Chapter 27

Yuuji paused.

"A… nursery dragon?" he asked in a confused tone. "Mom… that doesn't sound like a strong breed to be…"

"Hush elder brother, you have no idea how rare they are." Ankoku protested. "Mom has told us of different breeds of dragons, a nursery one is rare, very rare, nearly as rare as you."

Instantly, he silenced himself, but still he was worried for Choso. What exactly is so special about a nursery dragon?

Rhea on the other hand was crying tears of joy. She was so happy to the news, Choso was still trying to understand how he became a dragon in a week. Fushiguro was also trying to pull himself together. He tried to sit himself up, but his body trembled from the attempt. He collapsed and sighed aloud. "I can't move," he said meekly.

"Let's bring them something to eat, mainly proteins, Yuuji, be a dear…"

"I'll go mother, I'll call the others to help too." Ankoku was quick to excuse himself as he left the nursery.

"Lady Tiamat… can you please explain to me the purpose of a nursery dragon?" Choso asked gently.

She smiled and nodded. "Before my uncle's reign, a nursery dragon was very sought after by female dragons. For they have the ability to raise any infant, even if they are not blood related within themselves. Currently, only those who are of the same bloodline can raise a dragon of the same genetics… Choso… can tend to ANY young dragon as if it were his own. But not only that…"

"Oh?" asked Yua curiously.

Lady Tiamat's smile grew. "If he find a baby dragon abandoned, and he and his mate desire it so… he can take that child in. Choso can adopt dragons that are still within their eggs, and he can hatch them at will. A nursery dragon ensures that a baby dragon has everything it needs before hatching."

There was silence.

Choso's eyes widened in shock. "I can have more children?" he whispered in amazement.

"Indeed, you must have been made aware of Rhea and her sisters' predicament, correct?"

"I haven't," Yuuji said. "What happened? Can they not have children easily?"

Rhea turned away shamefully. "My uncle… made certain of that. Consider it a powerful curse placed on my own daughters. He wanted to force them into relationships with males HE approved of, as well to create powerful offspring to devour later. My daughters have refused every male who dared to approach them. They also have the means of fighting back and ensuring they back off. However, because of that, my uncle has made it that they can only have children once every thousand years."

The room fell silent. "What the fuck is his problem?!" Toji demanded.

"Great uncle is very cruel, especially if things don't go his way…" Rhea explained. "Little brothers have avoided him, as well since they were earthbound dragons, he has no authority over them. However, we were born in the heavenly realm, his domain…"

"For thousands of years we have saved little ones, there are infant dragons and some who never made it to full term since their mothers were killed by rivals of the males they mated with. Rhea has saved all she could, her sisters have done the same and these little ones survive barely on the power they give them. But now… there is hope… if Choso is willing."

Yuuji turned to him, there was a look of devastation on the face of his elder brother, and yet, he welling up. "We can have more children?" he whispered.

Yuuji smiled, Choso has always been good with children, he's a protective older brother but has wanted a family of his own. He and the other brothers held back because of their curse/human bodies. But, as dragons…

Mom smiled warmly to him. "I have a feeling your brothers are going to be very interesting and very rare dragons. Nursery dragons although may not sound tough or fierce to the rest of you. They are very feared among the others. After all, if they can tend to any child abandoned and near death… how big of a family do you think they could make for themselves? How many allies would they have?" she asked offhandedly.

He never considered that, but that wasn't want Choso was thinking either. The idea of being a father, having children to teach and nurture… it would do him some good to have a purpose for himself. He loves his sons and daughter very much. He adores his nieces and nephews, and has even taken a liking to everyone else's children.

This… is right.

Yuuji's smile grew as Choso peered to Rhea who was just as happy as he was. "Why do I think your family is going to get a lot bigger than mine very quickly?" Yuuji said aloud.

"Must you be talking about that…" moaned Fushiguro.

Toji smirked. "We'll find you a nice girl soon enough kid, trust me."

"I don't think I would be trusting you…"

Ankoku soon returned with his siblings, they brought in various dishes for Megumi and Choso to eat from. The two were rather ravenous! Choso ate as if he never had food before. Fushiguro ate a lot like Yuuji!

When their fill was taken, mom smiled to the two of them. "It will take some time for the two of you to adjust to your new bodies. Take it slow, both of you. Don't push yourself and if you need help, ask Yuuji and Suiryu…"

"So what, I'm chopped liver over here?" muttered Toji.

"You have yet to turn, it's only right that my sons take the lead, you still need to understand your form as well."

"Tch…" Toji muttered in disappointment. But he peered down at something, then he looked at Fushiguro and Choso. Yuuji peered as well and saw it. Everyone wore a dragon fang around their neck. "So, what's with the bling here?" Toji asked aloud as he dangled his necklace.

"Oh good, those are working. They hide your aura from others. As well, they will keep most of your power suppressed until you adjust to it." Mom explained. "I am certain I told you this before, but the more who know, the better."

"How come I don't wear one of those?" Yuuji asked. "Suiryu does since it's his model look…"

"You don't need to, you have done very well in hiding your power. Besides, you have had years of practice." Mom snickered to him.

"Can I go back to my own room?" asked Megumi.

Mom smiled and nodded. "You can, but it would be better to say in the nursery, I do expect you are going to have some growing pains."

"Huh?"

"Do as you wish Megumi, but just be mindful of your location…"

"It's mom's way of saying stay in the nursery." Yuuji whispered discreetly. "I would take her advice."

"If you are uncomfortable with me being here, I'll go…" Choso said offhandedly.

"No, you stay too!" Rhea ordered. "You need to rest, and I am going to make certain you rest! Then, we start planning…" she said in a teasing tone. "I have many little ones who are in great need of help, and finally, I have a male who can do such a thing. And I will take care of you throughout the whole process…"

Yuuji couldn't quite understand the look on the face of his older brother. However, he appeared curious and excited at the notion…