Clay's boots barely had time to hit the dirt before Dakota's arms were around his neck. He caught her easily despite his surprise and laughed. He shut the door to his daddy's truck with one hand as he looked down at the smiling girl still holding onto him. Her green eyes practically sparkled as she stared up at the cowboy.

"Dakota, what are you doing here?" Clay asked, his arms still around her waist.

Dakota's cheeks hurt from smiling so hard, "My momma is out of town visiting my grandma so she asked if I could stay here for a few weeks."

"So you're not here just because you missed me?" Clay teased.

Dakota pulled back from Clay and intertwined her fingers with his, "I might have missed you a little bit. Come on, your momma is waiting inside."

"Where's Jessie? I thought she'd be here to see me when I got back." Clay asked as he let Dakota lead him back to the house.

Dakota gave his hand a squeeze and the smile dropped from her face, "I think your folks should be the ones to tell you about all that, Clay."

Clay stopped suddenly, pulling Dakota to face him. She studied his gloved hands for a moment before he gently placed his hand under her chin and forced her to look up at him from under her lashes. "Dakota, what happened?"

Dakota's mouth went dry, "Jessie ran away. Not long after you left she took off."

Dakota watched as Clay's expression went from concerned to horror. "We need to go find her."

"You won't." Dakota said, her expression grim.

Clay looked her over for a moment, "You know where Jessie is."

It wasn't a question, but she shrugged, "Not exactly. I saw her a few weeks ago at a rodeo though and she's safe. She's still a little mad at me and you, but she's safe and that's what's important."

"You wouldn't tell me even if you knew, would you?" Clay accused, crossing his arms.

Dakota shook her head and pushed up her hat to see Clay better, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips, "Rat out my best friend to her big brother? I don't think so."

"Clay! Dakota! Get in here and get ready for dinner!" Mr. Bailey's voice carried out from inside the little farm house.

Dakota looked from the house and up at Clay again, "Come on, let's not keep your momma waiting any longer."

Clay grabbed her by the wrist before interlocking their fingers, "Come on, just tell me."

"You're not going to like it." Dakota confessed.

Clay shrugged, "I'd rather know."

Dakota stopped for a second and looked back toward where Mr. Bailey was waiting in the ranch house. She had decided to tell Clay no, but once she met his gaze her heart skipped a beat and she couldn't bring herself to not tell him. "Jessie joined the Black Vipers. I'm sorry, Clay."

Clay took a deep breath before giving her hand a squeeze, "I'm glad you told me. Now come on, we shouldn't keep Daddy waiting."

"The Lone Star has been in the family since the first settler dug it up, right here back in 1849" Mr. Bailey's annoyed tone carried in from the porch.

"Yeah, but who do you think buried it back in 549?" A strange voice came after.

Dakota opened the door slowly and looked out onto the front porch. Mr. Bailey had taken a seat and put his feet up on a crate that they had been using as a table. Clay stood nearby with three other teenagers and a lizard.

"It's for your own safety, Daddy." Clay tried as Dakota stepped onto the porch beside him.

She slipped her hand into his to catch his attention, "Clay, what's going on? Who are these people?"

"We're trying to get Daddy to give my friends here the Lone Star." Clay said to Dakota in a loud whisper.

She looked past him to the three teenagers that stood near. There was a very short bald boy, a girl with teal hair pulled back in a headband, and a taller, tan boy. They looked extremely out of place standing on the porch of the old ranch house. Dakota turned her attention to Clay's daddy.

"Mr. Bailey, with all due respect, if Clay thinks-"

"The only one that can take that star from me is Clay. And that's only after he proves he's a man. A real Texas man." Mr. Bailey cut her off as he took a sip of the sweet tea Dakota had brought him earlier.

"But, Daddy-" Clay's argument died when his father slammed the glass down.

His father was on his feet before anyone could react. "Tell you what. You want to show me what you got, you move that herd down to the river!"

The short boy in the group seemed excited at the idea, "ooh, herd? Of cows? I will finally master the art of the milked cow."

Mr. Bailey got into his face, but his tone was gentler than before, "Son, this ain't no dairy farm. It's a beef ranch."

"Well, there's old Bessie out in the barn. She's still a milker." Clay suggested, trying to deescalate the situation.

"Alright, have at her. The rest of ya'll can help Clay. You start tomorrow. Crack of dawn." Mr. Bailey ordered.

The taller boy Dakota didn't know spoke sheepishly, "Uh, I'm more of a crack of noon guy myself." When he caught sight of the cold stare Mr. Bailey was giving him, he chuckled nervously, "Dawn is cool too."

"Dakota, you can help out too. I don't think your daddy would mind you just going to the river and back."

Dakota smiled politely, "Yes, Sir."

As the sun began to set, Clay led them all out to the back of the house and lit a fire in the space he and his father had set up as the firepit a few summers before. Clay's mother had suggested the teenagers have a little bonfire and his father had reluctantly agreed before giving Clay permission to get the supplies out. Clay had introduced each of his friends to Dakota as they passed out the smore supplies.

The fire roared as they roasted marshmallows. The only sound for a while was the crackle of the fire and rush of the wind. Dakota caught Omi, the littlest member of the group, staring off in the direction of the barn.

"You're really excited to milk that cow, huh?" Dakota questioned as she pulled her marshmallow out of the fire and blew out the flame.

Omi's eyes sparkled excitedly in the fire, "Oh, yes! I plan to master the art of cow milking before we leave!"

Dakota laughed to herself and looked at Clay, admiring how the light of the fire danced across his face, "Any advice for him? Or are you planning on sending him into Bessie blind?"

"Omi doesn't really listen to advice." Raimundo, the tall boy, informed Dakota through a mouth full of smore.

Clay wrapped his flannel Jacket around Dakota's shoulders, "Omi will be fine, ain't that right, Omi?"

"Yes, I am perfectly capable of milking Bessie."

Dakota giggled and leaned against Clay, "If you say so." Dakota could feel Kimiko's eyes on her, but she decided to ignore it. She shoved another marshmallow onto the stick she was holding and held it over the fire. "So, tell me about some of ya'll's adventures."

Omi stood on the log he had been sitting on and dove into an extravagant tale. It was filled with magic and fighting and excitement. Dakota listened intently, occasionally glancing up to Clay to gauge his reaction to the story. The others jumped in every once in a while, correcting Omi's slang or a detail in the story. Dakota wasn't sure how much of it she believed, but it was entertaining to say the least.

After the fire had been put out, the boys all crammed into Clay's room and the girl, Kimiko, followed Dakota into Jessie's old room. They had washed up and Kimiko had borrowed an extra pair of pajamas from Dakota. Dakota let Kimiko take the bed and she used the sleeping bag that Mrs. Bailey had left out for them.

"So, you and Clay…" There was a question in Kimiko's voice.

Dakota looked up at her from her spot on the floor and smiled sweetly, "What about me and Clay?"

"We never knew Clay had a girlfriend back home." Kimiko said surprised.

Dakota felt her face begin to heat up and she looked away from the other girl. Instead she chose to fiddle with the opening of the sleeping bag. "I'm not his girlfriend. We went on a few dates a little bit before he left for the temple, but... We're just friends now."

"Really? You two seemed like a little more than friends around the campfire." Kimiko asked skeptically.

Dakota was quiet for a moment before she sat up in her sleeping bag and looked at the door for a moment, a little worried about being overheard before turning back to Kimiko, "I'm going to tell you something, but you have to promise not to tell Clay."

"Promise," Kimiko held out her pinky and Dakota took it.

Dakota smiled despite herself, "I have been in love with Clay Bailey since the first day I met him. When he left, it broke my heart. I don't know if I could handle that again."

Kimiko sighed, "Well if Daddy Bailey gets his way, I don't think Clay will be coming back to the temple."

Dakota looked at the door again, still not confident that she couldn't be heard before looking back to Kimiko, "Don't be so sure. I've known the Baileys for a long time and if Clay can prove he's a man he'll let him go."

"How is he supposed to do that?"

Dakota tried and failed to hide her sad smile, "That's what Clay has to figure out, but I know he will and as soon as he does he'll be gone again."

"Why don't you just tell him how you feel?" Kimiko sat up to get a better look at the brunette on the floor. She dangled her legs over the edge of the bed, kicking lightly as she did.

Dakota shook her head, "Oh, I can't do that. I don't want to keep him from doing things he wants to do. If I told him how I felt he might feel pressured to stay and judging by your friend's stories tonight, you guys have an important job to do. I'm not going to keep him from that."

The next morning, Clay smiled as Dakota stepped out onto the front porch. The sun was just beginning to peak over the mountains in the distance. The sky was still a rich shade of purple where the sun's rays hadn't quite reached yet. Clay took her hand and pulled her to him.

"You sure you remember how to do this? You've been away for a while." Dakota teased, tilting her hat up to get a better look at Clay's face.

Clay chuckled and looked over to where the horses were tied up and ready for their riders, "You don't have to worry about me none. You're the one who overslept this morning."

"I didn't oversleep," Dakota wrinkled her nose at him, "I had to help Kimiko find something to wear."

"Speaking of," Clay looked toward the door as Kimiko stepped out in Dakota's borrowed clothes, "Ooh-Whee! That's a right purty outfit, Kimiko."

A twinge of jealousy pinged in Dakota's chest, but she brushed it off. Still, she took a step back out of Clay's embrace, but let him keep hold of one of her hands. The conversation with Kimiko from the night before came to mind and she felt her cheeks heat up.

"Not my usual thing, but anything with sequins can't be all bad." Kimiko tugged on her gloves, "Thanks for letting me borrow it, Dakota."

Dakota smiled, hoping to regain a normal color in her cheeks, "Anytime. They really do look nice on you."

Raimundo came out to the porch next and looked down at his own outfit.

"Oh, I feel silly… and sleepy." He added as he yawned.

Clay let go of Dakota's hand and leaned against the railing on the porch, "Well, that's the life of a cowboy. Except the silly part."

"Clay! Clay!" A muffled call came from a large hat that was coming toward the group. The hat bumped into the doorway before stopping. "I may need a smaller hat. Perhaps a 6-gallon?"

Dakota laughed as Clay pulled the hat from his friend's head, "We'll see what we can do about that, Omi."

Omi smiled, "Very well. Have fun on the ranch, Cowpokes! Return thirsty for milk because I will be making buckets of it."

"Don't feel too bad if you don't get it right away." Dakota reminded Omi leaning against the railing Clay had left unoccupied, "It's not as easy as it seems."

Omi patted her arm with the hand that wasn't holding the bucket, "Not to worry, my friend, I will be a master of milking when you return."

"Come on, Dakota, we want to get going before it's too late in the morning." Clay called as he started making his way toward the already saddled horses.

She rushed after him and climbed up onto the horse she was most familiar with while Clay helped Raimundo and Kimiko onto their horses. Soon they were next to the cattle pen. Clay opened up the pen and let them out.

"Okay, Bucaroos, let's get this cattle drive a-moving!" Clay shouted excitedly.

Raimundo yawned again, "Yeah," he slumped against his horse, "Giddy-up."

Dakota and Kimiko watched as Raimundo slipped off of the horse and onto one of the steer's backs. He snored for a moment before Kimiko called his name. He jumped up and jumped from steer to steer in an effort to get back to the group. Once he hit the last one, he lost his balance and fell to the ground.

"Oh that's some bad luck if I've ever seen it." Dakota winced.

Raimundo looked down, "What did I just land in?" It was a question, but the look on his face said he already knew.

Clay snickered, "That would be a cow pie."

Raimundo looked down again, anger growing, "No. I know pie. Pies have cherry or apple or rhubarb. This is no pie!"

Clay snickered again and Dakota elbowed him, "Clay, get your friend up so we can get going."

Clay smiled at her, "Yes, ma'am."

He jumped down and helped Raimundo up and back on his horse so the four of them could get back to work. Overall, it was an easy drive. Clay led the team and Dakota stayed in the back, just in case one of the others needed help or fell off.

"Oh boy, we got a stray." Clay turned back to look at his friends. "Hey, Kim, you go round him up. We'll get the rest moving for the river."

Dakota rode up to him, "Does she know what do be doing?"

Clay looked over to where Kimiko was riding toward the bull, "I think she'll be able to figure it out."

"I'll hang back to make sure she's alright." Dakota offered, slowing her horse to a stop.

She watched as Kimiko rode over to where the cow had wandered off. Dakota was glad that Clay was enjoying himself and getting to share this part of himself with them. For a moment she thought about suggesting they come back to visit during the next rodeo Clay was in. Dakota had always loved watching him compete, even when it was her he was competing against. When Dakota came back to reality, she had noticed Kimiko was off of her horse and standing beside the bull.

"Kimiko, what are you- Hey!" The cow took off on a run, dragging Kimiko behind it. "Darn it."

Dakota rode over to Kimiko's abandoned horse and grabbed its reins. She turned and galloped after Kimiko who had already found her way back to the group. Clay looked at Dakota who fell in line beside him.

"What happened?" Clay questioned.

Dakota shrugged, "I don't know. She got off her horse to rope him. Kimiko let go of the rope."

Kimiko did and rolled off to the side. When she popped back up, she was covered in dust and dirt. She tried to brush it off, but it was all in vain. Dakota hopped off of her own horse and led them both to where Kimiko stood. Clay jumped down as well.

"You okay, Kimiko?" Clay asked as he picked up her hat and handed it to her.

Kimiko fixed the hat back on her head, "Yeah, I'm okay."

"Do you need help getting back on the horse or do you think you can do it?" Dakota handed her the reins.

"I think I can do it." Kimiko said, still a little embarrassed.

Clay didn't move until Kimiko was seated properly on her horse. He helped Dakota back onto her own horse and stood beside her for a second looking up at her, "Let's hope we don't lose anymore on the way to the river."

Dakota laughed and looked into the distance, "It's not much farther, I think we can manage no one else getting into an accident."

Sure enough, they made it to the river. Clay smiled brightly as the cows drank thirstily from the river.

"Heck of a good day's work, Compadres." He praised.

Raimundo groaned, "Uh, tell that to my saddle sores. Where's Omi with my milk?"

"We have to go back to the house to get the milk, Raimundo, but I wouldn't count too much on Omi." Dakota looked at Clay who shrugged with a knowing smile.

Sure enough, as soon as they arrived back at the ranch house, Omi came flying out of the barn.

"Oh, hello. I was just saying good night to my new friend, Old Bessie. How are the cows?" Omi quickly changed the subject.

Clay shrugged, "Down at the river. Just like Daddy wanted."

"Then the star Hanabi's ours!" Omi cheered.

"Well, I hope so." Clay seemed unsure as he looked around at his friends, "Daddy don't impress that easily."

"You're telling me." Dakota laughed and straightened up a little on her horse.

Clay smiled at her just as the lizard came slithering over. "You guys! I've been looking all over the ranch for you! The Star Hanabi just went active!"

"That don't sound too good," Dakota noticed the worry on Clay's face.

"Oh, no, Daddy!" He pulled back on his reins and took off at a sprint. Dakota pulled on her own horse and followed suit. "Dakota, this is going to be dangerous, stay here."

Dakota caught his eye as she pulled up next to him, "Clay, I have no idea what's going on, but if you think I'm staying here after you told me it's dangerous, you're out of your mind."

Dakota pulled her horse to a stop when she noticed all of the robots around the ranch house, "What the-"

"Daddy!" Clay called out when he saw that his father was restrained.

A teenager stood Clay's father with a blue ball in his hand. "Nice place you have here, Clay. Too bad about the sudden change in weather. Orb of Tornami!"

Water flooded out of the little ball. Dakota's heart stopped when she noticed the wave coming straight for them. Her horse took a few steps back, sensing her own fear, but it was of no use, they were all swept away by the wave.

"Dakota!" Clay swam over quickly and grabbed onto Dakota, holding her close.

She coughed up water as Clay swam them both over to the roof of the house that was, thankfully, not underwater and pulled her up onto it. Clay pushed her brown hair out of her face and knelt down to her. Tears were streaming down her face as she continued coughing.

"Are you okay?" He asked, resting his hand on her cheek.

"I'll be fine. Clay, what was that?" Dakota asked, trying to wipe away the tears that had come with almost drowning, "Who is that boy?"

"Jack Spicer, that no good-" Clay looked behind himself and back to the water, "I'll explain everything else later, just stay here."

With that he turned and jumped back into the water. He swam out and went under the water where Dakota couldn't see him anymore. She felt worry wash over her as she crept to the edge of the roof before Clay popped up again, His arm wrapped around Mr. Bailey. He helped his father onto the roof and knelt beside him the way he had with Dakota. Dakota knelt on the other side of Mr. Bailey as he spat out water.

"You all right, Daddy?" He asked, putting his hand on his father's shoulder.

Mr. Bailey laughed dryly, "Yeah. Now get that no-good rustler."

Clay nodded and pulled the rope he had on his belt off. He swung it around a couple of times before throwing it in the direction of the other boy he had called Jack, who had caused the flood. He hit the star without catching it and it fell into the water.

Dakota glanced up at him, ringing out her hair, "Looks like you're a little out of practice."

Clay didn't reply to her as he jumped into the water, disappearing beneath it. Jack plunged in after Clay. Dakota looked into the water but saw nothing. Mr. Bailey sat back, arms crossed as his boots still dangled in the water.

"Shouldn't we do something to help?" Dakota asked, desperate to do something other than sit, trapped on the roof.

Mr. Bailey shrugged, "I don't reckon you'll be much help unless you suddenly know how to swim."

Dakota felt her cheeks heat from embarrassment, "He's just been under a long time."

"Dakota," Mr. Bailey tipped his hat up to her, "have some faith in the boy."

"I do, I just don't understand-"

Dakota was cut off by a flash of bright light. When it faded, she was standing next to Mr. Bailey, Kimiko, Raimundo, and Omi on a bale of hay in the sky. She let out a squeak and grabbed onto Mr. Bailey's arm, scared she'd fall off without support. In front of them stood a large haystack below the barn. Mr. Bailey looked up in awe.

"Bessie, you've been remodeling?"

Kimiko put her hand on Dakota's arm, "Are you okay?"

Dakota looked below to where Clay had mounted a floating, horseless saddle. He seemed confident in whatever was going on. She wished desperately that he had had time to explain what was going on or that he was at least up on the hay bale with her. Dakota glanced at Kimiko and nodded.

"I thought ya'll were joking when you were telling stories last night." Dakota confessed.

Raimundo laughed, "Nope, everything we told you was true."

"I don't suppose there's any way to get down from here?" She asked hopefully.

Omi frowned deeply, "Not until the showdown has ended."

"I was afraid you'd say that."

Clay and Jack took off flying. Both of them were popping in and out of the haystack causing bits of hay to go flying every which way.

Mr. Bailey on the other hand seemed oddly at home, "Check the bottom, Clay!" He shouted, "It's got to be at the bottom!"

Clay dived back into the haystack with Jack right behind him. He popped out quickly on the other side.

"It's not down there!" Clay shouted back to Mr. Bailey.

Mr. Bailey frowned deeply, hands on his hips, "But you ain't even digged there yet! You need a pitchfork? Somebody get him a pitchfork!"

Winged pitchforks formed out of thin air and flew after Clay. Dakota's hand went over her mouth to try and hide her surprise. This was all just a little too much for her. She needed to lie down.

"Stop wasting time with the little guy! Cowboy up, boy!" Mr. Bailey shouted again.

"I'm trying!" Clay shouted back.

Dakota looked up to the old man, emotions flooding here, "What happened to having a little faith in him?"

Mr. Bailey looked down at her, a scowl still present on his face, "There's nothing wrong with his daddy giving him some direction."

"Stop hollerin' at him! You're probably distracting him." Dakota snapped. Mr. Bailey leered over her. She swallowed and added a hesitant, "Sir."

Mr. Bailey turned from her and looked back to where Clay was still flying around, "No, you're doing it all wrong!"

"I thought soccer dads were bad." The lizard, Dojo, muttered to himself.

Suddenly, Jack slammed into Clay causing him to fall from the saddle. Dakota screamed out of fear as she watched Clay plummet from the saddle toward where she had to assume the ground was. He slammed hard into another bale of hay that was floating. Dakota was breathing heavily as Kimiko and Raimundo moved to sit her down, both worried that if she stayed standing she would fall from the bale they were spectating on.

Jack pulled a sword from his back and waved it around causing clouds to appear and lightning to flash. Clay pulled himself to his feet just in time to see a black tornado-like cloud heading for him. He jumped up and rushed over to where his floating saddle awaited him.

"The star!" Raimundo pointed toward where the Lone Star had indeed gotten caught up in the tornado.

"No time to dilly-dally, Son. Get in there!" Mr. Bailey ordered.

Clay frowned deeply and flew over to where the spectators stood and got into his father's face. "Daddy, I love you, but if you don't mind, zip your yap and let me get the job done my way!"

Dakota smiled up at him. She couldn't help but feel a little proud. Clay caught her eye for a second before Kimiko stepped between them.

"Clay, I know this is a big daddy-son moment and all, but…" She pointed to where Jack was reaching for the Lone Star.

Clay leaned forward in his saddle and sprinted off in the direction Jack was reaching for the star. Clay pulled out his rope and twirled it around before catching Jack around his waist, preventing him from moving forward. Clay held him in place until Bessie , having been caught in the tornado herself, collided with Jack, knocking him against the barn. Clay then flew down and grabbed the star easily. The three other monks cheered and Dakota finally let herself breathe again as another bright flash of light returned the ranch to normal.

Clay stood alone as three objects floated down gently around him. Dakota ran to him and threw her arms around him. He smiled down at her, but the smile fell when she smacked him in the arm, hard.

"Clay Bailey, you scared me half to death! You have so much explaining to do."

He chuckled, "I will, but first there's something else I have to do."

Mr. Bailey stalked toward him. Dakota moved to stand beside Clay. He held out his hand that was holding the star to his father.

"The way I figure it, this still belongs to you, Daddy."

"Woah! Time-out there, cowboy." Dojo interjected.

Kimiko chimed in next, "Clay, you won it fair and square."

"It is not safe for your daddy or the world to leave it here." Omi reminded.

Clay seemed to think it over, "Maybe so, but it ain't mine. Least ways not till I'm a man."

Mr. Bailey took the star and looked it over for a second, "Clay, I reckon you've been a man longer than I realized. Gonna be a shame to lose such fine ranch hands. But, I guess ya'll got a bigger job to do. What with saving the world and all."

Clay looked down sheepishly, "Thanks, Daddy."

"Don't thank me. You do me proud." Mr. Bailey shook Clay's hand before hugging him tightly.

That night they broke out the smore supplies once again. Dakota leaned against Clay as she lazily roasted her marshmallow. Mr. Bailey had given Clay his blessing to return to the temple and the little group would be returning in the morning. Dakota wasn't entirely sure how to feel about the whole situation. Her mind was still whirling from the flood and the whole magical showdown. It had been a lot for one day.

Raimundo let out an exaggerated yawn, "Well, I think it's time to hit the hay."

"Yeah," Kimiko seconded, standing up and stretching, "We have to be up early to get back to the temple."

Omi frowned deeply at the two, "No we do not. We can leave-"

"Yes, we do." Kimiko cut him off before dragging Omi back toward the house.

Clay and Dakota watched as Omi was dragged away by Kimiko and Raimundo. Clay frowned slightly.

"What's up with them?"

Dakota laughed, "I don't know, they're your friends. You tell me."

Clay shrugged and wrapped his arm around Dakota. She leaned her head against his shoulder. She watched the fire dance in the little makeshift pit, Clay was watching as the light lit up her face.

"I'm real proud of the way you stood up to your daddy today. I knew you could do it." Dakota didn't look at him.

Clay laughed, "I don't know what came over me. You know, I was scared to death when that water swept you away." Clay poked at the fire with a stick from the ground.

Dakota laced her fingers with his, "I'm just glad you were there to save me."

"I am too." Clay reached down and brushed a fallen strand of hair from her face and rested his hand against her cheek..

Dakota watched Clay for a moment, waiting to see what he was going to do. When he didn't move Dakota smiled up at him.

"Are you really going to make me ask?" Dakota teased.

Clay frowned and dropped his hand, "Ask what?"

Dakota turned so she could fully face him. She took both of his hands in hers and giggled, "Are you going to kiss me or not?"

Clay hesitated for a second, surprised by her boldness. Once he regained his composure, he chuckled to himself before placing a chaste kiss on her lips. It was over just as soon as it started. Clay pulled Dakota closer to him and placed a kiss to the top of her head.

"I'm going to miss you." Clay whispered.

Dakota looked up at him, a sad smile on her lips, "I'll miss you too."

The next morning, everyone was up early. The lizard had grown into a dragon and Dakota had just about fainted at the sight of it. Dakota had encouraged Kimiko to keep the outfit as a parting gift, just something to remember the ranch by.

"It was nice meeting you, Daddy Bailey. You too Dakota!" Kimiko said politely.

Ramundo frowned at them from where he sat on Dojo's back, "Come visit us sometime so we can work you like a dog." He was rewarded for that comment by a punch from Kimiko, "Hey, I'm just saying."

Dakota giggled and then turned to Clay. He took her hand and smiled down at her. Dakota pulled Clay down to her and placed a quick kiss on his cheek.

"Bye, Clay."

Clay squeezed her hands, "Bye Dakota."

"Make sure you come back to visit when you're done saving the world."

Clay shook his father's hand before jumping up onto the back of the dragon.

"Hey, where's the little fella?" Mr. Bailey asked.

Dakota shrugged, "He said something about wanting to give Old Bessie one more try."

As if on cue, Omi came flying out of the barn and landed at Mr. Bailey's feet. Most of the milk he had collected was in a puddle around the bucket. Omi pushed himself up.

"My work here is done." Omi then collapsed.

Mr. Bailey's eyebrows went up under his hat in surprise, "Now that's a real cowboy."

Dakota looked from where Omi had fallen to Clay, "Clay, get down here and get your friend."

Clay hopped down and got Omi up off the floor and onto the back of Dojo. Clay looked like he was about to get back up on Dojo, but stopped. He turned to Dakota and pulled her in close before pressing his lips fully to hers. Dakota squeaked in surprise as Clay pulled away from her.

He held her hands in his and smiled down at her. "I'll see you soon."

Dakota couldn't help but smile back, "I'll be waiting."