy. His arms were like lead. His weight became to much for his little legs to hold up. He collapsed to his knees. Kumo's eyes changed back to their natural color and the stripes vanished from his cheeks. He stared up into the smiling eyes of the strange being and fell to the ground unconscious.
xxxxx
When Kumo awakened he was inside a box. There was a small opening in the side and he peeped through the hole. From what he could tell, he was being carried by the humans. Then the memory of what happened crashed in on him. He was alone. The humans had killed his mother. Tears fell from his eyes as he sobbed helplessly in his hands.
"Do not cry, little one," Kumo heard someone say from outside his prison. He peeped through the opening and saw that strange being with the humans. "I shall take good care of you."
Kumo did not want to hear a word this murderer said. His heart was filled with so much grief until he felt as though he would die. He wished he could die at least he would be with his mother. But he knew it would not happen. Just wishing for something will not make it happen.
He pulled his legs up to his chest and rested his head against his knees. "Mother." He whispered and continued to cry.
"Cease your blubbering, boy," scolded the being. "I am your master now."
Kumo heard jerked up in recognition. Slave. He was this strange person's slave. Why does that sound familiar. He felt something nagging at the back of his head but it would not surface. Then the feeling was gone. He sighed and continued to mourn the death of his mother.
"Since you are my property it's best that you know the name of your master. I am Tristan from Wales. I'm sure by now you must have guessed that I am not a demon. I am an Elf. Where I come from there are many magical creatures such as I. You are from the canine family but I have never seen a dog demon like you before. From your speech I see you speak the language of the dragons. It's very rare that dragons would take in a demon that is not dragon or even one of their distant cousin. Although they have humans as slaves. Some of them keep humans as their pets. Or food, it depends upon the taste of the dragon. I heard you call the dragon, mother and she had called you, son. So I take it that she adopted you?"
Kumo said nothing. He did not want to hear or even speak to the filthy murderer.
"Boy, you either tell me or I will force it out of you."
Still, Kumo refused to speak.
"Very well, be that way. We have all the time in the world to get to know each other."
It had been two days since his mother was killed and he was captured by the elf creature called Tristan. Kumo had come down with a fever. His dreams were plagued with the visions of his mother being murdered before his eyes. He would awaken calling for Nefra and then slip back into a fever induced dream. This was not his only dreams. He also dreamt of a stranger that was cloaked in shadows. The person was calling someone and his voice was filled with so much pain that even in his fevered pitch. Kumo's own heart hurt with pain.
He didn't know how long its been since he was sick. But once his fever broke, Kumo lay limply on the wooden floor trying to rest. Knowing that he became ill because he refused to eat or drink from the elf. Kumo realized that getting sick again was not an option. He ravenously at the food and drank the water the humans gave him. He had to escape. His mother died protecting him. When the opportunity arises, the little half-breed would escape and if he gets the chance, kill that elf bastard.
Suddenly, Kumo was awakened from his sleep by the sound of battle. He crouched in the cage tensing as the sound of screams filled his ears. Suddenly, all noise ceased. He became very nervous. Whoever this is could be worst than Tristan. Or the elf and his men could have killed the attackers. Either way, Kumo was still a prisoner.
Suddenly, he heard someone open the lock. He tensed further and waited.
The door opened but no one was there. Kumo did not like this. If he remained quiet maybe whoever it was will think the cage was empty and leave. Unfortunately, luck was not with him.
"You can come out, Kumo," said the stranger. Kumo stiffened in shock. How did this person know his name. He took a sniff of the air. Whoever it was wasn't a dragon. So who could this be. Also,
it didn't smell like the elf. "I know you're in there. You do not have to worry. We will not hurt you." It just hit the little hanyou that this person was speaking in the dragon language. "You can trust us Kumo. I knew your mother, Nefra."
That struck a nerve. His mother. This person knew his mother. Maybe,
just maybe he could trust this person. Taking a deep breath, he slowly crawled out of the cage. Squinting his eyes against the glare of the sun after being in the dark for so long. He stood up and let his eyes focus. Kumo's golden orbs widened slightly as he faced a group of lion demons.
"My name is Mugabe. I am Ruler of the Western half of Africa." The tall lithe dark brown skin demon smiled gently at him. The demon's long black mane hung down his back in tiny braids that were decorated with colored beads. He wore a thigh length red loin cloth while the others wore a tan colored loin cloth and no shirts. All of them carried spears and were barefoot. Mugabe had one large stripe on each side of his cheeks. Kumo had only ever seen lion demons in the books in the Dragon Father's library.
Next to the dragons, Kumo had never seen a more powerful, strong race of demons such as the lions of Africa. Although he can't remember anything up until he awakened in Nefra's den. He couldn't be sure.
"So, you are Nefra's adoptive son. I'm sorry about your mother. When she didn't arrive at the palace I came in search of her." The lion's eyes became soft and sad. "We came upon her body. I sent some of my people to inform the Dragon Father about Nefra's death. I also left some men to guard her remains so those filthy hyenas or jackals do not desecrate her body."
Kumo saw the elf 's limp form being held up by two of the demons.
Mugabe saw the direction of where the child was looking. "He is not dead. His fate shall be decided by the Dragon Father. You can be sure that his punishment will be just." Suddenly the lion demon's eyes became hard and angry. "But no amount of punishment to this monster will bring back your dear sweet mother."
Kumo tried to be strong but the memory of her fallen form filled him with great sadness. He fell to his knees crying.
+Sire, he is a canine like the hyenas and jackals+said one of the younger demons in a language he did not understand.
+It does not matter. He is Nefra's son and we shall not dishonor her memories by putting her child in the same group as those filthy hyenas and dirty jackals. Besides, look at his hair. He is not from this part of the world.+
Kumo had stopped crying and dried his eyes. He stood and stared up at the demon. "I thank you for rescuing me. But I should get back to my . . . mother." He took two steps and collapsed into Mugabe's arms.
xxxxx
When Kumo awakened he was lying in a huge, round cushion like bed. He slowly sat up to look around the room and took in his surroundings. He slowly pull back the thin bed curtains. There was a heavy ebony dresser in the corner and an oval shaped mirror on top. There was a beautiful black and white stripe hide on the floor. And large colorful feathers on the wall. He slowly got to his feet and walked out onto the balcony. Looking out at the beautiful garden below an image of a woman flashed in his mind. He gasped and then it faded as fast as it appeared. Kumo wondered who the woman was but put it out of his mind. All that mattered to him was that his mother was dead and he was alone.
The wind picked up and Kumo caught the scent of dragons. He leaped from the balcony and ran to where the scent was coming. Making his way through the garden he came upon a grove of silk-cotton trees. He stopped to get his bearing. Sniffing the air, he caught the dragons scent and sped off to where the scent was coming from.
In the center of the trees, he came upon a man made pond. Looking to the left, he saw the Dragon Father and his two friends talking to the demon that had rescued him.
Kumo ran towards the demons. "Sano! Tago!" He came to a sliding halt in front of them. "Father," Kumo said breathing heavily.
"Hello Kumo," the Dragon Father said kindly. "How are you feeling today. Mugabe told me that you were sick."
"I'm doing much better now." Kumo smiled up at the elderly dragon. "Hi guys."
"Hello Kumo," said Sano.
"Hi," said Tago.
Suddenly the smile dropped from his small face. Tears started to roll down his pale cheeks. "Mother . . ." He could not say anymore.
"There there," said the Dragon Father opening his arms. Kumo ran into the embrace and let the dragon hold him. The dragon placed a clawed hand on top of his head stroking the long silver mane. "I know about your mother. I am sorry Kumo."
"What will I do now that she is gone." He continued to cry in the dragon's arms.
"It will be better as time passes." Then the dragon pulled the weeping child away and stared down at him. "Kumo, I want you to stay here with Mugabe."
"But why?"
"Because we cannot teach you what you need to know to survive in the outside world," said the Dragon Father. "Yes, we can teach you our magic. We can teach you about dragon society but that will not help you much once you leave the confines of the caves. You will have to live your life in the outside not with us. When a dragon becomes old enough to leave my caves, he will have to live on his own." The great dragon sighed and rested a clawed hand on top of his head. "There will be so many different challenges you will have to face. That is why I am leaving you here. Listen Kumo, stay here and learn everything Mugabe and his tribe has to teach you. I want you to become strong and brave. But do not think that we will forget you. You are a member of the Ethiopian dragon clan. I shall make sure one of the elder mothers return every week to continue your training in dragon magic. I'm sure your mother would want that."
"Thank you, Father," said Kumo bowing to his elder.
"Don't worry, Kumo," said Sano. "Me and Tago will come by as much as possible to see you. If it's all right with King Mugabe?" The young dragon looked questioningly at the lion demon.
"Of course," said Mugabe smiling showing his long fangs. "You know the dragons are always welcome here."
"And don't worry about your mother's remains," said the elder dragon. "We have taken care of everything."
"Thank you."
"Well my friend." The dragon turned his attention on the lion demon. "It's time we returned home. Please take good care of my little one."
"You can rest assure that we shall protect Kumo with our lives," said Mugabe bowing to the elder dragon.
"Farewell, Kumo and be good." The dragon spread his huge wings and took to the air.
"See ya later Kumo," said Sano and Tago in unison as they followed the elder dragon.
Kumo watched as the three dragons disappeared in the sky. He sighed and looked away.
"Come now Kumo, I would like for you to meet your new family," said Mugabe. He placed a gentle hand around the boy's small shoulders and led him back into the palace.
xxxxx
Mugabe led Kumo back inside the palace. Waiting for the lion king was a short monkey demon with a long thin tail. My lord, you have so much that need to be done today, said the monkey. Kumo frown as he did not understand what was being said.
+Not now Kariba. The Dragon Father has left one of his charges in my care.+
The monkey took a sniff of the child. +He's a half demon.+ Kariba said startled. +You mean the old dragon didn't want to keep the child for his own clan.+
+Don't be silly. You know drgons don't mate outside of their own species.+ Mugabe rolled his eyes as the monkey looked as though he was about to object. And don't start with those old wives tales about dragons turning human and falling in love with humans.+
+Very well, my lips are sealed+said Kariba. +But sire, you still have . . . + Before he could say anything else Mugabe cut him off.
+I pr omise Kariba that I will attend to it later, but for now, I want Kumo to meet his new family.+ He placed a hand on the small child's shoulder and led him away.
+But sire . . .+ the monkey called after him. Mugabe just waved to his advisor and continued walking away.
"So Kumo, how old are you?"
"I'm eight."
"Well, I have a daughter and son your age," said Mugabe smiling. "Would you like to meet them?"
"I-I guess so," Kumo mumbled.
They turned a corner and continued down the hall. Kumo stared in awe at the high arched hallway. On the wall were paintings of lion kings along with their mates and children.
"This painting," said Mugabe stopping in front of a portrait of a regal looking lion seated next to his mate. And standing around the couple were six young cubs, "is of my parents. These are my elder sister and brothers, and this little guy at the end is me."
Kumo eyes widened at the tiny child.
"I think I was nine years old when that portrait was made."
Kumo stared up at the demon blinking his eyes in shock. This can't be the same puny child in the portrait. Then Kumo smiled. "You were so . . .puny."
"Hey, that's not a nice thing to say." Mugabe smiled and led the boy to the nursery.
xxxxx
As Mugabe stepped into the nursery Kumo was hiding behind the demon feeling a bit nervous about meeting his new siblings.
+Father.+ Kumo heard an agitated female voice. +Why do you insist upon me and Zaine remaining here in the nursery. This place is for babies.+
+Behave yourself Ashanta+said Mugabe. +I want you and Zaine to meet your new brother.+ He stepped to the side and pushed the nervous child to the front. Both of the lion cubs stared in shock at the little demon. The boy and girl walked up to Kumo and continued to stare at him as though he had two heads.
+Wow, look at his hair+ said Zaine lifting some of it up. +It's like the snow on top of the mountain.+
+And what strange color eyes+said Ashanta sniffing him. She frowned staring up at her father. Father, he's a canine.+
+He is the adoptive son of Nefra+ said Mugabe. +Since she was killed recently by an elf. The Dragon Father has asked me to take care of him and teach him.+
+You mean the dragons accepted+ asked Zaine. Mugabe nodded.
+Well, he does seem nice.+Then Ashanta smiled and reached for his ears. +And his ears are so soft.+
Kumo sighed in defeat. He don't know why women always grab his ears. It was like being in the Dragon Father's cave with the females dragons all over again.
+Stop that+said Zaine slapping his sister on the hand. Kumo looked at the boy who was smiling at him. So, he returned Zaine's smile with one of his own.
+He can only speak the dragon's language. So you will have to speak to him like that until he can speak our language+ said Mugabe. +Now, introduce yourselves.+
"Hi. My name is Zaine," the boy said speaking the dragon language fluently. "And this annoying creature is my sister, Ashanta."
"Bite me," snapped the girl.
Kumo stared at the children. Like their father they were tall dark brown skinned demons with long black hair trailing down their backs and dark smiling eyes. The girl hair was braided with red beads adorning each braid. The boy hair was not as long as his sister. It too was braided but he had red and yellow beads in this hair. Ashanta was dressed in a red cloth that wounded around her lithe form. She had beads around her neck that looped through the folded cloth holding it in place. Like all the lion demons Zaine wore no shirt only the striped loin cloth and both were bare feet.
He smiled at the two children. "My name is . . . Kumo." He bowed to the children. "Thank you for taking me in."
The two lion cubs stared at the half demon and started snickering. "Boy, you have a lot to learn," said Ashanta. "Come on, let's get you settled in your room.
"Oh and Kumo," said Zaine, "no more bowing okay. You do that to the old people and guests. We're your family now."
"Okay," he said smiling.
"Oh great, just what I need another brother," scoffed Ashanta as the the children left the nursery laughing.